Archive for December, 2008
Friday Five - Business Books
Posted by: | CommentsBusiness books can be a great gift for the business mum in your life. Here are five business books I’ve enjoyed and would make a great gift as well as some holiday reading.
- Brand New Day by Lara Solomon - she’s not a business mum (yet!), however the story behind the early days of Mocks is a great read. Written in a diary style, it follows Lara’s journey from her initial idea to launch and growth, moving out of her spare bedroom into an office and hiring staff. Lara shares the highs and lows as well as business tips.
- Ready, Set, Go for It! by Donna-Marie Coggins - this is a fantastic book for anyone wanting to start a business. Donna-Marie is a business mum herself and really knows what she is talking about. This book is filled with practical information as well as case studies of women who have been there and done that. She also includes a CD-Rom with templates to help get your business started.
- Simple Ways to Handle Things You Hate Doing in Business by Maureen Pound - this is one book I keep in my handbag and read regularly. Jam packed full of tips, this book looks at common things business owners hate doing in business and offers suggestions on how to handle them. A must for every business mum.
- Your Business, Your Future by Linda Hailey - for the business mum looking to grow her business, this book is a must read. Linda gives some common sense advice to help you grow your business.
- MotherWho? by Diane Evans and Sharon Evans - Diane and Sharon share stories speak with a number of well known mothers about their experiences with motherhood and parenting. Each story is a great read and any business mum will enjoy this book.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our Christmas gift series - this is our last post for 2008 and we will be back again in 2009. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Friday Five - Christmas Gift Ideas
Posted by: | CommentsThis week, we are continuing with our Christmas Gift Ideas. I hope they are giving you some ideas to help with your gift buying.
- It Happened By Design - the new book by Kathie Thomas. This book has some amazing stories about god-incidences. Whether or not you are a Christian, you will find these stories inspiring.
- S.O.H. Sleepy Baby Bouquets - these bouquets make a fantastic Christmas gift for a new Mum or a brand new baby. Each bouquet is lovingly made from singlets, socks and other useful baby items.
- Buff Mineral Cosmetics - treat yourself this Christmas to some custom blended foundation, or buy one for a friend. Treat your girlfriends to a shop at home afternoon where you can relax and choose make up for the holiday season.
- Dead Sea Source - these fabulous skin care and pampering products are a wonderful gift for yourself or someone special to you. They currently have a range of gift packs that are sure to delight this Christmas.
- Just Us Kids Online - with a great range of children’s educational toys and products, you are sure to find something to keep your children happy and busy this Christmas.
Come by next week for our next 5 great Christmas shopping suggestions.
Thursday Tips - Processes
Posted by: | CommentsOnce again, my post has been written for me! In my travels around the Internet, I came across a fantastic blog called The Process Ninja. This blog contains many fantastic tips on how to create processes in your business.
So, if you want to create processes in your business and be more efficient (and make more money!), check out The Process Ninja and have a good read.
Marketing Monday - Repeat sales
Posted by: | CommentsToo many business mums spend their marketing resources on bringing in new customers, and forget about those customers they have already had. It is easier to get your customers to come back again, rather than find new customers. So, what are some things you can do to encourage people to buy from you again?
One simple thing you can do is include a gift voucher with each purchase for your customers to spend on their next purchase. This could be only $5 or $10, however it will encourage your customers to come back again. You may also want to include something they can pass on to a friend (we will talk more about referrals in future posts).
Another thing is to keep in touch with your customers. Invite them to subscribe to your email newsletter, or even create a special list for everyone who has bought from you to give them special previews to new products, opportunities to suggest new products, and special competitions and giveaways for your customers. This will help your customers feel special and encourage them to buy again.
These are just two ideas to get some repeat sales. What are some of the things you have done to get your customers coming back?
Friday Five - Christmas Gift Ideas
Posted by: | CommentsChristmas is nearly upon us. To help with your last minute Christmas shopping, over the next few weeks, I’ll share with you some fantastic business mums to help you with your shopping.
- The Needlework Boutique - with a unique range of charts and kits, The Neeldework Boutique is sure to have something for that special cross stitcher in your life.
- Ickle Kids - especially if you are travelling this Christmas, Ickle Kids has a wonderful range of educational kids travel toys that is sure to delight your kids, and help keep you sane!
- Dream Candles - perfect as a gift for teachers as well as someone special in your life, Dream Candles guarantee their candles will burn longer than any other - and they look and smell amazing too!
- Baubles, Bubbles & Bags - spoil yourself or someone else with the stunning range of jewellery, bags and accessories at Baubles, Bubbles & Bags. Why not book a shopping night and do your shopping with a glass of champagne and a few friends?
- Suz’s Space - relax with a book or three this Christmas with the range of books from Suz’s Space. And, if you can’t find what you want, Suzie will keep an eye out and try and find it for you.
For another 5 great places to shop, come back next Friday.
Marketing Monday - Welcome kit
Posted by: | CommentsI have recently been participating in Profit Club run in conjunction with Katherine Doe from Action Coach. One of the things we have been learning is that marketing is as much as getting your current customers to buy from you again as it is getting new clients.
Last week we were brainstorming ideas on how to get your clients to buy from you a second time. One thing you can do is to send them a welcome pack when they first buy from you. Some of the things you could include are:
- Information about other products and services you provide
- A gift voucher to use on their next visit to you
- Gift vouchers for other businesses - this is a great joint venture opportunity, and it is low cost to you and high value to your customers
- Tips on how to use their purchase - it could be how to display them, care for them, or maintain them
- A referral card so they can recommend your business to a friend
I also remember one beauty therapist I went to for waxing. After the first visit, she gave me a sheet with tips on how to care for my newly waxed legs with her contact details on the bottom. I continued to go to her for waxing until I moved out of the area and it was way to far for me to travel! This little extra wouldn’t have cost her much, but it helped secure my loyalty.
Your welcome kit doesn’t have to be much, and can vary depending on the amount your customers spend with you - for example, if they have purchased something that is $20, you wouldn’t give them a $50 voucher to spend on their next visit!
