Let’s talk about your customers asking for free patterns...

Let’s talk about your customers asking for free patterns... 

So, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I know many designers, particularly you newbies, you’re struggling with pricing your designs. Drop an emoji in the comments if this resonates with you.

This is not a judgment, just a statement.

So, you’re saying that your customers want free patterns or they don’t pay your price.

I have 2 quick points to make on this, and I mean this with love even if it hurts.

🔆Here’s the thing:

✅If they want free patterns, they are not customers. Customers buy! It’s not about being mean, you can build free patterns into your business model, but if you want to be in business if you want to stay in business, you need to be profitable and that comes from selling. Period.
✅If they don’t pay what you change, they don’t understand the value or think the value of the pattern is worth it. 

I know that was some tough love, but sis, we’re not here to play. Your head is probably spinning from those 💎and you have lots of questions, like:

1) how do I turn those freebie seekers into paying customers
2) how to share the value of the pattern to get the price you want
3) and a million others.

These are great questions and just a few of the topics we’ll cover in the Pattern Partnership.

How the Pattern Partnership will work is...

🔆Each month we’ll cover a topic (like this one), digging into it with examples that are actually applicable to YOUR business and not just some generic and unrelated talking points.
🔆There will be live Q+A sessions that you can jump on and get into the nitty-gritty of YOUR business.
🔆There will be a private FB group that you can chat, connect, and collaborate with like-minded designers.
🔆In addition, there’s the roadmap that goes from Design➡️Launch➡️Grow.

Phew, I’ve said a lot here and that’s because I’m super pumped about this program. If you’re excited, get on the list.

❗️Registration is going to go pretty quick. Signups will be open for about a week, so if this is something you're interested in, keep watch for when the door opens and if you have questions, ask.

❗️If you miss it the October registration, no worries, we’ll open the doors again in November, but note that when we open up registration again, the monthly investment will be near double. So, getting in during the October registration will be your best option for locking in the Founders monthly recurring price of $27/month

Click here to join the waitlist NOW!!! 

Yarn choice: because it's your business

 Pre-P.S. Don't forget the price for the 32 Market Street Tee is going up. Get it before October 15 for the best price. Know a knitter that would love this design, forward this post to them.

  
So, we’ve talked about what’s in a name, right? A name can be the foreshadowing of what to expect. And that’s what 32 Market Street Tee is all about. From these humble beginnings was borne a great leader.

Now, let’s talk bout the choices we make to get us to the end goal we want. We know that Garvey sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide. Despite your feelings on Garvey’s view and how he went about his activism - Universal Negro Improvement Association, a fraternal organization of black nationalists, a group that advocated for “separate but equal” status for persons of African ancestry, and sought to establish independent black states around the world on the west coast of Africa, despite whether you agree or not, given how Black people were and are treated, you can understand why he wanted to protect his people.

And it’s that mindset that I approach all my designs, right? We can agree to disagree while acknowledging the underlying reasoning.



As such, when I recommend KnitCircus Yarn Greatest of Ease (fingering weight) for this design. Sure, you may not want to use this yarn for whatever reason. You might have a different color in mind that works better for your skin tone. And that’s okay. You might decide, heck, I don’t want to use fingering weight, and again, that’s your choice. In the voice of Tabitha Brown, that’ your business.

But we can all agree to appreciate the underlying reasoning for the choices made for the sample and not make it mean anything - good or bad - if you choose something else. So, if you want to use Knit Picks Hawthorne or a more budget-friendly brand, go for it.

You have the ability to choose what works for YOU! You have the power to change who you become and what you want for the world.

You got this!

xo
Tian

What’s in a name? Why 32 Market Street?

 What’s in a name? Why the name 32 Market Street for this tee?

Pre P.S. If you’ve had your eye on the 32 Market Street Tee and haven’t pre-ordered yet, get it by noon ET today, Thursday, before the price goes up. The pattern will be available October 15th.   Now, on to talking about the tee. So, like I mentioned last week, the name of the tee is paying homage to my heritage and social justice and to not being able to travel. When I started this design, the pandemic hadn’t hit yet. I had grand plans for the summer which this tee was going to be center stage. But with traveling not an option and to support all the social justice work happening around Black Lives Matter (let me be clear here that Black Lives Matter… my life, the lives of my son and my brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., the lives of these and all Black people matter at the bare minimum, so if you don’t believe that Black Lives Matter, this is definitely not the space for you). Anyways, with everything happening around race, and the need to dismantle the patriachy and white supremacy, I wanted to create a piece that could shine a light on important social issues. A piece that could encapsula what I'm feeling and what many are feeling.   With that being said, a few of you guessed correctly that the pattern name’s reference to 32 Market Street. If you guessed that it’s the birthplace of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero, you are correct. What I love about Garvey’s story is his humble beginnings and his desire to serve his people and fight for justice. And with the 32 Market Street Tee, that’s the type of feeling I wanted to bring to the design. Its simple construction is reminiscent of Garvey’s humble beginnings. The bold statement the lace pattern on the front illustrates how from simple beginnings you can make a big impact. And quite frankly, you have to have to have some confidence to wear this tee and it leaves little hidden if you choose (wink, wink). So, while you might be thinking “what can I do as just one person” in this environment, start with believing you CAN achieve a lot.   "If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life." ~ Marcus Garvey   I’ll be sharing more about the construction and yarn choices next week. So stay tuned for that. In the meanwhile, hit reply to this email and let me know if you have a yarn in mind for your 32 Market Street Tee. Also, I'm working on a worsted weight version. Would that be interesting to you? Should I add information to the pattern about changing yarn weight? How about adding sleeves? Oooh, so many options. Talk me off the ledge. I want to add so much to the pattern, so, let me know what you want to see. Until next time,  Stitch on P.S. A NOTE ON PRICING: If you want the 32 Market Street Tee pattern, get it today. The price will go up by $0.50 every week on Thursday until it hit its regular price of $10 on October 15th. i.e. the price will be:  $8.50 on Sept 24th $9.00 on Oct 1st $9.50 on Oct 8th $10 on Oct 15th (pattern release date) You got this! xo Tian TianConnaughton.com || Facebook || Instagram || Podcast

COMING SOON: 32 Market Street Tee

You asked... it’s here.

Let me introduce you to the 32 Market Street Tee, coming October 15th. The design is up on @hi.ravelry as a pre-order, which mean you can get the purchase the design at a super great price and when the pattern is available on Oct 15th, you’ll get in straight to your library.

POP QUIZ: Do you know what inspired the name? Well, 2020 has been a super weird - we all can agree. And with traveling not an option right now, I wanted to create a piece to pay homage to my heritage and activism and to take you on a little trip, virtually, with me.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about 32 Market Street - the place and the tee. Stick around and join my email list for some behind-the-scenes. I think you’ll find it interesting too.

ALSO, if you know the reference to 32 Market Street, who/what/where/why) and you want to take a guess, leave a comment below

I’m curious to hear what you think. Let’s have a bit of fun.

BONUS: To my email subscribers, I will be giving you something a bit more special. Be sure you’re on the list by 12pm noon ET tomorrow, September 19th, when an email will go out to subscribers with a special coupon code that will be good for only 5 days. So, be sure to join the list today!

To join the list, go to bit.ly/TheWeeklyYarn

To get the pattern, go to https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/32-market-street

A NOTE ON PRICING: If you want the 32 Market Street Tee pattern, get it today.

The price will go up $0.50 every week on Thursday until it hit its regular price of $10 on October 15th.

i.e. the price will be:

$8.50 on Sept 24th

$9.00 on Oct 1st

$9.50 on Oct 8th

$10 on Oct 15th (pattern release date)

Pattern Launch Plan and Bonus GIVEAWAY

Rate & Review REAL TALK WITH TIAN podcast

Want to win a copy of my popular marketing and promotion book for knit and crochet designers?

Well, you are in luck. Thank you to the generous donation of an IG follower, I have 2 copies of Pattern Launch Plan (ebook) to give away one copy to two lucky designers who are ready to learn the strategies to sell consistency without being sleazy.  Plus a BONUS (read to the end).

All you have to do is leave a rating and review on Real Talk with Tian podcast on Apple Podcast and share it!

1) WRITE A REVIEW

Head over to Apple Podcast and write a review of Real Talk With Tian.

2) RATE THE SHOW

Give the show a rating by selecting the number stars (a 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated).

3) TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF YOUR REVIEW

Take a pic of your rating and review (it takes about 24-hrs for the review to appear on the podcast page, so be sure to take a pic before you submit OR check back later).

4) SHARE A PHOTO OF YOUR REVIEW

Share the pic of your rating and review with hashtag #RTWTLove in on Instagram

5) SHARE WITH A FRIEND

Share this page with your friends because sharing is caring.

We'll be selecting BOTH winners for Pattern Launch Plan (ebook) AND one BONUS winner on September 20th.

BONUS: I will be selecting ONE WINNER for a one-on-one, 30-minute strategy coaching session with me. This BONUS is open to only Real Talk with Tian private FB group members. To qualify for this prize, you must be a member of the FB group. Not yet a member, click here to join (you must complete the challenge questions to gain access). 

So, 1) write a review of the podcast, 2) rate the show, 3) take a screenshot of your review, 4) share the photo in the group (see dedicated post), and 4) share with your friends. We draw in the group on September 20th.

P.S. If you've previously left a review, I got you. Take a screenshot and post it on Instagram with hashtag #RTWTLove and in the Real Talk with Tian private FB group.

You don't have to struggle.

Are you waiting for permission?

What are you putting off doing because you don't think you're not good enough or you're waiting for the right time?



This is a struggle, right? Getting out of your own head and figuring out the right thing to do. You don't want to make a mistake and look foolish. You don't want to head in what might be the wrong direction. You don't want your spouse to say "I told you so" or that "you're wasting time and money" when you could be taking care of him and the kids.

Look, women are here for more than being a baby factory and for taking care of the men in our lives. We are whole humans with needs and desires and aspirations. I know we're raised to be caretakers of everyone BESIDES ourselves. Society tells us that if we deviate from what is expected and pursue something we want or even have a desire for more than what is the bare minimum, then we are bad people, we are bad wives, we're bad mothers. We need to bust that myth. You can start a business and still be a good mother. You can out-earn your husband and still be a good wife. You can hire help for your elderly parents and still be a good daughter and caregiver. You can take a break and focus on you and still be a good person.

So, what do you want? What is that thing you've been putting off that you THINK you need permission?

If you are scared to take that first step, don't be ashamed. You are not alone. As a business strategist and mentor, I work with women just like you every day with the mindset shifting work that is necessary to start believing what is possible, because if you don't believe you're worthy, nothing is possible. I also do the strategist work with women to put into place the tangible action steps in place to turn their expensive hobbies and ideas into profitable businesses.

So, if this is you. If you are ready to see what is possible, reach out and book a FREE 15-min call to brainstorm and get some clarity on what is possible for you to achieve the lifestyle that you want >>>> 15 Minute Meeting - Tian Connaughton

Remember, you don't need permission from anyone to pursue your dreams and go after what you want. You just need to be brave and open to possibilities. You got this!

xo
Tian

Books for growing your business

What are you focused on in your business?

When it comes to growing your business, it's important to constantly be learning. Things are always changing. PLUS, getting different and varied perspectives builds a knowledge base that is equally diverse in thinking.

I follow a lot of amazing business owners. Some I've had the pleasure of working with directly and some through their courses. Some are not easy to get access to, so the next best thing is their books.

So, I'm sharing a few of my faves (plus my own). These business owners have some pretty amazing views and strategies I think you can implement in your business, from mindset to tactics.

*This post may include affiliate links*

Here are a few of my current faves:

1) We Should All Be Millionaires: Change Your Thinking, Build Bank, and Claim Your Independence by Rachel Rodgers (coming soon, pre-order available) 

2) Mindset by Carol Dweck 

3) Launch by Jeff Walker

4) Pivot by Jenny Blake

5) Pattern Launch Plan: Sell more patterns consistently without being sleazy by Tian Connaughton 

These are all great books (the one by Rachel Rodgers I highly recommend because I'm in her program and she's a phenomenal woman and teacher and mentor) with so many lessons. Some you will not agree with. Some you will. You don't have to agree with everything, but know it's important to see how others who are successful think.

I hope you find these valuable! 

You got this!

xo,

Tian

Set the foundation

This month in the Society, my new membership community where I help our clients (women business owners) build the foundation of their businesses, we’re focusing on Building Your Brand. We are teaching our members how to use the simple framework to amplify their offer and their brand, by leading with the value. 

In the economical environment, we’re in right now, it’s ever-important for women, particularly Black women and women and color, to be able to generate income outside of the “stable” 9-5 because we know those jobs are not secure. They can evaporate in a blink of an eye. We need to be able to generate revenue from a diversified stream of income.

When I learned how to lead with the value of my offer with authenticity and love and thoughtfulness, that when it all changed.

It meant that I had to pull back on the bro-y tactics I was studying. It means to tap into my body and really lead with what felt right for me. And that’s when it all started to click into place. For a long time, I was just going through the motions. I believed the old Fields of Dreams saying that “if I built it, they would come” meaning that my work would and should speak for itself without any intervention on my part.

And I used that tactic because I was afraid to be visible. I was happy to stand in the shadows with a hope and a prayer that things would just magically happen. And, surprise! It didn’t happen. People weren’t knocking down the doors to get my offer, so I made more. Surely, the forums were right that I just need to keep posting new products every hour on the hour, regardless if anything sold, right? And when THAT didn’t work, I felt like the biggest loser, not knowing it wasn’t the product. Instead, it was me not sharing the value of what I have to offer to the right people. It was me hiding in the shadows and not sharing how the thing I offer could transform their lives.

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve learned a lot and have shared a lot in books and courses because I know how important it is to be able to generate an income doing the work I love. I’ve been able to generate income that put food on the table, a roof over our heads, savings in the bank, a retirement plan, and more.

Setting those foundations in place to sell what you offer with confidence so you can generate consistent and predictable income is what matters. When you work with me, I teach you how to go fish for those sales, how to make the offer, so you can make big money moves.  

Get on the email list to be notified when the membership opens up again. Spots are limited. Click here to join the list.

Can't wait until the next membership cycle opens or you need one-on-one support, click here to book a coaching spot. 

You got this!

are you still interested in making more income?

Hey there!

I just wanted to send a super quick reminder that the price on the masterclass, Building Block Method to Multiple Streams of Income, the price doubles tomorrow, 12PM noon ET, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Get it before noon ET Tuesday.

So, here's the thing. If you’re a designer and
• you’re struggling to make ends meet
• you’re struggling to balance working and running a business and family
• you want to get off the “constantly releasing new pattern” hamster wheel and make real income
• you want to buy back more of your time so you can actually spend time with your family and make more money...
👉🏾this super powerful masterclass is for you and one to not miss if you're committed to growing your business without the crazy and unstainable hustle.

In just ONE HOUR, that's how long the masterclass run, you'll get the information, support, and strategy to start making more money with your designs. Learn the multitude of ways you can spin one pattern to make more money so you don’t have to keep publishing new patterns so knitters and crocheters notice and buy you.

Look, I was there. I was knitting and crocheting sample pieces for publications like mad, barely making minimum wage when all was said and done. That all changed when I learned the strategy I teach you here, I was able to grow my revenue and publish lush patterns. Now I stitch more for fun than necessity. Now I make upwards of 5 figures in revenue each month. I’m off that wicked publishing schedule to now putting out work that really inspires. Now I want to show you how I got there because if I can do it, so can you!

If you want to learn the strategy of creating multiple streams of income and how to implement the strategies in your own design business, grab the masterclass today before the price doubles (noon ET Tuesday).

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MASTERCLASS TODAY

Follow the tactics and you’ll make back your investment within 30-day. When you do the work, you can’t lose! Don’t delay making the kind of money in your design business that could change everything. You got this!

If you’re on the fence about this masterclass, if you are not sure if this will help you, hit reply to this email and ask your questions because now is your time to take action and get to that next level. Don't wait. Take action.
 

xo
Tian

Click here to join the masterclass today... price double from $47 to $97 on 24hrs. Don't miss out.

This rocked my self-confidence for no fault of my own

Their decision or lack of thoughtfulness made me feel shame about my body.

So, I remember the very first garment I wanted to knit… and it was for myself, and I was excited about this adventure. Knitting this very first sweater was going to be so epic.

I remember this sweater so clearly. It was from an early Interweave Knits magazine. It was a top-down raglan cardigan without buttons or a button bands, with short sleeves, so perfect, right? I’d hype myself up for this. I’d read through the instructions like 10 times. I’d picked out the yarn I thought was perfect, and at the time, it was perfect. It was what I could afford for the quantity that if I messed up, it wouldn’t be too bad. I wouldn’t feel too bad. And that’s real! Anyways, I remember it was going to be a long holiday weekend coming up, so I psyched myself up because this was going to be good.

But, in all that studying I was doing of the pattern, I never paid attention to the sizes offered. I was so hung up on whether I could do it, whether I could actually knit this pattern, I never thought to see if I would be able to make it in my size. And that’s where the rubber really hit the road for this pattern. I had the pattern and yarn. I was a good knitter. I made a swatch, but I couldn’t find a size that fit me; my body.

This was disheartening because back then, I was smaller than I am today, but gurl, I had more body issues then and, this did not help. This lack of available sizes broke me and my self-confidence.

I felt awful like all this was my fault for being fat.

Like I wasn’t already beating myself up enough for being too fat to fit “standard” sizes. I didn’t know how to modify patterns to make them fit my massively ugly body (that’s how I felt, like a monster when patterns only go up to a 40” or 46” bust) or how to adjust my gauge. All I really knew was how to follow the instructions. I knew how to follow the experts, the designers, because they knew about sizing, even though they didn’t really cater to me and others like me.  

That experience left a sour taste in my mouth for knitting and crocheting garments. I was sad for a very long time. It was a very long time before I even thought to try to knit a sweater again. 

Eventually, I did knit a sweater after figuring out how to modify patterns, particularly for size. I was able to do this after studying a lot of patterns and through lots of trial and error, using hats and small accessories to figure out how to adjust patterns, any pattern, to get the fit I want. This was a powerful moment in my knitting and designing life. Figuring this out is what brought me back, or rather, expanded my love of knitting and crocheting.

Being able to bend the yarn to my will… Being able to see that the problem (back then) wasn’t my body, because it wasn’t and still isn’t. But that the pattern was the problem for not including a wide-enough range of sizes to accommodate even the average woman size, that was a powerful turning point.

Why am I sharing this personal and rather embarrassing story of being too fat for a pattern I wanted to make? Well, the truth is that I’m sharing this story because the problem wasn’t me. The problem still isn’t me, or you. The problem is with the pattern.

And that’s why I created the online course, Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study), because I know you’ve experienced this too. You’ve been exactly where I was, wanting to make a fun pattern I saw but couldn’t because my size wasn’t included. I created this course because I know there are designers out there that care about creating size-inclusive patterns but don’t have the tools to make that happen.

Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or designer, Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) was created because I want you to understand grading and sizing. I want you, as the knitter and crocheter to find a pattern, any pattern, regardless of the sizes available and for you to be able to make it if you want. Even if your size is given, I want you to have the tools to be able to make it fit your body perfectly.

And if you’re a designer, I don’t want you to not be able to offer inclusive sizing. I want you to have the confidence to serve the community of all shape and size.  

I get it, grading can be intimidating. But I’ve made it super simple with the easy to follow the framework. So, regardless of whether you’re following a pattern or creating from scratch, you have everything you need to make it fit. My goal is for you to never feel ashamed of your body, the body that’s supporting you even though some might deem it as not ideal. You are perfect just the way you are, and your knitting and crocheting should fit perfectly.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE Pattern Grading Made Easy (self-study) and use coupon code joinnow10 for 10% OFF today

Real Talk with Tian SEASON 2 is here

Season 2 is here🥳🎉

I am so excited to share that the Real Talk with Tian podcast is back with a fresh season where we’re dishing the dirt on running a creative business. 

Head over to the official new home of the podcast @tianconnaughton for more information.

Find the Real Talk With Tian podcast

     Apple Podcast
     Spotify

     YouTube

     Libsyn

     TIANCONNAUGHTON.COM

Are you struggling to figure out your next step?

Happy Wednesday. How is your week going? I hope you’re having a productive and FUN week. 

It’s almost 9am here on the east coast and as I’m sitting down to a cup of tea before heading into my office to start the day, I’m looking around at my kitchen and thinking how blessed I am. Now, my kitchen is nothing fancy, but what I’m thinking about is the FREEDOM I have in my day. 

I set my own schedule and I don’t leave the house if I don’t want to, except to pick up grocery and our laundry service because neither pickup/deliver (aww, living in the sticks). Thanks to podcasters like @bizchixpodcast and @rachrodgersesq who empower women to outsource household chores to make room for life and family. 2020 I finally listened and now I have more time for other more worthwhile things than separating the whites! 

Anyways, I say all that to say, 10 years ago, I didn’t, nay, I couldn’t imagine this life where I work on amazing projects and get to meet wonderful people like you all, while having the freedom to make dinner every night, be home when the teen gets home (that’s a biggie), and all the other family stuff we do. 

So, if you’re struggling. You’re just banging your head on the wall (or the desk in your cubicle, or crying in the bathroom at work again - no judgment, gurl, I have been there!) because nothing is working, you’re stuck and can’t find a way out, there is a better way. 

First, know you’re not alone. 

Second, dry your eyes, leave the bathroom (wash your hands first). 

Then get to work... on you! 

PHASE 1: Start with a brain dump of what an ideal day would look like if you were doing the work you were called to do. Nothing is too small. Nothing is too silly. Just open up and really imagine your perfect day. 

Write it all down. It won’t be pretty, just get it out of your head. 

Got it? Good! Now, let’s get to work. Let’s make it happen! 

PHASE 2: Take that very next step. Is it a coach/mentor, taking a course, creating more content? Maybe you know or don’t know the next step. That is your homework, to figure out your next step. What you’ve done before hasn’t worked. So do something different. Ask for help.

Share your homework below in the comments.