My Top 3 Reasons to Attend Craftcation in 2014

I was lucky enough to attend Craftcation this past weekend in sunny Ventura, CA. **Huge shout out to the hubster for taking over my job for 4 days while I attended. Not only were all three kids still alive and healthy, but he even did laundry and kept the house clean-ish. So kudos to him. Did I mention he now has a cold and feels deathly ill…**

So what is Craftcation exactly? Here’s what their twitter profile succinctly states:

“Craftcation is an indie business & DIY workshop conference. This three-day event is a retreat to inspire, network and build upon the independent craft business.”

Craftcation is Awesome…but let me tell you my top 3 reasons to attend:

1)      Connections, networking, awesome people. Everyone at this conference has something to share, something to give—even you. I think I finally get why people go to Star Trek Conventions…because it’s a weekend spent around “your” people. If you dig crafts and dig indy biz…then these are your people…let the crazy out.

The organizers told us to bring a lot of business cards…they were right. You hand them out like crazy. You also get them like crazy. I met so many wonderful, crafty people. And I get to continue these friendships online after the party ends. Plus you might just meet someone in your own neighborhood that you didn’t know existed before.

2)      Genuine, Real advice from Genuine Real experts. I am an introverted person by nature, so confrontation and asking for advice—basically talking to people—can be daunting. I can do it. It just takes a lot of pep talking and deep breaths. However, this conference has such an open, supportive environment that it feels safe to talk to these experts. It feels safe to start-up conversations because everyone is so open, genuine and supportive. Also, the advice gets personal—specific to you—not just canned answers you could read in a book.

3)      Open for all. It doesn’t matter where you are in your business. You may not even have a business (I’ll go ahead and raise my hand here). But if you have a dream of a business, there are people to help you, encourage you, and generally kick your butt in gear (I’m looking at you Tiffany Han). **In all seriousness, Tiffany Han rocked my socks…if you need a supportive kick in the pants to get going, she’s your life coach.**

If you are even remotely interested in this wonderful event, click over to their website and check it out. And if you are still questioning if this is for you, here are some questions they suggest to help you figure it out:

have you ever thought to yourself…

• i have a great idea for a business but i don’t know how to start.
• i want to turn my passion into my full-time job
• i have a successful business and i’m ready to take it to the next level but i’m not sure how
• i want to connect with people in my field but i don’t have the time or opportunity to make it happen
• i’d love to learn something new and better myself/my business at the same time
• i want new ideas to make my business more successful and inspire me

if you want to start, maintain or grown your indie business or take a break from your routine and learn something new while networking with fellow crafters…then craftcation is for you!

I sincerely hope I see you there next year!

Cheers,

Liz