Business Review – July 2019

It’s been half a year already since I wrote about my 2019 Goals blog for the business in January 2019.

I thought it would be a useful task, both for myself and others who are following my journey, to review how far I have come so far, with The Lady Saddler since January.

The goals I set myself were relatively simple ones and nothing too demanding to achieve, because after all I am still training, so I didn’t want to overdo it.

INCREASE SOCIAL MEDIA

Earlier this year, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t get overwhelmed with social media. Last year, was awful. I kept having like mini panic attacks because I hadn’t posted out onto the business page that day which all the social media training courses tell you, you MUST do.

After what felt like a stressful year, last year, I chose to concentrate on just my Facebook business page this year because that is mainly where I hang out if I’m socialising online personally.

The platform is easy for me to navigate through and I understand it much better than any of the other social platforms.

I’ve not managed to post religiously – every day, every month, this year but that is fine. I realise there is no rule saying I ‘HAVE’ to, but it is best for the page to be updated every day so as many people as possible see it.

Since January I have increased my Facebook page likes by 83%, that’s not bad to say I haven’t been very regimented with it. Let’s see what the next 6 months show.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day!”

This could be better, I know that. I believe in taking my time building this business and not rush it, after all, I have a young family to still look after and watch grow and lets face it, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

BUILD ON THE BRAND

Towards the end of last year, I changed my logo to incorporate the British flag. I am very proud to be producing handmade saddlery and leatherwork using mostly British materials whenever possible and so I wanted to show this in my brand every day.

This change has been the best decision so far. It really sets me apart and I pretty much wear the brand colours every day in some form or another.

All advertising and marketing literature has been updated to reflect the new logo and branding colour change also.

I have also introduced a more organic, recyclable, and reusable packaging for my small leather gifts which I hope to be able to branch out into bigger items in the near future.

LAUNCH A BAG COLLECTION

This hasn’t exactly happened yet, but I am still very much intending on doing this launch, sooner rather than later, so don’t write this goal off just yet.

Mind you, I did make a wonderful barrel style bag for the National Saddlery Competition earlier this year. It will be available to buy from my online shop very soon.

COMPLETE LEVEL 3 SADDLE EXAM

In May, I undertook my final week of training for my Level 3 Saddle Making course that on the Friday, I then sat the written and practical exam for.

I passed, making me a fully qualified saddler, but I have to wait for my official certificate before I can advertise this fact.

NATIONAL SADDLERY COMPETITION

If you read my blog about this competition, you will have seen that I entered into four classes:

• the Level 2 Trainee Saddle class,
• the Open class,
• the Inhand Bridle class, and
• the President’s Choice class

I didn’t win, nor take home a special award but by entering the competition, I was eligible to attend the rewards ceremony and obtain feedback on my trainee pieces.

This actually turned out to be really useful and constructive feedback, advising me of what not to do, and what to do better.

The evening itself is a wonderful experience and I’m so glad to have been a part of the entries. I will definitely enter the competition again this forthcoming February.

PRODUCE A BRIDLE RANGE

I’ve not really produced my own bridle range…yet!

However, I have been making some made-to-measure bridles for some very special customers.

If you want to buy once, buy British handmade!

Recently I launched a local bridle service that covers: Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and The Black Country.

I have been making in-hand, western style and snaffle bridles which has been really exciting. I just love being creative.

Hopefully, I will be able to produce a range of standard and anatomical bridles and/or bridle pieces, this year, but like everything else I make British quality and durability should not be rushed and therefore everything gets it’s time to shine but it will not be within everyone’s timeframe or budget.

MAKING A PROFIT

Yeah!…like this isn’t what every business owner wants to achieve year in year out, and I’m no different.

Thing is, I have so much more training I want to undertake and tools to obtain that my profit is all being reinvested back into the business.

One day, I will be able to sit back and be proud of building such an outstanding British business.

So, there you have my first six month review of the goals I wrote at the start of the year.

It’s been a really useful task to do because who knew I have done so much in so little time.

Here is to the next six months…