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

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