Executive Director’s Letter: January 2014

Happy 2014!

I hope you had a wonderful and prosperous holiday season. Where does the time go?! It’s hard to believe that we are in a new year and it’s 2014. Are you one that makes resolutions? Each year I make personal goals, we make family goals, and then I make goals for my jewelry business. To me the New Year is an exciting time – it’s a time to start fresh.

So what are your goals this year? Maybe this is the year you decide it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and do something new and exciting like network more, or learn to use social media, or learn to Tweet? Perhaps this year you want to create an artist statement or refine your statement and fine tune your business. Maybe, honing your selling skills is on the list.

I’m a workshop junkie and maybe you are too, and would like to take classes to further develop your craft. Maybe, it’s to learn something new that will help to inspire during those dry times or add to your current craft for additional income. Whatever it may be we want to help you reach those goals. We have a great conference in store for you that will touch on many of the points addressed above. While all of the details are not yet finalized, they will be soon.

One of the goals last year was to update our website, which is still in the works. One change you will notice is the look of the newsletter and e-blasts. We are very excited about the options and features of this new service and to be working with MayeCreate. I believe you will find the look refreshing and easy to use.

As I thought about the new year and your membership, my thought immediately went to “what is it the membership wants from BOMH and how can we help you in your business?” Soon you will receive a survey asking a variety of questions. My hope is that you will take the time to complete the survey. It’s important that we know who you are and more about your business so we can create events and activities based on that information. You may be thinking what do you mean by “who you are”? Well, I know a large portion of you rely on festivals for income, while some of you sell to galleries and boutiques. Some have taken the leap and are selling on Etsy and other sites, or maybe you do a variety of the above. Each facet has different needs and we want to learn how we may best help meet those needs.

Regarding events and activities, we are designing regional workshops and other events so you can stay engaged throughout the year. This is no small task. If you are the type that likes to serve on a committee, plan events, good at marketing or possess the skills and a desire to teach a workshop, we are looking for you! To be able to offer these events, we need help, so please consider joining a committee. We need individuals that are creative and willing to work – in return, you will gain new friendships, new skills, new contacts and new avenues for selling your work. Additionally, we are in need of a few Board members. We need individuals that have experience and strengths in marketing, event planning and/or fundraising. I hope you will consider these opportunities. If you know someone that might be interested, please send me their contact info or give them mine.

We appreciate your membership and talent as an artist. Happy New Year!