Sunday 21 March 2010

Etsy Ireland Team Meeting

Yesterday the team all met up in Dublin in the fab venue the 'The No Name Bar' on Fade St. There was an excellent turnout, with 13 team members turning up. After ordering some truly scrummy cake we got down to business. First on the list was an over-view of what been going on since the new year.

Alex informed us that we are up to 140 team members, which is a very exciting jump as I think our last count put us at around 100. I think the word is spreading at last and lots of crafters around the country are starting up new shops. So welcome newbies, don't forget to spread the word!

We also talked of the success of the treasure hunt. Members noted lots of extra views and hearts in their shops, and we are definitely getting more daily readers here on the blog, with lots of new followers. It hasn't immediately led to a flood of sales, but it has really brought forward awareness about the team. I know in all then entries that I've been receiving people talked about all the new beautiful shops that they've found. So thanks everyone for all their hard work!

The idea of getting an Etsy Ireland business card was talked about. Tanya suggested putting up a design on flickr that people could download and print themselves. I'll work on that design this week, leaving a space to add your own shop address. This idea means that we don't have to start messing around with paying for these as a group, and it's up to the individual team member if they want to print out the cards.

We talked again about doing a group project, where there is a set theme, and people make items around the idea of this theme. As we mentioned before, there will be no pressure to take part, but it's just a fun project to get the creative juices flowing. I want to get our first one started this week so if there are any suggestions for a theme leave them here in the comments. We came up with the title 'Creatively Challenged' for this on going project.

Lots of people were asking about our Fab 5 section and about treasuries on Etsy so I said I would do some how to's about them over the next week or so. So watch this space if you feel a little in the dark about them.

We also had a great 'show and tell', where people showed there items they had made. Typically I forgot to bring anything with me, but at least I remembered my business cards this time.

The blog was also discussed, I'm looking for lots of contributions at the moment. Whether you want to do an on going article, or a pick one of our set themes. I'd love to hear from you, just convo me at my shop for more info.

Twitter was also mentioned. We feel it would be of great benefit to the team to have an account, but myself and Alex are already really swamped with team duties, so if anyone else wanted to take on the responsibility we would be delighted to hear from you. The same folds true for a Facebook fan page...Any volunteers??

We talked about Etsy team grants but there will be a specific blog post about this during the week.

Bridget Farmer mentioned that she is looking for more contributions for the Eyes Open Ireland series that she is doing. I think this is a great look into our country and it would be fantastic if it continued, so if you are interested in contributing photos just send her a message. You don't have to have an Etsy shop to enter, one of our lovely readers showed their photos this month too.
Hopefully there will be photos posted soon of our merry lunch, I seem to remember a camera being whipped out at some point. Until then here is a list of links of everyone who attended (sorry if I missed anyone I'm working from memory) also the above is a screen grab of the attendees shop items.
Propeller
2boos
HeliDesigns
TanyaMac
ByAmor
BridgetFarmer
DBJewelleryDesigns
LauraCassidyDesigns
ArtySmarty
NiceDaySupplies
PatchworkDelights
PurlsofColour
LillabelleDesigns

16 comments:

  1. HUrragh!!! sounds like a great and very productive meeting!! apologies for not being there in person, daintree on Camden Street was my new best friend for the day!!! :)

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  2. Looks like you all got loads of business discussed - can't wait to see the pics. I love the business card idea, Great job ladies.

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  3. Thanks for the update! Sorry I didn't make it to the meet up in the end :(

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  4. Great meeting! Definately going to next one!

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  5. Great fun as always and we managed to get soo much done too!!! It was great to see so many bums on seats! ;D

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  6. Oh.... and thanks for sharing the chocolate pud Alex!! :)

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  7. I couldn't make it either. St. Patrick's parade was on in our town... great time and wonderful weather!
    I'll definitely join you next time. By the way, it would be great if we could receive a reminder email before the event. C

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  8. It was so great to meet everyone on Saturday and put a face to the beautiful work seen from etsy Ireland members. So many exciting things going on I'm so glad to be part of the team!!
    Thanks everyone xx

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  9. So sorry I couldnt make it will definitely be along to the next one!
    Wonderful ideas will volunteer to help in whatever way I can!

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  10. I was planning to be there, but I forgot and it seems like it was fun... I should definitely put a reminder somewhere...

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  11. Regarding a Twitter Account seeing that Etsy Ireland already have a Facebook Fan page you can link the two together and what messages or links etc is put on Facebook Fan page will show on Twitter so it isnt twice the work you only have to post it once. Hope that helps!

    Ann

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  12. Tanya, sharing the chocolate pud is the best way of indulging without the immense chocolate pud guilt afterwards!!! At least that's how I justify it.

    Lovely to see everyone and especially meet some new faces (and just put faces to the names).

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  13. Wow, sounds like many exciting things were discussed.
    I've been hoping for us to do a weekly challenge for a while now so I'm thrilled to hear that is in the works.

    That's a great idea also to link up a twitter acct. with the facebook acct. That is what I do and it does make things much easier.

    Glad to hear all you ladies had a swell time! Can't wait to see pics.

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  14. Lovely to see everyone - it was a great catch-up!

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  15. So sorry I missed the meet-up - again! Was busy baking like a crazy-lady for my daughter's second birthday party on Sunday.
    Glad it went well, and congrats on all the great work that's been done to date.

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  16. What a great meet-up! Not only did I get to know Bridget (bridgetfarmer) and her fabulous stitching skills on the train journey to Dublin, but was meeting all those amazing creative people from the Etsy Ireland team! It was lovely to look at other peoples' wonderful handmade pieces and discuss work together!

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