1. Create samples/gardening gifts. Samples/Gardening gifts are truly one the best way to get people excited about your new business. Sharing a sample/gardening gift is truly an inexpensive way to get the word out about your business. You want to get people talking about your product- word of mouthing advertising is HUGE for a new business. If you are in a business that does not give out samples, I suggest giving out material about joining your business, hosting a party during a certain time to earn an extra gift, or for jewelry I suggest giving a coupon for a free charm (something inexpensive.)
2. Honestly, one of the most vital things you can do for your business is to get your name out there. Once you get it out there keep YOUR name in front of your customers and potential customers as often as possible. Ways to get your name out there are donations to businesses, schools, etc for raffles, posting on Facebook {post on local sites in your area advertising your business, your business fan page, your personal page}, Radio, Newspaper, putting your catalogs in businesses, giving catalogs to friends. Put labels and/or business cards on everything you hand out. Since it is your business, make sure you are getting credit for the time along with things you are putting out there. Labels are something you can design yourself or you can find on websites like Etsy
3. Order Catalogs and business cards. They are inexpensive and are one of the best ways to get your name out there. Especially if you do not carry inventory for your business. You want to be able to handle them a catalog to look through. Once you get your catalogs and business cards in start sharing them every where you go. You never know who you might meet while being out and about. Remember to not be afraid to leave a catalog or business card when you go into businesses.
4. What are YOUR business billboards? I bet you are curious what a billboard is. It is an ad that catches the attention of a lot of people that are just passing by. Since you are involved in so many things that may not have anything to do with your business- it gives you a lot of opportunities to share your business. It takes up to a dozen encounters with a brand for people to remember it. That is why I suggest doing every event you can find in your area, no matter how big or how small, wearing a shirt with your company brand on it, putting a decal on your car, or event carrying a bag with your company logo are all great billboards for your brand. You would be surprised how many high- exposure areas you are in daily. Use them to your advance. People will start asking what your business is all about the more they see it.
5. Hire employees {sort-of} - for close to free! Are you looking for a great way to maximize your sales time? Want to fit more bookings into a month? Then a catalog, bag, or box party are the way to go. It is like hiring a sales team. They are earning free products out of doing the hard work for you. Simply put together a few items {if you have a high value product I suggest creating a loaner agreement with your hostess. It will be some where you list what they have, their address, credit card information, etc. Also, make sure your hostess signs it.} some business cards, catalogs, order forms, information on joining your team, hostess flyer, etc in a bag or box. I suggest making a few up at a time- that way you are ready to hand one out when someone asks you. Give them to Hostesses to build excitement. Suggest she start getting orders right away. You can also ask your friends and acquaintances who work in busy offices, if they are interested in doing an on the go party.
6. Make sure you are using your product. Product experiences is vital. People want to know your experience with the product. Passion sells. Your passion is truly contagious. Likely you will find that it is easiest to sell the things you love the most. Take advantage of any special offers your company has, limited edition items. Once you get to talking about your product you will realize how much interest that generates and how excited people get. I always tell people that every item they see displayed on my table is part of my personal collection. I love sharing my stories behind my lockets. Customers are always interested in what the story is about the lockets they see set up.
7. Learn a few “pick up” lines that work for your business. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to share what you love. While waiting in line strike up a conversation with the person behind you. They are likely just as bored as you are. , Pull out your product, show it off, share why you love it. Don’t be shy! Trust me when I say this, I used to be very shy before starting my own business. Men want to buy your product too. They have wives, girlfriends, moms, mother in laws, grandmas, sisters and daughters. Some times they need a little help getting the perfect gift for the women in their life.
8. Never limit yourself or think you cannot do it. Building a business is a lot of hard work, but I promise it is so worth it in the end. One of the best marketing tips I have even been told was to break out of my shell and to just try. I am so glad I took that advice! Be confident, smile, and start a conversation. You will hear "NO"- that is perfectly fine! Those NO's eventually lead to a yes. While “No”s can be hard to hear, don’t let them get you down. When you talk/share do so with a positive attitude, share your excitement, always have business material that is branded like a catalog, business card, rack card, flyer or sample. If you are looking to fail, you’ll find a million reasons you can. If you are looking for small successes that lead you to accomplishing goals, you’ll find those instead. What you tell yourself you become. So, tell yourself you will be confident, you will build your business, you will schedule a party. Setting goals are important to your success. Set a goal that is measurable- something you can accomplish that week. Look back on how you did that week. If something did not work for you, find a way to change it. This is your business, make the tweaks you need as you grow. Keep planting those seeds- eventually they will start growing a garden.
9. Be consistent. Make sure you are posting 1-3 times daily on your business facebook, sharing it on your personal page, 1 time daily on local selling sites in your area. Use other Social Media outlets also. You want to reach as many people as possible.
10. Set plans for your week. It helps you stay consistent and on track. Keep a list of customers, potential customers, and contacts. Emails, texts, social media post or even a phone call about current specials, contests, and limited edition items are a great way to keep your business in their eyes. People can forget what you offer if you are not making it known to them.
I hope this post helps you SOAR your business to new heights! If you have any questions please E-Mail me. I would love to chat with you.
As Always Dream Big,