start, grow, reinvent: tips and tools for building your business or new career michelle...
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Start, Grow, Reinvent:Tips and Tools for Building Your Business or New Career
Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
How did I get here…
Parents met across a jewelry counter
Making since 5 years old
1999---Opened business
2001---BFA in Jewelry & Metals with a minor in Marketing from Kent State University
2002--- Exhibitions & Publications
Jillian Barberie, Malibu Monthly Magazine
Pirouette Bracelet
Sofia Bush, LA Brides Magazine
Daffodil Necklace
Nona Gaye, Savoy MagazineDazzle earrings, Posy ring, Sangria necklace
2009
“My Country Song Year”
Now what?
Almost quit
Re-evaluated resources
Greatest wealth is in relationships
The current path was no longer acceptable
Nothing to lose by trying new things
Getting started on a new path
Reached out to my network
Introduced to professors at Baldwin-Wallace College
Utilized every available existing and new resource
Network, network, network….
Tips & Tools
Get Clear
Seek Feedback
Be Curious
Get Out of the Office
Practice Gratitude
Ask
Plan
Get Clear: Mindset & Values
Do, Have, Be vs. Be, Do, Have
Values: the non-negotiables
How do you live out your values both professionally and personally?
Lesson learned:
Create opportunities in alignment with my values
Seek Feedback: Blind spots
What are you doing well?
Where are you shooting yourself in the foot?
What are your opportunities for personal and professional growth?
Lessons learned:
Taken certain skills for granted
The best of intentions can get lost in translation
Better collaboration
Be Curious: Assumptions
What are your assumptions/excuses about what you’re capable of accomplishing, experiencing, etc?
What are your assumptions about your field?
Where did these assumptions come from?
Lessons learned:
Holding onto ideas and excuses that weren’t serving me
Get out of my own way
Get Out of the Office:Voice of the Customer
Purpose is to learn about them, their day, and pain points
Not selling anything
Meet with top customers, former customers, and others you want to learn more about
Identify opportunities for new business
Improve an existing business or new business idea
Lesson learned:
Paid attention to the common “complaints” and identified opportunities for applying my talents in new ways to add significant value to my field
eMERGE:A Business Blog for Creative People
Practice Gratitude: Send Fan Mail
Recognize what you want to see repeated
Build network and new opportunities
There’s always more to the story
Lesson learned:
A well written note can have a great impact
Hot Pink Style and ICON MagazineLush Bracelet & Lily Necklace
Ask for what you need
“It” can’t happen if you don’t ask
Build connections with retailers
Build connections with performers, fashion media and stylists
Venues for speaking engagements and teaching workshops
Arts based economic development organizations
Plan
Business Plan: You’re not too small Why your business is needed Your resources and goals
Strategic Plan: Commitment to pursue a particular set of actions to grow your business/career Where are you now? Where do you want to be and when? How are you going to get there? How do you know you’re getting there?
Final thought
“You come from a long line of tough broads who have all lived to be about 100 years old and don’t know the meaning of the word can’t. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you, you can’t do something.”
Contact info:
Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
330 554 [email protected]
eMERGE: A Business Blog for Creative Peoplehttp://crafthaus.ning.com/group/emerge