26 Ways to Nurture Your Creative Life

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Today, we are really excited to announce the release of some cool features on Meylah and some very cool features releasing very soon!We are devoted to the creative community and helping build the best available resources for individuals to learn, share and support their online business growth. We know how difficult and time consuming being an entrepreneur can be, but with the proper tools and resources available, we believe anyone can succeed!With that said, we wanted to share the details of the new features we released on Meylah to help all of you build and grow your online businesses:Expanded Featured StoresIn the last few weeks we have had hundreds of new members sign up for Meylah and some very creative storefronts have been built so we've expanded our Featured Stores on Meylah to accommodate our growth so make sure you take a look at some of the new storefronts and start your holiday shopping.And, speaking of holiday shopping...we are going to let everyone in on a little secret of what is coming to Meylah in just a few weeks! Are you ready? It's THE MEYLAH MARKETPLACE! In just a few short weeks, we will be launching our own marketplace so customers will be able to visit Meylah to browse and shop all the incredible products from our talented members...and just in time for the holiday shopping!So members, get your storefronts open for business and filled with products because we're going to be sending customers your way!New Resource CenterYou may have noticed, but if not, we've created a New Resource Center on our blog so everyone can easily find and read all the great posts that are on our blog every day. In the upper right hand corner of our blog, you will see a tab "resource center" which will take you to a very nicely organized page full of content in categories like blogging, selling, marketing, social media, tutorials and more. Go read your heart out...there's lots of valuable information to help build your online business for long-term success!eBook Series LibraryWe've created a new eBooks Series Library on Meylah which contains all of our eBooks easily available to download for free and share with your community. We will continue to publish new eBooks as part of the series, covering everything from the basics to the more complicated aspects of building an online business. Our three eBooks currently available are:A Roadmap to Success: How to Sell Online EffectivelyGet Started with Social MediaCreating Online Tutorials with Byte-Syze LearningWe look forward to hearing your feedback on all the new features and thank all of you for your continued support!Wishing you great success!Main image courtesy of daveknapik

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Today, we are really excited to announce the release of some cool features on Meylah and some very cool features releasing very soon!We are devoted to the creative community and helping build the best available resources for individuals to learn, share and support their online business growth. We know how difficult and time consuming being an entrepreneur can be, but with the proper tools and resources available, we believe anyone can succeed!With that said, we wanted to share the details of the new features we released on Meylah to help all of you build and grow your online businesses:Expanded Featured StoresIn the last few weeks we have had hundreds of new members sign up for Meylah and some very creative storefronts have been built so we've expanded our Featured Stores on Meylah to accommodate our growth so make sure you take a look at some of the new storefronts and start your holiday shopping.And, speaking of holiday shopping...we are going to let everyone in on a little secret of what is coming to Meylah in just a few weeks! Are you ready? It's THE MEYLAH MARKETPLACE! In just a few short weeks, we will be launching our own marketplace so customers will be able to visit Meylah to browse and shop all the incredible products from our talented members...and just in time for the holiday shopping!So members, get your storefronts open for business and filled with products because we're going to be sending customers your way!New Resource CenterYou may have noticed, but if not, we've created a New Resource Center on our blog so everyone can easily find and read all the great posts that are on our blog every day. In the upper right hand corner of our blog, you will see a tab "resource center" which will take you to a very nicely organized page full of content in categories like blogging, selling, marketing, social media, tutorials and more. Go read your heart out...there's lots of valuable information to help build your online business for long-term success!eBook Series LibraryWe've created a new eBooks Series Library on Meylah which contains all of our eBooks easily available to download for free and share with your community. We will continue to publish new eBooks as part of the series, covering everything from the basics to the more complicated aspects of building an online business. Our three eBooks currently available are:A Roadmap to Success: How to Sell Online EffectivelyGet Started with Social MediaCreating Online Tutorials with Byte-Syze LearningWe look forward to hearing your feedback on all the new features and thank all of you for your continued support!Wishing you great success!Main image courtesy of daveknapik

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When it comes to selling your work online, one of the most important ways to seal the deal with potential buyers is to write winning product descriptions in an effort to paint a picture of what your product is and how it will help the buyer. Here are 7 tips for writing powerful and effective product descriptions each and every time: 1. Look to Others for Positive Examples If the way you write your product descriptions is leaving something to be desired, look to other product creators for positive examples of how you could construct the right formula. Don't get me wrong, you aren't going to be going around copying other people, but rather deciphering what you like about their descriptions and figuring out a different yet equally effective way to incorporate those elements into your own brand's write ups.2. Channel the Feelings You Had When You Created the Product When you are about to write a product description, first close your eyes and think about the item at hand. How did you feel when you created the product? What was the inspiration behind it? Those feelings and ideas are the perfect starting point for leading into a winning description full of both the airy feelings that brings your story to life AND the important details that will cinch the deal for buyers. 3. Tell a Story, Neatly Use those feelings from tip #2 to write a little story about your product. It's hard to resist buying products and services from a seller you feel close to to so get creative with your storytelling to encompass your personality in each product. Remember that an entire product description shouldn't be more than a few paragraphs so keep your story neat and to the point to ensure all your important details as well as the story is included. 4. Always Include the Details For some strange reason, I constantly come across sellers who forget the most important details about their products - the dimensions! You want to make sure potential buyers know how big your products are and I'd even suggest taking it further by showing them how the sizing looks compared to other common items (such as a penny, a mug or a side table) with photographs. And if you're having a lazy day and not wanting to measure your items, skip listing the item altogether and do it when you are going to go the full mile to get your product sold. 5. Don't Try to Sell the Item This may sound silly but you don't ever, ever want to include anything in your description that would come across as begging. Sure it's hard to resist occasionally including phrases like "Please support our family" but it's an automatic turn off to buyers no matter how much they'd like to help. Instead, be passive about selling your work by explaining the benefits. 6. Explaining the Benefits! The benefit of a product for your buyer is by far the most important element of writing about your products, yet something very often forgotten by sellers. Since you created the item for a specific purpose, the benefits will instantly come to mind and this is one step you will never have to do much brainstorming for. The best part about outlining the benefits of your products is it's the very part of your description that will get the buyer going 'hmmm' to click "Buy Now" immediately. 7. Think Outside the Box Every TimeI always enjoy reading product descriptions of sellers who think outside the box when describing their items. This could be naming all your items in a unique way or pairing your products up into funky lots that help a buyer save on shipping. Whatever way you can make your descriptions shine by thinking differently than the pack will help you stick it out in a positive way and get those products sold! Additional Resources & Tips For Product Writing:How to Write Product Descriptions that Tell a Story (Meylah)How to Sell Your Story with Johnny B Truant (The Storque)5 Tips for Item Descriptions (The Storque) Sell without a Sales Pitch (Copyblogger)Are you Giving Your Customers Enough Product Information (Crafting an MBA)Justine Smith is an Etsy success story who used her experience selling online and turned it into a full-time wholesale business. Her real passion is helping handmade sellers find success marketing their craft products. She offers tips on advertising, branding, social media and growth via email through her blog Justine's Media.Main image courtesy of Andrea Joseph.

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When it comes to selling your work online, one of the most important ways to seal the deal with potential buyers is to write winning product descriptions in an effort to paint a picture of what your product is and how it will help the buyer. Here are 7 tips for writing powerful and effective product descriptions each and every time: 1. Look to Others for Positive Examples If the way you write your product descriptions is leaving something to be desired, look to other product creators for positive examples of how you could construct the right formula. Don't get me wrong, you aren't going to be going around copying other people, but rather deciphering what you like about their descriptions and figuring out a different yet equally effective way to incorporate those elements into your own brand's write ups.2. Channel the Feelings You Had When You Created the Product When you are about to write a product description, first close your eyes and think about the item at hand. How did you feel when you created the product? What was the inspiration behind it? Those feelings and ideas are the perfect starting point for leading into a winning description full of both the airy feelings that brings your story to life AND the important details that will cinch the deal for buyers. 3. Tell a Story, Neatly Use those feelings from tip #2 to write a little story about your product. It's hard to resist buying products and services from a seller you feel close to to so get creative with your storytelling to encompass your personality in each product. Remember that an entire product description shouldn't be more than a few paragraphs so keep your story neat and to the point to ensure all your important details as well as the story is included. 4. Always Include the Details For some strange reason, I constantly come across sellers who forget the most important details about their products - the dimensions! You want to make sure potential buyers know how big your products are and I'd even suggest taking it further by showing them how the sizing looks compared to other common items (such as a penny, a mug or a side table) with photographs. And if you're having a lazy day and not wanting to measure your items, skip listing the item altogether and do it when you are going to go the full mile to get your product sold. 5. Don't Try to Sell the Item This may sound silly but you don't ever, ever want to include anything in your description that would come across as begging. Sure it's hard to resist occasionally including phrases like "Please support our family" but it's an automatic turn off to buyers no matter how much they'd like to help. Instead, be passive about selling your work by explaining the benefits. 6. Explaining the Benefits! The benefit of a product for your buyer is by far the most important element of writing about your products, yet something very often forgotten by sellers. Since you created the item for a specific purpose, the benefits will instantly come to mind and this is one step you will never have to do much brainstorming for. The best part about outlining the benefits of your products is it's the very part of your description that will get the buyer going 'hmmm' to click "Buy Now" immediately. 7. Think Outside the Box Every TimeI always enjoy reading product descriptions of sellers who think outside the box when describing their items. This could be naming all your items in a unique way or pairing your products up into funky lots that help a buyer save on shipping. Whatever way you can make your descriptions shine by thinking differently than the pack will help you stick it out in a positive way and get those products sold! Additional Resources & Tips For Product Writing:How to Write Product Descriptions that Tell a Story (Meylah)How to Sell Your Story with Johnny B Truant (The Storque)5 Tips for Item Descriptions (The Storque) Sell without a Sales Pitch (Copyblogger)Are you Giving Your Customers Enough Product Information (Crafting an MBA)Justine Smith is an Etsy success story who used her experience selling online and turned it into a full-time wholesale business. Her real passion is helping handmade sellers find success marketing their craft products. She offers tips on advertising, branding, social media and growth via email through her blog Justine's Media.Main image courtesy of Andrea Joseph.

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Reclaiming Dignity, The Gift of Self-Honesty, Vulnerability is Courageous

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Essential Ingredients in Today's Curriculum

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Starting your own business is a lot of work, but what do you do if your sales are starting to slow down or if they never even got off the ground? It might be time for rebranding...yes, I said re-branding.Rebranding doesn't mean throwing everything away and starting over, but it does mean taking a step back to review your business and align your marketing plan to your overall business goals so you can take the necessary steps forward.Here are 5 steps to take to make sure your rebranding efforts are the right ones:1. Focus In On Your Target MarketDefining your target market sounds easy, but often we are a little too vague. For example, I think that everyone would love my local outdoor photography, but instead of trying to sell my prints to everyone, I may be better off focusing my marketing efforts on a specific target market like a local outdoor blog or a travel agency or maybe even the local tourism center. Getting a small win first will allow you to replicate your success to similar markets in the future.2. Identify the Need or WantMake sure you identify the need or want from your target market. Without knowing this, you may be missing your target...but, don't worry as we all have seen that even a "pet rock" has a place for success and LOTS of sales.3. Create The SolutionIdentifying the need and want is only half of it...you still have to create a solution that fills that need or want for your target market. And, once you've met that need or want, make sure to report back to your target market that a new solution is available.4. Make Sure You DifferentiateCompetition exists for us all and it's a good thing...it keeps us all moving toward the best possible solution. The key is to differentiate yourself from the competition so your audience remembers you and comes back when they need more. This can be anything from a superb product, low price, great customer service or all of the above.5. Be ConsistentMake sure that your branding is consistent. This means that your audience should receive the same message no matter where they see you. For example, using the same logo on your Facebook Fan Page, on your marketing materials, and on your website or blog will allow your customers to easily recognize you and return in the future.We hope find success in evolving your business and if you have any questions or have a success story to share, please just let us know.Main image courtesy of Gare and Kitty

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Starting your own business is a lot of work, but what do you do if your sales are starting to slow down or if they never even got off the ground? It might be time for rebranding...yes, I said re-branding.Rebranding doesn't mean throwing everything away and starting over, but it does mean taking a step back to review your business and align your marketing plan to your overall business goals so you can take the necessary steps forward.Here are 5 steps to take to make sure your rebranding efforts are the right ones:1. Focus In On Your Target MarketDefining your target market sounds easy, but often we are a little too vague. For example, I think that everyone would love my local outdoor photography, but instead of trying to sell my prints to everyone, I may be better off focusing my marketing efforts on a specific target market like a local outdoor blog or a travel agency or maybe even the local tourism center. Getting a small win first will allow you to replicate your success to similar markets in the future.2. Identify the Need or WantMake sure you identify the need or want from your target market. Without knowing this, you may be missing your target...but, don't worry as we all have seen that even a "pet rock" has a place for success and LOTS of sales.3. Create The SolutionIdentifying the need and want is only half of it...you still have to create a solution that fills that need or want for your target market. And, once you've met that need or want, make sure to report back to your target market that a new solution is available.4. Make Sure You DifferentiateCompetition exists for us all and it's a good thing...it keeps us all moving toward the best possible solution. The key is to differentiate yourself from the competition so your audience remembers you and comes back when they need more. This can be anything from a superb product, low price, great customer service or all of the above.5. Be ConsistentMake sure that your branding is consistent. This means that your audience should receive the same message no matter where they see you. For example, using the same logo on your Facebook Fan Page, on your marketing materials, and on your website or blog will allow your customers to easily recognize you and return in the future.We hope find success in evolving your business and if you have any questions or have a success story to share, please just let us know.Main image courtesy of Gare and Kitty

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Not all artists have the luxury of attending a university or specialized trade school geared toward the arts. Private art lessons and artist workshops are a great way to further your training as an artist.So, how does the amateur artist know where to find good and trustworthy art instruction? Then, how do you know if the art instructor is qualified to be teaching? Here are some suggestions to help you get started on your artistic journey:1. Local Art WorkshopsMany art museums and art centers offer ongoing workshops geared toward the many different art mediums. – be it painting, printmaking, weaving, photography, ceramics and so on. Taking art lessons through one of these venues is a safe bet that you will be getting good instruction.2. Online InstructionBelieve it or not, the Internet is a great way to further your art education – for FREE! Sites like this wonderful blog, Meylah and my art tip blog, FineArtTips.com are dedicated to helping the emerging and working artist further his or her career. Be sure and take advantage of the endless art lessons as well as art business advice you can learn on the Internet!Another popular way to further your artistic training on the Internet is by using YouTube. After Google, YouTube is my second favorite way of searching for information. You can easily find helpful videos by typing in your keyword in the search box, and ‘presto’- a list of helpful videos will be there to watch for free! I've uploaded quite a few helpful videos for artists, so be sure and check them out at FineArtTips YouTube videos.Many of these websites will host or post upcoming workshops from all over the world. Last year, I taught a plein air workshop in France – what a treat!3. Art MagazinesArt magazines are another great source for finding art instruction and art workshops. You can usually find more information in the calendar section of the magazine or their advertisements will be toward the back of the magazine.4. Personal Art InstructorFind your own art instructor! Right now, it is easy to find well-respected professional artists that have gone back to teaching in order to supplement their own incomes. This is a bonus for the art student. Here’s are some tips when deciding on an instructor:First of all, you should like the instructor’s style of art.Your art instructor should be a working professional artist, not just a teacher.Even though the art instructor is a talented artist, doesn’t mean he/she is a good teacher and communicator. Make sure the instructor can teach clearly and simply.If your art is abstract in genre, be sure your teacher is capable of painting representational objects. Picasso was a talented realist before he made the switch to abstract painting.Your teacher should be willing to demonstrate with clear instruction.The teacher should be willing to give students individual attention and offer constructive criticism. A good teacher should teach good technique. Turning technique into art is best facilitated, not directed and the teacher should allow the student to find his/her own creative path.If you are not familiar with the teacher, do your research and get recommendations.Note: Be sure and choose your art instructor carefully. He or she will be teaching you new techniques, knowledge and habits that can elevate your artistic abilities, or they can also confuse, intimidate and manipulate your own personal artistic style.Watch out for the hypercritical teacher that does not offer any praise. This type of teaching only deflates the often-fragile ego of an artist. The teacher should be a cheerleader, not a drill sergeant.Good luck on your exciting artistic learning adventure! For me, the learning never ends.Lori McNee is an internationally recognized professional artist/blogger on her blog, FineArtTips.com about art tips and social media advice. Lori ranks as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women on Twitter & was named a TwitterPowerhouse by and featured in The Huffington Post.Main image courtesy of Terence J Sullivan

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