I often forget how great it feels to meet people and connect with them - both personally and professionally. I had a great experience this afternoon, which was satisfying on both levels.
I attended a focus group, held by a woman who's opening a store for unique, modern products for babies and young children in our area. I believe I learned about her store, Binx, through a friend's FB page. I contacted her about ways we might be able to collaborate, met with her, and learned about the focus group. I was so impressed by her set-up, materials, and potential products at the focus group! Binx is going to be a great addition to our area.
Perhaps more than sharing thoughts and learning about this new business, I loved chatting with women I already knew, and meeting others. Many were small business owners and parents, providing lots to connect about. I also got a couple of ideas for ways to market my Barefoot Books business. What a great way to start a new week!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
It's been a while...
So I started this blog right after I became a Barefoot Books Ambassador in early October. I intended to use it to blog about my experiences selling Barefoot Books, but quickly realized I was too busy figuring out my Barefoot Books business to blog about it, too.
I've now been selling Barefoot Books for almost four months, and I LOVE it! I also feel a lot more knowledgeable and comfortable with it. In addition to having the opportunity to do something entrepreneurial and creative, I've really enjoyed learning about websites, events, resources, etc., for parents and children, especially in my area. Prior to my daughter's arrival 15 months ago, this was a world I knew nothing about, and frankly wasn't very interested in. It's amazing how life changes...
A few weeks ago I learned about the Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair, which took place at the library Saratoga. Representatives from about 15 area preschools were there, and my initial reaction was to try to use it market my Barefoot Books business. I contacted an organizer and was told that it would be too distracting for me to sell books there, even as a fundraiser for the library or one of the schools.
After thinking about it a bit, I realized I should actually attend as a parent, since my daughter will be two in the fall. (I was very surprised when I first learned that there are preschool programs for two year olds, but now I appreciate the benefits and will likely send my daughter to one.) The fair was extremely busy and a little overwhelming, but I'm so glad I went. I identified three programs that will accept my daughter next September - even though she won't be two when the school year starts - including one I hadn't heard about previously. I also learned that programs tend to fill up in the next month or two, so I'd better get going! (Oh, and I also picked up a directory of the local preschools to use for a Barefoot Books direct mailing. )
I've now been selling Barefoot Books for almost four months, and I LOVE it! I also feel a lot more knowledgeable and comfortable with it. In addition to having the opportunity to do something entrepreneurial and creative, I've really enjoyed learning about websites, events, resources, etc., for parents and children, especially in my area. Prior to my daughter's arrival 15 months ago, this was a world I knew nothing about, and frankly wasn't very interested in. It's amazing how life changes...
A few weeks ago I learned about the Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair, which took place at the library Saratoga. Representatives from about 15 area preschools were there, and my initial reaction was to try to use it market my Barefoot Books business. I contacted an organizer and was told that it would be too distracting for me to sell books there, even as a fundraiser for the library or one of the schools.
After thinking about it a bit, I realized I should actually attend as a parent, since my daughter will be two in the fall. (I was very surprised when I first learned that there are preschool programs for two year olds, but now I appreciate the benefits and will likely send my daughter to one.) The fair was extremely busy and a little overwhelming, but I'm so glad I went. I identified three programs that will accept my daughter next September - even though she won't be two when the school year starts - including one I hadn't heard about previously. I also learned that programs tend to fill up in the next month or two, so I'd better get going! (Oh, and I also picked up a directory of the local preschools to use for a Barefoot Books direct mailing. )
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Feeling Like a Real Newbie!
This is a big day for me. This is my first-ever blog post! Also, I just became an Ambassador for Barefoot Books, thanks to my cousin and Team Leader, Sara.
Although I've worked in marketing and fundraising in the past, I've always had a major aversion to sales. The very thought of it makes my pulse speed up, but I'm pretty sure this is really all about the fear of rejection. A former boss once told that we should always operate one step outside our comfort zone, or we'll never grow as a person. I completely agree, but I'm not always great at taking this advice. However, becoming an Ambassador means I've taken a giant leap outside my comfort zone!
So, why, might one reasonably ask, have I done such a crazy thing? At the risk of sounding too "salesy", I love the Barefoot Books products. My daughter is about to turn one, and I'm very interested in finding beautiful developmental books and toys for her. It's also important to me that she learn to respect others and our planet, and develop her creativity. Barefoot Books products really fit the bill for me.
I'm starting off by dipping my toe into the Barefoot waters. I've posted something on my Facebook page, and updated my LinkIn profile to include this new role and my Barefoot website (http://www.amym.barefootbooks.com/). I also added a link to my personal email signature, but I find myself wondering if this is too much. It's important to me to share these great products with my friends and family, but I never want to make them feel pressured in any way. I'm really interested in hearing about how others - within the Barefoot community and outside it - have managed to strike the right balance.
Although I've worked in marketing and fundraising in the past, I've always had a major aversion to sales. The very thought of it makes my pulse speed up, but I'm pretty sure this is really all about the fear of rejection. A former boss once told that we should always operate one step outside our comfort zone, or we'll never grow as a person. I completely agree, but I'm not always great at taking this advice. However, becoming an Ambassador means I've taken a giant leap outside my comfort zone!
So, why, might one reasonably ask, have I done such a crazy thing? At the risk of sounding too "salesy", I love the Barefoot Books products. My daughter is about to turn one, and I'm very interested in finding beautiful developmental books and toys for her. It's also important to me that she learn to respect others and our planet, and develop her creativity. Barefoot Books products really fit the bill for me.
I'm starting off by dipping my toe into the Barefoot waters. I've posted something on my Facebook page, and updated my LinkIn profile to include this new role and my Barefoot website (http://www.amym.barefootbooks.com/). I also added a link to my personal email signature, but I find myself wondering if this is too much. It's important to me to share these great products with my friends and family, but I never want to make them feel pressured in any way. I'm really interested in hearing about how others - within the Barefoot community and outside it - have managed to strike the right balance.
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