Legal Building Blocks: The Non-Disclosure Agreement
Non-disclosure agreements are a valuable and important tool to protect your business information so it doesn’t fall into a competitor’s hands.
How to Close Your Business Without Having an Anxiety Attack
There are many reasons for deciding to close a business. Here is a practical guide for shutting down your business without getting overwhelmed.
How to Hire (and Fire) Your First Employee
There are steps you can take to maximize the chance that you’ll find the right fit when it comes to hiring and feel more confident about the process.
Are you Building a Business, or Creating a Job?
When anyone starts a new entrepreneurial venture, they generally believe they are starting a business. And by the general definition they are. But as time goes on, reality might say they have just created their own job.
When Should You Hire Help?
Most of us begin our businesses as one-person shows. We make our product, take the photos, make the listings on Etsy and answer the emails. And that’s great! Starting small (with as little debt as possible) is a good way to begin your business. You’re agile with your product, can test what’s working with your customers and get a hands-on feel for what needs to change. But at some point it may be wise to hire help so that you can grow and professionalize. Here’s how to know when.
Paying Employees or Contractors? Here’s Why You Should Be Using a Payroll System
Payroll software is easy, affordable, and reliable. The right system can make sure that bringing on help will save you time instead of causing you headaches.
Best Practices for Vetting Craft Instructors
In the absence of a national platform for assessing craft teachers and class experience, show owners and event organizers are on their own for vetting instructors. Some best practices are emerging, especially as students’ expectations rise and professional teachers raise standards.
Creating an Employee Handbook That Works for Your Business
Even for small business owners an employee handbook is a tremendous resource. Here’s what you need to consider in creating one for your creative business!
Catastrophe-Proof Your Handmade Business
The key to having a sustainable business (one that can survive anything life throws at you) is to plan for the stuff life throws at all of us.
How to Hire a Model for Your Next Photo Shoot
Designers who create knitted or sewn garments often face the added challenge of finding and hiring models for photoshoots. It can be tough to find a model that has the right look, is experienced and at ease in front of the camera, and is also affordable. Read on for expert tips on how to do just that.
Employee or Independent Contractor: What’s the Difference?
Knowing the difference between an independent contractor and an employee is an important protection for yourself and your business.
The Ins and Outs of Hiring an Intern for Your Creative Business
If you’re knee-deep in orders and way behind on just about everything, finding an intern who will work for experience instead of money might seem like an obvious answer. But bringing in help for your creative business, even temporarily, isn’t an endeavor you should enter into lightly.
Health Insurance 101 for Craft Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Health insurance enrollment sounds as fun as taxes or going to the doctor. But it’s a necessary discomfort that can save you a lot of hassle.
Together at Work: When Your Spouse Joins Your Creative Business
Owning a business that both spouses work for can be wonderful. Here are some things to consider about this type of business relationship!