Monday, February 21, 2011

A Small Preview of my day - Gussy Sews





Hi there, this is Gussy of Gussy Sews. During the day I sew ruffles, blog, play with our puppy {shhhh}, and network with my handmade pals. At night I love to watch TV, sip on a Diet Coke, and relax with my hubby :) Life has gotten super crazy in the last year, so anything that lets me quiet my mind before bedtime is wonderful.

I love my job so incredibly much, and because of that it's really easy for me to just work, work, work. A normal work day is about 11 hours long, but lately it's been longer! Eeeek. Since I work from home as an indie biz owner, I want to share a bit about my day // a few tips on how I stay organized + on-task.

Here's how I roll:
1. Before going to bed, plan out what I need to accomplish the following day. I like to look at my schedule to see where I need to be, who is coming over to work, review any upcoming deadlines, to name a few. I also try and schedule in some down time every day -- which includes walking Bauer, or sitting on the couch with a fresh cup of coffee + hazelnut creamer {woot!}.

2. I keep my Gussy folder up-to-date. I have 3 sections inside my folder: goals, to-do, and blog post topics. This folder is my saving grace and I use it daily.

3. Take a step back & put myself in your customers shoes. I think it's really important to do this, not only with my shop but with my blog as well. I polled my blog readers a few months ago and was a little surprised at the response I got, but nonetheless it was sooo informative. It's like sneaking into the minds of your community. Except it's not really sneaking ;)

4. When the work piles up, hire more help. It took me a while to be able to let go of some projects, but hiring a couple assistants has been such an incredible journey. It's taught me a lot, and working as a team is so productive {surprise, surprise}. Make a list of exactly what you're looking for, and you'll find it :) Promise.

5. Some times *everything* on my to-do list is important. So how do I decide what to do first? I break each task down into equal time allotments and just get to work! Some things can be done in the evening, like email, because it's not as time sensitive as packaging orders so it gets picked up with today's mail. See if there's room to be flexible {there most likely is}, move forward with confidence that you'll get it all done.

6. Don't underestimate the power of quiet time. I love to take about 20 minutes at night and sip a cup of tea and think about... nothing. Probably more often I use this aromatherapy lotion, but on the nights where I get tea and pretty lotion, I fall asleep fast. I think it's really important to take care of your mind & body, especially because the online world is uber fast-paced. However you relax, I encourage you to find time.



Thank you, Chelsea, for letting me share a little about my day!
xoxo

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Gussy

www.gussysews.com | www.shopgussy.com
twitter: @gussysews

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate hearing advice about staying on task and organized. I need all the help I can get. Thanks!

Tara said...

Great post! I'm starting up my own online business and to read how she goes about her day is so valuable to hear!

Catherine Jayne said...

Great article! I'm going to start my own JustJaynes folder. I love that!

Katy said...

great tips! thank you for sharing this post!

I Sew Lucky said...

Gussy is really a great person:) Met her last Sept. at TCC and she has become someone I turn to a lot to ask business questions. Love her shop and her blog is in my top 3!!! Great post!

ExtraordinaryMommy said...

Simply seeing your face makes me smile - thank you for this - as I struggle to get back 'on track' this is just what I needed :)

Laryssa Herbert said...

Really enjoyed reading your biz tips. I seem to go between working too much or not enough!

Mindy said...

Aw what great advice Gussy :) We can all adjust it to our lives in some way I think!