Introducing My New Line of Garden Charms

Spring is finally on it's way. I think we've blown away the darkness of the winter and I'm introducing my new line of North Shore Clay Garden Charms. I tested these in my own garden for the past year before putting them on the market to be sure they would stand the test of time in yours. I live in Northern Minnesota where the temperature can drop to 30 below and the winds really do howl out loud...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20649295

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20650029

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20545990

Take a look at these pretty garden charms and let me know what you think of them. Watch for more colors and styles to come soon. And, if you would like one in a special color let me know, I would be happy to oblige.
Until next time...Come on spring!

Be Excellent!

Some tips for excellence not only in business, but life.

• You're not learning anything when you're talking


• Be a part of excellence, not critical of it.


• Be open to change


• Get up early and work late


• If you're not changing, you're not in first place


• If you're doing the same thing this year as last year you're losing ground


• If you follow up, you will be a hero


• Motivation is what turns knowledge and skill into success


• Aim high, you normally hit what you aim for.

A big Thanks

Thanks to those who answered the call to be featured! You will be notified by the end of next week! Things have been busy in the North Shore Clay, http://northshoreclay.etsy.com studio this past week. I've been busy making Garden Charms. I know spring and summer are light years away yet, but I couldn't help myself. I hope to post some pictures tomorrow and you can tell me what you think of them.

Things are busy on the vintage front as well and I have made some great vintage finds and have listed some wonderful new items in my vintage Etsy store. http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com/ a couple of vintage map prints that are so beautifulhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20082913 and of course, where my heart really is, vintage jewelry. I hope you find something you love. Take good care, my friends. I'll talk to you soon!

p.s. I'm a Grandma, again...a little girl this time...her name is Zoe...YES!

A Girls Best Friend

Baby it's cold outside. Ladies and gentlemen, I've got a few little items to take the chill off any cold day!
To start us off is this Trifari Choker. Chokers were all the rage back in the 50's and 60's and still are today.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19823114
Here we have a very sophisticated Monet black enamel and goldtone bar pin. This pin dates to the 60's and is in fabulous condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19821300
Do you love vintage Avon? Me too. I always get so excited when I find a great piece of vintage Avon jewelry that I can find to share with you. This wonderful navy and goldtone piece with the most beautiful chain I have ever seen will look beautiful with a white shirt and a tan.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19751701
You are going to love this one. If you don't look at anything else today. You've got to check this one out. This is a purple pump (shoe) pin with rhinestones on the toe and heel. How hot is this?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19750521
I've seen plenty of Damascene as I've traveled through the internet. I found this Spanish Galleon with Maltese Crosses at a little Antique Store in Pennsylvania. It has a bit of wear, but it's one of the best I've ever seen.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19749670
This clamper bracelet is just plain flashy! If you are the kind of lady who likes to get noticed, this will get it done. This one is from my personal collection and I have owned this for many, many years and it is in pristine condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19157442

Thank you for visiting my blog and for checking out these great vintage items. I am not an expert in any area, but I will represent these items as honestly as I can. If you have any questions please visit my Etsy store at http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com and send me a "convo" (short for conversation) which you will find at the top of my home page.

Until we meet again, stay warm!

Dealing With Complaints

Ouch! It happened and now you have to deal with it. Successful companies have found that customers who have complained and had their complaints dealt with to their satisfaction are more loyal than customers who never complained. This give you an understanding of how important it is to handle complaints quickly and efficiently.

You should have a timeline and a fair procedure in place for handling complaints. You should never let a complaint drag on or hope it goes away. If you are wrong, admit it, apologize, and make compensation. Then go the extra step and ask your customer what else you can do to win back their trust.

When a complaint is handled badly, not only does the customer feel like they have not been taken seriously, they take their business elsewhere and tell everyone why. Resolve the complaint quickly and your loyal customers will feel well cared for and give you referrals for your hard work.

Remember that an existing customer is more valuable than a potential customer.

Be Who You Are

Be who you are. You cannot be true to yourself or your business if you are busy trying to be someone else.

Relocation

It will happen to all of us sooner or later, we will need to relocate. But what happens if it becomes necessary to set up shop in a new community as well as a new home. Just as you scout the area for schools and churches before you move your family you should be doing the same kind of thing before you move your business.

As a business owner you want to know that you are wanted. You will want to evaluate a location for business friendliness issues that include financial incentives, tax breaks for moving into the area or tax penalties. Be sure that the government systems and services are user friendly. Check out any permits that you might need. After you move is not the time to find out that you cannot get a permit.

Look for updated areas that take into consideration and accommodate your style of operation. If you run a business that is partially or completely virtual will you have access to high speed Internet?

Check out the local Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Agency. Do the local entrepreneurs hold leadership positions there? This will give you an idea of how up and coming new businesses are accepted into the fold, so to speak.

These are just a few things to think about when you are potentially going to move to your business to a new location. Your business is what takes care of your family. Do your homework ahead of time when deciding on a place to live and work and your family will be happy and so will your business.