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Find Articles for building a better business, Sales and Specials, from fellow WAHMs, Party tips, Fundraisers, Product Reviews, Advertising, WAHM Tips, Recipes, and so much, much more! Take a moment to visit some of our favorite links before you leave. Don't forget to leave your comments and interact with others. Enjoy!

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible"

~ Anonymous



Tea Time with Liv



Fall Back Sale Going On Now!


This weekend take 20% off your entire order! Save all weekend on your favorite handbags, totes, and accessories.
Just enter code "FallBack" at checkout and get your instant 20% savings. So make use of that extra hour and go shopping for yourself for once.

You better hurry! This sale won't last. Sale ends Nov 2 at 12midnight EST

Start shopping now at http://sochicbagboutique.com/

Product Review - Pedipaws™

I am sure by now we have all see the new pet nail trimmers on TV. The boast trimming pet nails with ease by gently filing the nails. I paid particular attention to Pedipaws™

I decided to give this a try and purchased one from a local drug store after they hit the stores.

I like the style of the product itself. Doesn't feel bulky or too heavy. After turning the motor on, it was quieter than I expected. Reminded me of the low hum of an electric razor if I had to describe it. My dogs were not afraid of it. They were curious more than anything.

My first test was on the smallest of my fur clan. Our chihuahua. He is not very keen on having anyone touch his feet so this was going to be an adventure. The first nail he wasn't too sure about it and was ready to wiggle off. We found a good seating position and carried on. Being he is what I like to call my ADD child, he was bored quick but didn't really appear upset about the device.

We were challenged with getting his nails positioned right. Being tiny feet (about 1"x 1 1/2"" trying to get the space between his toes to complete this trim was difficult. Almost to the point of discomfort. After repositioning a few times trying to find a better way to trim not only the long nails from being an inside dog but also the space between his nails to file all surfaces and not just the very tip, I came up with an idea. Remove the guard. I can now maneuver between his tiny toes and trim further than the guard would allow.

Next time to try this product on my next smallest clan member. Our poodle mix. She is about twice the size of our chihuahua - weight and size. With the guard trimming her nails was easier although with the guard off proved better. I was better able to scuplt her nails leaving no jagged edges or any nail frays.

The larger 2 of our fur clan, 2 labs, were a breeze. Their nails fit easily in the guard all around and were not affected by the device or noise.

One piece of advice that I may have missed in the instructions was the guard opening where the nail goes, have the notch at the top and not the bottom. If it is at the bottom I found it caught all 4 of the fur clan nails between the guard and the spinning emery wheel. This can he difficult to work around if you are right handed but it can be done. With the way it is constructed the notch is meant for the bottom.

I recommend it for anyone with a medium sized dog or larger. Smaller can be difficult enough to only end up in the drawer to collect dust. If you have a dremmel I recommend getting the wheel attachment instead. Just as easy just without the guard. We do have a dremmel and I do find it can be easier to pull out the battery operated device from time to time instead. It is a matter of perference.

If you decide to make the purchase, I think it can be worth the small investment for the convenience alone.

I in no way represent Pedipaws™, manufacture of Pedipaws™, or distributors, nor do I sell or distribute this product. I have received no compensation for my product review. I am purely documenting my own experience as a consumer with the product to pass along to others like myself who may be interested in this product not sold by myself.

Olivia Vidal
© Copyright 2008
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Nobody is buying? Let's talk about it.

I have talked with several women with the same issue. Nobody is buying products from their site. Most brush it off to bad economy. If that is the case, nobody would be buying anywhere but that is not the case. Small businesses are still booming even in a lower economy so lets see what we can figure out.

The first, Is your website complete? Any part under construction? This gives customers the impression the site is not ready for them and there may be more products coming so they wait. If you have an empty category, remove it or fill it. Never leave it empty.

Check your spelling. Nothing can kill a website faster than bad spelling. If your spelling is not top notch, have someone proof read or even write your home page, policies, and descriptions. If you have no outside help available, pull up your Microsoft word or equivalent. These have spell check and will create a top notch read.

Don't overwrite your pages. There is no reason to go into a long history to precede the shopping experience. While some customers are very interested, others only see it as a nuisance. Put this on your "About Us" page. Keep everything else short, sweet, and to the point. If a customer has to dig through your writing to find where to order, they will only become discouraged and leave.

Can you easily find products on your site? Maybe they seem easy to you but ask others to navigate your site. Do a scavenger hunt for potential customers to complete and enter to win a prize. This can be a good indicator on how easy it is to find descriptions, products, policies, and so forth. If your customers cannot find it, they will not buy.

What does your site look like? Does it have a lot of glitter graphics, graphics made for social networks, all one color, loud prints? Fun graphics you use on your social network profiles and comments are great for personal but never for business no matter how many you see doing the same thing. Avoid one color or too light of a color. Websites should be colorful, bold, attractive, inviting, fit your products. Avoid busy prints. These can be distracting. Prints may prove difficult to read through. Checkerboards are no nos here. Why? They make people cross-eyed. Someone who has glasses, depth perception problems, even seizure issues can mean an instant click off never to return again. Too many prints gear towards amateur. Amateur is what you do not want someone to think even in the WAHM world. Even in the WAHM world you are expected to be professional at all times.

One thing that some never think about is what is so special about your product? Ok you sell candles but why are your candles better than the rest? Why are yours so much better than ones you pick up at the local discount store? If you can't answer that, how can you sell the product to your customer? Get the answers. Know your products and why they will benefit your customer.

Know your market. Know how many sell the same product not only online but also locally. You should ALWAYS be a working owner and sell your products locally. Know the need of your target customer base. If your target base is women 20-30, how many need a 5lb hammer.

Pictures. Pictures are so important. Get rid of the background clutter. Keep it clean, keep it simple. Light colors are best. Preferably white. You want the customer to see the details not be distracted by what is going on in the background. Whenever possible avoid dark backgrounds unless it enhances your products. If the product is dark, a dark background is a no no even if you love the color or it matches. Stay neutral.

Does anyone know about your business? Ask your neighbor hey did you know I sell ____? If they say no, educate them. Then go out and tell everyone. One thing you can do is take a walk on a beautiful day. Take flyers or business cards with you. Brochures are better. As you walk by someone tell them "Morning/Afternoon/Evening what a beautiful day, here take one of these to read on your way home. Some will say no thank you, some will be grateful for the kind offer, others will stop and want more information. It is that simple to get the word out. Make sure EVERYONE you know KNOWS your business.

Advertise, advertise, advertise. You can get free advertising at places such as http://sochicbagboutique.gotop100.com/. This is a great start to getting your name out there. The never fail free advertising is your email signature. Every time you send an email this is being shown to the recipient. The value of this is priceless. Don't waste it. Free advertising is great but don't ignore paid advertising. While you may not have thousands to pay I am sure you can find $5 a month to advertise on a high profile site. As your sales go up, ad a new ad to your list. Don't go spend your profits as soon as you get them. Reinvest. It is well worth it and you will see not as expensive as you thought.

If all of the rest have been tried and failed (a good try not just once and give up) check your pricing. Are you offering magic knit gloves for $5 a pair when you can go elsewhere locally and not pay shipping for $1 a pair. If it doesn't make sense for them to buy, they won't. It doesn't matter your reasoning for the pricing. Only offer products your customers need and will be willing to pay the price.

Offer a contest. Offer a sale. Offer a survey with a % off coupon just for completing. Offer a referral program. Offer a frequent buyer program. The opportunities are endless and not always do they cost you money up front.

If you are out there working your business, advertising ever chance you get, and paying attention to those details, your business will boom with good old fashion hard work.

Get out there and sell!

Olivia Vidal
© Copyright 2008
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

THE FACTS ALWAYS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

The truth isn't a matter of your personal viewpoint.
Learn to see things as they really are, not as you imagine they are.

Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it.
No matter what you believe, it never changes the facts.
If they are there, the facts always speak for themselves.

The truth does not change because it is, or is not,believed by a majority of people.
If sixty million people say a foolish thing, it's still a foolish thing.

No authority is higher than reality.
The sky is no less blue because the blind man doesn't see it.

Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com

Top WAHM Blogs

Love sharing your blog? Have something to say and want the world to hear it?

Then you need to list your WAHM blog on the NEW Top WAHM Blogs.

Find other blogs like yourself. Shop and share.

New Blog!

So Chic Bag Boutique has launched their blog. Join their blog and stay up to date with the latest at So Chic Bag Boutique.

Learn about sales and promotions, new products, tips, and more!

Visit today at http://sochicbagboutique.blogspot.com

October Sale Event

It's that time of year......the hustle and bustle of shoppping and looking all over town for those special gifts.

Shop on line at http://purrplle.com

Save gas, long lines. We'll ship them to you or all wrapped up for Christmas for those special friends and families.

Keep it simple

With the economy down and many scrambling to make extra money, I am seeing more and more join a large amount of companies. Furthermore I see more and more build free websites. While the idea sounds right there is still a problem. Nothing is unique and memorable.

With everyone building websites from family sites to businesses to gripe sites, you have to stand out.

First thing to do is look at how many businesses you represent. Do you know all there is about the products for each business? If I ask you for something specific, how many times will you need to go search the business sites to see if it is available? If you have to do it, you have too many.

The idea behind most sites with a number of companies listed is to offer a variety of products to all walks of life. Sounds easy but you are not Walmart. Even then they have multiple managers that handle different aspects of the business.

Now let me ask you this, you represent 10 companies so how much have you made with those 10 companies in the past 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year? If you have any investment in those companies you signed up for, have you made enough to cover the investment?

We see others with a list that never ends and think wow what a great idea. They must be doing well. Reality if very few do. If you insist on representing several companies here is a few tips.

1) Do your research. Know what the market is for your product. Post a few surveys to see what others think.

2) Choose a business name. Before you are set on this name do a simple search to make sure nobody else is using that name. You don't want to infringe on any copyrights or trademarks. Stand out.

3) Build a website with a reputable host. Stay away from free sites. Problem is they all look the same, you are limited in creativity. There are too many ads added to your site that will take customers away. Taking customers away from your site is the last thing you want to happen.

4) Buy a domain name that is easy to remember. Avoid names that are a half mile long.

5) Choose companies that allow you to place products on your own site and allow drop shipping. Some require wholesale but not all.

6) Place individual products on your site rather than banners that redirect to another site. Keep those customers on your site.

7) Keep your home site simple. Do not put product purchases on the home page. The home page should always be dedicated to introducing your business and products you offer.

8) Keep your site neat and organized. Avoid useless banners, glitter graphics, and flying objects on your site. Not only are they distracting but there are still many on dial up and these pages are slow to load. The longer they take to load the more likely someone is to go away from your site for a site that loads faster.

9) Post your store policies including shipping times, refund policy, payment policy.

10) Make your contact information easily accessible. If you can't be found, customers will not buy from you no matter how wonderful your products.

11) You do not have to list every single product offered by the companies you represent. Be selective. Select your favorites. Do not offer something you do not like or would not use yourself.

12) Like any business offer a sale from time to time. Yes this means giving up part of your commission but is no different than a business with inventory giving up profit. It is the same thing just worded differently.

13) When a purchase is made, send the customer a receipt. Make a simple template to fill in the blanks.

No matter what you decide treat this as a real business not just a consultant. Don't take on more than you can handle even if you see another do that same. It is hard work and certainly not a 2 hour a day job. Take charge and take responsibility for your business and its products. Letting someone else take responsibility for your customers will not keep those customers coming back.

If you are going to take on a website, don't just post your link on a few groups and social networks expecting sales. It is not that simple. Hold online parties, join groups of interest and build relationships. Build those downlines and hold at minimum of 1 monthly meeting. This keeps you in touch with your recruits, their needs, their strengths and weaknesses. Hold contests.

Order those business cards. While those free ones you can get from certain companies sound great, it is greater to spend a little extra and get high quality cards. This is your image you are putting out there. Do you really want your image to be frugal? You need to present the most professional appearance possible. And never I mean never print your own business cards on standard paper. That is the worst thing you can do for your business. If you must print your own materials, print half page flyers to pass out. Color is best as these stand out. Take a few extra dollars and print on quality paper at the local printer.

Remember your business success is only limited to what you are willing to do.

Olivia Vidal
© Copyright 2008
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

Its time to warm up

As summer winds down and old man winter starts packing to move in, one thing we can still enjoy year round is tea. Whether hot or cold the soothing aroma is always inviting. I for one love tea during allergy season. My throat gets so sore from coughing and sneezing. Herbal teas always seem to make me feel better. Even on a stressful day tea is always the ticket to relaxing.

While bored with the normal teas found at the grocery store, I went looking for something better. More flavorful. I found that at Teaporia. Teaporia has the best collection of teas I have seen at a great price. They even have the new tea blossoms that are becoming so widely popular.

Did you know one cup of white tea contains the same amount of antioxidants as 10 cups of apple juice!

Before you go back to the store for another box of tea that has been sititng on the shelf for who knows how long, give lose leaf tea a try. You will be surprised and amazed at what you are missing. Now don't run away at the thought of loose leaf. You can even get tea sacs for your loose leaf tea. Make these ahead of time and store in a tight sealing opaque tin and the flavor will be just as wonderful 1 year from now as it was the day it arrived.

October's Flavors of the month are

Pumpkin Spice
Notes of cinnamon and pumpkin abound. Cup is like the "nip" in the air during northern autumns. Jazz this one up with Vanilla Chai. Use half Pumpkin Spice and half Vanilla Chai for a flavor that wows.

Brandied Apple
This tea has delicious astringency and Macintosh like caramelized apple hints. A regal tea that creates interest. Try a clover honey stick to intensify the flavors in this aromatic tea.

See a flavor you like but not available as decaf? Any tea can be made less-caffeinated by pouring just enough hot water over the leaves to cover them. Let the tea sit for about 30 seconds and pour out the water (NOT THE LEAVES!) Then refill with more water, steep and enjoy your tea!

Visit Teaporia and see why this is fast becoming my all-time favorite shop for teas


Show your support!

A dear friend of mine has a daughter with a great opportunity to to visit Washington DC and see the Inauguration of our new President.

This is a trip of a lifetime that would make any of us envious. Help her acheive her goal and come back with some amazing memories.

Learn more about the trip below:

Can you help us Give The Gift of Education to our daughter, a 14 year old freshman at a NV High School? ~ Charlie & Vicki (Parents)

Give The Gift Of Education
(this is for our daughter; Heather – We thank you for reading, Charlie & Vicki )

Dear Friends, Family, & Community,

I am planning to participate in an amazing educational program to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration this January with my friends and classmates from Damonte High School! We’ll spend a total of 4 days together in D.C. learning really cool things about our country. Here are some of the awesome activities that are planned for us on our D.C.

Inauguration 2009:

• The Capitol: Seeing the Rotunda and the Senate and House chambers where Congress meets.

• White House: Visiting the most famous house in America - home to our president and the executive branch of our government.

• Lincoln Memorial: Paying tribute to our 16th president and reading his famous Gettysburg Address.

• Arlington National Cemetery: Seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Eternal Flame at JFK’s gravesite, and the Challenger Memorial.

• Smithsonian Museums: Visiting the many Smithsonian museums located on the Mall in D.C., including the Air and Space Museum and Museum of Natural History .

• Inauguration: Hear our new President take hi s Oath of Office, deliver his Inaugural Address , and see the parade back to the White House.

In order to take part in this totally unique adventure, I need to raise $ 1973.00 (now at $1866). Please help me by sponsoring a portion of my trip. Any contribution you could make would bring me that much closer to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please contact Vicki Green at email: sales@lunawolfsmysticalessence.com for information on making a sponsor contribution.

You can also participate in our online auction by paying a $5 fee to reserve your spot in the Mystical Wahms auction.

Mystical Wahms auction will take place on Friday October 3rd in our Party & Chat room (see link below) from 12pm EST - 12am EST.

In our efforts to support fellow WAHMS and their families, this auction will benefit both you and Heather.

Vendors will be responsible for collecting payment and shipping item(s) in a timely manner.
Ready to reserve your spot? Simply visit our Party Corner and make your payment to reserve your spot today! Once we receive payment, we will email you for your name & company information, etc.

Don't wish to reserve a spot of have a company to represent? Come out and see all the wonderful products up for bid! Come support this young lady and her quest to see an amazing event.

http://mysticalwahms.com


Olivia Vidal
http://sochicbagboutique.com

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