Etsy Boot Camp -week 2

Okay, I'm keep the ball rolling here to get up to speed, here is my week 2 checked off.
[] Accessing my own shop. What items have the most hearts, expand on them and toss those that don't.
This proved to be much more difficult then I thought it would be. I have a ton of hearts for my shop, but I can't tell who's hearting and why they are hearting an item. Getting to the bottom of that, may prove to be very difficult. I remember which items were very popular, however
* 1 .) Once an item is purchased you can no longer see who hearted that item on etsy. So, you won't gain anything in the way of popularity.
*2.) Most of my hearted or highly requested items won't be hitting my shop again 2 different reasons. They were either very detailed in the process of making them and due to lower prices setting the bar for these items, I can't manage to create them, make a decent profit and continue to feel good about all the work that goes into them. The other reason is, I created the item people wanted them, but the buyers of those were more interested in trading instead of paying -therefore I traded. There is a whoooole different research needed to determine if they would acutally pay for the items, why or why not. So, I'm leaving those items off to themselves for a while.

[2] Brain storm new items, check! Which actually will bring about my changing my profile info and maybe reworking some of my policies to be easier to read.
[3] Found my buddy! Now to consistanly check in with him/her. We aren't making the same items, so they're are positives and negatives in supporting each other. I always feel a bit weird talking out the process of developing a new items with a fellow sewist/seller. There's always the moment of uncertainty when you don't know who they are or how they roll (for lack of a better term). Will they or won't they take my idea, will they feel that I took theirs? I do like to share where to get the best prices on certain items though and how to make an item. There is a fine balance between giving out too much of your sources and tips, but I try to keep a positive attitude, what is meant for me won't pass me by. So, if I tell and they make a profit off my sharing - it was meant for them, no matter the means to the end they used to receive it.

Okay enough rambaling for me. I'm off to get my kiddo ready for some homeschooling, breakfast and then crafting. See Yer, as salaamu alaykum

Week 1 Etsy boot camp

Welp, I'm still playing catchup two days late and 2 weeks behind. Let's get a running start and re -cover week 1.

Where do I want my business to be in the future (or atleast what are my goals until the new year)? Until I read momgul, I had the typically hoo hum answer (not that it's a bad answer at all) 'I just want to make enough money to stay home with my kids and pay the bills'. I never honestly put much thought into all the work and money I needed to make or how famous and out there I would have to be to cover my bills or atleast supplement them. My goal had been $500, When my items are selling for $24 each the goal seems so near, however most of that is split up into materials, time, shipping, advertisements, packaging and gas for post office trips and lets not forget etsy and paypal fees as well. Since looking at the big picture made me break out in anixety hives, I've decided to break all those months and many bills into a Mission statement each month or two. It seems more reasonable and much less over whelming.
* Complete 1 project every other day.
*This month my mission is to give 5% to L.I.F.E a program based in WNY to help children in worn torn countries.
* Most important of all is to list 20 items this month, sale atleast $50 worth of items (about 2 sales - I'm not aiming too high am I?) And, promote more by visiting etsy forum.

I visited craftopolis.com and craftcult. I'm a bit dissappointed with my shop views. If any wonderful fellow etsy sellers have suggestions on how I can get more view please do tell. I would appreciate it.
Check 1 for me for Boot camp week 1.