It's been awhile since I sat in on one of the Blogtalk radio shows, but being a Sunday here in OZ, I figured all my other online work could wait! This was one topic that is of huge interest to me, and I felt others might also benefit from its results. So here we go....take it away Bev!
Blogtalk Radio- Our Host: Baby Boomer Diva Queen, Beverly Mahone
The topic: Women in business
What works for one, doesn't neccessarily work for another-
Two lovely guests: Pamela Archer & Bonnie Birchfield
Both ladies have more than one business, both are successful, sassy and here to share their own background while offering great tips for us! Here's what they had to share-
Bonnie Birchfield's latest venture has quite a catchy title, and I am not the only one who thinks so, just ask Bev! :) 'BUZZ OFF' is the business, 'lazars for women', the product.
Question:Did you know you wanted to be in this business?
Bonnie had worked in the corporate world for years, not wanting to work for another employer, this time working for herself. With her jewellery business already secured, the latest project was appealing because it was a hot item,offered security[which Bonnie has years of experience in] a protection device for women who don't want to carry around fire-arms and if in a dangerous situation, something that would give them time to get away.
Bonnie located this business via an article in a newspaper.
Pam also has more than one business, both originally began as mere hobbies, but quickly took on a life of their own, leading to bigger things.
Beverly asked Bonnie how she found her second business:Reflecting on her jewellery, she explained how this was now something still loved and can now sell 'on the side', the business has already kicked off and only needs people to market.
When describing her lazar business, Bonnie explains the great desire she has to see all women are protected.
Was it difficult to start? Not at all, it was just a matter of getting out and selling, going through the paperwork, getting a sales-rep to assist!
Like anything, there's always the pro's & cons, the disadvantages/advantages along with risks-
Both women agreed on pretty much each question, giving some very helpful feedback.
Should someone about to start a business, simply step out on faith, or wait until they are financially comfortable?
Pam: Don't jump! Even though she jokes she is typically one for doing so lol She would, however, insist you 'go for it!' Bonnie agrred, adding that 'everyone is different'.
How do you handle those things that stop you from pursuing your goal?
Bonnie: Have a back-up plan, see about a loan if financially needed...through friends or other means. Always depends on the problem.
Pam:This applies to anyone, things such as hidden expenses. Consider if you are the main person in the business and whether or not you have anyone to fill your spot should something go wrong. Think out on paper, what your ack-up plan might be and whether you want to continue? A plan in place!
GOALS FOR 2008 ON PAPER? Example, Beverly has her own Vision board!
Pam: A calander with dates & my projected income.
Bonnie: Plan where I am going to sell enough of my tazars to be in the company,seel enough over my coming website.
Good networking sales skills:
Pam: Offering your products online! Pam believes having her business available online, will help to kick-in in the internet.
Bonnie:Out of town networking, family members and friends and of course, the coming website!
Alot of people in business don't like the door-to-door approach, so I prefer to use the telephone.
Do you think you'll stick with what you are doing now? Is there something else out there? Both of today's guests agreed to keeping their doors open to any other possibilities, while sticking with their current roles.
The risks of owning your own business: For Bonnie, being a single mother is a task in itself, especially in this day and age of high technology where there are usually 2 working from home.
Bonnie: Your own business can be tough when it comes to insurance, a steady pay cheque, but the upside is i don't have to 'clock-in'! I work 24/7 and often on-call. Bit of a toss up...if you can afford it, and feel you can be successful then have a go.
Pam:I'm a risk taker! lol The word, 'impossible', is not in my vocabulary. My job never ends, around 70hours a week! I once had an office outside the home where people didn't see what i was doing. I feel some don't respect your time and hours...balancing this is a real challenge!
In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?
Pam:NO..if you don't make a plan, you won't disappoint! lol Perhaps more focus placed on advertising. ie: Opposed to advertising our bridal business in newspaper, we should have done through a bridal magazine. Business quadripled once we changed!
Bonnie:Sometimes things move so fast, you just have to take off with both feet running!
Pam:With a business plan, I did sit down to do, but kept being taken in other directions.
BUSINESS BUDGETS?
Pam:Had a business advisor-Told me certain things like the amount of % we should spend on advertising in the business. Need money to re-coup!
Bonnie:Haven't really spent alot-More word-of-mouth and networking. Will be doing some advertising, just not yet. Although, you never know?
List two ways of networking- The advantages/disadvantages:
Pam:I prefer the one-on-one meetings. "What can I do for this person?" approach, in a room with others.
Bonnie: Disadvantages: No vacation or sick days,but the benefits definitely out-weigh!
Pam: Advantages have been the progression of my business-
Archers Fitness: Became certified, then one thing led to another...videos, teaching other instructors.
Wedding Plan Events: Had done as a hobby for many years, but I got so busy that I went into business!
CHALLENGES:
Bonnie:Have to network!Get involved with all organisations, putting on sales-reps to help which includes using contatcs, getting the word out.
Pam:Networking essential and a strong website presence.In this 'tech' world, the hardest thing was how quickly the events moved, employees and tax a real challenge. Trying to keep up with growth.
Bonnie:I'm still overwhelmed. Have the website launching in approximately two weeks. Everybody wants this product so it won't be hard to sell!
Beverly researched the use of tazars-The service behind the need...surprisingly, not only designed for the police.
Beverly:Are you concerned someone might get hurt, or are mis-using?
Bonnie:Not like selling a fire-arm, this product is in-active while there is a background check by the manufacturer. They have a one million dollar, law-suit interim policy to protect with tazar form in place.
Unique Business: Best tips why someone should work for you
Bonnie: For personal gratification, protection, safety over over loved ones. Very successful business with plenty of room for growth,profitable!
Telephone [b] 904 327 6041 Business hours 24/7
Why would you say Fitness or Wedding Planner to consider?
Pam:Either one, you have to be totally passionate! Set yourself apart and be different. Making things beautiful, eligant, the reward is seeing the the results! Our motto: 'If the bride doesn't cry, we haven't done our job right!'
DAYTONA BEACH RETREAT-Do you feel Trade Shows/Venues are important?
With the Girlfriend retreat around the corner, this was the perfect opportunity to discuss this topic! Both Pam and Bonnie will be attending, so look out for them!
Bonnie:Very important! Make friends while networking.
Pam: On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 30! It's critical! Bridal shows-any networking, someone knows someone etc etc..Quite often, some who have attended a wedding will another customer.
Bonnie: Haven't done any trade shows.
Pam: They are explosive! Looking to include bridal shows!
At this stage of my blog, i'd like to stop to add my own feedback-
When working as Awareness Co-ordinator for Ovarian Cancer Network, I became heavily involved in Trade Venues. They are the best way to meet the public in a pleasant, non-threatening, sales-promoting enviroment! My stalls were always fun! That was my main focus, to capture the attention of the crowd, we presented everything with a real WOW factor, and even if a sale wasn't made, people left with plenty of good information! These venues often carried a variety of local business, established and the new...the atmosphere is great, and you can count on creating a good network if you use your head and imagination! Like anything for sale, you have to think on your feet, to keep the attention.
Okay, back to Bev and her guests.........
Do's and Don'ts of a business:Deciding to choose a business
Pam: Do research! The need of the product, the dempgraphics. Don't let the 'nay sayers' discourage your dream!
Bonnie:Research a need! The don'ts:'Nay Sayers'
If you truly believe, believe in yourself! Put your foot forward, your own risk to fill your own passion!
Thanks to Diva Tally [chat room]
Ten Years from Now:Where are you?
Pam:Built to sell! [Wedding pan/Events] Archer fitness...just to be around! :) Have ideas for a 'Dancing for boomers'....New video production in the works...
Bonnie:Continue to work both-Love to have my own jewellry line! The tazars, where everybody is working for my business, allowing more time for me!
ADVICE TO OTHERS:
Pam:Find good business advisor!
Bonnie:A small business organisation or look for someone who has retired from their business and get their advice.
End of programme
Buzz Off: http://www.buzzoffps.com/
Pam Archer's website/blogs
Well done ladies, imformative show!
PS: See here for details on Divas at Daytona!
4 comments:
Thank you for listening and for the recap so that others can benefit from the interview.
You are always right on top of everything, Deb. Good job!
Had fun that day, very interesting feedback....thanks to both you, Bonnie Bev and Tally-
Cheers
Debbie
Deb,
The minute you land on U.S. soil, I want to hire you!!!
Beverly
Be careful Bev, I just might take up the offer! haha
Another pleasant programme.
Cheers
Deb
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