Happy New Year to you. I hope you had a good time over the holidays.

Over here in France where I live at the moment there’s a lot of concern about the economy and I know from speaking to friends and contacts around the world that those concerns are shared by pretty much everyone. I don’t know a lot of people who are looking forward to 2009.

But I am. Every new year gives me a new boost. A kick-start if you like.

I’m not ignorant of the challenges ahead and I’m not unaffected by the downturn. I am, however, lucky enough to run my own business so although the months ahead may be tougher than we’ve had for the last few years I will be rewarded by my own efforts.

I’ll get up earlier if I have to, and work longer, because the results are for me and my family, not to line someone else’s pockets.

I feel truly sorry for those people working in offices and factories who, however hard they work, often have their future decided by others. I used to be one of them. Now I have a degree of personal freedom and satisfaction that working for someone else can never give you.

It’s not a year to be taking chances though. If paying the bills means you have to work for someone else for the time being, so be it. I hope your efforts in your craft businesses in 2009 will help you break away from that necessity - but only when it’s safe for you to do so.

The beauty of the selling crafts on the internet is that there are opportunities for you to build up to a full-time income on part-time hours. Sure, it may mean you’ve got to do a bit extra - but if you put in the necessary effort you can build your craft business from small beginnings to the point where you decide whether to keep the day job or go crafts full-time.

I know it can be done - I did it - and there’s nothing special about me!

I’ve got a couple of things which may help. First is Complete Craft Book Publishing. Even if you’ve never thought about writing your own craft book it’s an area well worth looking into. To help people out a little the price has been slashed from $24.95 to just $17.95 and there’s a 100% “satisfaction or your money back” guarantee so what have you got to loose? Details here.

Second is the Fairs and Festivals guide. If you sell at craft shows in the US, or are thinking about it, there are details of over 33,000 events here. A huge and invaluable resource I haven’t found anywhere else. Full details here.

Finally, as you think about the goals for your craft business in 2009, ask yourself what you don’t yet know - and then ask me. Just drop me a line and I’ll see if I can help.

Maybe you have a particular stumbling block you’d like someone to take a look at. Maybe it’s something to do with the internet you can’t get to grips with. Just ask. I’ll be happy to help if I can. Just click this link to send me your questions.

Well that’s about it for now. Here’s to a great year. Good fortune and good health to you and yours for 2009.

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