Scrapbook Business Tips

Building a scrapbook business is a fantastic and challenging experience. You can wake up exhilarated to begin your day and go to bed feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The key to success is to maintain a positive, yes you can do it, mindset.

Easier said than done, right? Here are 5 keys to help you create and sustain a positive mindset so you attain the success you desire.

1. Surround yourself with successful and positive people. The influence people have over our own personal energy is amazing. Moods and attitudes are so easily spread - think about how much of a difference a simple smile from a stranger can make for your day and then magnify it 1000 times to demonstrate the power of positive and successful friends, family and associates. When you have people around you who inspire you, believe in you and want you to succeed, there's no room for doubts and even when they creep up, they're quickly swept away.

2. Create a mantra or an affirmation. Repeating positive affirmations has been shown to get people through tough times and to actually help them truly believe what they're saying.

For example, "I am building a powerful and profitable scrapbook business." Many of the most esteemed business professionals have used the same affirmation strategy to attain their success. To find the right affirmations for you, consider writing a quick list of your doubts, insecurities and complaints. These can then be quickly turned into affirmations.

For example, if you write that you're always feeling disorganized then your affirmation would be, "I am organized and in control." Repeat your affirmations several times a day and feel the power of positive thinking.

3. Capture negative thoughts. We all have negative thoughts from time to time, however, negative thoughts and emotions can derail us and prevent us from achieving all we desire. Of course catching those negative thoughts takes practice and persistence. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or having negative emotions, find a trigger to turn them around. The affirmations mentioned above are a great way to turn the negative into the positive. You can also find quick pick me ups like a favorite song, a walk outside in the fresh air, or some exercise to help improve your mood.

4. Set goals/intentions and then be willing to let it go. The law of attraction says that we attract what we focus on the most. However, desperation, needing your business to be a success, sends mixed messages and a lot of negativity into the universe. Set your goals and intentions and then let them go. A certain amount of faith in yourself and in the power of attraction is necessary. Give it a try.

5. Be grateful. Gratitude is perhaps the single most powerful and positive tool for success. When you're grateful for all of the wonderful things and people in your life the challenges you face seem significantly less important and are more easily dealt with.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal and make a practice of entering into it daily. That way, when you're facing challenges a quick peek at all the amazing things in your life will make you feel as if you can tackle anything. Additionally, an attitude of gratitude helps you maintain a positive perspective and to face challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Success is within your reach and with the right attitude you can accomplish anything you set your sights on. Embrace these five powerful mind success strategies and you'll build a better scrapbook business and live a happier, more satisfying life.

Finding new clients for your scrapbooking business does not have to be difficult. If you think outside the box and get creative, finding new clients can be a fun part of your business.

Here are a few ideas:

• Craft Fairs-You can find craft fairs in your local area by reading the local paper, visiting the websites of local
  television and radio stations, and keeping an eye out for signs and posters on area bulletin boards.


• Partner-Partnering up with other professionals is a great way to market your work.


• Home Parties-Scrapbook consultants who sell scrapbook product for big companies are not the only ones who can
  take advantage of the home party. The party plan method has been around for so many decades because it works!


• Girls Night Out/Retreats-By offering a girls night out, you are opening your business to a whole new market.


• Networking- it is one of the best ways to meet new people and establish yourself in your field.


• Teaching classes-Whether you teach a class at a local scrapbook store, community college, networking group or
  some other place, teaching is a great way to get your name and business out there.


• Promotional Items-Business cards, vehicle magnets, tshirts...


• Internet marketing-social networking, writing articles, forums...

Above are just a few ideas to get you thinking outside the box. Be persistent, do something each day for your scrapbook business and you will have plenty of clients.

We lose our mojo, get stuck, become creatively blocked. Let's face it, it happens to the best of us! You could be facing scrapper's block on your latest scrapbook layout or facing writer's block trying to come up with an informative article for your site visitors or newsletter subsribers to read. Here are a five tips to get those creative juices flowing in your scrapbook business once more.

1. Journal - Keep a journal or small notebook with you always. You never know when a new idea will pop into your head. Write it down right away before you forget it! Include as many details as possible to help trigger your memory later. For example, if you see an ad in a magazine and like the combination of color or design composition, write down the page number, magazine name and why you liked it.

Kids say the darndest things-I know mine do. Write these down. You just might have your next layout title or article content. Everyday experiences can turn into a layout or article as well.

2. Fresh and Focused -Don't start working on a project when you are tired or when you are easily distracted. You need a clear mind free of anything that will hinder your creativity. If your mind is buzzing with ideas, do a braindump. Get it all out, priortize and then get to work.

3. Workplace environment -If you work at home, do you have a designated place to work? It can be tempting to work on the couch with your laptop. However, distractions from the tv, kids or phone can be a big problem. Also keep your workplace organized and free from the clutter. You'll spend less time looking for needed items. The fewer distractions the more productive you'll be.

4. Get comfortable - Make sure your seating, lighting and surrounding area is comfortable. Perhaps you enjoy light music playing in the background, candles burning or a sip of wine to relax you. Discover what makes you comfortable and able to relax and allow the creativity to flow.

5. Get up - sometimes you just need to walk away. Get a drink, go outside and enjoy the sunshine, take a play break with the kids. Simply moving your body and thinking about something else can get your mind focused again on the task at hand once your return.

While creativity generally comes natural, sometimes we just get blocked. The above tips will help to get your creative juices flowing in your scrapbook business again.