Breaking with some of the typical format today:

I'm not sure what is working because I still have no sales. So can I measure 'what is working' differently for now?

I am still here. I have continued to make some updates and modifications in my Etsy Channel.

Started Spring Sale

Announcement - have asked for feedback and help with "what as a motorcyclist are you looking for?" in any possible leather accessory for you or your bike

Announcment - I have decided to offer my support to ridefordad.ca by donating $10 from every Key Wrap sold to the annual Ridefordad event in the fight against Prostate cancer.

Have composed first Vlog episode script for Curly on a Motorcycle Youtube channel. The start of my journey in motorcycling.

What is Working

Daily checking in and updating Trello Lists re Curlly On A Motorcycle 

Updated Etsy site

Added Banner Image

Started ‘Spring Sale’ 

Read Daily articles from Entrepreneur online magazine and Money Makers publication

Not sure how this is translating directly to COAM 

What is not working

Major area of work and changing my mindset as well as actionable things is around asking others for help. 

Although have been to two dealerships now and had some conversation about COAM and student entrepreneurship project.  No interest in stocking or collaborating.   

At least have had some conversation and starting to put work into the community in different ways re some albeit minimal connections

How I feel the project is coming

‘Slowly’ 

Still Trying to give myself encouragement (more than negative criticism)

Do something concrete, even if small, every day!

Despite the above this past week has felt stalled and like I am not doing enough concrete to make impact – no sales. 

Also no changes in rate of visits to Etsy site. 

Wonder how I can accelerate this?

What I am learning about running a business

Could be easy to get discouraged – still this sense of unknown, what to do next. 

Lack of success. (no sales).  Although some minimal but ongoing site visits to Etsy

Will be helpful for me to focus on the process and daily engagement.  Not just planning.  

Continuing with a focus on learning, understanding and developing the skills and ‘expertise’ (while still being a beginner) make it possible to keep moving forward.

What I am learning about myself

Ups and Downs - lately feeling more ‘downs’ in terms of time, energy and motivation.  However continuing to put some in daily with some reading, Store minor changes. 

Personal Investment

Advantages: 

No debt, 

No repayment, 

I am in full control of business 

Limitations: 

Limited funding, there is a risk related to my own personal security/finances if I am not organized with a clear functioning business plan.

Use:

For small enough upfront costs. Note for Curly66 Key Wraps given my leatherworking hobby in the past most if not all of the tools, equipment and some of the materials that would make up the cost of goods are already purchased.

Initial Etsy story set up

Crowdfunding

This would be a way for asking many people for help via small contributions

Examples: Buy me a coffee, GoFundMe, Kickstarter

Advantages: 

low risk funding

Potential gain of supporters and early customers

As with personal investment I am in control of my business.  Note: this would be different with ‘Lending CF’ or ‘Equity CF’

Use:

Could be used on Etsy with an ‘ask’ for support

With future YouTube and/or other social media that provides some entertainment, education, personal connection to the Curly66 brand and me as a maker/person.

Partnerships or Vendor relationship with Local Motorcycle dealerships (or other Makers shops)

Advantages

A source of built in marketing, exposure

Potential funding if agreement to produce a dealership branded product for example

Potential different ways to sell

direct to dealership in ‘bulk’ and they set their own price

Dealership acts as a vendor and I may pay them to rent shelf space or as a % of sales.  

Limitations

Depending on relationship profit and decision making may be compromised

Love Money

Likely not as would rather keep family as emotional support 

Could perhaps consider “Love contributions” in other ways. ex) Son in Law school for basic legal advice, Partner who works in marketing for help in social media marketing direction/plan and content. 

Would consider if this person had similar vision and enthusiasm for the business as well as the financial stability (not dissimilar to ‘Financial Angel’). 

Treat very similar to Micro Loan/Bank Loan etc. with a clear detailed business plan that is created with some professional guidance. 

Financial Angels

Would require more research into potential sources and stipulations etc. 

National Angel Capital Org.; Canadian International Angel Investors

Revenue Based Capital Financing