Promote, promote, promote

In growing a business into a success you must promote. There can be no growth without proper promotion. I am not talking about high dollar expense. This is simply spreading the word. Being a WAHM you have to work harder in this area since you do not have the exposure of a storefront.

I can't say it enough showing a link is not enough. If this is all you are willing to do you need to be prepared for the harsh reality your business will fail. You have to do more.

Promotion is beyond advertising. Promotion is getting your name out there and should be included in your marketing plan. Promotion can happen at anytime, anywhere.

Simple ways to promote:

• Wear a t-shirt with the company name. This can be a shirt made available for purchase through the company or a shirt you have purchased and made for you. Avoid DIY projects unless you provide quality. A nice t-shirt or polo with the name embroidered works nicely and inexpensive.
  
• Carry a photo purse. I am referring to the type with clear vinyl pockets where you can place pictures. I suggest postcards and more than 1 copy per pocket. This is an easy access pocket to reach for when you come in contact with a potential customer.
• Form a team to raise funds for a cause. Use your company name as the team name. This is a great way to promote while also supporting a great cause.
• Give away pens with your business name, website, or contact information. Preferably a pen with black ink. Give to receptionist, waitress, cashiers,teachers, parents, neighbors, family, friends, and anyone else you come in contact with who can and will use a pen.
• Leave a business card with the tip after a meal.
• Exchange fillers with groups such as the Mom Pack (TM). These are placed in one package and given out to potential customers. Click here to learn more about filler packs.
  
• Join local mom groups. These are a great way to exchange information.
• Attend small business conferences in your area. These are usually put on by your local SBA or city. You can network with others and gain valuable information in contacts you make.
• Participate in local parades. Use your own or borrow a truck, decorate, and have volunteers walk along side and pass out candy with flyers. Not only these are fun but these are simple and a great way to bring notice to you and your business.
• Form a welcome committee in your neighborhood for new families. Offer a pack of information about the city, fun activities, coupons, and home party info.
• Volunteer. You and your team members can volunteer in the community in such ways as picking up trash (check with your city first), hold a can drive for the local food shelter, pet adoption organizations, woman's shelter, children's hospital, Ronald McDonald House. Getting out there and helping the community can bring notice to your business.
• Sponsor a classroom newsletter. Many teachers pay for this out of pocket and could use the help funding these.
• Athletic sponsorship. This may sound expensive but it can be very affordable. Sponsor school teams, private teams, motocross, car racing, BMX racing, rodeos. You can sponsor a single event, advertise in the program, or billboard advertising. Also check to see if they have websites that offer advertising. Even if your area is mainly men's sports you have to remember women are in those stands cheering the men on and most likely to see your ads.
  

Get away from the normal and think outside the box. Don't do what everyone else is. People become desensitized and ignore the norm. They notice the unusual and unique.



Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Barefoot Books

Become a Barefoot Books Ambassador!

There are so many wonderful reasons to become a Barefoot Books Ambassador and live Barefoot. You’ll be opening up a world of imagination and creativity for every child whose life you touch. You’ll experience the pride of owning your own business, of making money for yourself or for the causes that are important to you. You’ll also have opportunities for personal growth, to take risks, and learn something new. Most of all, you’ll be part of an amazing community of people who are making a difference in the world.

It's FREE to join and you'll become part of a global community with instant access to all the support and tools you'll need to get started, including training materials, promotional tools and online resources.

To help you on your Barefoot journey, you’ll find:

• A global network of experienced Ambassadors who are passionate about what they do and excited to help others.
• A lively online community with busy forums and blogs, online training chats, and e-training to help answer your questions and offer creative new ideas for your business.
• Barefoot leaders who’ll mentor you with advice, information, and support about fundraising, online marketing, home events, and community events.
• Fun and inspiring workshops and conferences that help you build business skills and confidence.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Welcome Your Team

As you build your team it is important to start new members off right. Start with a welcome letter. As each new member joins you will want to send a welcome letter that not only introduces yourself but also introduces the basics to getting started.

In your letter explain where they can find business tools, purchase products or samples, how to join groups that are available, and so forth.

Give important links such as the back office or account. Explain briefly how to navigate or what information is available.

Make sure your new team member knows where to access handbooks, flyers, training sessions.

Here is a sample welcome letter:

Welcome [insert name]!

I want to be the first to congratulate you on starting your new business and welcome you to [insert company name and/or team name]. I’m confident you will soon discover what a great company [insert company name] is. As a [consultant, affiliate, distributor. or other title] with [insert company] you have a great support system, wonderful products, and an even better commission plan. You have everything you need to succeed right at your finger tips as long as you are willing to use those tools.

[insert name], I hope that you won’t hesitate to contact me whenever you have a question or come across a challenge I can assist you with. Beginning a new business venture can at times be intimidating and overwhelming. Like most challenges, if you approach these challenges one step at a time, close your eyes, take a deep breath, you will see it’s easier than you thought and you will be ready to face it head on! I am here to help you.

One of the first things you can do to give yourself the best advantage as a [insert company] [insert title] is to become familiar with the wonderful products available. Don't worry, I am not asking nor expecting you to memorize them all. Just know what you have available for your customers.

Try the products yourself. Know what the customers are using. Remember, the best marketer is someone who owns and uses the products!

Tell EVERYONE about your new business. Tell your family and friends, add your website to your email signature, print flyers to pass out and post, hold a grand opening party. Be excited when you talk about your new business. When you tell people about your new business your enthusiasm will make a bigger impression than any fact or information you can share. Enthusiasm sells. Most of us as marketers think our customers make purchasing decisions based on facts. Facts do play a part which is why you need to educate yourself on our products. But in reality, we usually make our purchasing decisions based on how we FEEL about the product or service being offered. Put yourself in the shoes of the customer not as a salesperson. You are not only selling a product, you are also selling yourself. That’s where your enthusiasm plays a huge role in your success.

As your sponsor, I am here to help you in any way I can in assisting you and your business grow and succeed. If I can't help you, I will point you in the right direction.

Get informed, get excited, and be successful. Whether full-time or part-time, [insert company] is a fantastic opportunity that you will see thrive. Don't feel pressured. Go at your own pace. Have fun with it!

I look forward to working with you and excited to have you part of {insert company and/or team]!

Best wishes to your success,

Your Name
Title
Email

In a few days following your welcome letter, send a follow-up letter to assist them with any questions they may have. Never leave your team members to fend for themselves. Send monthly updates, send sales announcements.

A fun way to start off a new team member is with a challenge. Challenge your new team member to sell a certain amount or certain products. Reward them with a special prize.

Building a team is work. You need to be there for your team members and assist them in a variety of challenges. This is why you earn additional commission for team members. A team is a rewarding experience. Enjoy it!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Success Is Not Easy

We have been told the old tale of fast money and quick success. In the real world that we wake up to and breath every day, this is not true. Success and money take time and hard work. There is not money or success without work. If you want to prove me wrong, take that million dollar idea and tell just one person a week. If that is all you do, I give you 2 months before you quit.

Before you start, be realistic. What do what you love? I am not talking about what do you love to work. What do you love in love? What are you good at? Again this is in life not just work. What can you do in life? What are your strengths? This is the point you need to stop and write about who you are in every aspect of life. Sounds pointless? If you can't tell people about you and discover all that you love, how can you sell it to someone else when it really comes to making money?

What are your ultimate goals? If you have to have a goal to know where you are going. What are you willing to do to make those goals happen? Make a list. If that list is long, you need to think about is this really what you want to do? That list should be short and you should be willing to do just about everything it takes to reach those goals.

To reach success you need to have big goals and consistent action towards those goals every single day. Problem is you may have big goals but few are ever able to reach then. Its not because they are unattainable. Most give up. When they run into problems or too distracted by other things, they lose focus. This is a huge problem for many who decide to become a WAHM. Too many are sold the dream of staying home with the kids, little work, big pay. That is not how it works. WAHMs must work. WAHM means WORK at home mom/mother.

You must be honest with yourself when it comes to being a successful WAHM. You have to get your head out of fantasy land you read and hear about. It is not as easy as it seems. You also never see what it took to get there. Its a tough world. Everyone is out for themselves. You have to have tough skin and be willing to kick butt first and take names later. There is a lot of pressure in the world of business and you have to be willing to accept that. You will also come across many no's before you get a maybe. You will come across a lot of maybe's before you get that yes. It takes persistence and endurance.

You have to be willing to face all problems head on. Problem solving is not black and white. You must be creative. Sometimes those problems are scary but they must be faced and you must solve them to move forward. Don't expect others to help you solve problems. Nobody is going to hold your hand and help you along the way. You are on your own so you need to think that way.

You have to be willing to sacrifice. Don't put off something until tomorrow. For most people it never comes. If you aren't willing to do it today, you won't be able to do it period. Don't get lazy. If it needs to be done, do it. If you have an excuse not to do it, counter with an excuse to do it. Nothing ever gets accomplished by putting it off.

In the end nobody should ever care more about your success and money than you do. You must fight for these and never take no for an answer.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Finding the right business for you

Now that you have decided you want to work for yourself, it is time to find the right business for you. There are thousands of options out there. It may seem difficult but its easier than you think.

First, what do you like? You can't sell or push a product you don't like or won't use. You can't become part of a company just because you think others will buy. If you won't buy, they won't buy. It is simple as that.

Are you wanting to work part-time or full-time. You need to be realistic in how many hours you wish to invest. Know how much time you are willing to put in. Don't start a business that will require a large amount of time when you are only willing to put in a few hours a week.

If you are not willing to hold parties do not start a business that thrives on this. This includes Tupperware, Partylite, Pampered Chef. A party plan company requires you to hold parties. If you won't do a party or not good with parties, stay away from party plans.

If you are not good with people, do not sell a product that requires you to spend time with customers. You will be uncomfortable and your sales will suffer.

What sales methods are allowed? Can you create and choose your own advertising or only company approved? What advertising restrictions are in place. If you can work with this great. If not, don't work with it.

Do your research. You do not want to join a company with a bad reputation or with products you don't agree with. Joining, selling, then discovering you have an issue does not work.

How do you get paid? When do you get paid? Are you comfortable with this? If you aren't comfortable that particular company will not work for you. Commission can be anything from monthly checks to you get it up front with no worry of waiting for a check. Know how it works before you join and find you can't work with their system.

What is the start up cost? How much does it cost to maintain? Many forget there is more than just the start up cost you need to look at. Look at the cost of monthly website is provided, business cards, catalogs, brochures, samples, etc.

Don't jump in just because you are in a scramble to make income now. Take your time, do your homework, and find the right business for you.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Be your own cheerleader

Becoming your own cheerleader can be the best business boost you will come across.

Who has more faith in you than you?

You know your strengths. You know your weaknesses. You know your limits.

When a small success comes along others may not notice but these make you proud. As a WAHM you may find this to be very true more often than not.

Being your own cheerleader keeps you motivated.

The cheers of others is usually short lived. If you rely on this you will fall quickly. Don't let that happen.

If you are proud, celebrate. Treat yourself. With your first sale buy yourself something special. Feel how good that feels. Only you know how good that feels.

It's OK if others do not take notice. Don't let this affect your performance or drive. Keep moving forward.

So again be your own cheerleader. Enjoy all your successes even when others don't seem to notice.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Tart Warmer/Oil Burner Sale

Blue Moon Warmer

This midnight-blue moon sculpture sparkles with the mysteries of the night. Can be used with oil or wax tarts.

Glazed porcelain. Uses tealights (not included). 5" x 2 5/8" x 6 1/2" high.

$10 includes shipping






Country Kitchen Warmer


This mini replica of a country kitchen a match for any decor.
Mini kettle is removable and includes a removable lid. Mini pan holds your tea light. Can be used for oil or wax tarts.

Tea lights only (not included). 4 1/2" x 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" high.


$10 includes shipping


All payments processed through PayPal (you do not need a paypal account to process payment through PayPal).

Contact Olivia at disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com to order yours!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Tax Free Shopping

Back to school is just around the corner and many states are offering tax free days for that extra savings on school supplies. There are limits and restrictions so please check with your state.

As WAHMs you may also be able to take advantage of these special weekends/weeks. Again please check with your state on limits and restrictions.

Below is a list of states who have freely posted their participation this year. Not all states, cities, or counties are participating so please check with your state.

Alabama's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* School supplies under $50
* Books under $30
* Computers/computer equipment under $750


Connecticut's Tax Free Week Aug. 15-22, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $300
* Shoes under $300


Georgia's Tax Free Week July 30-Aug. 2, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* Computers/computer equipment under $1500
* School supplies under $20


Iowa's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-8, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* Shoes under $100


Louisiana's 2009 Sales Tax Weekend August 7-8, 2009

Applies to:

* Purchases under $2,500
* Excludes the purchase of taxable services, automobiles, and meals


Mississippi's Tax Free Weekend Jul 31-Aug. 1, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* Shoes under $100


Missouri's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* School supplies under $50
* Computer software under $350
* Computers/computer equipment under $3,500

Note: Some cities and counties in Missouri elect not to participate.


New Mexico's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* All clothing and shoes under $100
* School supplies under $15
* Computers under $1,000
* Computer equipment under $500


North Carolina's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100
* Sports and recreation equipment under $50
* Computers under $3,500
* Computer equipment under $250


Oklahoma's Tax Free Weekend August 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing and shoes
* Priced under $100


South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing
* Accessories
* Footwear
* School supplies
* Computers
* Computer equipment


Tennessee's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing under $100
* School supplies under $100
* Computers under $1500


Texas' Tax Free Weekend Aug. 21-23, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing and footwear under $100
* Includes backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students
* Includes layaway items


Virginia's Tax Free Weekend Aug. 7-9, 2009

Applies to:

* Clothing and footwear under $100
* School supplies under $20


October 9-12, 2009
Applies to:

* Qualifying Energy Star products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use
* Applies to qualifying purchases under $2,500 per item


West Virginia's 2009 Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday September 1 - November 30, 2009

Applies to:

* Energy Star products
* Limited to items that cost $5,000 or less
* Must be purchased for noncommercial, home use only



Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

A Break From The Norm

With my niece's birth this past weekend I began to think about the funny stories that accompany the birth of our children.

The funny story that accompanies the birth of my son is a fire drill. There I was fully dilated and ready to push. With all my glory for the world to see, the door flies open to evacuate patients. For some reason the room burst into a contagious laugh as the person with the red face leaves quickly without a word.

Share your story and you will be entered to win a special gift.

I am giving away a $20 gift certificate from Beyond The Bath.

Last day to enter is August 9th. Receive an extra entry if you share on your own blog! (just include link to post)

So lets hear your story.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com