WAHM Forums

Tight to negative budget!


Ladies, my mind has been going a mile a minute trying to get these out there. I dont have any sticky labels to put on my samples, I dont have any fliers yet, I dont have my biz cards yet (ordered though)


Should I make up a flier and go to staples and have them photo copy it?


Also has anyone had any luck advertising in the paper? I have a local paper that is only $12 for 4 weeks. I know cheap! Everyone picks it up because it is FREE> Should I advertise for biz opportunity, fundraisers, or just retail? I'm going out of my mind wanting to do so much with so little to spend. I was planning on re-investing all my party money from this Friday but the show cancelled. Go figure!smileys/smiley29.gif

Hi Jody. I have not had or heard of great responses through the local paper. I find getting these candles in front of people has been my greatest way of advertising.


Maybe your sponsor could get you started with some things that you need. Dont be afraid to ask, that is what they are here for!!


I have a complete fundraising packet i can email you if you want. all you need to do is enter your information! Then mail them to local organizations that may show an interest. Call and set up some appts to show them our products.


Hand out your scent sample and biz card everywhere you go!! Call, email or send postcards to your "warm" market telling them you just started a new biz and if they wouldnt mind checking it out.


What i did when i first started was ask hubby to send some samples to work for the office girls. we had just moved to a new city and i knew no-one!! They had my first office party for me and imade over $200 profit!! All i took with me was my first cotm and my sample bag!


You are very creative, you will think of ways. My best advice is get those awesome scent samples out there!!


Edited by: Stuffafriend4u

Jody, your excitement about your business is awesome. Don't worry about the cancelled party, there will be many more. I would go ahead and advertise in your free local paper.Advertise all areas (buz. opp. fund. retail) If your buz. cards are going to take awhile , you may want to make a few flyers up. Or shave a few votives, place in baggies and have them ready to place on your buz. cards.


Good Lucksmileys/smiley1.gif, Expect & Accept Only the Best.


Dee

Hi Jody!

Do you have a printer? You can make easy re-order labels for
your jars and to put on the back of your brochures by using the
address labels for laser printers. I get the generic office depot
labels- then you can visit the website and download a
template- just fill in your info and print them off!

I can email you the template that I use, and you can edit them to
change the personal & contact info. -LMK if you want the file.

While you're waiting, why not download the mia bella logo from
your back office to make a flier? I believe there are also some
downloadable files for fliers that other distributors have made in
the files section of our Yahoo groups. LMK if you need help
finding those, too.

I think fliers are a good start- I would DEFINITELY make one
and post it on the rear window and side windows of your car!
The Mia Bella Logo, GOURMET SOY CANDLES, (or HOME
BUSINESS FOR LESS THAN $60!- or whatever reflects how
you are building your business right now- would work for
fundraising, home parties, etc.) Mine says " GOURMET SOY
CANDLES : RETAIL, WHOLESALE, FUNDRAISERS, WORK
FROM HOME. Then I have my name, website, and phone
number. You'd be surprised the leads you get from people who
have nothing better to do than stare at your ad during high
traffic! I've had people ask me about it when I'm returning to my
car in a parking lot, too. Make sure you have scent samples
and a brochure on hand for situations like this!

Also, have you done any calling to contact local businesses
and salons etc. that may be interested in retailing for you?
Salons are a biggie. We have a coop pharmacy in my town
that I think will be VERY interested in our Bella Bars. I am
contacting them next week!

Do a search online to see if there are free online community
classifieds and resource websites- often they have free
personals and will list your business free/cheaply. We have
several here in Madison!

Do you have children? Be sure to send a votive in a holder
with them for their teachers! Likewise, if you have friends who
are in the retail industry and it would be apppropriate for them
to have a scented candle in their office/at their desk, ask them
to do so for you. (My DH sells the most candles in my house!
he keeps a votive in his office!) Getting your product into the
teacher's lounge at local schools is a great form of free
advertising too.

Have fun getting the word out- and be sure to share what works
for you!

Jody,


Listen to my call on budgeting for your business.


http://onlinecandleclub.com/training/budget.html (http://onlinecandleclub.com/training/budget.html)


Also, remember, you can get great cards through vistaprint.com to get you started. Don't worry about having the company ones. (I still don't use company ones. They were not available when I started so I ordered a bunch in BULK!)


Flyers are fine, scent samples are cheap! Just get out there and let people smell the candles! You can do it!