A few years ago (before my life got busier with babies), I did a ton of phone and Skype consulting for other creative small businesses. I loved connecting with people (especially women) who needed some guidance, advice, or someone to just keep them accountable in their new/existing/in-need-of-an-update business path. I haven't been able to offer consulting much lately, so we usually refer folks to read Creative, Inc. or Blog, Inc. But, there are still some questions that I get asked a lot and things I may not have addressed in the past.
SO, we've started a new mini video series called "Oh Joy Answers" where I'll be answering some common business questions. It's super casual and like we're just chatting together in my living room. Let me know what you guys think of these and if it's helpful for you. And, if you have any questions you'd like to see covered in future videos, please let me know in the comments below!
Here's the first one!
Hey super cool idea. First off, so great to meet you yesterday in NYC. Great book signing party. I loved everything about it. Good luck on the next one in CA.
In terms of my question: – What’s your advice on growing my social media pages. Twitter and Instagram? You have done an amazing job at it and have a large following. Any tips on what a newbie can do! Thanks!
So, here’s my question: How did you increase the traffic on your website? I mean, I have my share of people stopping at my website but I would love to get more people to know it.
I love this! I’ve just started my own small creative papercutting business and I’m looking forward to more advice and tips in the future videos! Xx
This is very awesome Joy! I’m starting a blog and I want to just put all my ideas in the blog. I’ve read that I should have at least 3 months of content before I open, but it’s a bit difficult to think of that many blog topics. How do you get your inspiration on what to post on your blog? Thank you in advance!
I LOVE this series! I would love to know how you prioritize your time. I’m currently working a full time job in addition to my side business, and it’s really hard for me to be motivated at the end of a long regular workday to then focus on my side business. Any advice?
This is great! I love hearing your experience and suggestions. I’d love to know how you hire people to join your team. I’m working alone right now, but lately I feel that for my business to grow, I need to consider hiring people to work together. How did you make the transition from working by yourself to working with a team? I remember you wrote a little about this topic before on one of the posts, but I’d love to hear more about it in this video series.
I can’t wait for the next episode! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much! This was useful. I’ll be looking out for the new ones 🙂
This is great news!! Is there anything in the works to make this series into a podcast? I’d love to learn more and hear your advice and input. I loved you in the Jess Lively podcast.
Yes, yes. I want to hear more. Thanks for this!
I LOVE this series, Joy! I have been making candles for two years and am stepping it up from “girl in her kitchen” to a still single person, but more streamlined and better branded line. I have been researching all of the other candles out there and identifying what make mine stand out. I’m glad I am on the right path!
I guess a question I would have for the series is how do you transfer your online shop/business and start expanding it to brick and mortar stores?
Thanks again, and I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Maggie
http://www.shopean.etsy.com
Thanks Joy! I love this video and would LOVE to see more like them. I read both Blog Inc. and Creative Inc., and found them tremendously helpful. I’m curious if you have any advice on how to shift your business in a direction that is more inline with your passion. As an interior designer, I feel like I fell into a niche of “affordable residential design”, and those are the type of jobs I get. But I really prefer to do commercial work, and I’m not sure how to get more commercial clients.
I can’t wait for more on this series. You just have so much valuable info I think I could learn from. I would love to hear any tips you have on growing your blog following. I’ve been at it for three years and could use some help 😉
First off, I absolutely love your brand. I immediately head over to the stationery department in Target to see what new Oh Joy! products are out!
Your video series is so helpful! I have recently started a french macaron business from home and I am thinking of making it into a full-time gig. My question for you is, do you have any advice on how to set the fear of failure aside and begin your dream?
I love this post! I always love hearing business advice from bloggers who have turned their personal space on the internet into a brand.
I look forward to seeing more videos like this!
Rachel
http://rachelinflight.com
Oh I love this and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series!
LOVE this! Thank you so much for sharing. My question is how do you turn your online shop views into sales? I receive thousands of views per month and my sales are less than one percent! Yikes! Would love to hear your feedback/advice. Thank you!
Where did you get that intro music? I’ve heard it before and it’s cute and fun. I’ve found it hard to find music snippets that really feel like me and would love to delve your resource.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and I am definitely looking forward to more . I started blogging this year and any advice is gratefully received.
Hi Joy! I liked this video a lot, keep them coming! I have a couple of questions for the next one. How long in advance do you plan your posts? How long did it take to grow your readership? And any ideas on how to establish an on going relationship/communication with your readers. Thank you!!
Alina
I love this idea! My question is: When and How did you start the business with your blog?
Love this joy! Can’t wait for more from this series!
Hi Joy,
This is so helpful!
We have been a brick and mortar store for almost 4 years,slowly expanding our products to wholesale and small boutiques AND now we are launching our e-commerse site.
How to get the name out there? do we hire a PR company? what is the best first step to make people see us and shop our website-in the sea of websites!!
Help
Deepali Kalia
http://www.fillingspaces.com
Love this series – I have a few questions:
1- I’m an architect/interior designer and have been working solo for almost a year. Things have gotten REALLY busy. How did you know when to hire employees? Or did you just get more selective about work?
2 – My husband and I want to start a family someday, and my only hesitation is how busy I am with my business. Any words of wisdom?
Thanks!
Thanks, Joy! I am so excited for this feature and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Christine
http://www.DimesandDonuts.com
I love this idea, looking forward to the rest of the series. I’d love to hear your tips on time management- you seem to fit so much in and it’d be great to know how you keep up with it all!
Thanks 🙂 Hollie
http://www.miafleur.com/blog
That was really informative, thanks Joy. I have a blog that is a tiny minnow in a big sea, but also a new-ish home furnishings business, and I’ve found your blog.inc book great for both those. Marketing/sales doesn’t come naturally to me but being friendly, honest and chatty does, so I’m hoping that my old-school version of ‘marketing’ myself works!
Hi Joy!
This video series is such a great idea!
My question is: How do you cultivate an earnest and loyal following for your brand, instead of just inflating numbers of followers with promos and giveaways?
Thank you!
Yes! What Kaitlyn said! My energy level is depleated everyday from my 8-5, how can I stay motivated to keep going afterwards?
Is there a perfect time to start your own business?
Hi Remi,
There is never a perfect time! You just how to take the leap when the logistics seem perfect enough 😉
Joy
these are so helpful ~ i hope you’ll keep them coming 🙂 …i read your book, ‘blog inc’ last year and LOVED it! 🙂 …and always love your blog… 🙂 …you are such an inspiration, joy ~ thank-you so very much! 🙂
Lovely!