Tricia McKellar loves talking about the possibilities found in art, business, and marketing. She is the founder of Wonder Thinking and is currently far along on the path of creating her indie business. An artist & an IT geek, she sells prints of her dreamy photography in her Etsy Shop, eyeful.
Do you have a business plan? If it’s like mine, it’s a collection of brilliant and amazing ideas — in your head. It’s easy to put off writing a business plan and instead have vague ideas of a creative business direction.
So why write a business plan now? Because it’s a new year and it’s time to get specific about goals and directions by clarifying your thoughts through the act of writing. First, think about how your business plan will be used. If your plan is just for your use, the form and content can be creative. However, if you think you may want to get a loan or venture capital for your business, you might choose a more traditional business plan than we are creating here. The Small Business Administration has resources for writing a traditional business plan.
Let’s lay the ground work. The first step is to download the free Wonder Thinking Business Plan-o-Rama workbook and get to work. A good business plan is like a map — it shows where you’ve been and where you’re going. A glance at the map will tell you if a new ambition is an out-of-the-way detour or a route to your destination. Are you planning to increase your retail venues in the coming year? Or will you focus on wholesale? Both? Stay on course by thinking about and writing down the direction you want to take.
If you need more guidance writing your plan, head on over to my blog where I’ll be covering The Wonder Thinking Business Plan-o-Rama, which will include topics like business vision, products and services, market analysis, competition, marketing plans and future plans.
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152 comments
Sign in to add your ownikabags says:
Great post ! Thanks so much !
1 year ago
vintagebutterfly94 says:
Great! Off to work my plan....
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
Great Information
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
great tips...thanks!
1 year ago
providencevintage says:
Thank you so much for the advice! It's really helpful to know these things...
1 year ago
pinkpoison74 says:
Great advice Im gonna download that now :)
1 year ago
DecadesOfVintage says:
I am off to download the plan. Thanks for a very valuable perspective
1 year ago
vKnit says:
great tips! i love the book finds too! xox
1 year ago
TashinaFalene says:
awesome tips! Thank you so much. :)
1 year ago
jmayoriginals says:
Great post! I'll be working on my business plan very soon.
1 year ago
AmandaRaeK says:
Excellent! Thanks for sharing:)
1 year ago
withachanceof says:
this is wonderful! i've been looking for something like this. thank you so much!!
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Loved your article! thanks.
1 year ago
presentsfromalex says:
Best article ever! I started with a business plan . . . and these ideas and resources are wonderful and insprirational.
1 year ago
needleyou says:
Wow, I've been thinking of doing this since forever & most recently too. ; )
1 year ago
JantasticCreations says:
Thank you! What a great article. Off to download and plan 2011!
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
The best way to start off the year!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
I know I need to do this.
1 year ago
PeriDotbyDuni says:
Great post! Off to check out Wonder Thinking!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Yay, just what I needed! I'll be downloading that for sure!
1 year ago
modernemotive says:
Thanks for this. I need to revise my plan (admittedly not complete!). Also, thanks for featuring my weekly notepad. Much appreciated. Happy Planning everyone. :)
1 year ago
aynart says:
this is so great! much appreciation!
1 year ago
toriska says:
Great motivation! I need to flesh out my current plan a bit and find somewhere to write it down other than scrap pieces of notebook paper. :]
1 year ago
HarmlessColor says:
Thanks for sharing this with us!
1 year ago
thewildplum says:
Fantabuloussss! Thank you!!!
1 year ago
ArtDecoDame says:
Very Helpful!!Thanks Etsy
1 year ago
ellemoss says:
Great read! Love her shop :)
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
I have owned my own business for 17 years now and I owe all my success to Business Plans. Your article is great Sam
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Fantastic info! Thanks, Tricia!
1 year ago
jorgensenstudio says:
"Artist as an Entrpeneur" in Cleveland : http://www.cose.org/COSE%20Arts%20Network/Artist%20as%20Entrepreneur%20Institute.aspx and the one I took in Florida - http://www.broward.org/Arts/Artists/Pages/AEI.aspx have classes with professionals geared to writting business plans especially for artists - It was the best Saturday workshop I ever attended to help my business grow.
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
oh love this. I love making lists and having goals for my shop. I too love that etsy now has the stats so I can see my progression or what months I need to work harder at for sales. comparing past years with current.
1 year ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
so true, time to make a good plan and stick to it! thank you for your tips!
1 year ago
AlbertinesCreations says:
I reviewed the download and it provides a lot of great ideas to think about. I was just thinking that I need to focus and this is an excellent way to do it. Thanks!
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Excellent advice, thank you!
1 year ago
SwankyHostess says:
Just what I needed1 A kick in the pants! Thank you....I know what I am doing this afternoon!
1 year ago
BlessedBeeApothecary says:
so helpful, thank you. Zoe
1 year ago
sockmonster says:
i need this thank you -rose
1 year ago
teclur says:
Great!! I downloaded it already! ;-) Very helpful!!
1 year ago
MaryFosterCreative says:
Thank you! This is exactly the kind of guidance I need.
1 year ago
SouthernScrapper says:
I needed that boost to get my plan written. Thanks!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I've been trying to get more into business planning, thanks for posting this!
1 year ago
sweetpeasoup says:
GOOD STUFF! This is one of those things I avoid doing even though I know it does nothing other than help. Thanks for the reminder and a much less painful way of getting it done....well at least started!
1 year ago
HarrietsHaven says:
I love your shop, Tricia. Thanks so much for the tips and I'll definitely check out the workbook.
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
Great timing, I start a business class next week where the main focus is writing a great business plan. I'm turning Etsy into full time work and need all the help I can get!
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Good stuff here!!
1 year ago
LauraBScott says:
I bookmarked the blog and downloaded the pdf - Thanks for all this info!
1 year ago
mcldrygoods says:
thanks! :)
1 year ago
kikisthisandthat says:
So, so needed this!! Thanks so much!
1 year ago
donebydigits says:
thanks so much! I really need to do this NOW :)
1 year ago
kmariedesignz says:
Great idea!
1 year ago
kmariedesignz says:
Something for all of us to think about.
1 year ago
LionLambStudio says:
Bookmarked! Can't wait to read this! Thanks for the post.
1 year ago
granatina says:
When I've opened my little etsy shop, in december, my boyfriend told me to write a plan. Not only speak and dream about... So, thanks for your help!
1 year ago
Steampunkitis says:
Great idea, and photos are fabulous, love the colors.
1 year ago
BambuEarth says:
Wonderful, just what I needed. :)
1 year ago
SerantoniDesigns says:
Expand on the retail... Great ideas! Thank you.
1 year ago
KGlass8 says:
Thank you so much, this was incredibly helpful for a newbie!
1 year ago
blueroompottery says:
Great advices!! Thank you so much!!
1 year ago
nadinessra says:
Thank you for the post. Does anyone have any advice on how to go about finding a business model or two?
1 year ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Great Tips! Thanks For Sharing!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
This is good! One of my goals is to get a solid business plan in place this year.
1 year ago
eliteartisans says:
Good tips! Relatively new to the blogs..any ideas for getting word about your shop out?
1 year ago
pulpsushi says:
This is great, and I love the workbook download. Thank you!
1 year ago
eyeful says:
Thank you everyone for the sweet comments!!! And a big Thank You to Daniellexo for inviting me to post on Etsy's blog!!! EliteArtisans, for getting the word out about your shop, social media works well-- blogging, facebook, twitter. You might also join a team! Treasury or otherwise... http://www.wonderthinking.com/2011/01/etsy-treasury-team/ Also, you might think about contacting bloggers and asking them to write about you. http://www.wonderthinking.com/2009/11/how-to-contact-bloggers/ Good luck with your shop! And convo or email me anytime and let me know what topics you'd like to see on Wonder Thinking! :) --Tricia
1 year ago
GlassElephant says:
Thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
MillCityCrochet says:
I have a business as a wedding planner. Of course I wrote a business plan for it..duh..Thank You for your article encouraging me to do the same for my MillCityCrochet business on Etsy! *lightbulb;)
1 year ago
Trudem says:
Thanks so much for the links! I'm just about to launch and this is on my to-do list. :)
1 year ago
pennyroyalty says:
Thank you so much for offering an awesome free Business Plan guide! I just printed it and I can't wait to get started....
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
So can your plan be to have no plan? Perhaps this is why I never get anything done. I should check this out - right after my nap.
1 year ago
HeritageKnitting says:
Thanks for the link! I'm printing the plan now!
1 year ago
rabbitdance says:
That's a great resource! I've got some friends who could use this, too. Thanks for putting it together. ^_^
1 year ago
JustSimplyHandmade says:
Thank you so much!! I'm taking a business course (starting college in my 40's) lol and this is awesome!! Thank you somuch!
1 year ago
sunkae says:
Great! Thank you...
1 year ago
BunniesandAvacado says:
This is really helpful. Thank you.
1 year ago
kisforkitty says:
I am definetely printing out the work book RIGHT NOW! Thank you.
1 year ago
dssweets says:
This was vey helpful, thank you!
1 year ago
thebeadgirl says:
i spoke at a conference yesterday about selling on etsy. i kept telling them they need a business plan! thanks for "letting me know" i'm on the right track!
1 year ago
whittleseycreek says:
Great information. This is a perfect way to start off the new year. Good luck to all.
1 year ago
e5jewel says:
Great tips and information. Thank you so much for sharing!
1 year ago
vintagegirldezigns says:
I definitely think having a business plan is a good idea. It helps you to stay focused and motivated and I tend to procrastinate, so I think I really need to get one in place:)
1 year ago
OddLittleHippo says:
It's so funny how the universe works! Thanks, I just was looking up BP info yesterday and here all this valuable info is! Thanks again...
1 year ago
DaVineJewelry says:
This is very inspiring and motivating. Thank you!
1 year ago
paperpeacock says:
Thanks for the info. Will definitely start following your blog. Love your shop too!
1 year ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
thanks for sharing the helpful tips! cheers!
1 year ago
fieldjournal says:
Thanks for the information and links! I'll be checking it out soon.
1 year ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
Dear eyeful, You have great works that truly meet the name you id yourself with. It's good to plan, especially if you do it while you are waiting for something. lizzi
1 year ago
ZambakDesigns says:
Yes, I need to write this stuff down. It helps so much to keep me focused. Gonna do the Plan-o-Rama!
1 year ago
KristaBDesigns says:
Another way to move my biz ahead-one step at a time! Thanks so much for your article, Janice
1 year ago
spoonringheaven says:
ooooooohh a really great artical :D greatly appreciated
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Great way to keep focused. As an Etsy shop, we find we have to be experts in EVERYTHING! Dreaming up the concepts, making the items (or prototypes), photography, writing, IT, promotion, pricing, packaging, shipping, branding--the list is never-ending! A BX plan helps us know what to do next, what to do best. Thanks a ton!
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Very helpful , thank you for your post
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
OK, you got me and thank you. I just started learning SEO and am trying to "catch up" a bit in that department. SEO I felt I could (somewhat) master myself, but a business plan? Well the very words give me a chill. Hell, the post right above mine scares me. I admit this is a topic I have long avoided, not being a business person. But I am going to do it, thanks to you for making a business plan at least sound approachable to me for the first time ever.
1 year ago
Simplycutestuff says:
Thank you for the reminder to treat this as a business not only a hobby. Setting goals are so important!
1 year ago
MadLexVintage says:
Fantastic information! Thanks much!
1 year ago
OrotSavyon says:
I loved your post. It was very informative and knowledgeable. Business plans are indeed a must in order to clarify your goals and keep you focused. I have made some business plans in the past, but not my ETSY virtual store. I'll get right on it :)
1 year ago
SheenaSchultz says:
Thanks so much for posting this. I enjoyed reading it and I am going to print off the work book right now!
1 year ago
Baymut says:
Thanks, I have bought a new notebook on December, 31st and have made writting of mine business and personal plans for 2011
1 year ago
OrangeBlossomCrafts says:
Great article! Thanks for the info!
1 year ago
KrissArtCreation says:
great tips!!!thank you Tricia for sharing these helpful informations with us!!!
1 year ago
BonitaBellita says:
Going to look into that now, thank you so much for the tips and advice, always appreciated.
1 year ago
SeahorsePottery says:
All the advice is so helpful! Thanks and I am on it!
1 year ago
eyeful says:
You guys are so sweet! Thanks so much for all the encouragement and kind words! :)
1 year ago
CrochetCaravan says:
Really helpful, its good to think to the future and have goals to keep you on track.
1 year ago
ArtfulPerspectives says:
This came at a good time. I'm gonna sit back and do some thinking now about where I really want my art to go. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
1 year ago
HappyLifeStudio says:
Great post, thank you for the resources.
1 year ago
MaggiePainting says:
Perfect for reflection on a snowy day. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
ShellyMacdesigns says:
Moo.com ROCKS!!So easy & cool! Now if I could only use the same for my Banner!! Gimp is not as user friendly, for me that is. ;) anyone have any suggestions, please forward!!! I'm desperate to redo my shop banner!!!!
1 year ago
valeriephoto says:
I love planners, but I'm so bad about keeping anything in them! I often revert back to what I have stored in my head rather than actually writing it down. I think I do that because secretly I believe it makes me smarter.
1 year ago
designgirl19 says:
Thanks I can use all the help I can get.
1 year ago
NordicLightDesign says:
Great info! Thanks!
1 year ago
ciaobela says:
Holy Cow Bat-Girl...that's ALOT of stuff...but I shall persevere... Thanks much. I will take it all and RUNNNNN with it! This has been the greatest! My shop has never looked so good.
1 year ago
SunshineDecals says:
Woof! Woof!
1 year ago
sarahndipities says:
This is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing it! I can't wait to get started!
1 year ago
knitCraftNscrap says:
Very useful info! Thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
mysticalkaleidoscope says:
Thanks for the info. Great advice. Will get started right away.
1 year ago
GiftsCorner says:
thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
namasteyworld says:
This is a great post... thank you for sharing...
1 year ago
lonestaraccessories says:
great post... inspiring!
1 year ago
lullabellesoap says:
great ideas,i should start and follow all the guide..thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
ColleenMcGuirk says:
Excellent advice, thank you!
1 year ago
GemdropsoftheFalls says:
Thanks for the tips Tricia! A plan is always a good idea because it keeps you focused and on track.
1 year ago
sassefrass says:
Thank you for the free download/business plan template. I found this article to be very helpful as a seller. It's definitely helped reel in, collect, and at least begin to organize some of my thoughts and ideas. Thanks again!
1 year ago
TheStrangestThings says:
I really appreciate these resources being so readily available. This will all be very helpful. Thanks!
1 year ago
EllaDeanDesigns says:
Thanks! This has been very useful! I'm just starting out and trying to get my products up while figuring out how to market my store...I always try to take advice from these newsletters ;0)
1 year ago
ImSoVintage says:
very timely. it was already on my list of to dos. now i have some real help.
1 year ago
bittersweetboo says:
Thanx bunches! Downloading NOW ;)
1 year ago
ancientwinds says:
thank you for this!
1 year ago
JoannasPhotography says:
Great post from talented and inspiring person! Thank you so much, Tricia for sharing all this info with us!
1 year ago
Pearlfriend says:
Very concise and practical informations Thanks Tricia
1 year ago
SimandCharlieDesigns says:
Thanks for the link! Downloading the workbook now!
1 year ago
thepapermoonstudio says:
Thank you for the link!
1 year ago
HydrationHabitatSkin says:
really good info - always concerned though that we only have 4-5 items at this point as we stayed focused "Make the best HAND product on market" Just started to put on etsy but dont want to lose that specialty that we have success with in some places we sell!
1 year ago
manateebythesea says:
Great info. Thank you. Will get to work this week. Thanks for the link.
1 year ago
Stephaniemakesall says:
thanks!
1 year ago
tartella says:
great timing- had already set aside time today for this kind of planning... thanks for making it a little easier to start!
1 year ago
JChia says:
Helpful Information!
1 year ago
designtwentysix says:
definitely purchasing a spiffy new planner
1 year ago
NSpottery says:
This looks really good. Not sure I was into writing a business plan, but I think I will print this and have a go at it. I tend to have all this info stuck up in my head without clear cut plans and ideas. Thanks!
1 year ago
mediterra says:
really in need of a serious business plan, actually 2 different ones for 2 different businesses, but how and when to start is the main subject ..
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
thanks for the info, it's a goal of mine.
1 year ago
GoskAndMaggles says:
Oh such fabulous advice! :))
1 year ago
Avenue33 says:
As a newbie, my plan is most definitely still all in my head. Thank you for the good advice. I am going to download the workbook you suggested, and get started today!
1 year ago
HanDynasty says:
Thanks
1 year ago
HanDynasty says:
Thanks
1 year ago
HCbyHeatherJewelry says:
Just FYI the link listed as The Wonder Thinking Business Plan-o-Rama goes to a viagra website.
1 year ago
ArsAntiqua says:
This is so accessible! Thank you.
1 year ago
thenunneryvintage says:
just getting started. Trying to make the best decisions I can with the limits of my business knowledge. This is so helpful and kind of you to help.
1 year ago
tarbeachjewelry says:
I am new to selling on Etsy, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your Shop Makeover advice. Thanks!
1 year ago
melange4you says:
Looks great.......thank you...
1 year ago
curiouslittlebird says:
Thanks for the free download! I hope it helps me in my future endeavors! :)
298 days ago
ChristinaAnnJewelry says:
Wonderful resource, thank you!
297 days ago
Twinklingskydesigns says:
Thank you for the wonderful resource and support!
293 days ago