Getting Started - Need Advice

[Christina Harper]

I've recently started a small business and need some help getting things kicked off. We make handmade jewelry, handbags, aprons, and other women's accessories. I have a lot of things in progress right now and am having trouble staying focused. I don't know what to do first really.

We do have website which is a good start. It links to an etsy store for people to be able to purchase our products. I'm working on getting a blog started as well to help drive traffic to the site. That's a big issue I'm coming across is driving traffic. Money is tight so I can't really afford paid advertising so I'm trying social networking. Frenzied Artists is on Facebook, Twitter, and now Inside 919. I'm hoping you can help me with next steps based on experience. I would like to know what's worked best for you.

Another project is getting our product into local local gift shops and boutiques. Being that I'm new to this, any advice about approaching store owners without seeming pushy would be great. The more information the better which is why I'm here at Inside 919. Reading through the profiles all of you seem to have successful businesses and have found what works for you. Please help! Thank you in advance.

[Miles Rowe, L.Ac.]

Hi Christina,
I should preface by saying that I am by no means a sales guru. In fact, I have also just recently started my business so I am working on learning marketing strategies as well. In my small bit of experience, the best advertisement is through direct networking with other businesspeople. This takes time, patience and a willingness to stand up and talk in front of people, but you will build strong relationships with other networkers and the community at large. There are plenty of opportunities, both through BNI, LEADS and other groups to show off your products in person outside of your shop. I would suggest trying out several, finding one group that you really click with, and visiting that group every single week without fail. With Mother's Day coming, there is no time like the present. If you are interested in visiting a BNI meeting, I know a couple of good groups in Durham and one in Cary (I am a member of one of the Durham groups). I would be happy to connect you with these. Also, Steve Hand, who is the regional director of BNI is on inside919 and knows all of the chapters in this area. There is also a really big LEADS group in Chapel Hill.
I hope this helps. Good Luck!

[Christina Harper]

Thanks Miles! I've been looking for a group to get involved with but have only found the monthly Thursday meetings fit my schedule. I currently work full time in Durham and live in Raleigh so I'm only available after 6pm and on the weekends. I'll send a note to Steve and ask him about the current meetup groups and schedules. Let me know if you attend or know of any in the mean time. Thanks again!

[Miles Rowe, L.Ac.]

The one that I belong to meets at Saladelia in Durham (across the street from where South Square used to be) on Wednesday mornings at 8. There is another that meets on Thursday mornings in the same spot at 7 and another that meets at the Carolina Ale House in Durham at 11:15 (I'm not absolutely sure about the last time) on Thursdays. If you are able to stop off on the way from Raleigh, there is a really good group in Cary that meets at 8 on Wednesday mornings in Mimi's Cafe.

[Christina Harper]

Thank you Miles!

[Najah Wallace]

Hey Christina,

Miles gave you some really great advice, you have to get out there and spread the word. Another great networking group in the Triangle area you may want to look into is Coffee and Contacts, there is a group here on Inside 919. It's a great group of really talented and fabulous local female business owners.

[Christina Harper]

Thank you Nijah! I've looked at the times and locations and looks like I might need to wait until the summer to be able to participate. I carpool in the mornings from Raleigh to Durham where I work but during the summers we reduce our carpooling efforts to a couple times a week. I look forward to joining a group soon!

[Carole Hoffman]

Hi Christina,
It sounds to me like you are off to a good start. A friend of mine also makes handmade handbags. She sells almost exclusively on etsy and is doing great. Also, I think your idea of getting your work in stores/boutiques is essential. Just a word of advice on that, from my days working in an art gallery...If the shop owner turns you down, know that it isn't personal. They have a good idea what will and won't sell in their store based on their clientele. One persons work is not for everyone. Know that their decision is a god one for both of you. You don't want your work just sitting in their store not selling, and neither do they. Go on to the next shop and try again.

Word of mouth is another good way. Also, check the internet and book stores for info on selling handmade art. There is a lot of info on it. I used to be the "marketing director" for my old boyfriend's ceramic sculptures. I learned that there is a lot you can learn this way.

Also, put photos on your profile page on all the social networking sites you are on. Let the work sell itself.
Good luck to you.

[Christina Harper]

Hi Carole,

I was in the Cary Spring Daze show last Saturday and had a wonderful time. Carolyn Anderson helped drive traffic to our booth while she passed out coupons for local businesses. It was wonderful! I've been reading a lot about approaching boutiques in the area. I have a lot of new products that I need to get online so I'm hoping with my recent exposure and plan to get into some local stores Frenzied Artists will be off to a great start. Thank you for your advice!

[Justin Lukasavige]

You might check out the Make it Profitable group as well Christina. I think you'll get a lot out of the discussions happening there right now.

[Martin Brossman]

1) Determining your best or target clients and allies (those that could refer people to you and you could refer to) is a start.

2) The key to the Social Media is relating not selling. That does mean spending some time on a regular basis relating to other, helping and allow other to help (like this question).

3) As for approaching gift shops and boutiques, do you have a nice post card with a picture that you could just drop off in person and see if they are interested. Friendly and direct tends to work.

Just a few quick ideas.
Martin Brossman
Success Coach

[Nick Putnam]

Free events, word of mouth and asking your exisiting clients for a referral (most important) are the best ways to get the word out for a small biz. Advertising efforts can often be way too expensive and may or may not have the appeal you would like w/ the people you would like to have as clients. I offer free initial consultations for those intesting in personal finance planning, as well as those seeking business planning.

Nick

[Kellie Amero Stobie]

If I may offer some advise.....

You need to compile a list and start there. Focus on one task at a time.

If I were you, I would concentrate on getting my items in stores first. Web site promotion is fine, but face to face is much better. When you connect with people on a personal level, they are more apt to do business with you.

Make sure that you always have a product or two with you and business cards. Don't forget to carry order forms also. When people compliment you on your purse, you can let them know that you made it. I do most of my business meeting new people in stores and restaurants just by having them inquire about my books.

I would also make a list of all the people that I know. I would then either call or meet with them face to face. Let them know you have started a new business. Show them a presentation book and an example of your products. Make sure that you always ask people for referrals.

Hope that helps!

Have a wonderful day!

Kellie