As I mentioned in the last post, my sister was the one who convinced me to start this soaping business. I’ve always held a 9 to 5 job after completing university, that was what our parents taught us to do: find a job, preferably unionized, work hard, don’t take risks and that should be a good life. But what sort of a life is that? Mediocre if you ask me.
Running a business is hard work! I’ve done the easy part already, that is making some soaps and taking pictures and posting them on a website, but there’s so much more to it. Thanks to my domain host, Yola (and I’m not getting anything extra by saying how wonderful they are), I’ve learned how to get my site indexed by search engines, how to use Google Analytics and so much more. And all this is just the start of things, I need to find local craft fairs to sell my wares to, become part of the soaping community and learn to perfect my soapmaking skills (which will never happen as nothing is ever perfect). One of the hardest things for me to learn will be how to be a salesperson. Don’t get me wrong, I like people and they like me, but I prefer to be the one listening as opposed to talking and so I’ll have to learn to talk up my products. Any suggestions?
So, I think my drummer may not have changed, but he’s certainly picked up the beat to something more happy.
Good luck with your new business, I am sure it will be great! The craft shows are the best for finding customers. I use to want to be part of the Renassaince festival bit in our area the festival now has about 4 soap makers. Do you have one in your area? The soaps sell very well there. Another thing I learned hat helps bring in custokers is giving away small samples and having a party at your home and introducing your creations to friends.
ReplyDeleteOh... farmers markets. Another great way to get your product in the hands of the people.
ReplyDeleteI love your confidence in my business Michelle. I haven't looked into the fairs here yet, so I'll have to get around to that. I tossed around the farmer's market idea as well, but I'm afraid of the soaps fading or getting sweaty in the great outdoors (despite our lack of incredible heat like they've had in other parts of North America).
ReplyDeleteYour idea of having a party at home is a great one though, I'll have to make sure to do that, maybe charge an entrance fee to my friends of having to buy one of my soaps before they're allowed to come into the house. :D