Dear Yvonne:
Congratulations on what could be the beginnings of a great entrepreneurial
effort! I applaud all women who find something that they're good at and make
a run for it! And you are so lucky to have so much talent!
My first suggestion is to do your research. I am unfamiliar with the
steps that one would take to try to get a job writing for card companies. If
this seems like something you'd like to do, take the plunge and just start
looking for ways to get 'in'.
If you're serious about trying to create a career out of what you've
already done, then that's more up my alley! I was visiting my in-laws for
the holidays and found a cute little quilt boutique that I just had to
stroll through. Inside, there were the usual things for quilters - sewing
notions, fabrics, patterns ... and at every turn, there was a greeting card
stand. I was a bit surprised, but then I noticed how many women stopped and
looked at the cards as they were shopping! I love those types of marketing
opportunities!
I mention this because I saw some amazing cards in that store - not
something I'd ever seen before ... but, awesome and quite noticeable. One
set in particular was something that really caught my eye -- it appeared as
if the designer had taken old photographs (non-copywrited, perhaps from her
family or something she purchased at a tag sale) and photocopied them onto
cardstock ... cut them out to look like an old Polaroid. These photos were
simply glued to the front of a card and her message was inside.
Do you see where I'm going? You don't have to look for an artist if
that's not within your means. Look for something that will catch the
attention of the consumer and draw notice to the face of a card - something
different, something unique and something that makes someone want to pick up
that card and read the inside! If the face of your card and your message are
inside, you will sell well!
If you take this approach, all you need to do is to find a wholesale
vendor for your cards and envelopes - and I'm sure you can find some that
don't require a huge initial investment or minimum order.
For printing, why not invest in a quality ink jet or laser printer? In
the long run, I'm sure your costs would be less. Or perhaps you could get a
stamp made, and stamp your messages inside of your cards.
Now, for growing your sales. I usually recommend that folks start
locally. Find a shop or two in your local area who could do your cards
justice - not a card store, but (like the quilt shop example I mentioned
above) someplace where those who would purchase your cards would go. Create
an eye-catching display stand that you can leave with the store, making sure
you put your phone number and other contact info in case folks want to
purchase more of your cards. Perhaps you could sell on consignment, or sell
wholesale to the shop owner. I have a friend in my local area who has taken
my quilts and showcased them with her business displays when she sells her
homemade soaps - just to get the word out about what I do. Take advantage of
your local Chamber of Commerce if you can - get a listing of all of the
members and send them samples, business cards and a listing of where they
can purchase your cards. Go to the local women's shelter and offer them your
cards, at no cost, just to get interest in you and your cards.
One of the fastest ways to sell is to go to the Internet. Set up a
website with a shopping cart and start letting people know where they can
find your products.
Oh, I just *love* start-ups and hope that I've answered your question
(and then some)! Decide what you want to do ... start with your research,
business and marketing plans ... and then give the big card companies a run
for their money!
Hope this helps!
Tammy Harrison
About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Tammy Harrison is a successful
home-based working mom of four for over five years. She holds a degree from Mizzou in
Consumer Economics. Her business focuses on Marketing and Creativity for
Small Businesses . For more information, you may contact her at