Networking, Guilds and Groups

Lately I have immersed myself in a new page on the Squnches Craft Network website, I've titled it Guilds and Groups as I'll be listing as many guilds and groups on this directory as possible.
For those who may not know, a guild or a group, in terms of handmade and craft, is a group of people who get together because they share a common interest, it could be patchwork, quilting, knitting or even embroidery, whatever the activity may be, if you want to expand your social circle and develop your skills, being part of a guild or a group is a fantastic way to go about it.

Many people think of or find a craft they are passionate about but don't know where to start, generally they make a start at home by themselves, with nobody else to enjoy this new found hobby with. It doesn't take too long for the passion to dwindle and even disappear completely. That's where guilds and groups come in to help, these lovely people get together on a regular basis, some weekly, some monthly, and they have a chat, work on their projects and encourage each other with their projects.



The challenge most people find is locating these guilds and groups, it can be daunting for many people to seek out a group or guild, which is why I'm putting together this page, to help 'break the ice' so to speak. I go out in search of guilds and groups all around Australia involved in various crafts and list them on the directory, including their Facebook pages or websites if they have them, this makes it so much easier for you because its all right there at your finger tips on this one website, all you have to do is find one near to where you live, that's it, I've done the rest.

Gone are the days when people knew their neighbours and invited them over for dinner, gone are the days when children used to play games with the other children in their neighbourhood and gone are the days when people would go out and be actively involved in their communities and know where streets were in their suburb. A lot of people these days barely know any of the streets around their house, they don't know the names of their neighbours and their children are so tied up in technology that they don't go out and ride their bikes or scooters with other children in the neighbourhood. That doesn't mean you can't go out and enjoy 1 day a week or one day a month, connecting with like minded people who share your passion and hobby.

Why not head over to my website and take a look at this new and growing directory, if you are part of a group or guild that is not listed, why not let me know so that others can join.

Thank you so much for reading this post, I hope you have a beautiful day.

Who is Standing in Your Corner?

You might be surprised to find out, often it isn't who you think it is or will be. For those starting up a business, this is one important question and the results can be shocking. 

When I started my business, it was after a year of trying to get back on my feet, my dream career came crashing to a halt, through no fault of my own, which made it worse for me. My job at the time became unbearable and the thought of never showing up for work ever again became a dream like that of holidaying to a tropical island to lay in a hammock sipping cocktails all day while soaking in the oceanic view.

Knowing I would never be happy working this job, I set towards finding something I could do that would make me happy. After trying all those quizzes to tell me what job would best suit me, what it involves etc, I sat back and thought, maybe I'm not cut out for an everyday, run of the mill job. Maybe my job doesn't exist, maybe I need to create it. Thanks to a friend, I was soon headed in the right direction, the direction of a small business management course. It was at this point I found out who out there was supportive and who thought I should just go and get a 'normal' job. I say 'normal' as a job that is common and already exists, like the one I just had to run away from.

The course equipped us with a business plan, knowledge or taxation, marketing and finance, everything you need to know about running a business. With all the office knowledge and qualifications I had, I was excited at putting these skills to use in my own business, sadly, not everyone was of the same mind and for me, some very close people were not standing in my corner. I tried to show to them it was a good idea but it was a waste of effort, I felt alone, until friends told me not to worry about what those people said and wanted me to do, go and do what makes you happy, this is my life after all. Just knowing I had a handful of people supporting and encouraging me was enough for to take the leap of faith needed to make my business a reality. It has taken two long years, but I'm not counting because this is something I live for and can't wait to work on every morning when I wake up.

As for those who were not standing in my corner, I no longer concern myself with them, they simply cannot see the wonderful things I am capable of. In time, they may come around, but if they don't then perhaps their role in my life has changed or come to an end.

If you find this all too familiar then remember to be gentle to those who are not in your corner or who are trying to hold you back, hold your head high and work towards your dream. If at any time you find yourself struggling, find a role model, someone you can look up to and relate to. Whatever you do, don't give up the chance of making your dream a reality.

~Sarah