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You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / 31 days / {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 17, How to network via email.}

{Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 17, How to network via email.}

October 17, 2012 · 23 Comments
Filed Under: 31 days, blog & handmade advice

Day 17// The entire time I’ve been running the Gussy Sews blog + shop I’ve used email to help me network with other bloggers, crafters + like-minded women. Four years ago it acted as my second paddle — no, more as my lifeline — as I was so new to the blogging community. I hadn’t attended a conference yet nor did I know many bloggers in real life and I truly relied on it’s instant connection power. Without email I wouldn’t have been able to introduce myself/share with as many people as I have what Gussy Sews is all about, I’m confident of this.

However, email is a tricky one to understand, because…

  • Not all who use email love using it, and the reverse is true, too
  • Not all who use email use it the same way their neighbor uses it
  • And, not all who use email rely on it the same way another may rely on it

via Pineapple

To network via email you must entertain these three points. I also think you need to know who you are outside of your business {don’t spend every waking moment on the computer, working on your business. Be sure to give yourself time to breathe.} — have some confidence + believe in yourself, girl! And remember, when you network you’re taking a moment to share who you are in exchange for wanting to learn more about others. It’s a give-and-take experience, but totally in an unselfish way.

Want even more advice?

5 TIPS ON HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY NETWORK VIA EMAIL:

  • Be considerate of those you email. With every email you write be polite, share your personality, and keep it professional
  • Be concise with your words. Managing your inbox is just one part of owning a handmade business, and when that gets out of control it can be hard to feel like you have everything else under control. Perhaps you’ve seen the Sentenc.es site, encouraging users to write only two, three, four or five sentences when replying to an email? That’s something I always have in the back of my mind when replying {and even sending} to emails
  • Don’t ask for anything. Send an email and say hello to simply do just that, say hello. Remember, right now you’re trying to network, NOT sell something, NOT ask a business question, NOT ask where a certain material was ordered from
  • Include a link to your site. What good does taking the time to introduce yourself do if this person doesn’t know where to find you?
  • Email people outside of your niche. There’s no reason to stay within your pretty brown kraft box. Explore other niches of bloggers + business owners and welcome new ideas that come your way

…and that’s it. I really don’t think there’s some crazy, secretive, complicated tip on how to successfully network via email. I do firmly believe in the five tips above — and of course testing an idea, then seeing how it works for you. Sometimes we just need to allow ourselves a little more trial + error in life :)

When you email: say hello!, share a teeny bit about yourself, include a link to your site/blog/shop, and include something complimentary that also aligns with WHY you are emailing them.

Homework// Email three different people by the end of this week + introduce yourself. Next week email five more people. Continue to do this for the next few weeks, then take some time to evaluate what you’ve learned + process the response you received.

…are you taking notes? click here to read the series.

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23 Comments
Filed Under: 31 days, blog & handmade advice

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Comments

  1. Katy @ lil' alice says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Maggie,
    This is falling so fresh & new to me. I have never read, heard or thought of this idea! It’s so simple. Fairly easy!

    I will b doing this homework. I think it’s a great idea!

    xoxo
    Katy

    Reply
  2. Button Bird Designs says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Hmmmmmmm this is so embarrassing but I never even though of networking through email!!!! I am totally lost here!!! So when you say email three people this week, just email them to say hi and introduce yourself and products?! It should be someone that you admire, someone you find inspiring, correct? Apparently I missed the boat on this one! Hahahahaha! This might be fun!!!
    Thanks!!! Learning so much!!
    Angela

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 17, 2012 at 6:11 pm

      @Button Bird Designs, OOOPS! I added that part in ;)

      Here’s what I added to the post:
      When you email: say hello!, share a teeny bit about yourself, include a link to your site/blog/shop, and include something complimentary that also aligns with WHY you are emailing them.

      Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 17, 2012 at 6:12 pm

      @Button Bird Designs, PS. that is how Nester became my friend… I used to email her all the time and eventually she gave in to my eye-lash batting ways ;)

      Reply
      • Button Bird Designs says

        October 17, 2012 at 6:38 pm

        @Gussy Sews, Hahahahaha! I just laughed out loud and spit up a little tea!!!

        Reply
  3. Kirsten says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Oh Maggie, this is seriously my favorite blog series EVER. No really…ever EVER! Thank you for being a ray of sunshine and encouragement to those of us who are desperately needing a little nudge in the right direction. Who knows, you may just be getting emails from all ga-gillion of us who are checking in to your blog each day (wink, wink)! On a somewhat related note, can you touch on blog networks, sponsorship and affiliate linking during the course of your series? I’m not going anywhere and I would love your take on it. Oh…and Etsy. Yeah, let’s talk Etsy. I’m not loving it at all so I’m exploring my options. Anywhoo…yeah, if I were in Cali I would *so* want to grab some coffee and share a precious heart-to-heart. ((hugs)) from Indiana! P.S. I’m praying for you today!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm

      @Kirsten, Hmmm, that’s a topic to consider for sure! xoxoxo

      Reply
  4. Victoria says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! Other bloggers are always writing about finally getting to meet their other blogger friends. I never understood how they connected or even how they became friends.

    I will be trying this!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm

      @Victoria, Email! It’s as simple as writing to say hello :)

      Reply
  5. Emily says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    How do you just introduce yourself without being sleazy…. like, “I like your blog, so come see my blog now!” If you know what I mean?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 17, 2012 at 7:54 pm

      @Emily, because when you network it’s not to gain something for yourself, it’s to give something of yourself. Don’t ask them to do anything for you :) write them to say hello, compliment them (and mean it), and sign off. xo

      Reply
  6. lindsay says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    maggie you have so much confidence! maybe we need a day just on being CONFIDENT with what we have to share/say. just kidding, sort of :) if you are writing just to say hello though, how do you start a conversation that will continue past one email? i have emailed several bloggers i respect with short, sweet emails and most are so kind and write back but it never seems to go past one. how do you form friendships when it seems like everyone is trying to rush through emails asap?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:09 pm

      @lindsay, Well, I think it’s important to understand just because you send an email it doesn’t guarantee you’ll become friends. Of course that sounds so mean when you take it at surface level but it really, truly is not meant to be mean.

      Just like we aren’t friends with every person you pass by at the grocery store, we aren’t friends with every person that emails us. Sure most of these people are super kind women, but it’s just not possible to find a connection with everyone. I think a lot of what helps ignite a friendship is feeling like you connect with one another in the first place. Does that make sense? So writing someone because you learned something from them, or writing because you think they are so funny and your real-life BFF is super funny in the same way. Or maybe you have a situation that they have experienced too, something like that.

      My advice is to keep on being your beautiful, genuine self and the friendships you’re supposed to have will come. And don’t be afraid to send a second email. Persistence isn’t a bad thing ;D

      Reply
  7. Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    Wonderful, simple, tangible tips! It doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it sometimes! I think this is wonderful advice! In blogging I have often felt overwhelmed with networking and getting to know other bloggers I admired. But like you said, if you keep on coming back and being kind, they will notice you and reciprocate the friendship! I believe the first time you ever communicated with me it was over email (and it was a big deal to me!) and it was because I wanted to encourage you based on something you said on twitter! I guess my kindness worked some magic on you as well! ;)

    xo

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      @Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista, YES! See… this is exactly it. Sometimes that second attempt is what seals the deal ;D I think you’re great and I always love our little conversations :)

      Reply
  8. Erin @ Isaboo Designs says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:47 am

    This is definitely my biggest struggle. I am terrified of reaching out to others in the handmade business, especially those I really admire. It’s the whole “im not cool enough, my stuff isn’t as good, does my personality stink, will I come off weird” and about 1500 other reasons for why people won’t like me. It’s totally WRONG I know, but I haven’t managed to get past that.

    I’ve been pretty by myself in the handmade business and I really see the need now to reach out more as things get more busy and I find myself lacking people to bounce ideas off of or just talk to about this. I don’t think I want it so much as to advance my business, but to keep my sanity intact by talking with others in the same boat. I am in a new city where I know practically no one so the crazies definitely have a tendency to want to creep in. I need to get with it in this department.

    Again, totally relevant, this month of topics is really kicking my behind in gear!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm

      @Erin @ Isaboo Designs, Do YOU believe in your products? If not it may be time to read this post on developing your product/style. I think the times I doubt others or their work is when they seem to doubt themselves {and I share that to encourage you}. xoxo

      Reply
  9. Emily E says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Again your blogging tips are amazing. Thanks Maggie :)

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    October 18, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    I can’t believe I’ve never even thought of this. I’m gonna try to do this, but it seems like it’d be super hard. I feel like I’d be super awkward. I try to leave comments on blogs I like, but I basically never email anyone. I like what you said about keeping emails short though. I tend to have a problem with being too “to the point” & not being very flowery with my writing, and I always feel like my emails are too short, so this was very encouraging.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 19, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      @Sarah, Why is it hard to send an email? Even if you are sweating no one will know you’re sweating because you’re behind a computer :)

      Reply
  11. Katie C. says

    October 29, 2012 at 7:12 am

    Why does the thought of this give me mini panic attacks? lol It really shouldn’t be that scary, right? I’m going to take a couple deep breaths today, pray about it and commit to doing the homework by the end of the week. Thank you so, so much for asking us to step outside of our comfort zones in a doable way!

    Who do you recommend e-mailing to start? Should I stick with business owners who are on the same level as myself when it comes to the business? Or is it acceptable to reach out to anyone who’s product/life story/whatever intrigues me? I think this is one of my biggest fears in reaching out via e-mail, that someone with a mega-successful business is going to look at an e-mail from someone like me and think “She is way out of her league.”

    Reply
  12. Jessica Angel says

    November 9, 2012 at 8:03 am

    Immediately after I read this post I made a list of 5 bloggers I would like to contact. Then I chose a day of the week to email them so I could actually do it. I followed your outline and added a bit of my own flair. The results were actually quite exciting. I didn’t hear back from everyone but the bloggers who did respond sounded very genuine and they were flattered by my compliments (which were 100% true). It was nice to know I was making someones day a little better even if just one email was exchanged. There was one blogger who had already heard of me and that was super exciting me too.

    I made a second list and did it all over again the next week. Thank you for the tips and the push!

    Reply
  13. Mercedes says

    September 22, 2014 at 1:16 am

    Your blog is so lovely. It has inspired me to open my own business :)
    Thak you so much!

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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recent posts:

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
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We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
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