Hurricane Irene

One week later, Spring Lake, NJ  The boardwalk is gone

The boardwalk is gone

Just a Couple of Newbies

I’m joining lots of other bloggers in Susannah Conway’s August Break – posting a simple photo every day in August and resting our brains for a month.

This is Manasquan, NJ. Where I Spend long weekends, all Summer!

Yesterday, I was remiss in posting a photo so today is a double. This is my rescue Yorkie, Tina trying on her new "doggles" that she got for riding in the jeep with the doors off. Do not worry, she has a seatbelt/harness too!

Lazy Summer Days

 I will be in and out, but back with regular posts in September!
Happy Summer.
Norah

Have You Seen...?

Christmas in July Sale!

 

 Shop now, before the sales end!


And Santa is just a memory...

Heatwave!

It is hot. Ninety percent of our overly-complaining country is living through a heatwave. Remember, things could always be worse.

Remember our soldiers broiling in Iraq and Afghanistan. Say a prayer for them, and put on some shorts.

Christmas in July Sale!

Just want to share with you some of the pieces that I have on sale this month in my Christmas in July Sale section.

Everything is 20% off and free shipping!

Waaaaa

I have a complaint about all of the complaining on Etsy. 

Stop it!

Complaining is bad business!

 It can be very tempting to complain about a lack of sales. But would you ever say this to a customer, "Oh, I have not seen the sales fairy in weeks"?  Remember that most of the Etsy forums are public – once you post a comment online, it is there forever, for people all over the world to read. Also, many buyers come right from Etsy. Your buyer may be on a forum with you, listening to how poor your business is. Nobody wants to join a losing team. That is bad business.

If you must complain about slow business or your frustration with your business, or have a legitimate question about sales volume, etc. do so on a forum where you can post anonymously!

Not exactly scientific, but interesting: I asked six Etsy shopper-friends, what they look for when purchasing. Personally, I do not base my  Etsy purchases on the number of sales a seller has, and my small "study" found the same results.

The consensus was that a decision to buy is first based on several clear photos, especially a photo of the item being worn; next on vivid descriptions that are almost as good as touching an item. My "focus group" shoppers all appreciate a cohesive, professional branding feel, and a positive, open, personal vibe from a seller. A fair return policy is well appreciated and a "no returns" policy is a total deterrent to purchasing.

For me, luxe packaging with a personal note, (and, of course, a high quality product) assures me becoming a return customer. I do not think I am alone when i say " I love packaging". The shoppers I spoke with agreed with me, but three did not care about a personal note.

Feedback: the buyers I spoke with reported that they read feedback skeptically and do not base decisions of whether or not to buy on feedback, unless it is glaringly bad. They tend to believe the positive and find a single negative feedback not to be a deterrent to purchasing

Another problem with complaining; above all else, complaining is negative. Positive thinking results in positive outcomes. It just does. Negative self thought and doubt results in a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. Sure, selling on Etsy can be discouraging at times, but you want your customers to hear your creative voice and not feel your doubt. Put your complaining time and energy into researching and implementing new ways to improve upon the issues that buyers see as relevant.

Take home message :

If you wouldn’t say something directly to your customers, it’s best not to post it online.

Back with a Bang

It is the Fourth of July weekend so I am back with a bang, and a sale in Your Daily Jewels

It was hard to leave this week because there was a lot going on with Your Daily Jewels promotions and, of course, the JETS Grande Challenge. Currently, I am tied for first place! Scroll down two stories to see how to vote. There is still time!

I had the greatest week away at a continuing education program for the physical therapy part of my life. I know I have told you all a little about hippotherapy but have not given any in depth information about this wonderful treatment strategy for people with disabilities.  Its coming!

This week I was in Islandia, NY, at the Pal-o-Mine Center attending an advanced course given by The American Hippotherapy Association. I am now certified in the advanced level of this fantastic, efficient therapy strategy. Whew, it was a tough week!

A little rest and off to find Frank who is already in Manasquan! I wish I could blink myself there.

Happy Independence Day everyone! Do not forget, after all the fireworks and parades, the reason we celebrate this weekend is to commemorate The Declaration of Independence  and the founding of our country.

And, also not forget to stop by my shop where everything is marked 15% off!:)

Funky Felt Flowers

Michele, over at Funky Felt Flowers is doing a giveaway. What a perfect Summer accessory.Michele has gorgeous felt flowers in a myriad of color. Flowers for your fingers, ears and necklaces too!

Head over to Michele's FB page for details on how to enter.

I love these because they remind me most of Summer!

Thank you for reading!

I Need Your Vote!

I am in a contest to win "The Most Favorite Ankle Bracelet". Simply Click the word 'Vote" and you will be taken to the JET Blog where you only need to click to help me out:)

You can, of course, enter the contest to win one of seven jewelry prizes! 

Thank you!

Another Giveaway!

I love this blog! They wrote a feature and are hosting a giveaway for Your Daily Jewels! 
 Go ahead and enter, and while you wait to win you will have found yourself another great blog to follow!

Scroll down and you will see more ways to win jewelry!

The JET Challenge is this weekend and there will be LOTs of prizes in the form of beautiful jewelry. Just visit the JET blog to vote for your favorite anklet and win. One weekend of voting only.

AND, scroll down a little for links to (3), count 'em, (3) more Your Daily Jewels giveaways!

One ends tonight and one on Sunday so enter now.

Oh, and go to the beach. Its Summer, dammit.

JET Challenge - Ankle Bracelet Time!

These can be yours!! I am giving these away as part of our Team Challenge. Check out the anklets and choose your favorite at jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com

Magenta Fuchsia Crackle Quartz Earrings in Bali Silver

by YOURDAILYJEWELS

$34.50 USD

These are just one of many prizes that will be given out for new comments & follows on our team blog. check it out this weekend!
jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com

My Favorite Things: your daily jewels + giveaway.

My Favorite Things: your daily jewels + giveaway.: "Since I like to keep my outfits fairly simple, my go to 'dress up' item would have to be jewelry. I love how easy it is to throw on some ea..."

click to see the full post and to ENTER! I am giving away one of my nicest pair of earrings and three second place prizes!

Scroll down to see TWO MORE GIVEAWAYS!

Now there are Three Your Daily Jewels Giveaways running right now. 

Just click the banner above and you will be directed to the One2Try website where you may win earrings with just a few clicks. In addition, Rita of One2Try runs more giveaways than you can believe!

Then click the banner for  Natalie's Sentiments. Once there, you can click and win a $25.00 gift certificate to Your Daily Jewels! In addition, you will have found a lovely blog to follow.

The third one is in the post above this pne.

Thank you for reading,

Norah