BUCKEYE V.A.

Posts Tagged ‘work from home’

ABC NewsI entered the Startup Nations “Leading Mom’s in Business 2009″ competition (thank you to everyone that voted for me). Although I didn’t make it to the top 200, I still have a great time networking with other mommy business owners.

Target Market?

Are you stuck for new marketing ideas for your handmade product? Let’s go back to the basics of your target market:

• When you’re crafting your product, who do you envision using it?
• What age is your product geared towards?
• Is it for men, women, children, teens, tweens, sports fan, casual dresser, professional, traveler, photographer?
• Is your product for the frugally minded or the no-budget necessary, type of person?

Let’s say your product is a handmade, custom designed watch. You might think that “all mom’s” could use this fantastic watch, but that may not be the case at all. Even though your custom made watch is beautiful and useful to women, a mom that stays home with kids all day and works in the garden, may not want to or care to have, a custom watch. However, a mom that runs a business from home and networks locally with other businesses may indeed want that custom made watch.

One thing I do on a regular basis is envision my target market and picture them actually outsourcing their small business tasks to me. I go as far as including their age, their customers, and what hobbies they enjoy! Just remember, you may have a great product, but it can’t be everything to everyone (this rings true to service providers as well).

Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. enjoys working with authors, life and business coaches, and small business owners at all stages of their business. You’re invited to schedule a free 30 minute consult with me today!

I’m guilty! I’ve been so focused on building my online business  for the past 5 years, that I’ve neglected my local community. I didn’t do it on purpose, but rather I got into the mindset that my local community didn’t need me or what I had to offer. Well, I’m here to say that I have seen the light! What about you? Have you been neglecting your local community too? Does your community even know you exist? Is it fair to say there might be a ‘fear’ of telling locals’ about you and your business?

Here’s some suggestions on getting to know your locals’ this year:

• Join your Chamber of Commerce
• Seek out networking groups (a.k.a meet ups, coffee talks, mom’s group, etc.)
• What local mailings does your target market read?
• Post a professional poster at your target markets shopping area
• Can you place an ad in the local restaurants menu?
• Check out that cafe’, everyone stops there for a drink!
• Join a fundraiser, such as a walk-a-thon or bowling for kids sake. This will show you care for those in need and provides for that much needed person-to-person social drought that work from home persons feel!

Just because you (me too!) work from home doesn’t mean we should ‘become’ part of our home! Get up, Get out and Reach out to those in your community. It will do you and them good.

Good Luck!

Steph