WAHM Feature - Barefoot Books

Barefoot Books

Website: http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/7076

Explore. Imagine. Create. Connect. Give Back. That’s what Barefoot Books is all about. It’s exploring other cultures, our planet, ourselves. It’s making time for make-believe and letting imaginations run wild and free. Most of all, it’s about using the power of stories to nourish the creative spark in everyone and strengthen connections with family, the global community, and the earth.

Barefoot Books began with two mothers who wanted their children to have books that would feed the imagination, while instilling a respect for diversity and a love of the planet. Today, we are a world-wide community of writers, artists, storytellers, musicians, and others who are committed to providing timeless stories and captivating art that can help children become happy, engaged members of a global society.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010

Free Ad Space?

When starting a new business or just trying to keep it going, budgets are tight and you often wonder to the dark side of "free." Now before we get upset, hear me out on this one.

The problem free ads have is many people are doing the exact same thing. If everyone is just there to advertise, what are you accomplishing? Not all free ads produce these results but most do.

If you are going to take the opportunity to place a free ad, be sure you are getting results. Do no join free ad groups. These are usually a waste of time. Ones that are not are hard to find and still take more work than you will get in return.

Free ad space you want is:

• When someone wants to post a WAHM Feature (such special promotions at Liv's WAHM Blog) or product review. 
• When newspapers offer free space to fill voids in their print. 
• When writing articles you include a byline at the end that includes a sentence or 2 about your business including website. 
• Social network business page where you interact with customers (check the social network TOS in regards to this prior to posting ads). 
• Email signatures where you can include your website or mini bio. Keep these short and sweet. 
• Forum groups where you can create and manage a group dedicated to teaching customers about your products and offer tips. 
• Managing a blog dedicated to your product/service.
• Word of mouth. There is nothing better than a customer recommending you to a friend or family member.

These are just a few free ad spaces that are helpful in business building.

When looking for ad space, be smart about it. Don't place an ad just because its free.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Market Like you Game

I am guilty of indulging in fun games that appear on social networks. One thing I see every day is comments of how nobody is making money or out of ideas but nobody has a problem asking for a tree for their farm. If you can share and exchange for entertainment, why not employ those same tactics in business?

Now let break this down a bit. You send everyone a request to be neighbor or for a special tool needed for a game. Does everyone respond? Those that do you continue to do "game" business with right? You may even pass on their name to others to help them gain levels and friends correct? Guess what!? You are networking! It wasn't as hard as you thought previously now was it?

Everyone you invite to play doesn't respond just as in business. Everyone you introduce to your business does not become a customer. You invest in those you have introduced and show interest.

How do you use these in business? Start with what most in business have; business cards. You pass out business cards to those interested. Don't force a card on those not interested. Its a waste of your time and theirs. Just politely thank them for their time and either move on to another subject or excuse yourself.

Next are catalogs. There is no need to leave the latest makeup catalog in areas where only men frequent. You are wasting your money. This does not mean never do this but only when its appropriate. This goes for flyers as well.

Parties. Most people love to attend gatherings. They do not however enjoy a 2 hour sales pitch. Keep presentations short, offer product they can see and demo, interact with customers one on one. Do not attempt to recruit every single person at your party. Its unrealistic and can create awkward moments. I suggest having guests complete a simple questionnaire either on an order form (this is best) or a door prize drawing slip (great to file for late contacts). Those interested in joining, schedule an appointment one on one so they have your undivided attention. Do the same at events. Its ok to give initial information but get that appointment so you can answer all their questions.

If everyone marketed their business with the same passion and drive as they do games, more would create the success they desire.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Feature - Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Website: http://teatimewithliv.com

Blog: http://teatimewithliv.blogspot.com

Email: teatimewithliv@gmail.com

Begin your experience or enhance your knowledge of tea. Share a cup with a friend, have an impromptu tea party with your children, or just sit back and relax.

From a delicious black tea to a refreshing green tea, we will tempt your tastebuds in ways your never considered.

Try our line of fresh-baked products coming to you straight from the oven! Serve scones at breakfast time, with high tea, or anytime. Simply blend, shape, bake for hot, delicious scones.

From delectable, mouth watering brownies to easy no-bake cheesecakes, you're sure to find something to tempt your palate amongst our selection!

Come in and savor the flavor.

Don't forget to grab a new teapot, infuser, or try our flavored honey sticks.

Olivia Vidal

© 2009-2010

No more excuses

Over the years I hear many excuses - I can't do parties, my company didn't teach me that, my customer wants this so I can't sell to that one, my company doesn't offer that. Excuse, excuse, excuse. There are others with the exact same company, with the exact same products, and the exact same opportunity and are successful. So throw out the excuses and start owning up to your business.

There are no excuses in business. You either do or don't. If you make a mistake, say so. Don't explain how you had no sleep, your child was sick all night, and your computer has 10 thousand viruses, and your dog ran away. Excuses only lead to more. You feel better about them and feel others are ok with it so they breed more excuses. This is when I call someone an excuse addict. You can't stop and even live for them even if only subconsciously.

Don't let excuses ruin your business and your name. You may think it directly affects only you but it doesn't. It can affect an entire business. You may represent Widget World but because of you and your lack of ability to correct an issue customers will not return to Widget World. Example how this works - ever gone to a restaurant and received bad service? Ever decided to not return due to the bad service? The restaurant didn't do anything wrong. It was the service yet you were so turned off you didn't give them a second chance. Same with the WAHM world. Avoid the excuses, own up to responsibility, stop giving you and your business lower value, and start being professional.

If your company doesn't offer it, create an alternative. If your company doesn't teach it, learn it elsewhere. If you can't do parties then find a creative way to get out there in front of your customers. Overcome the obstacle not create an excuse. The more excuses, the more failure.

Once you free yourself of the excuse addiction you will set a path towards success.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Feature - Marlena Gondek and Tastefully Simple

Marlena Gondek and Tastefully Simple

Website: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mgondek
Email thegourmetway@yahoo.com

Tastefully Simple is gourmet food at a fraction of the cost that only takes two or fewer ingredients to make.. it is truly a time saver which allows us busy moms or dads to spend more time with our families.. My goal?  Bring families back to the dinner table, one meal at a time.



Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Looking for you

I am looking for 2 more WAHMs to feature during the month of June. If you would like to see you and your business featured here on Liv's WAHM Blog with will also include mentions on facebook and twitter, send the following to disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com:

Full Name:
Company Name:
Website:
Information about your business (submit as a ready to go ad including exactly what you do):

Include a banner or product picture.

Sorry no MLM or Pay per click

Olivia Vidal
© 2009-2010
http://sochicbagboutique.com