My name is Candace Nadine Breen and I am the CEO and Founder of Candidly Candace, Inc., a women's advcacy group which also has a radio show. I taught English in the Providence Public Schools for 11 years until a violent incident at the school which threatened to end my life and the life of my unborn child sent me home with PTSD and anxiety. I am currently on ordinary disability from the school system which is a blessing. During the time away, I enjoyed motherhood and being a wife, I finished an MA in Human Services,Counseling and began my radio show which led to my business. I also managed to write and get my book "Running Waters: The Poetry of A Woman's Soul" published on Amazon (due out MArch 2010).
I am thinking of how to change my company to make it more profitable. My first year was stressful. I had too many events. I am thinking of hosting one benefit a year (since I am not a nonprofit) which is a walk-a-thon in May. I have also began to sell my Empowerment bracelets...Lance Armstrong style design (pink with the words grooved into the bracelet). I am thinking of just selling empowerment merchandise and continue my books. I currently work form home because I am a mother with young children. Any ideas of how I can expand my business and sell and market merchandise? What are the great places that can help me with virtually selling and distribution of merchandise?
Replies
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Forgive me for not reading your profile in depth, but without knowing what your group advocates (healthy relationships, self confidence, freedom from abuse, parenting. . .) I am not able to give you more precise advice. However I suggest that you DO NOT change your company for money. Since it seems that you have reached a level of success as you are you only need to tweak a few things. For example:
> During each of your radio broadcast, you can promote an item related to your topic for sale, and have that item available on your web site all the time.
> You can have a resource table filled with things you sell available at each event. (If your event schedule is taxing for you, definitely cut back. Your health and sanity are essential to your business growth and your family's well being)
>Find sponsors, find sponsors, find sponsors. Most will be happy to pay for an opportunity to be featured at an event or during a radio program; but they probably won't come to look for you.
>Take advantage of free help. Start a Valunteer organization that is tied to your business. You may be amazed to find out how many people would love to help you. . . . Let's especially remember family and friends who want you to succeed just so they can brag about you.
> I would say no to a walk-a-thon because they are getting played out. But how about a serious old school dance-a-thon? Or maybe hosting a Bones (Dominoes) or scrabble tournament.
My point is to think of something that you can benefit from WITH OUT taking you off of the square that you've already established for yourself; and that your your current constituents can benefit from and be happy to support. I hope this helps.
In joy - - - Andrea Fields
P.S. There are so many people and organizations that are simply reaching out for money that I think your financial growth will come from building in strategies and campaigns that are a natural extension of what you already do.
You've helped me so much. I am going to print out your reply so I can have it to refer to. Oh, thank you. It is very important for me to be here for my family and at the same time, be successful in my endeavors to set an example for my children. We're trying to raise good Christian children and are also trying to save for our kids to go to the Christian Academy that is part of our church.
peace and happiness,
Candace Nadine Breen