Don’t Forget the Basics

With all the attention that social networking gets these days, it would be easy to forget all about the good old-fashioned “face-to-face” form of networking. But no doubt this way of networking is still alive and well. Given face-to-face networking can be a little bit more complicated for mompreneurs, but it is not impossible. Networking is about taking full advantage of opportunities when they arise. Now this doesn’t mean that you need to become hyper-aggressive when you have a networking opportunity physically in front of you, but it does mean that you need to be prepared.

In general, entrepreneurs should always be ready to recruit a little new business. Work at home moms and mompreneurs may just need to be a little more mentally aware and present when those face-to-face networking opportunities do occur. Part of making those opportunities occur, of course, means placing yourself in such situations in the first place, so get out there!

Go Digital, But Be Selective

There are lots of ways that you can network online, but part of the trick of successful online networking is not spreading yourself too thin. With this factor in mind, it is important that you don’t try and maintain a “full” presence on every single networking site that is available. Remember your time is precious and, as a result, you will need to selectively pick and choose the online networking options that you think best fit you, your business, your style and your endeavors. You may find, for example, that for your given business, LinkedIn is far better than Facebook or vice-versa. Again, it all depends on your business and your personality.

The main point is to make sure that you are out there networking, whether its person, online or both. Networking is all about effective communication and creating the opportunities to get you and your product in front of others. Keep these facts in mind, and you will certainly see your networking success increase.

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In 2003, I started creating children’s clothing and needed a name. During an online chat with friends, several were suggested and I immediately was drawn to That Funky Boutique. Seemed catchy and I do like to have a playfulness and uniqueness in my creations. I’m no longer doing children’s items but it still seems to fit ok for my etsy shop.

Can you share your background in design?

From a young age I knew I wanted to be an artist. I can’t say enough about the professors I was able to learn from while getting a BFA with emphasis in Illustration and design. After school, I worked for an advertising company for several years where was able to design and illustrate national catalogs and then went off on my own as a freelance artist and designer. I’ve been freelancing ever since and consider it my main focus. Though my textile designs do take over during some seasons! Recent illustration clients include Chatti Patti, Knuckleheads Clothing, Portabello Pixie and others. My That Funky Boutique line fits in nicely between projects as I can never sit still.

Where do you find your inspiration for your creations? What part of
the process is your favorite?

Inspiration for my textile creations comes from all over the place. From my children, from nature, from the materials on hand. Those are the biggest jumping off points.
The first part in the process is my favorite. From early sketches to completing the sample.

How did you come up with your new HOT scarf design for fall? What are
the features of it that will make women want them this season?

My scarves came about on a whim. I hadn’t sewn in quite a long time due to a cross country move that demanded my time and energy. But I dusted off my machine to do some personal sewing for fun. My first scarf was originally going to be a throw blanket out of some wool and cashmere scraps. I did one long length to start the blanket. There happened to be a mirror close by where I was working and I caught a glimpse of myself with the piece. I threw it around my neck and viola. A unique scarf. I had a feeling it would sell and sell it did! Along with more than 100 more in the first month of selling. I never set out to sew and sell again but here I am enjoying it!

What has been the response since having your scarves featured last
week on The Today Show?

I was humbly honored to have my scarf requested for The Today Show segment. I’m hopeful that the segment brought in lots of viewers for all Etsy artisans! My sales are the same—selling about as fast as I can create them!

www.thatfunkyboutique.etsy.com
www.thatfunkyboutique.blogspot.com

If you’re a mom with a small business, chances are you don’t keep a writer on staff. If you’re not a writer yourself, it can be difficult to come up with Website content that sounds good, and is beneficial to your business. When writer’s block strikes, many people jump to the old stand-by of throwing anything on the page and hoping it sounds good. You’ve all seen it…the small business website that sounds haphazard doesn’t make much sense and gives you no real clue as to what is being sold or offered. Let’s hope this isn’t you! But, if this does sound familiar, and you’re not sure how to create your own Website content, a simple formula can make all the difference!

No matter if you are a boutique owner, clothing designer or sell pet products, how the front page of your Website is written can affect sales and the success of your business. This is why experts put so much emphasis on quality content that is well written, descriptive and clear as to what you are offering. Not only is a clearly written Website good for search engine ranking, it’s also vitally important to making your customers feel compelled to, and comfortable enough, to buy from you.

Consider the content written for this (non-existent) product:

‘You’ll love our unique, patented, time tested, one of a kind, sturdy sippy-cup holder! Because we put so much time into it, we know you’ll love it too! You can choose from lots of colors and patterns so just visit our colors page and choose what is right for you by selecting the box next to the color you want. Or, you can contact us for more information.’

Do you feel that you know enough about this product to want to immediately purchase it, or take the time to learn more? Probably not. The way you word the content on your front page can determine whether or not you get the sale. Your front page content is the “first impression” for your business, and a simple formula makes it easy to create content that is relevant to your product and customer:

Problem: (What problem does your customer have that you can solve?)

Solution: (How are you going to fix their problem? What do you offer?)

Why you & not the other guy: (Why should someone buy from you and not your competition?)

Back it Up: (Testimonials are your best friend!)

If we fix the above writing with our handy formula, we come up with something a whole lot more concise and relevant than the previous version:

‘Are you tired of losing your child’s sippy-cup every time he pitches it from the stroller or shopping cart? (PROBLEM) How many times has your child’s sippy-cup been tossed on a germ-infested floor, lost in the car somewhere or misplaced while running errands?

Cup Stopper sippy cup harness puts a halt to lost sippy cups (SOLUTION). This innovative sippy cup harness securely hugs any size sippy cup, with a snap-close jump ring that attaches to a car seat, stroller, shopping cart or more.’

‘Why Cup Stopper? (WHY US & not the next guy) Our proven design offers two skid resistant, adjustable straps to harness the cup, with a patented snap-close jump ring that won’t lose it’s spring after repeated use. Made in the USA, Cup Stopper offers a perfect alternative to similar straps that offer less quality craftsmanship and design. Moms love the Cup Stopper (BACK IT UP!) Add your testimonials to really drive home how great your product is! ‘

Using this formula will make it easier to write better content, no matter if you sell multiple products or just one exclusive item. No matter what you are offering, find the problem that potential customers have, and tell them how you can make it all better. Every customer has a problem, and you want to be the one who fixes it!

A little brainstorming, a little bit of practice and following the formula can save you the stress of writing your own Website content. Take the time to try it and get it right. Your business will thank you!

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Lisa Otto is the owner of Creative Writing Studios, a copywriting service that helps women small business owners have well-written, polished Websites and marketing materials. Lisa offers website writing, press releases, marketing flyers, and more, with free website content consulting. Visit Creative Writing Studios at http://www.creativewritingstudios.com