Starting a Business Plan....Step 1

Hey, and thanks for stopping by my little corner of the web.  I am starting a business and as I grow I would like to share my learning's with you.  Its kind of difficult to get this kind of information, especially from people in your niche.  Not many people want to help anyone who may be a competitor.  But honestly, I don't think that's how all this should work.  If someone wants your product or services, they're going to buy it, whether I'm hangin' out there or not.  And, especially for us in the "Bible Journaling" business.  It kind of erk's me (yeah, I said erks. ha!) that Christians are trying to hoard all the business for themselves.  It doesn't seem right.  Like God only intended to bless them in this whole process.  

So, enough of my rant.  I would like to give you information as I find it to make it easier for someone else in my position.  I'm a maker. A crafter, a mixed media artist, a handlettering fool, a bible journaler, a single mom, a Christian, a women's ministry leader, a gardener, a project lifer, a daughter, a keepsake keeper, a girlfriend, a planner, a smashbooker a pack-rat, and many many other things as well.  If you are also any of these things, or just someone who wants to join me in learning how to run your own business from home then you will benefit from my blog.  

The first thing I am working on is a business plan.  I am finding that since I am so many things, I am lacking focus in my business.  I know where I want to be in the long term future, but I am really needing the define my business right now.  Or else, I will be scatterbrained and dabbling in many different areas without reaching any of my goals.   That is why I am starting a business plan. The first thing I working on are my four statements: my mission, vision, values, and competency statements.

Here are my examples for my business.  Of course, you should write your own.  It may help to also look at other people's examples.

My missions statement:
I create photo-polymer stamps, mixed media art, beaded clips, and other bible journaling and planner supplies.  My business is steadily growing to include more product with new stamp sets being launch every month.  My greatest desire for this business is that I stay in the will of God, doing all He has for me to do, and that all business and personal communications would point to Christ.  I would enjoy showing people who believe they are not creative that they can enjoy bible journaling in their own way.

My vision statement:
I will not be including my vision statement as it is for my eyes only, as should you vision statement be only for you to see.  Your vision statement should be a long term vision, like where you wish to be in ten years.

My values statement:
It is important for me to run and honest business with compassion, selling quality products.  I want to show the love of Christ while being confident in my own abilities and their value.  I want to remain humility through the process.

My abilities statement:
In short, I am a maker.  I have a creative mind and find enjoyment in many types of projects.  Something very special to me if bible journaling.  I have a vision to see many different ethnicity's, denominations, cultural groups, and ages come together to stand on the Word of God, whether that be through preaching or a paint brush.  I take a humble approach to my work, having room for improvement, but confident enough to offer my work for sale and create workshops and such centered on what I do.  I am simply accepting the passion and talents God has placed within me, and look for ways to use my gifts to better others.

- For anyone who is creating a "handmade" business, I would highly suggest visiting handmadeology.com.  It has lots of good tips!

- I would like to give a special thank you and shout out to two people who have helped me along the way.  Ronni Hall from Rebuilding Ruints Art and Frances from Notions From Nonny.