Being stuck, is it just me?
March 23, 2021
1 Comment
As a small business owner, there’s always lots to do in my business. For the most part, I love it, and it’s why I choose to own a business. But sometimes, things get busy or feel overwhelming and the more I think about what I need to do, the more I feel stuck.
For example:
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I should be writing a blog post this month, but I’m at a loss for what to write.
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I should be curating new products for my store, The Sterling Butterfly, but I’m drawing a blank on what to look for.
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I should be designing new jewelry pieces, but I’m struggling to come up with new concepts.
It’s not like me to feel so stuck, but I think the pandemic fatigue is hitting me hard. Not one to stay stuck for long, I’m anticipating the warmer weather, the days are getting longer, and a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m starting to feel a few glimmers of hope.
Pushing myself to get unstuck means sharing my gratitude and focusing on the positives:
- On February 6, we celebrated the 7th Anniversary of the Sterling Butterfly. It’s hard to believe my store has been open for seven years! Thank you to all of my downtown neighbors, friends, and family who showed up to bless the store.
- My journey as a jewelry designer continues. As I learn new skills and improve on others, I’m eager to take on more custom projects. I sometimes lose sight of my growth, even taking it for granted. For all of my loyal customers who’ve shared this journey with me, and have trusted me to create something special for you, thank you!
- I was fortunate enough to have gotten my first COVID vaccine. I’ll receive my 2nd shot on April 1st, and I’m sure I’ll feel more at ease in my studio and store.
- As more people get vaccinated, I’m excited to bring back in-person classes. I’m planning to offer another Precious Metal Clay (PMC) class which was a great success in 2019, along with workshops that focus on other jewelry techniques. As things continue to open up, I’m also planning to host a Fall creatives retreat. More to come on this soon.
- I’m continuing to learn and improve my skills through online classes and can’t wait to travel to in-person classes again soon. I’m confident this will improve my outlook.
- As the school year draws to a close, I’m thankful that both Jacob and Elena could return to Purdue and live on campus this year. The school year is officially over on May 8. Jacob graduates on May 15, and to be honest; I’m not sure I’ve fully recognized that he’s finished with college.
- I’m looking forward to what the summer will bring for our family, our community, and my businesses.
Are you feeling this also? I'd love to hear from you. Leave me a comment about how you are feeling and dealing with these strange times we are in. I'd also love to hear your feelings on classes returning. What would you like to learn? When will you feel comfortable attending? What times work best?
Are you ready to put this pandemic behind you? Gift yourself an “I Survived 2020” custom piece of jewelry in celebration. You ARE a survivor, and you deserve it.
Contact me today with any questions at pamhurstdesigns@gmail.com
Here are a few of the projects from my latest online workshops:
1 Response
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Susan Lowe
March 23, 2021
Thank you for sharing!
I certainly feel the same way…stuck! Last year just prior to the closings, I was able to see the fruits of my efforts on advertising and marketing for my business. Then closures and very few new clients signed since.
The marketing tactics I learned the last 25 years on “selling” senior care options COMPLETELY changed post- Covid. I can no longer get in person conversations with physicians, their nurses, hospital discharge planners, nursing home social workers and staff where seniors in need of my program are.
I’ve realized that I must try to learn new ideas to get my business noticed again. What those new ideas are, I’m not fully sure. But I’m feeling like it’s just outside my comfort zone, whatever it is, and I’ll need to go there to be successful in growing my participants again. My program is too needed in our community and to give family caregivers their much needed time for their self care!!
Hang in there! I enjoy several pieces of your jewelry I’ve purchased through this last year. May we both move from this phase of “stuck” and grow in our efforts!!