Finding an article I wrote on my blog back in 2009 about the recession, when I was trying to find a job and get started on my journey into entrepreneurship, was wild to read. So much of what happened in the late 2000s during that recession can be applied to right now.
Obviously, this pandemic and shelter-in-place order are very different. There are so many lives at risk, and not just the possibility of us losing our houses—but one thing has never been clearer: social media can help your business through a recession. My 28-year-old self’s advice:
“If you want to stay relevant and keep your brand in mind when consumers do get their purchasing confidence back, then you need to keep on reminding them that you are still here.”
The article I shared at the end of that article, from social media blogger Chris Brogan, was called 25 Ways Social Media Prepares You for the Downturn. One line from this decade-old article inspired me to start the Esty shop that my husband and I have been saying we wanted to start for YEARS!
The line reads, “If you’ve got to find new ways to make loot, don’t fret. Just put some effort into finding which money-making opportunity might pay off the best for you.” And considering that I lost three gigs this past week, I figure now is the time to do something new.
My new shop: selling snarky sayings on Etsy
I would like to introduce you to the On Brand Store at etsy.com/shop/OnBrandStore. Jeff and I came up with the name because it’s something we always talk about regarding our “brands,” with his brand being his day job managing at Cisco, and my brand being a social media marketer, food lover, and wine geek online. I wrote more about finding your brand passions for social media on my blog a few years ago.
We took some of our favorite social media, marketing, leadership, work from home, etc. sayings and created a series of mugs, stickers (for laptops, of course), shirts, and artwork that would be the perfect inspiration for your home office. We also have an Instagram account @OnBrandStore. Because… duh.
In addition to creating the typography sayings for the stickers, shirts, and mugs, it has been REALLY fun coming up with SEO descriptions for the shop’s Etsy listings. A few keywords mixed in with some snark. I mean, this is what I LIVE for! Fun branding and smart marketing. It’s pretty “on brand” for myself (see what I did there?!?!).
So here are a few of the new Etsy shop products we are most excited about:
It’s Always Cocktail Hour in a Crisis - Ina Garten. So far we have sold 5 of these funny coffee mugs. I like to think it is because we sell it as a great gift for People Who Drink Wine in Coffee Cups (hint hint, get this and a bottle of wine for Mother’s Day). If you haven’t seen the Food Network Chef’s viral video, definitely check it out!
Shop on Etsy.
Find your unique value and outsource everything else. This is my daily motto! You shouldn’t waste time on the stuff you aren’t good at. There are people who do it better. Find which tasks only YOU can do (i.e., your unique value), and find someone else to do the other stuff. This inspirational mug is for you or for someone who just hit a career milestone. It’s perfect for anybody looking for daily inspiration through a cup of coffee.
A face mask - It's Always Cocktail Hour During a Crisis Neck Gaiter - for Men & Women + Kids Masks. These face masks on Etsy are really useful and not as binding as the ones with hooks around the ears. My personal fave saying is this one! Buy on Etsy.
Social media—it’s like Vegas, only your parents can see what you did. You know it's true. And the quicker people realize that their 2007 spring break images could make or break their career in 2020, the better we all will be. What happens on social media stays on Google forever. Shop this mug on Etsy.
Important advice for any laptop owner: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself. Let your coworkers know you’re hip to ‘90s rap music and that you understand that keeping a check on your emotions at work can lead to a happier work environment for all. Shop funny stickers on Etsy.
I wouldn’t have started this Etsy shop if it weren’t for this pandemic.
If I still had time and Rye was in school, I may have never put my mind to creating this On Brand Etsy shop. And like I said before, right now is THE time to do something new to make money. Whether it’s a side gig, your full-time job, or part-time, finding something at which you can make extra money (just Google “how to make extra money” and a TON of great info will come up) is a good thing in an unknown time.
I have no idea how this new venture will turn out, but I am excited to get started and create something that is very “on brand” for me—fun sayings about marketing and work…on stuff.
