Aim At Your Target

You are excited to start your new business and tell everyone about it. You pour all your energy into doing this because after all once everyone hears about it they will want to buy. So why aren't you making the money you expect?

Assuming everyone will buy or having no idea who will by and defaulting marketing to all is a big reason why you will fail. Understand that only a small number of people will actually purchase your product or use your service.

You must determine what or who your target market is. Ask yourself "Who will buy your product or service"? Now before you answer this is specific, not general. Lets say you sell all natural makeup. Now just because you sell makeup does not mean all women will be interested. Fact is some have absolutely no interest that it is all natural. So who do you know that does? This does not mean you won't reach a broad demographic over time. You just have to narrow your target.

Knowing your target and zeroing in on this specific group gives you a niche. You are now an expert/specialist. This will allow for narrowing it down even further. Why would someone want to purchase your product or service?

People purchase products and/or services for 3 reasons -solves a problem, satisfies a need, just to make them feel good. Take a moment and determine which of these does your product or service provide first. Your product or service may serve more than 1; even all 3.

Now turn your focus to the demographics. Break this down to target age, gender,lifestyle, social class, beliefs. You can break this down even further. Before you resist, WAHM has work in the title. This does not just happen. If you want success you must do your research.

Now that you have the demographics portion down, how will you market to your target? Internet, newspaper, parties, word of mouth, fundraisers, etc. Now match that to your target market. Count the people you have come in contact within the last month. And yes I mean literally count as in 1, 2, 3. Out of the people you know, and you should (this is called networking), how many are in your target market?

You have the numbers so now figure out how often will they need to buy? Once a year? Once a month? Can you sustain and build a business off this information? If not, you will need to start over in your business plan but you will have the information for a better start.

A little homework goes a long way. Don't be afraid of it. This research will give you a realistic view of your business future. Just because you love the product or service does not mean everyone will. Its better to find out before you invest a large amount of money into a failing venture.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Dreams are Free

The beginning of your success lies in your imagination.
Visualize all of the things that you want in your life.
Make your mental blueprint and then begin construction.

You can make your dreams work and produce for you.
Make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind
pay you a dividend.

Your imagination will show you how to turn possibility into reality.
The will to succeed springs from the knowledge that you can succeed.

Think of things not as they are, but as they might be.
Don't merely dream, create.

Do this, and you can live your dreams.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Have old forms, papers printed incorrectly? Cut these into smaller sections. Cut in half then in half again. Stack several together. Staple at the top or punch a hole in each corner at the top. Connect these together for a new notepad.

Take those stapled note pads and wrap a printed label that fits the width of your new notepad with your business info and give to customers. This is a great way to recycle and show your customers you care.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Quotas, quotas, quotas

As a WAHM it is likely you have joined as a consultant with a company that requires a quota. Some understand and fully comply while others challenge this. For this discussion we will focus on the consultant. We will talk later about the difference between a consultant, affiliate, etc.

Lets get an understanding of quotas. Quotas are set for many reasons. One the company must make money to cover expenses. If you are not selling, they are not making money, that can lead to a company's demise and you with a failed business. Another reason is if you don't have a goal, what motivates you to build a business? It is easy for you to walk away and do nothing. What is the point of joining a business to do nothing with it? As a consultant you must build a business.

Before joining any company get the details. Know what the quotas are, when are they due, and decide can you live with this. If you cannot, don't join. Don't join in case you can meet the quota. It is a waste of your time and the company's time to train you.

Once you have decided to join and meet the required quota, create a plan of action. Do not wait until the last minute and enter a desperate panic. Your plan of action should include parties, fairs and expos ad campaigns, phone calls. Know how you will sell, where, and when. Put your plan of action into effect immediately. Panic time does not produce the sales you would have made had you started right away and stayed consistent.

If you are in panic time, stop and breathe. Panic will not get your sales so take a moment to regroup. Brainstorm on how you can get those sales in. Book an online party, have a last minute catalog party, offer a spree. If you are too late you may have to accept you will need to make up the difference or the entire quota.

A WAHM business, even part-time, does not mean work when you feel like it. You still have to work. Put in the hours on a weekly basis. Create a schedule and stick to it. If you worked outside the home you would need to work to get paid, correct? A WAHM business is no different. If you do the real work, you will get the sales. Telling people about your website and waiting for the sales to come in is simply not enough. That takes maybe an hour a week. Sorry to break it to you, that is not work.

Most quotas are quarterly while others may be monthly. Break that quota down into 3 parts for quarterly or 4 parts for monthly. Smaller goals are easier to manage and feel more attainable.

Create a list of items or group of items that will help you meet your quota. This can be the full quota or the broken down manageable goals. Create your marketing plan around promoting these items during your quota period. Change it often and keep things fresh.

Before a quota period begins, create a list of needed items. If you need to fulfill your quota personally you have a list of items needed for business to help you along. This will keep you from scrambling later. You have to invest in your business so this is one of the times to take advantage of adding to your investment.

Don't look at a quota as a disappointing event. This is what makes your business. The goal of a business is to make money and meeting a quota is money in your pocket. Imagine what you can do with the money you earned just from making the minimum quota.

A trick that I often recommend and have used in the past is take the quota and triple it. I see that as my quota fulfillment. If I only make half I still meet my quota. If I make the entire goal, that is three times what I would have made had I stuck to the required quota.

If you are with a company that requires a purchase of any size to stay active, turn that into a number. How much are you wanting to make? $10? $25? $100? How much will you need to sell to make that? Use that as your quota number.

Quotas are a business goal; not a death sentence. These are necessary to ensure business continues and thrives for all involved including customers. This is a positive action so keep this in the back of your mind.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer's Day, September 21, is a day when the Alzheimer's Association and other organizations around the globe unite our efforts to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on our families, communities and nations. World Alzheimer's Day was first launched on September 21, 1994 by ADI.

In 2007, the Alzheimer's Association began a movement to dramatically increase awareness and concern about Alzheimer's. We're calling on 5 million Americans — one for every person living with the disease — to become a Champion and join the Alzheimer cause. We're closer than ever to research breakthroughs that have the potential to change the course of this disease. Now is the time for you to take action and join us. Let's win this fight!

	Sign up and be counted as a Champion!
	First name:
	.
	Last name:
	.
	E-mail:
	.
	ZIP:
	.
	Check to receive email

More information found at http://www.actionalz.org

Click here find your Alzheimer awareness items at So Chic Bag Boutique

*sign up form provided by the Alzheimer's Association and not affiliated with Liv's WAHM Blog or So Chic Bag Boutique and will not receive emails from Liv's WAHM Blog or So Chic Bag Boutique. Liv's WAHM Blog supports the Alzheimer's Association and provides this service as part of that support.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip Of The Week

Get a magnet in the mail that you don't intend to use? Have one that is fade? Recycle it and glue a favorite picture of your children on the front.

Cut those old business card magnets into squares and glue on old buttons, lone decorative rocks, scrap of old material, rhinestones or even silk flowers.

You can even recycle by gluing on your own business card and sharing with a friend.

Offer these tips to your customers as part of your relationship building. They will thank you for it.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Here We Go Again!

I have touched on this subject in the past and we must revisit from time to time. This is in regards to importing address books into subscriptions.

For some strange reason people believe it is OK to add their email address books to their business emails without permission. No matter how you justify it this is spam. It was not requested and therefore is a big no no.

The argument comes up well they can just unsubscribe if they do not wish to receive it. Yes they can and most do but they should not have to is the point.

This practice does more than just become a temporary inconvenience. It can damage your reputation. Most times instead of gaining a customer, you lose one plus whomever they tell about your spamming practices.

Next time you consider importing your email address book to business newsletters, social networks, or anything else you were not given permission to do, think about the damage that can and will be created in regards to your business.

Is it really worth it in the end?


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

You Must Act On Your Dreams

You have to make your own opportunities.
Your future is not a matter of chance.
It's a matter of your choice.
It's not something you wait for.
It's something you must actively pursue.

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities.
Seize common occasions and make them great.
Opportunity can come disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.

Start today, right where you are.
Distant fields will always appear greener.
Yet, golden opportunities are all around you.

You can live a great dream if you pursue it.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

On A Mission

In every business including WAH businesses you are on a mission. A mission to build a successful business and support your family. Every business should have a mission and you are going to write a mission statement. Yes, even a WAHM, consultant, affiliate, distributor, crafter, or any other title you wish to give yourself.

A mission statement can be either complex or simple. This may be a statement others will never see. No matter what you need to create one.

Your mission statement is your vision for your business. Your goals. Your values.

Look at the larger companies and read their mission statement.

Here are a few of my favorite companies and their mission statements:

Starbucks
To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
http://www.starbucks.com/mission/default.asp

Walmart

What is Wal-Mart's mission statement?

Wal-Mart’s mission is to help people save money so they can live better.
http://walmartstores.com/Investors/7614.aspx

McDonalds
What is McDonald's Mission Statement?
McDonald's brand mission is to "be our customers' favorite place and way to eat." Our worldwide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience – People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion. We are committed to improving our operations and enhancing our customers' experience.
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcd_faq/student_research.html#1

Don't over think it. Start writing and it will come.

From time to time refer back to your mission statement. Use your mission statement to keep you on track. Update if needed.

Have a mission statement you wish to share? Lets see it!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

We will never forget

Today marks the 8th anniversary of this tragic event. Today take a moment to remember the 2,993 who lost their lives in Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon just outside of Washington, D.C, and a field in Shanksville in Pennsylvania. Also please take a moment to thank all those who fight for our country everyday and those who have lost their lives protecting us.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Apply Persistence To Your Possibilites

Your success is not a matter of idle chance, it's a matter of making
the right choices.
Success is not something you wait for, but rather something you'll
achieve with effort.

In other words, things won't turn up in this world until you turn them up.

Success is neither magical nor mysterious.
The people that truly succeed in the world are the people who look
for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them,
they make them.

Don't sit on the sidelines, get in the game.
Your access to success has no real limits.

The great opportunity in your life is where you are right now.
Every situation, properly perceived, becomes an opportunity for you.

There are grand opportunities all around you.
Open your eyes, and you will find one.

If you have the desire, you have the power to be successful.
Taking continuous action is all that is required.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

The Best Advice

This week I wanted to take from something I was involved in and get others involved as well. My husband is in school full-time pursuing a business degree. This term he is taking a very interesting class - entrepreneurship. One of his assignments was interview an entrepreneur. What was so interesting about this interview was the range of advice from different business owners.

The great thing about advice from different business owners is various views of business. Advice from someone who has been there and knows the good and bad of owning a business is invaluable.

If you are a business owner I want to hear your advice.

Complete the following and email to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com with "Business Advice Blog" in the subject line. Please include a picture of yourself.

Name:
Company name:
Website URL:
How long you have been in business:
What has been your biggest success to date in your business:
What do you struggle with most in business:
Your advice to someone wanting to start a business:

I will post the mini interviews randomly throughout the the month.

Submit mini interviews by September 15, 2009


*I reserve the right to not post mini interviews, edit interviews.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Up That Sale

Making a sale is great! But lets imagine that sale even larger. That is where you can up sell and bring in more.

Up selling is not as complicated as you may think. Up selling is simply benefiting the customer with add ons they need. This makes the customer happy. This makes you happy. This makes for larger sales.

Unsure how up selling works? If you have ever been to a fast food restaurant and asked if you would like fries with that, you have just witnessed an up sell. It was a complimentary sale to the product initially chosen. Simple right?

The key to up selling is getting to know your customers. When a customer makes a purchase from you, talk to your customer. What results are they wanting from your product? What products do you sell will be a great compliment to their initial purchase?

Lets say you sell purses. New purse means matching wallet. This is where the up sell comes in. You offer a matching or complimentary wallet. If you sell candles an up sell would be a candle holder. If you sell makeup an up sell would be make up remover, moisturizer, or a cosmetic bag.

Even if you sell strictly online does not mean you can't offer an up sell product. When talking with your customer you asks the same questions as if they were in front of you and offer products they need.

Every company has products to up sell. Even offering a sale item as an up sell is still fair game.

Don't start panicking wondering how you will think on the spot. Make a suggestion list. Yes this will take time but will be well worth it. You will be shocked how many of your products can be up sold with complimentary items.

Keep it simple. Start with your main product line, popular products, or go for the gold and select your big ticket items. For each item go through your list of available products and services that would be a compliment to the item. I suggest a minimum of 3 suggestions for up sell. If you have more by all means list them but the goal is the minimum of 3. You now have an up sell list.

Your list should be complimentary products or services and not out in left field. Sometimes this may occur when you listen to your customer but lets keep it simple. Complimentary items only at first.

Play with how you can offer these. Most times just a plain offer is best. An example: Mrs. Robinson, since you chose that lovely necklace take a look at this matching bracelet.

During an up sell is a great time to offer specials whether they are personal or company. You can even create a package from your list. Example: Order the eyeshadow and mascara and you can add an eyeliner for a great discounted price. Or simple offer at a flat package price. Its your technique so go with what you are comfortable with.

You can up sell with a special sale. If your customer is purchasing a product on sale offer another in a different color, size, scent. This is best when paired with your smaller ticket items I find. Your results may be different. Try it and see what works best for you.

Don't feel as though you are pushing your customer to spend more when they are not intending to. This is customer service and assisting the customer in taking care of all their needs.

While I do not recommend you have this list in plain sight of the customer, you can however tuck this in a place that allows for quick reference - behind your party calendar, your notebook, even a cheat sheet behind your display. Now this one sounds odd but you can even tuck the list in your pocket and excuse yourself to the restroom for a quick peek when you are stuck.

Practice your sales technique on friends and family. The more comfortable you are the better you will be.

Up selling is a win win situation. Try it on your next sale and see how easy it is to take care of your customer's needs.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com