Do These Things...And Customers Will Come

Since I'm new at my business gig, I'm doing a lot of reading online and getting advice. I'm sifting through the information, and finding out what makes sense to me. I watched a video segment on American Express Open the other day and the following points really resonated with me so I thought I'd share them with you...


1. Take things one step at a time. That works well for me, especially trying to balance the demands of being a mom and a business owner who is in the start-up phase. Sometimes focusing on the big picture becomes too overwhelming and a knot forms in your stomach (maybe that's just me?!). But if you take one step at a time...chances are you'll get where you need to be. Set a few goals for the day and be able to cross them off your list by the time your head hits the pillow at night. Beyond that, think about where you want your business to be in one year, three years, five years.


2. Figure out crowdsourcing. Essentially it means getting your audience to work for you. But it's a win win situation. Users are happy to share their knowledge, designs, and opinions when asked. As a business owner, you can get much needed feedback on your product offerings, pricing, ease of use, without having to conduct expensive research.


4. Reach one customer at a time. Don't think about having the next million dollar idea. Make each customer experience a good one and chances are customers will talk about that good experience and send others your way.


5. Viral Marketing Is Key. In the past we've called it "word of mouth" marketing. Make sure your customers are really happy and they will tell all their friends about your business/product/website. This works especially well with kids doesn't it?! I can't tell you how many products my kids say they "need" because their friends have it and love "it".


6. Create Tools for People to Spread the Word. People love being heard and rewarded. Ask users for feedback. Also, offer free items through contests or gift giveaways, or coupons that can be redeemed on your site, or highlight users on your site. On http://www.design-girls.com/, I post pictures of girls in the outfits that they've created (with parent permission of course!) and they get so excited for this opportunity.


7. If You Host a Great Party, People Will Come! If you give customers something they will remember, they will want to come back. Not only will they want to come back and spend more money with you, but they will direct friends your way as well.

Resources

Entrepreneur's StartUps

Inc. Magazine

Mommy Millionaire by Kim Lavine

Go It Alone by Bruce Judson - A practical guide that will lead entrepreneurs from corporate dependence to business independence.

Starting an Online Business for Dummies by Shannon Belew & Joel Elad

Product Idea to Product Success by Matthew Yubas

Bringing Your Product to Market by Don Debelak

Guru.com - Find freelancers to work on your project, get free quotes!

Fashiondex.com - An online guide to fabric, trims, services, contractors, manufacturers, fashion, apparel, and home furnishings industry sources


These are just a few good ones. Not all will apply. I'd love to hear some other suggestions!

Get Fired Up!

Anyone who is interested in starting a business or who has a big idea should watch Donny Deutsch's Big Idea on CNBC at 10pm EST. This is a show that gets me inspired and keeps me excited long after the tv has been turned off. Donny features people who think they have the next million dollar idea, those who have a great idea but need direction, and successful business people who are willing to share their advice. It's must see tv!

Where Do Business Ideas Come From?

There is always that eureka moment where the light bulb goes on. A lot of the time it comes from paying attention to your everyday life. Is there a problem you are trying to fix? Or something that you can make more efficient? Start keeping a list. I started an idea notebook. I still have one big idea in there right now that came from my grocery shopping experience. As moms we play so many roles...nurse, caretaker, nutritionist, personal shopper, taxi driver, therapist, art teacher, tutor, cook, photographer...the list goes on and on. There are so many places that we can draw inspiration for a business idea. Keep jotting down those ideas until something hits you over the head. Trust me, if you have your eyes open, you will have your aha moment.

How It All Started

A year ago I got the idea to start an interactive website for young girls where they can design their own outfits for purchase. The inspiration came from watching my daughter play online dressing virtual dolls, while at the same time being so interested in real life fashion. She also takes great pride in anything that she creates. So my idea was born. I searched online to see if there was a similar business in existence but there wasn't. Six and a half months later www.design-girls.com was launched.

The crazy thing is I am not someone with experience building websites. Nor am I a seamstress in any stretch of the imagination. My expertise ends at sewing a button on a shirt (although I would love to learn to sew when I find the free time). My business grew out of a great idea and sheer determination. And I can't downplay the importance of cash. I took a big chunk of our savings to get my idea off the ground.

I started with the internet, books and entrepreneurial magazines to figure out how to execute on my big idea. In the following sections are some of my greatest resources.