Don't despair. It is
always hard in the beginning and it is even harder when you are
running out of funds. My former boss started selling a pail of
roses, standing out in the middle of one street corner in Los
Angeles, CA and sold his first rose bud for $1.50. His dream was
to become the McDonalds of flowers. His capital was $500.00-
money intended for his school tuition. With sheer determination,
dedication, a lot of sacrifice--the business now has over 2,500
franchises all over the United States. Are you familiar with
1-800-FLOWERS?
You are doing the right thing to promote your shop.
Newsletters, Fliers, Brochures, Mailing Coupons. But, these does
not really guarantee you immediate results. These takes time. If
you are running low on funds, try telemarketing from your home
phone. Give your friends some courtesy or "How Are
You" calls. Then inject your business into the
conversation. Ask them to drop by your shop, just for checking
it out. Tell them you need advise on the set-up of the shop. Try
to arouse curiosity. For some of your closer friends, ask them
to help you promote your shop to their friends.
Visit some business establishments whose owners or managers
you know. Ask permission to place your business cards in their
counters or wherever, you feel their customers can get a glimpse
and pick up one. Make cold calls to offices and leave a business
card with receptionists, secretaries and whoever you meet in
those buildings.
It really does not matter that your shop is at home. Get that
complex out of your mind. Always think that you are better off
than anybody else who maintains a shop downtown because you are
not paying rent. Imagine, if you rent a space at the mall, say,
$1,000 a month --how much sales you must have to make just to
cover the rent? While at home--everything you sell goes back to
your business. Besides, once people become aware of your
business, they will come to you or call you every time they need
flowers. The name you have chosen for your business portrays
some kind of unique flower or arrangement which arouses
curiosity and I believe it can work well for you.
Join civic clubs and organizations in your area. If you have
religious affiliation, join one of the groups that they have in
church. Then keep on promoting your shop by word of mouth and
business card distribution.
For your kind of business, it really requires exposure. Think
of promotional activities for every special occasion that you
can think of including National Holidays. Flowers instead of
Fireworks on July 4th can create a new take on the celebration.
Think about the other events and create a unique approach.
People will always react to new kinds of presentation.
Nach Maravilla is
the Publisher of Power Homebiz Guides. He has over thirty years
experience in sales and marketing of various products, which
covered as he jokingly describes, "from toothpicks to
airplanes" He also had extensive experience in
International trading and he always excelled in special promotional
ideas for retail outlets.