I was signed up through some affiliates and although they were great affiliates. . .for someone. . .they never panned out for me. I've been a little incognito for a while because I wanted to put together a plan of action to tackle my financial situation while at the same time being able to do some things I enjoy. So I started working for ChaCha, which is money that I earn while working for the company. It required no investment and it isn't sales, so it was right up my alley-FREE.
Another thing I have started is a small business. It's not official yet since I haven't applied for business liscence and such, but I am in the test marketing phase. I am enjoying it. I started out with a launch party to introduce the business to my friends and family. I got some orders and made back all my start up money. So now, I am taking just about every ounce of profit I earn and putting it back into inventory. I want to eventually set up a website, but at this point, the product is so inexpensive that I would either have to jack up prices or sell TONS of the product. I have made a free web site just to see for myself how it looks and at some point, I may begin using it once I get it set up like I want it.
I would like to know from those of you who have started a business from scratch how did you grow your business without pestering people you know into passing along the word? So far, I have had suggestions like setting up a table at the flea market. I am building up my inventory so that I can do that soon. It was also suggested to me to set up tables at any and all crafts shows, seminars, expos and anywhere else that would allow me to just set up for little to no money and sell my wares.
I am open to more suggestions from you guys so that I can be successful and grow this business into something special. It is already special to me but I want everyone to experience it.
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Hello Janovia, this is Nora Girl I've been out of the loop for a while Just wanted to drop a hello and catch up with everyone. Busy with the kids and home But ready to get back out there swinging keep in touch..
1st of all Congratulations Janovia! I wish you all the best in your business venture. Getting the word out can definitely be a challenge. However when you post on BBWO it seems that people listen. So why not use the platform you have already established to spread your wings and expand your territory. see if you can find members that are in your area and form alliances with them. That may eventually produce sales.
Also, since you already have experience with affiliate programs, why not take that lemon and make lemonade. I know it sounds corny, but you already know why those programs didn't work for you. Think about what you didn't like, correct it and create an affiliate or referral program that will work and be profitable for people that choose to help you get the word out.
Lastly, I would take a page from Richelle Shaw and think about what your clients need next. Your family and friends have already bought from you. So what is the next logical thing that they may need within your niche?
I hope this helps, I know you will succeed!
Tanai M. Coleman
Your Money Is A Tool. Are You Using It Wisely? Check out the Your Money Matters Group on BBWO and find out.
Before the product came, I was already a member of several groups that would be my target market. As the product was still in the making, I shared alot with these ladies. When I launched the product the ladies of these groups were my support system with compliments and orders as well. When there were meetups, I would sign up to attend and many would ask for me to bring products.
A lot of the ladies blog, and so do I. They blog about my products which is the best thing that could have happened for me. They all wear them differently and it's word of mouth advertising.
As far as pestering people, I do it. I sought out online personalities with high traffic to their sites and asked them about advertising opportunities. Some have banner displays and a flat fee. I personally do not like these. There was no way for me to track if the sales I made were from the people who clicked. Some offered to do a product review if I sent them a product and I find this most effective. Even if I send my most expensive product it is cheaper for me to make/ship a product than to pay $20-80 for a banner slot. My best advice is to pick your person very wisely.
Word of mouth which is the best type of advertising you can get. Someone saying "I love this product," is worth a billion times more than a banner among several banners with a picture of your product. People will see banners and might click, but if it's a product they are skeptical about purchasing, they need just a little reassurance, and that's the customer testimony. Ask your friends to email testimonies to you so you can add them to your site.
Replies
Nora
Also, since you already have experience with affiliate programs, why not take that lemon and make lemonade. I know it sounds corny, but you already know why those programs didn't work for you. Think about what you didn't like, correct it and create an affiliate or referral program that will work and be profitable for people that choose to help you get the word out.
Lastly, I would take a page from Richelle Shaw and think about what your clients need next. Your family and friends have already bought from you. So what is the next logical thing that they may need within your niche?
I hope this helps, I know you will succeed!
Tanai M. Coleman
Your Money Is A Tool. Are You Using It Wisely? Check out the Your Money Matters Group on BBWO and find out.
Joyce
www.beawealthyentrepreneur.com
A lot of the ladies blog, and so do I. They blog about my products which is the best thing that could have happened for me. They all wear them differently and it's word of mouth advertising.
As far as pestering people, I do it. I sought out online personalities with high traffic to their sites and asked them about advertising opportunities. Some have banner displays and a flat fee. I personally do not like these. There was no way for me to track if the sales I made were from the people who clicked. Some offered to do a product review if I sent them a product and I find this most effective. Even if I send my most expensive product it is cheaper for me to make/ship a product than to pay $20-80 for a banner slot. My best advice is to pick your person very wisely.
Word of mouth which is the best type of advertising you can get. Someone saying "I love this product," is worth a billion times more than a banner among several banners with a picture of your product. People will see banners and might click, but if it's a product they are skeptical about purchasing, they need just a little reassurance, and that's the customer testimony. Ask your friends to email testimonies to you so you can add them to your site.
Good luck to you!
Carmen