Today, I was sharing my free weekly tip on my Facebook Page and I realized how large my networking pool is. So I chose to talk about Networking and what it means to you.
Networking is a group of like minded people that serve or create social activities or business opportunities that help one another.
When you start a business or manage a business, networking can be extremely important to help your business grow. There are several different ways to network. Some can be done completely online, some can be face to face, some can be at trade shows or other general business trainings, and some can be local, like your Chamber of Commerce.
Online networking can be done by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogging, and etc. This opens up your networking circle to people outside your local area and can help you discover new ways to boost sales from tips and experiences. Things done online can often be limitless. This may open doors you never evened dreamed of. This can also be much like cold calling people to boost sales since it needs to be maintained regularly and takes time to build followers. Networking online can be very affordable but if you fall into schemes can end up being very expensive. Remember the best things in life are free, except sometimes you get what you pay for.
Face to Face networking can be very uplifting, energizing and can often have better quality relationships between businesses. You develop contacts that help discover ways to boost sales and overcome obstacles. You can also interact with people in your area that may be able to share the best contacts for your State or County regulations. F2F networking can be done anywhere. You can meet people at trainings, trade shows, meetings, and even your children's events. F2F networking often has hidden fees but can be very beneficial. Some fees include training costs, entry fees to shows, or membership dues. Please do your research before you join any of the above. Does it help you communicate with your target market? Nothing worse than attending a candy convention when you sell handcrafted jewelry. Weigh out the membership dues to what you expect to gain. Is it a profitable decision?
The best Networking is to balance both F2F and Online Networking. I strive to do this my self. I also have a great network outside my business. I have spent years building and maintaining it. I volunteer for several organizations each year and I am an active mother of my 4 girls and 2 grandchildren so I meet new people all the time and continue to grow my network. Sometimes my network is not business related but even some of those contacts have come in handy with an out of the ordinary business issues. Think about how many people you call for services each year. Now strive to have a resource for each one. Services may include, hair dresser, plumber, car salesman, pastor, travel agent, doctors, ITT technician and so much more. I have someone I could call outside of office hours in those categorises if I had a concern about something other than the direct issue. Most of these people are my family, friends, or someone I have met from my volunteer service. I would do anything I can to help them in return. Time, service, and trust are the best ways to build a great network and tell everyone what you do. You never know when you may meet the next person to help you with your next concern or accomplishment.
I want to close with this quote since I think it covers what networking means to me and the value of my network.
" The real measure of our wealth is how much we would be worth if we lost all our money." Benjamin Jowett.
My network is worth more than any amount of money and I think they would help me as much as they could if I lost all my money and that is priceless!!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Myths About Thrift Stores
There are several myths and opinions about thrifts stores but with our world changing all around us more people are checking them out. It does not matter how much you have, everyone is into saving money these days. So what is stopping you from checking it out?
Maybe you have heard:
Clothing is torn or stained. (why else would anyone get rid of it)
Clothing is out of date, or only good for Halloween.
Thrift stores have that funky smell and it stays with the items you buy.
Only lower income people shop thrift stores.
The employees get all the good stuff
Thrift stores are dirty and unfriendly
To answer these questions you need to look at the reason behind thrift stores. Most stores are here to benefit a non-profit organization or they send a percent of their sales to local non-profits (like Suzy's Treasure Chest) or they are a consignment shop that offers you money or trade for your items. This gathers interest of many people to donate or consign items of value for tax deduction, extra cash or trade. This insures getting some great quality items, maybe the person changed sizes, someone passed away, moved to new location, redecorated their living room, or just didn't need that item anymore.
Do thrift stores get clothing that is torn or stained? Yes they do get some, but the best stores find a way to recycle these items and they are not used directly on the sales floor. Many people use unfit clothing for making rugs, purses, quilts, and limitless other uses. But thrift stores get many brand new clothing that just didn't fit correctly when you got it home, or slightly worn from the teenage daughters that refuse to wear that again this season. Maybe they came from someone who can no longer wear them since they lost 20lbs. Think how fast children out grow items. Either way there is some wonderful new and slightly used items for work, play, church, and other events.
Is clothing out of date? Thrift stores have such variety that this is a catch 22 question. They may have items that you may see as out of date but they have the best section on the market. They can outfit your grandma, teenager, and yourself. What other shop can you do all three? Also who decides what is out of date? I remember dressing in the 80's in neon colors, stretch pants and large sweaters, legg warmers, and long necklaces. I have seen items in my store that I wore in the 80's and guess what it is the same thing my kids are wearing today. What difference does it make if they bought their legg warmers at American Eagle or an original pair from 1984. Kids today want to be different and a thrift store allows them to do that and you can make it a family trip for everyone.
Thrift stores have that funky smell! I have to say that I have found the occasional store that has that smell but most of them go to great measures to mask it. With candles and new items like Febreze it has become easier for stores. This is another thing that you can donate to help them out. Some even launder clothing as it comes in. My recommendations are, laundering items you buy before use and donating clean gently used clothing.
Thrift stores are only for lower income families. This is far from the truth. In my 6 plus years experience of operating thrift stores I have seen people from all income levels. If I had to put a target market on who shops the most it would be middle class families. Some very well off families shop to save money and help out the organization. Some lower income families struggle to buy clothing for about 6 dollars an outfit. Thankfully there are programs with thrift stores to help those families out. So that leaves the middle class to make up most of the difference. Plus it helps them buy items they maybe wouldn't be able to otherwise afford like set of bunk beds or something else large. Thrift stores are also great for families just starting out with new babies. Both large expenses in short amount of time. Upgrade as life goes on and remember the thrift store that helped you in the first place.
The last two myths concern staff so I am going to address them together.
Most thrift stores are staffed by volunteers and very few paid staff people. This helps the organizations they support with funding. The people who work or volunteer at thrift stores are usually very selfless people since it can be a dirty job sorting used items and making them presentable to sell, but it can be very rewarding as well. Helping that person find that toy they had as a child, helping someone get everything they need to move out for the first time, seeing someone get ready for prom or helping an organization you believe in. Whatever their reason for doing it is very personal I am sure. My intent is not to make it sound like a bad job because it can be like Christmas everyday when you open a surprise package and I find that to be fun. Never a dull moment! But now to my myths, the employees get all the good stuff and they are dirty and unfriendly. Most thrift stores have a cleaning schedule just like the big box stores. Dust gathers much quicker than Walmart so they actually do twice the work. As for them being unfriendly, I think they can be the most helpful people in retail but they have bad days just like everyone else and they have policies they must uphold to maintain the safety of customers and staff. Some of these policies include allowing items to be on the shelf for a 48 hour period before they can purchase them. This encourages them to ask a fair amount of money for the item but something they are willing to pay when it becomes available for purchase. As for clothing, thrift stores get so much clothing in so many sizes it would not put a dent in the variety to allow staff to purchase their style of clothing.
I hope this clears up your thoughts about thrift stores if you have never been to one stop in and check it out. I love to stop at new thrift stores as I travel. Items change from location to location and you never know when you may find that item you can not live without.
Maybe you have heard:
Clothing is torn or stained. (why else would anyone get rid of it)
Clothing is out of date, or only good for Halloween.
Thrift stores have that funky smell and it stays with the items you buy.
Only lower income people shop thrift stores.
The employees get all the good stuff
Thrift stores are dirty and unfriendly
To answer these questions you need to look at the reason behind thrift stores. Most stores are here to benefit a non-profit organization or they send a percent of their sales to local non-profits (like Suzy's Treasure Chest) or they are a consignment shop that offers you money or trade for your items. This gathers interest of many people to donate or consign items of value for tax deduction, extra cash or trade. This insures getting some great quality items, maybe the person changed sizes, someone passed away, moved to new location, redecorated their living room, or just didn't need that item anymore.
Do thrift stores get clothing that is torn or stained? Yes they do get some, but the best stores find a way to recycle these items and they are not used directly on the sales floor. Many people use unfit clothing for making rugs, purses, quilts, and limitless other uses. But thrift stores get many brand new clothing that just didn't fit correctly when you got it home, or slightly worn from the teenage daughters that refuse to wear that again this season. Maybe they came from someone who can no longer wear them since they lost 20lbs. Think how fast children out grow items. Either way there is some wonderful new and slightly used items for work, play, church, and other events.
Is clothing out of date? Thrift stores have such variety that this is a catch 22 question. They may have items that you may see as out of date but they have the best section on the market. They can outfit your grandma, teenager, and yourself. What other shop can you do all three? Also who decides what is out of date? I remember dressing in the 80's in neon colors, stretch pants and large sweaters, legg warmers, and long necklaces. I have seen items in my store that I wore in the 80's and guess what it is the same thing my kids are wearing today. What difference does it make if they bought their legg warmers at American Eagle or an original pair from 1984. Kids today want to be different and a thrift store allows them to do that and you can make it a family trip for everyone.
Thrift stores have that funky smell! I have to say that I have found the occasional store that has that smell but most of them go to great measures to mask it. With candles and new items like Febreze it has become easier for stores. This is another thing that you can donate to help them out. Some even launder clothing as it comes in. My recommendations are, laundering items you buy before use and donating clean gently used clothing.
Thrift stores are only for lower income families. This is far from the truth. In my 6 plus years experience of operating thrift stores I have seen people from all income levels. If I had to put a target market on who shops the most it would be middle class families. Some very well off families shop to save money and help out the organization. Some lower income families struggle to buy clothing for about 6 dollars an outfit. Thankfully there are programs with thrift stores to help those families out. So that leaves the middle class to make up most of the difference. Plus it helps them buy items they maybe wouldn't be able to otherwise afford like set of bunk beds or something else large. Thrift stores are also great for families just starting out with new babies. Both large expenses in short amount of time. Upgrade as life goes on and remember the thrift store that helped you in the first place.
The last two myths concern staff so I am going to address them together.
Most thrift stores are staffed by volunteers and very few paid staff people. This helps the organizations they support with funding. The people who work or volunteer at thrift stores are usually very selfless people since it can be a dirty job sorting used items and making them presentable to sell, but it can be very rewarding as well. Helping that person find that toy they had as a child, helping someone get everything they need to move out for the first time, seeing someone get ready for prom or helping an organization you believe in. Whatever their reason for doing it is very personal I am sure. My intent is not to make it sound like a bad job because it can be like Christmas everyday when you open a surprise package and I find that to be fun. Never a dull moment! But now to my myths, the employees get all the good stuff and they are dirty and unfriendly. Most thrift stores have a cleaning schedule just like the big box stores. Dust gathers much quicker than Walmart so they actually do twice the work. As for them being unfriendly, I think they can be the most helpful people in retail but they have bad days just like everyone else and they have policies they must uphold to maintain the safety of customers and staff. Some of these policies include allowing items to be on the shelf for a 48 hour period before they can purchase them. This encourages them to ask a fair amount of money for the item but something they are willing to pay when it becomes available for purchase. As for clothing, thrift stores get so much clothing in so many sizes it would not put a dent in the variety to allow staff to purchase their style of clothing.
I hope this clears up your thoughts about thrift stores if you have never been to one stop in and check it out. I love to stop at new thrift stores as I travel. Items change from location to location and you never know when you may find that item you can not live without.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Goals for the New Year
As my business continues to grow, I have to keep adjusting my goals. If I did not make adjustments my business would become stagnant and stop growing. The more familiar I become with my business the better decisions I can make. Things did not grow as fast as I expected when I first opened and that was disappointing and I thought I was doing things wrong. I am finding out that I was not wrong, it takes more time for the seeds that you plant to mature. As I am now in my second year of business, I am becoming a stronger business woman and my business is maturing. I have lots of education and experience but even they did not prepare me for the adventure this business has been so far. So now I am making plans for the upcoming year.
I have gathered data from last years sales and continue to compare to new sales. I am gathering items for tax filing and I just boxed up 2012 paperwork to start with an empty filing cabinet ready for 2013. This is only small stuff to finish up except taxes of course. I have reviewed my business plan and I am working on the list of improvements set for the upcoming year. I am ready to make some strong investments. So far this has been all cash investment. We took all our liquid assets and some from close family to start the shop. All the improvements so far have been funded from the sales at the store. I continue to carry new products trying to best serve my customers but I am getting to the point that improvements require much more.
One of my goals this year is to start expanding my payment methods. I am really looking at accepting cards by the fall. The route I want to use at the moment is not available with my current service so I am preparing for the adjustments. For now please bare with my cash or check services and paypal for online purchases.
I also want to expand my online sales. I have been researching a online store and may decide to go that route. I continue to maintain social media advertising and sales on Craigslist, Facebook, and Ebay. I have a weekly goal to try and maintain to reach my full potential on my online sales. Hoping to get a better turnaround and maybe be able to hire employees.
I have until June to complete the handicap ramp that I have been saving for to meet state requirements and look forward to breaking ground on this project in warmer weather.
A few other goals are mostly cosmetic or inside improvements. I have a few ideas and plans laid out but my savings will determine how much can be done this year and how much must wait another year to complete. One of these improvements is refrigerators and freezers and food license to carry milk products. This is at the top of the list but storage is as much as a concern so not sure how it will all work out yet but praying I can address both and then several much smaller improvements.
My other goal is to start establishing credit for the store. Right now anything I borrow is personal loans, but as the business grows it should be able to establish credit on its own. After that happens and if it continues to grow at the steady pace it has my options become limitless. A longtime goal is to own the location and several expansions to help the community.
Here is my toast to another great year of growth.
Please share my blog to help others who are just starting out in business. Let us be the support for each other.
I have gathered data from last years sales and continue to compare to new sales. I am gathering items for tax filing and I just boxed up 2012 paperwork to start with an empty filing cabinet ready for 2013. This is only small stuff to finish up except taxes of course. I have reviewed my business plan and I am working on the list of improvements set for the upcoming year. I am ready to make some strong investments. So far this has been all cash investment. We took all our liquid assets and some from close family to start the shop. All the improvements so far have been funded from the sales at the store. I continue to carry new products trying to best serve my customers but I am getting to the point that improvements require much more.
One of my goals this year is to start expanding my payment methods. I am really looking at accepting cards by the fall. The route I want to use at the moment is not available with my current service so I am preparing for the adjustments. For now please bare with my cash or check services and paypal for online purchases.
I also want to expand my online sales. I have been researching a online store and may decide to go that route. I continue to maintain social media advertising and sales on Craigslist, Facebook, and Ebay. I have a weekly goal to try and maintain to reach my full potential on my online sales. Hoping to get a better turnaround and maybe be able to hire employees.
I have until June to complete the handicap ramp that I have been saving for to meet state requirements and look forward to breaking ground on this project in warmer weather.
A few other goals are mostly cosmetic or inside improvements. I have a few ideas and plans laid out but my savings will determine how much can be done this year and how much must wait another year to complete. One of these improvements is refrigerators and freezers and food license to carry milk products. This is at the top of the list but storage is as much as a concern so not sure how it will all work out yet but praying I can address both and then several much smaller improvements.
My other goal is to start establishing credit for the store. Right now anything I borrow is personal loans, but as the business grows it should be able to establish credit on its own. After that happens and if it continues to grow at the steady pace it has my options become limitless. A longtime goal is to own the location and several expansions to help the community.
Here is my toast to another great year of growth.
Please share my blog to help others who are just starting out in business. Let us be the support for each other.
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