Hi everyone!

9 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 11:36PM UTC

   You don’t need a degree to learn to sell. There are tons of books out there to help or online training. Have you looked into selling on Etsy?

2. The Career CounterJune 2,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

   Hey Sarah,

   You might have to start with some questions like: how much income do you need to make? If you don’t need to make a set income exploring selling on Etsy or another platform could be an option. But these things take time and work and patience! You won’t start selling lots of items right off the bat. Take a course or learn from other sellers (I’m an Etsy shop owner myself).

   If you do need a certain income then maybe getting a more stable or traditional job would be better for now and you can always pursue a side hustle selling crafts or start a non-profit on the side simultaneously. You could also look at jobs in the nonprofit sector just to see what’s out there and if anything looks interesting. Good luck! And remember transitions take time. Sometimes you just have to try a few different things and see what happens and go from there. With every step you learn more about yourself!

3. The Career CounterJune 2,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

   Oh one more thing you could also explore selling education related printables and activities on Etsy or your website (if you have one). These types of items are always in huge demand. Like resources for teachers or students or both!!

4. Jackie RukaJune 4,2022 at 4:49PM UTC

   In my opinion, if you can teach then you can learn to promote your items to sell. Selling is speaking in sound bites and creating content of keywords to your specific target market. Much like teaching , you are sharing, enthusiastically about your products or services. Much like teaching art. How to, is a way of teaching… Etsy is a great way to sell your products and networking online and offline is important for your market to learn who you are and what you sell. Often, we wear several hats as an entrepreneur and selling is not very natural to most. It takes practice. However, a great way to sell us to share your story like you have it peaks the interest of women who can relate or simply love your inspiring story and products. Just keep it simple and have fun!

5. AnonymousJune 30,2022 at 2:32PM UTC

   Sarah, I went through a similar shift when I left teaching to be at home with my children. I have a business degree and started several businesses with a friend and on my own. It is very expensive, so I wouldn't jump into that right away. The amount of money that you pour into website creation and marketing your products can add up very quickly.

   In order to find your target market, you will need to do some research to see who is interested (age group, profession-based, utility vs. novelty, etc) and how much people are willing to pay for your items. Your sales will need to cover your costs to produce, marketing costs, storage costs, and salary if you are considering making this your new full-time gig.

   SCORE offers free mentoring in your chosen area of business. A volunteer is matched with you based on what kind of products you plan on selling. They are experienced and flexible and if they are not a fit, then you don't lose any money seeking professional advice.

   It would be fun to learn through watching which deals get investors on the show "Shark Tank." You'll get to see several different pitches on products and services and get used to some basic business jargon. It is also interesting to hear the business investors discuss their thoughts and reasons why they either choose to invest or pass on a product or service.

   Turn this next step into something exciting and fun! Find engaging ways to research, you don't have to keep your nose in a text book to learn some of these business lessons. It really helps to find a mentor and do some research on your own. Find some reputable business blogs to help you get into the right mindset as you take on this new step. Don't forget your skills that you developed as a teacher. Many of those skills are transferable into the business world.

   Best of luck! Have fun!

6. AshleyConnellJuly 20,2022 at 1:58AM UTC

   Big fan of SCORE. They helped me as well/

7. Milou de HaanJuly 28,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

   Where can i find more information about Score? What is the website?

8. Joanne RosenJuly 8,2022 at 8:29PM UTC

   Have you considered starting a social enterprise instead of donating items? For example, working with mentally challenged, people with physical impairments, or even a literacy thing. The idea is to teach skills while creating a product that sells to fund the organization. You can draw a salary etc. Toms Shoes is another type of social enterprise where they simply give shoes. But, as a teacher, I think you would love being able to share your skills, see the joy on people's faces, and create a better community.

   Cheers

   Joanne

9. Marina PyzhovaNovember 3,2022 at 3:13PM UTC

   What do you think about to get advice from someone who is experienced in Etsy or in craft? Maybe some kind of mentor in this field?