Fight Club: Choosing the Team that is Right For You

Posted by Amber Jordan on 9/04/10   |   Categorized as Blog Feature,Etsy Tips,Learn

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fight club

Fight Club Poster | $18 | Claudiavarosio

Etsy Teams are one of the many benefits of being an Etsy Seller. However, each team has a unique dynamic and it pays to do some research and find the right fit for you. There can be statewide teams, metropolis teams, teams based around a specific niche or tiny local teams as well.

Start with the team list under Etsy Community here you can find lists with all the team profiles, information on how to join existing teams (or start a new one), guides on how to run a team and information on upcoming workshops.

I personally prefer teams that are professional, organized and focus on networking and helping  you hone your skills to improve your online business. A team that meets frequently generally has more momentum behind it and can help you stay focused on growing your business. On the flip side, I have run into some that focus on monthly product trades or color of the month product promotions etc.  Some teams meet simply to talk and craft together. You have to decide what is right for you. If you have time to invest in creating products specifically for team promos then go for it! If you love to trade, then do it. If you are more interested in the business side of things then search out a team that gives regular seminars and training. A local team is a great place to start if you want to step up your trade show appearances. You can get feedback on the hit and miss shows and even plan out regular craft events with your team. Communication is very important, look for teams that have up to date websites and send out updates frequently. Being able to easily communicate with other team members is a huge plus.

Joining in a leadership role within your team is also a great motivator. It may help you take that step of defining yourself as a business owner vs a hobbyist.  Peer pressure can be a good thing!  Good Luck! Are you on a team? Give us your feedback below!

~Amber Jordan

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  • http://eightymillion.etsy.com Jennifer Schulting

    I don’t belong to any teams “just yet”-my schedule doesn’t have room, but it’s on my list. Thanks for the info. I’ve often wondered how they worked. Well written and very informative.

  • http://www.handmadespark.com Amber Jordan

    Thanks Jennifer!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3XQ6NYT5JOVSSN2KFERDQDY6RM Ragnazidnar

    I LOVE my team! When I was first approached about joining a location-based team I was really skeptical but as a new Etsy seller it taught me so much more than I could have hoped to learn on my own. Now, 3 years later as the President of that same team I work to bring newbies up to speed, give support to kindred crafters, and help raise awareness for handmade both online and in our community.

  • http://www.handmadespark.com Amber Jordan

    Awesome!

  • http://www.ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Zen And Coffee

    I personally love my teams, and am a member of 3! Craftanon, Etsy Dark Side and Metaphysical Etsy. They are wonderful for networking, cross promotion, advice, support and generally making great friends that you might have not otherwise met!

    Craftanon even has a publicity join-able forum where both team members and anyone else creative minded is welcome to join: http://www.attackofthecraft.com/stage/index.php?referrerid=50

    Wonderful teams! They do take time, but you get out of them what you put into them. They can be very useful to an etsian of any experience! There are teams that are very involved and active, and ones that are much more laid back, so you can find one that fits not only your style, but your schedule!

  • http://samsstuff-samsstuff.blogspot.com Shelley

    You are so right, there is a huge amount of variety! I’ve encountered the extremes. Team EtsyRain is huge & very active, TeamIndie &, the Etsy Hand Embroidery Team on the other hand have very little activity. Sometimes it’s good to be a member of several teams, with varying amounts of activities. I love the team concept & right now, I’m looking for a team that is somewhere in the middle ground, with maybe some of the swaps or challenges you’ve mentioned.

  • http://twitter.com/ZaftigDelights Sandie

    I’m am member of the Etteam, Etsy Treasury Team, and have been for over a hear and a half. It is undoubtedly the most supportive and lovely group of sellers. But it is important to pick a team that is a good fit. This team requires a pretty stiff time commitment to make and comment on treasuries. All well worth it in my opinion – especially for all the support and promotion I have received by being a member.

    Sandie
    zaftigdelights.etsy.com
    knitzyblonde.etsy.com

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  • http://www.lcscottage.etsy.com Laura

    Ragnazidnar is the best! We are on the same team and I’ve benefitted so much, both in a business way and in a fellowship way.

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  • http://www.hgtikfdsdfdfdf.net Carlton Hitchingham

    Definitely, what a fantastic blog and educative posts, I will bookmark your blog.All the Best!

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