FLEX Class: Business & Marketing 101: Create and Manage Your Own Etsy Shop!

HOW LONG IS THIS COURSE?
This is a FLEX course which means there are no virtual meetings for this course. This is great news because the course can be catered to YOUR schedule and can be completed, reviewed, and rewatched as many times as the learner requires within the 4-week availability. This is a great course for parents who want their students to learn the basics of business, marketing, and graphic design through a fun, and fulfilling experiential course.

WHY COMPLETE A FLEX COURSE FOR THIS CONTENT RATHER THAN FINDING FREE CONTENT ONLINE? 
Because I will act as your child's mentor and coach through every step of the process. Students can submit any content or questions to me and I will respond within 24 hours. Since running an Etsy business as a minor is a partnership with the parents as well, know that you have my entire and complete support throughout the process! 

My support doesn't stop there though. Once this course is complete, students can participate in my Ongoing Business Support course where they can collaborate with other student Etsy shop owners to brainstorm, exchange services, and problem solve together under my guidance and supervision. Student shops will also be shared on my business page of my personal website to further market and encourage the sales of their goods or services.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN IN THIS COURSE?
In this course, your child will learn introductory marketing skills, graphic design skills, communication skills, planning, organizing, writing, conflict management, and business skills. 

While I cannot promise that the student's business will be successful, I can guarantee that the student will learn valuable life skills which can be applied to any area of life, not just business which is far more valuable at this stage of life. As the child grows and develops new skills and life experience, they will have the foundational building blocks to begin their own business endeavors later on. 

HOW IS THE CLASS STRUCTURED?
This class is entirely project based meaning the student will learn through direct experience. The success of each business will largely depend upon the mastery of the content in this course. Students will also provide and receive constructive feedback from their peers in their class in a workshop setting. This is another life skill that can be beneficial in helping the child develop healthy accountability and strategic relationships in their own, personal lives. 

WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING STYLE?
While I will need to provide direct instruction using graphic organizers and guides to help the students learn foundational information, I try to keep the lessons as engaging and interactive as possible. They will apply what they've learned in their own shops and will be able to observe and apply the direct results of this information through experience which is a far better teacher than I could ever be. 

To provide more engagement for this Flex course format, students will have the option of utilizing tools such as FlipGrid and Wizer. 

I provide the tools and accountability, but it is ultimately the students' responsibility to apply what they've learned. I will cheer, encourage, and push them towards success every step of the way but this course requires much personal responsibility. 

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
If your child is a self-starter and has a creative mind with a desire to sell his or her digital or physical products online, then this is the perfect outlet for your child. This course will enable the student to apply this creativity on a platform which will teach him or her how to market and sell the product in a real-life scenario. 

DOES MY CHILD NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS?
No, not at all! This is a great introductory course in business!

DOES MY CHILD ALREADY NEED TO HAVE AN ETSY BUSINESS IDEA?
By the first class, I would like the child to have a general idea of what sort of craft or product the student would like to sell. I will help to focus and streamline the business plan but the student will need a concrete idea and will need to take steps towards opening an Etsy shop by the second week.

DOES THIS REQUIRE PARENTAL GUIDANCE OR INVOLVEMENT?
Yes. Since we are using the Etsy platform, we must comply with all of Etsy's requirements regarding minors as sellers. 

***IF YOUR CHILD IS 18 YEARS OLD*** there are no additional requirements to comply with Etsy standards. While the course will not require direct parent involvement during the classes themselves, your child will need your help to succeed. For example, when setting up an Etsy shop, the student will need access to either a personal or shared checking account where the earnings can be deposited. Also, I will provide a brief overview of taxes and the requirements for tax season, but there is no way I could provide all of the information necessary for your child to report his or her earnings come tax season.

***IF YOUR CHILD IS BETWEEN 14-17*** then direct parent involvement is required. Minors under 18 and at least 13 years of age are permitted to use Etsy's services only if they have the appropriate permission and direct supervision of their parent or legal guardian who is the owner of the account. To read all of Etsy's requirements, please click the link below:

https://www.etsy.com/legal/minors/#:~:text=Etsy's%20Terms%20of%20Use%20require,are%20not%20allowed%20on%20Etsy

Note: I will provide as much support for you as well as the student to ensure you have everything you need to make this a valuable and exciting learning experience for your child.