Start, Grow, Reinvent: Tips and Tools for Building Your Business or New Career Michelle Pajak-Reynolds.

Start, Grow, Reinvent:Tips and Tools for Building Your Business or New Career

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

How did I get here…

Parents met across a jewelry counter

Making since 5 years old

1999---Opened business

2001---BFA in Jewelry & Metals with a minor in Marketing from Kent State University

2002--- Exhibitions & Publications

Jillian Barberie, Malibu Monthly Magazine

Pirouette Bracelet

Sofia Bush, LA Brides Magazine

Daffodil Necklace

Nona Gaye, Savoy MagazineDazzle earrings, Posy ring, Sangria necklace

2009

“My Country Song Year”

Now what?

Almost quit

Re-evaluated resources

Greatest wealth is in relationships

The current path was no longer acceptable

Nothing to lose by trying new things

Getting started on a new path

Reached out to my network

Introduced to professors at Baldwin-Wallace College

Utilized every available existing and new resource

Network, network, network….

Tips & Tools

Get Clear

Seek Feedback

Be Curious

Get Out of the Office

Practice Gratitude

Ask

Plan

Get Clear: Mindset & Values

Do, Have, Be vs. Be, Do, Have

Values: the non-negotiables

How do you live out your values both professionally and personally?

Lesson learned:

Create opportunities in alignment with my values

Seek Feedback: Blind spots

What are you doing well?

Where are you shooting yourself in the foot?

What are your opportunities for personal and professional growth?

Lessons learned:

Taken certain skills for granted

The best of intentions can get lost in translation

Better collaboration

Be Curious: Assumptions

What are your assumptions/excuses about what you’re capable of accomplishing, experiencing, etc?

What are your assumptions about your field?

Where did these assumptions come from?

Lessons learned:

Holding onto ideas and excuses that weren’t serving me

Get out of my own way

Get Out of the Office:Voice of the Customer

Purpose is to learn about them, their day, and pain points

Not selling anything

Meet with top customers, former customers, and others you want to learn more about

Identify opportunities for new business

Improve an existing business or new business idea

Lesson learned:

Paid attention to the common “complaints” and identified opportunities for applying my talents in new ways to add significant value to my field

eMERGE:A Business Blog for Creative People

Practice Gratitude: Send Fan Mail

Recognize what you want to see repeated

Build network and new opportunities

There’s always more to the story

Lesson learned:

A well written note can have a great impact

Hot Pink Style and ICON MagazineLush Bracelet & Lily Necklace

Ask for what you need

“It” can’t happen if you don’t ask

Build connections with retailers

Build connections with performers, fashion media and stylists

Venues for speaking engagements and teaching workshops

Arts based economic development organizations

Plan

Business Plan: You’re not too small Why your business is needed Your resources and goals

Strategic Plan: Commitment to pursue a particular set of actions to grow your business/career Where are you now? Where do you want to be and when? How are you going to get there? How do you know you’re getting there?

Final thought

“You come from a long line of tough broads who have all lived to be about 100 years old and don’t know the meaning of the word can’t. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you, you can’t do something.”

Contact info:

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

330 554 [email protected]

eMERGE: A Business Blog for Creative Peoplehttp://crafthaus.ning.com/group/emerge