If you sell a product, either made by you or others, holding open houses can be a cost-effective and profitable way to market your business. Here are a few tips for holding a successful open house.
Decide on a date. Pick your dates carefully, as you don't want to schedule your open house when most of your customers will be out of town or attending other events. Avoid scheduling the same time as major festivals or street fairs, or holiday weekends. Check your city or county website for local events that might impact traffic flow to the open house.
Pick a location. If your home is large enough to accomadate the expected crowds, then have it at your house. If the season is one that makes an outdoor event viable, consider having it on your front yard or lawn. Be sure to check with your local city or county zoning or permit department to ensure you'll have the proper paperwork filed for having such an event at your home. If your home is not an acceptable location, consider asking a local business if you could hold an open house at their location in exchange for cross-promoting their services or products.
Choose your merchandise. If you're holding the open house around Christmas, you might want to have a holiday theme or at least have products that could be used for Christmas gifts or decorations. Make sure you have a wide variety of products and price points for all shopping budgets and tastes.
Figure out payment methods. Decide if you want to accept cash, checks and/or credit cards. Some companies like Square offer an easy way to process credit card payments for a low fee without the costly transcation equipment. Make sure you factor in sales tax collection, if applicable to your state.
Schedule help. You'll need someone to assist you in running or setting up your open house, so enlist the help of friends and family. Be sure to have a thank-you gift for those who help with their time if you're not paying them outright.
Advertise your open house. Don't forget to let people know about your open house through email marketing, mailed postcards and signage along busy roads and at your house. Make sure you comply with any zoning requirements for signs.
With a little planning, an open house can be just the ticket to marketing your business.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Direct Seller
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Position: Direct Seller
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to sell products to a variety of people, in-person and online. Organizational skills a plus.
Job outlook: More than 14 million people do direct sales as independent contractors. With the economy still recovering, this could be a viable at-home job for many more.
Possible employers: As a direct-sales independent contractor, you can sell anything including kitchenwares (Pampered Chef), toys (Discovery Toys), healthy products (TiensNA), wine (The Traveling Vineyard) and jewelry (Silpada Designs). Check out this extensive list for more options.
Preparation: Carefully look over the product line and company information for whichever products interest you. Make sure you have a passion for that product—it helps if you already use some of the products. Ask for references to talk with other contractors to see what are the pros and cons of working with the company.
Get your foot in the door: If you know someone who does direct sales, ask if you can help with a party or see what’s involved with putting on a show. The more information you can gather before signing up with a company, the better your chances of success.
Until next time,
Sarah
Position: Direct Seller
Education: None necessary.
Skills: The ability to sell products to a variety of people, in-person and online. Organizational skills a plus.
Job outlook: More than 14 million people do direct sales as independent contractors. With the economy still recovering, this could be a viable at-home job for many more.
Possible employers: As a direct-sales independent contractor, you can sell anything including kitchenwares (Pampered Chef), toys (Discovery Toys), healthy products (TiensNA), wine (The Traveling Vineyard) and jewelry (Silpada Designs). Check out this extensive list for more options.
Preparation: Carefully look over the product line and company information for whichever products interest you. Make sure you have a passion for that product—it helps if you already use some of the products. Ask for references to talk with other contractors to see what are the pros and cons of working with the company.
Get your foot in the door: If you know someone who does direct sales, ask if you can help with a party or see what’s involved with putting on a show. The more information you can gather before signing up with a company, the better your chances of success.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Marketing Your Home-Based Business: 7 Ways to Boost Business, part 2
In "Small Marketing Changes With a Big Impact" on Entrepreneur.com, the authors outline seven simple--and low-cost--ways to increase business. Last week, we discussed four of those ways; this week, we'll tackle the remaining three.
5. Get lists from sites with similar demographics. If your client base overlaps with another website or business that's not a direct competitor, ask about swapping mailing lists. Be careful you're not violating your own rules if you've indicated that you wouldn't share your list with others, but if you've made no such promise, exchanging lists with other businesses could enlarge your customer base considerably.
6. Consider getting a vanity phone number. Companies like Ring Ring offer businesses vanity numbers that will make remembering your phone number easy. The cost can be small compared with the return on investment.
7. Measure your success. Whether it's through online sources like Google Antalytics or from customer surveys, finding out information about your clients can help you tailor your marketing.
Use these tips to make your marketing successful.
Until next time,
Sarah
5. Get lists from sites with similar demographics. If your client base overlaps with another website or business that's not a direct competitor, ask about swapping mailing lists. Be careful you're not violating your own rules if you've indicated that you wouldn't share your list with others, but if you've made no such promise, exchanging lists with other businesses could enlarge your customer base considerably.
6. Consider getting a vanity phone number. Companies like Ring Ring offer businesses vanity numbers that will make remembering your phone number easy. The cost can be small compared with the return on investment.
7. Measure your success. Whether it's through online sources like Google Antalytics or from customer surveys, finding out information about your clients can help you tailor your marketing.
Use these tips to make your marketing successful.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Sales Call Verifier
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Position: Sales Call Verifier
Education: None necessary, but a bachelor’s degree is probably helpful.
Skills: The ability to listen and work with a variety of people. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.
Job outlook: While I don’t have hard numbers on this, my personal opinion is that this could be a growing segment of at-home work.
Possible employers: Third-party sites like VoiceLog.com and Call Center Tech hire freelance contractors to handle call verification work.
Preparation: Each time you call a service-based company, such as a phone or telecommunications business, you could be asked to hold for a verification specialist, which are used to combat fraud. Verifiers also listen to recorded calls for quality assurance and compliance. Read the FAQs on the sites to make sure you understand the policies and application process. Be prepared for training sessions and other preparation before getting your first job.
Get your foot in the door: Apply to several companies at once to determine which one better suits you.
Until next time,
Sarah
Position: Sales Call Verifier
Education: None necessary, but a bachelor’s degree is probably helpful.
Skills: The ability to listen and work with a variety of people. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.
Job outlook: While I don’t have hard numbers on this, my personal opinion is that this could be a growing segment of at-home work.
Possible employers: Third-party sites like VoiceLog.com and Call Center Tech hire freelance contractors to handle call verification work.
Preparation: Each time you call a service-based company, such as a phone or telecommunications business, you could be asked to hold for a verification specialist, which are used to combat fraud. Verifiers also listen to recorded calls for quality assurance and compliance. Read the FAQs on the sites to make sure you understand the policies and application process. Be prepared for training sessions and other preparation before getting your first job.
Get your foot in the door: Apply to several companies at once to determine which one better suits you.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Marketing Your Home-Based Business: 7 Ways to Boost Business
In "Small Marketing Changes With a Big Impact" on Entrepreneur.com, the authors outline seven simple--and low-cost--ways to increase business.
1. Put a Twitter, Facebook or website link in your email signature. That's an easy way to spread the word about your business.
2. Use your business card's reverse side to promote your business. Don't let the white space on the back of your business card go to waste. Put a photo of yourself or your product. Turn it into a coupon by adding "10 percent off services or order" on the back. List what your company can do for a client.
3. Redesign your website. If it's been a few years since your website debuted, consider doing a facelift. Changing colors and fonts, and rearranging material can freshen up your site. Make sure your site is readable and that browsers can easily find information about your services or product.
4. Push your expertise through blogging and tweeting. As a small-businessperson, you are an expert about your services or product. Let people know that.
Next Tuesday, I'll review the final three ways this article suggests to boost your business.
Until next time,
Sarah
1. Put a Twitter, Facebook or website link in your email signature. That's an easy way to spread the word about your business.
2. Use your business card's reverse side to promote your business. Don't let the white space on the back of your business card go to waste. Put a photo of yourself or your product. Turn it into a coupon by adding "10 percent off services or order" on the back. List what your company can do for a client.
3. Redesign your website. If it's been a few years since your website debuted, consider doing a facelift. Changing colors and fonts, and rearranging material can freshen up your site. Make sure your site is readable and that browsers can easily find information about your services or product.
4. Push your expertise through blogging and tweeting. As a small-businessperson, you are an expert about your services or product. Let people know that.
Next Tuesday, I'll review the final three ways this article suggests to boost your business.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Transcriptionist
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Position: Transcriptionist
Education: A bachelor’s degree in English or communications could be helpful, but might not be necessary.
Skills: The ability to transcribe audio to text without mistakes as high as 75 words per minute. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.
Job outlook: Transcribing court proceedings has a rosier outlook than general transcribing.
Possible employers: Court reporters, colleges, companies that sponsor lectures, radio and TV programs, and journalists could be in need of transcribers. Check out productiontranscripts.com, alicedarling.com and tigerfish.com as possible sources for freelance assignments.
Preparation: Refresh your typing skills by practicing transcription work before contacting potential clients. Most clients will require a test to gauge the accuracy and speed of your transcribing.
Get your foot in the door: If you prefer to strike out on your own to find clients, offer to do a short transcription for free to show off your skills.
Until next time,
Sarah
Position: Transcriptionist
Education: A bachelor’s degree in English or communications could be helpful, but might not be necessary.
Skills: The ability to transcribe audio to text without mistakes as high as 75 words per minute. Good grasp of the English language a definite plus.
Job outlook: Transcribing court proceedings has a rosier outlook than general transcribing.
Possible employers: Court reporters, colleges, companies that sponsor lectures, radio and TV programs, and journalists could be in need of transcribers. Check out productiontranscripts.com, alicedarling.com and tigerfish.com as possible sources for freelance assignments.
Preparation: Refresh your typing skills by practicing transcription work before contacting potential clients. Most clients will require a test to gauge the accuracy and speed of your transcribing.
Get your foot in the door: If you prefer to strike out on your own to find clients, offer to do a short transcription for free to show off your skills.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Developing a Marketing Plan
To be successful at marketing your business, you need a marketing plan. "How to Create a Marketing Plan" on Entrepreneur.com takes you through the steps to developing a personalized plan for your business. Here are a few of the tips covered in the article.
Plan for 12-months at a time. "For small companies, this is often the best way to think about marketing. Things change, people leave, markets evolve, customers come and go," the article states.
Give enough time to write the plan. Expect to spend several months on developing your plan, even if it's only a few pages.
Get input from others, either your co-workers, employees or friends. Have a few people look over your plan and offer suggestions or improvements.
Make your marketing plan mesh with your business plan. While these two things are completely separate, your marketing plan should adhere to the basic tenets of your overall business plan.
A marketing plan can be as simple or as complex as you need. But taking the time to create one can make a big difference in promoting your business.
Until next time,
Sarah
Plan for 12-months at a time. "For small companies, this is often the best way to think about marketing. Things change, people leave, markets evolve, customers come and go," the article states.
Give enough time to write the plan. Expect to spend several months on developing your plan, even if it's only a few pages.
Get input from others, either your co-workers, employees or friends. Have a few people look over your plan and offer suggestions or improvements.
Make your marketing plan mesh with your business plan. While these two things are completely separate, your marketing plan should adhere to the basic tenets of your overall business plan.
A marketing plan can be as simple or as complex as you need. But taking the time to create one can make a big difference in promoting your business.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Product Line Creator
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Position: Product Line Creator
Education: Not applicable.
Skills: The ability to design original ideas and art to submit online.
Job outlook: Could be good, depending on how much self-promotion you do and the variety of your designs.
Possible employers: Websites such as zazzle.com and cafepress.com, among others, offer freelance designers the opportunity to submit artwork for mugs, t-shirts, children’s accessories, posters, stickers and housewares, to name just a few options. Also check with local t-shirt or other printers to see if they offer similar opportunities for freelancers.
Preparation: Refresh the artist inside by taking an art course or workshop to see what new techniques are out there. Ask family and friends for feedback on your designs to see what could be a potential hot seller.
Get your foot in the door: Start with a few designs and see what sells and what doesn’t before expanding to a larger product line.
Until next time,
Sarah
Position: Product Line Creator
Education: Not applicable.
Skills: The ability to design original ideas and art to submit online.
Job outlook: Could be good, depending on how much self-promotion you do and the variety of your designs.
Possible employers: Websites such as zazzle.com and cafepress.com, among others, offer freelance designers the opportunity to submit artwork for mugs, t-shirts, children’s accessories, posters, stickers and housewares, to name just a few options. Also check with local t-shirt or other printers to see if they offer similar opportunities for freelancers.
Preparation: Refresh the artist inside by taking an art course or workshop to see what new techniques are out there. Ask family and friends for feedback on your designs to see what could be a potential hot seller.
Get your foot in the door: Start with a few designs and see what sells and what doesn’t before expanding to a larger product line.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Marketing Your Home-Based Business: Postcards
In this age of electronic communications, using something as old-fashioned as a postcard to promote your business might seem like a throwback to the Dark Ages. But postcards can become a great way to capture the attention of current and potential clients.
Here are some tips to develop a smashingly successfuly postcard campaign.
Start with one idea per postcard. Don't overload your postcard with multiple ideas. Simplify your text to one idea or promotion per postcard. If you want to highlight several different things in an integarted campaign, consider doing a series of postcards instead of piling everything up on one postcard.
Write your copy with an eye for clarity, not cleverness. No one wants to get a postcard that cloaks its message behind overly cute word play or coyness. You don't have to be boring with your word choices, but don't go too far in the opposite direction and have copy that the reader doesn't get.
Use artwork sparingly. Don't have your copy overwhelmed by the postcard's design. Go with streamlined instead of cluttered when it comes to graphics. Many printers--both online and traditional--have templates you can customize.
Shop around for the best price. Online printers such as Vistaprint.com offer good prices on good quality print jobs. But don't forget to call your local printer, such as FedEx Office, to talk about pricing because you might be surprised how affordable local printers can be.
Postcards can be an effective marketing tool that any business should consider adding to their advertising program.
Until next time,
Sarah
Here are some tips to develop a smashingly successfuly postcard campaign.
Start with one idea per postcard. Don't overload your postcard with multiple ideas. Simplify your text to one idea or promotion per postcard. If you want to highlight several different things in an integarted campaign, consider doing a series of postcards instead of piling everything up on one postcard.
Write your copy with an eye for clarity, not cleverness. No one wants to get a postcard that cloaks its message behind overly cute word play or coyness. You don't have to be boring with your word choices, but don't go too far in the opposite direction and have copy that the reader doesn't get.
Use artwork sparingly. Don't have your copy overwhelmed by the postcard's design. Go with streamlined instead of cluttered when it comes to graphics. Many printers--both online and traditional--have templates you can customize.
Shop around for the best price. Online printers such as Vistaprint.com offer good prices on good quality print jobs. But don't forget to call your local printer, such as FedEx Office, to talk about pricing because you might be surprised how affordable local printers can be.
Postcards can be an effective marketing tool that any business should consider adding to their advertising program.
Until next time,
Sarah
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