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Permalink Reply by Fadia Ward on June 5, 2008 at 8:16am

My one critical thing is the need, not so much how many people come to my site because if one mother post her story and that father see his story and get his act together I have done my job.

Everybody wants to be rich but I really want to be a blessing in a child's life more than I want to become wealthy.

So my most important thing is to focus on the needs of my clients.

I hope I answered this question right.

Fadia Ward

www.SorryAssBabyDaddies.com

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Permalink Reply by Teresa on June 6, 2008 at 10:02pm

Hi Fadia,

Thanks for sharing. Your write-up touched my heart. I'm happy when I see people helping others. Especially children. Our children are a gift from GOD and you are truly blessed.

-Teresa

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Permalink Reply by Crystal Smith on June 5, 2008 at 9:10am

I think the one critical we need to know is our purpose for the business. If we know what our purpose is we can achieve our goal. We also need to be certain we are doing what we are destined to do by GOD!!!!!!!!! When we operate out of our calling it doesn't last..................... We must find our passion and pursue it. Wherever our passion is our calling is usually within it. First, we have to be in tune with our inner being and spiritual being. Then we can pursue our purpose with passion!!!!!!!!!!!!! It takes lots of soul searching and meditating and recognizing the revelation when it is manifested for us. Best of luck to all with your endeavors.

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Permalink Reply by Teresa on June 6, 2008 at 10:06pm

Hi Crystal,

Thank you for sharing. Yes, I agree, we all must find our passion and pursue it. Some of my friends and family always tell me they do not know what their passion may be. I tell them to search their spirit and meditate. These two things definitely guided me to my passion. Being still and quiet is good for the soul.

-Teresa

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Permalink Reply by Quanisha on June 6, 2008 at 10:39pm

Passion is very important. I finally accepted the passion everyone told me I should pursue...lol It's funny whenever everyone else see's your spark. I always knew education was my passion, but accepting it has been a blessing.


I think one critical thing I need to know is how to make those intial contacts for business purposes. I know how to do cold calls for outreach/non-profit purposes, but I'm a bit hesitant to do it for my personal "profit".

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Permalink Reply by Teresa on June 7, 2008 at 12:21am

Hi Quanisha,

Hope all is well. Congratulations on accepting your passion. Yes, sometimes others may see your spark well before you do. I'm happy for you and must say you are truly blessed.

This is just from my experience and I'm pretty new to the business world. I started my travel business 7 months ago and have not looked back since. I did struggle with making initial contacts, but I will share with you some of the things I did to make it work.

- I attended many events to get my business out there
- I'm continually networking with friends, family and business associates
- I hit the pavement and handed out biz cards and flyers
- I joined on-line networks like BBWO, Myspace, Facebook, etc
- I setup my biz with all the major search engines (Thanks to LaShanda)
- I joined the Buy Black Collective Group on BBWO. It's a way for you to get
support for your business by a group of people who are members. I just
finished my week and I have received more sales as a result

These are some of the things you could try to get you started. It's a tough road, but if you believe in what you are doing, you will become successful.

To your success!

-Teresa

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Permalink Reply by Quanisha on June 7, 2008 at 5:14am

Thank you for the tips. I will definitely utilize them.

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Permalink Reply by Teresa on June 9, 2008 at 1:24pm

Hi Myasha,

Most of the on-line things that I did cost me little to no money. If you have not done so already, you can start with the things I mention in the comment to Quanisha. One of the things that I do and continue to do is attend events to get my business out to the public. I was lucky and was able to attend 3 events for free, which allowed me to promote my business. As a result of attending these events, I have obtained 15 new clients. Eight of these clients have come back more than once.

Another way I picked up clients is by attending gatherings with friends. My friend just had a girlfriend get together and I picked up 3 new clients just from attending. I always carry my business cards whereever I go. I'm never caught without them. As a result, I have picked up several new clients.

The next thing that I'm looking to do to market my business is web 2.0 advertising. More to come on this though.

Wishing you much success!

-Teresa

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Permalink Reply by Itiel McVay "Smell Goods Lady" on June 10, 2008 at 3:22pm

Myasha,

You are off to a good start by being a member of the BBWO!

I agree with the pointers that Teresa has given you.

- You can order free cards from Vista
-You can order free postcards from Vista
- Online: You must put in the time for SEO
- Give back.
- Offer your product/service to events that are targeting your demographics. Be mindful of this however.

What is your business? I am in the bath & body industry, so I am always smelling good when I leave the house. When I am given a compliment, I make a note of it. I then go home and prepare the fragrance I was wearing and then take it back to that person. So that is another way to market your product.

Market yourself! Be the product. Continue to gain knowledge of your business, so that you look smart and be smarter.

Here's to your continue success!

Itiel

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Permalink Reply by Itiel McVay "Smell Goods Lady" on June 10, 2008 at 3:10pm

...what keeps existing customers coming back.

You. Your attitude and spirit. Gaining new customers is always great, but having those repeat customers says a lot more about you the person. I personally have repeat customers whom I have never met. This has been for years. From their mouths, I have been told that they feel like they know me. Being in retail many years before owning my business, I learned that customers prefer a personable touch, great service, and superb product.

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