The thing is, I know I have a good product, people who've used it know it's a good product. So what do I have to do to get it out there? Well first I need to follow up on my leads. I had given two people some wholesale pricing prior to Christmas and I thought if they were really enthusiastic, they'd get back to me right away. Well, everyone's busy and they have their own businesses to run, so it's up to me to keep on their case until they get back to me right? I also have to do more networking, which is so outside of my realm of normal, I think I'm going to have to buy a new personality to do it. I can't wait until I win the lottery so I can have people to do these sorts of things for me. ;)
Happy Friday.
The picture is hysterical!
ReplyDeleteMaking the choice to go into your own business is never an easy choice, but it's usually driven by the pure love of what you are doing, and sharing this "love" with everyone else.
Networking and all that can be fun, but also exhausting. I cherish those I've connected with and so fortunate that the "net" has allowed my world to become bigger.
Follow on your leads, call back people, your determination will get your biz running....
I needed to find a picture that was a little more upbeat than the topic of my post for the day. I like the old saying about do what you love and the money will follow but I suspect that was said by someone who wasn't doing it on their own. ;)
DeleteNetworking is incredibly exhausting, especially for an introvert like myself, but that's part of doing a business isn't it? Push yourself to do things you don't normally like to do.
I agree, that pic is soooo funny but definitely makes the point. Determination is the key to success. I feel for you because we so similar. A successful business person told me on e that you don't have to be an extrovert to be great in the biz you just have to pretend to be an extrovert. It works, it really does. Another thing I'd always remind myself of is the worst someone could say was no.
ReplyDeleteBtw/ you are better at networking than you think ;)
The picture was chosen partly because of the picture you posted on pinterest, dogs sometimes just make the picture. Thanks for the advice, but how do you pretend to be an extrovert? You seem like a naturally bubbly person who would meet people all the time and have no trouble talking to them. Thanks for words of encouragement, it does me good to talk with people who're so supportive.
DeleteThis is how I tackled the whole "extrovert" thing. This site writes it up exactly how I approached it:
Deletehttp://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/tips-for-networking-successfully-for-introverts/
#1 is exactly how I have to deal with everything. If more than 2 people are in a room talking and I'm suppose to be engaged it sucks all my energy. I'm much better one on one. With more than one I feel like I'm pulled in too many directions and I can't keep up. If networking is a challenge, you'll find one on one to be very effective and in the end, productive.
#2 I think the more you reward yourself for overcoming obstacles in the business the easier the obstacles are to tackle in the future. I'm not sure why that is but it is.
#3 I have a really hard time with extroverts. I walk away exhausted most of the time, no matter how much I adore the person. Connecting with other introverts in business seemed to go well for me.
#4 I agree with the part about having an extrovert business partner. That would be awesome!
#5 In the "pretend to be an extrovert" battle, I learned very well how to make small talk and it made a huge difference. I always noticed that was the one thing that successful biz people did well and I just followed along with that. It should be #1 on the list I think.
#6 The creative marketing I think just came along with the other points. As you go along in the business you find ways of marketing yourself. One of the weirdest things that happened to me was... I was having a "girls night" on a monthly basis with a tiny group of friends and our kids. One of my friends invited one of her friends. That night I decided to do "make your own body products" with all of the ladies and throw in some educational stuff about toxins and such. The next thing I know I have friends of friends of friends wanting to buy my body products plus, asking if I'd host parties for them on making soap. The whole hosting parties thing was NOT for me, since I do not like large groups of people but if I'd been interested I think that would have took off very well.
So you'll be amazed at how just networking and talking about your passion for making soap (with the hair dresser, with the grocery store clerk, etc...) will spark your a creative marketing idea, one that they might even provide for you.
Wow Michelle, thank you so much for this! I think this will go a long way in helping me succeed in my goals.
DeleteI'll keep an eye out for a sale on new personalities for you. ;D I adore your personality but yeah, it's not great for selling.
ReplyDeleteWoudlja? Maybe we can find one at a thrift store, slightly used, kinda musty smelling but should clean up pretty good after a few washes. ;) My personality's great for keeping your personality from getting into too much trouble. ;D
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