virtualmom

NYC Business Solutions

I am halfway through the FAST TRAC GROWTH VENTURE course that New York City paid for me to attend.  Thank you New York City!  

I applied for it through NYC Business Solutions and I recommend that any small business owner apply for future workshops.  I have found the course useful.

For me, the two main benefits include:  1) Focusing on your business.  2) Talking with the teachers and fellow small business owners about problems and techniques unique to small businesses.

The latter has been invaluable.  I have learned about outsourcing, fulfillment centers, virtual assistants, project management software--all necessary when you are at it alone!  Nowadays there are so many useful tools for the sole proprietor to use to help lighten the load of trying to do it all.  Nowadays, you don't have to do it all.  

What you should recognize about yourself is what you like to do and what you naturally gravitate to doing(ie, those tasks that you can always cross off your to do list) and then try to hire outside contractors to  do the other necessary tasks. 

In Contrast, A New Product in a Defined Category and Interest Already from Retailers!

I have a new and interesting product and before going into production and spending a whole lot of money, this time I decided to ask some buyers at large retailers if they had interest.  Not having any connections, I 'cold emailed' them.  I did not know what to expect except that I was hoping for some feedback.  To my delightful surprise, 3 buyers got back to me immediately saying they are interested.

This was a very good sign.  After years of not hearing anything about the vases, getting immediate positive responses, feel great.

Here is the funny thing.  Now I have to quickly make the product!  I need a name, packaging, a quick website, photos, a video showing how to use the product, and sales and marketing materials plus I am sure I am missing something.  

But I have got to do it.  When you get that type of response--you gotta go for it.  

I will keep you posted!

This could be fun and lord knows I need a HIT!

Vases don't fit in any specific Buying Category=Problem

This morning I am going to continue on my rant about big box retailers. 

 I love my vases but they have been a hard sell to large retailers, a fact that I underestimated when I started with them a few years ago.  I believed that because they are unique, low priced, store flat, and are simply just fun that I could get them into many, many stores!  How wrong I was! I have even talked with my competitors about this and they confirmed that they too have had trouble in this area.  

Why has there been reluctance to our vases?  One reason is that they don't fit into any particular merchandise category so buyers have not taken ownership of the product.  For instance when I approached Costco, the vase buyer told me that she only buys traditional vases and that our flat plastic vases wouldn't fit into her space within the stores.  She referred me to the floral buyer.  The floral buyer told me that he only buys perishable fresh flowers.  Where does that leave me and my vases?  IDK? Good question!  I mean does that simply mean that Costco just can not buy and sell my vases?  

Day Two at the New York International Gift Fair

Today was yet another fun and tiring day at the Javits Center. I had Annie and Joan working the Booth with me.  They were great--really positive and upbeat and approaching everyone who walked by!  We opened a lot of new stores today which is great.  I am so thankful these great ladies are helping me!

Wendy stopped by too--I  am so grateful to be getting support.  Shoot I just remembered that I was going to pick up some of Wendy's handmade birds to put in the Booth.  Maybe she can stop by tomorrow with them.

We have been passing out brownies and giving away free vases--so I think the customers have enjoyed stopping in to hear our schpeel(is that how you spell it?) 

This being our first time at the Fair, I have already learned that we were put in the wrong place.  We should have been in the Home Design section.  Customers walking the aisle said that aisle 1400 is known for Judaica merchandise--something we have no specialty in.  

Live and learn--we still had fun!

I Met the Barefoot Contessa today at the NYIGF!

 
I was walking through the lower level of the NYIGF this morning and I was surprised to see the Barefoot Contessa live and in person!  We have watched her so many times on TV!  I told her that my kids love watching her show and we love her baking mixes and that they would be thrilled if I took a photo with her.  later, when I got home and showed them the photo--they thought it was cool.  Actually they now want to come to the show tomorrow! 

NYIGF- end of First Day

I am home now and watching the Grammy's with the kids(we were surprised with Pink"s performance) and I am beat from the New York Gift Fair  today.  We met a lot of people , took orders though not as many as I had hoped for.  

People seem to like the vases.  Marketing them to the big retailers has been tougher than I imagined.  Part of me wants to give up--part of me likes the challenge!  Oy, what to do, what to do!

I met Jeff Lindsay today.  He is my top competitor, but we have decided to work together instead of against each other.  He came to New York to walk the Show.  

New York International Gift Fair-Set Up

 

Today was the first day of set up at the Javits Center.  It was quite a scene!  So much work goes into getting the Booths to look fabulous for the retailers!  Hope the Show is a Hit for everyone.  

This is a shot of our Booth --with some enlarged photos in the back.  Tomorrow we will go back and add some pretty flowers to the vases and add some new products.  

 

FREE VASES!!!

Come visit our BOOTH #1455 at the NYIGF  

 and get a FREE HAPPY BIRTHDAY VASE!

 
 

Busy January

I'd have to say this January has been the busiest start of the year that I can remember!  So much going on!  But right now I am focusing on the upcoming NYIGF.  NYIGF stands for New York International Gift Fair which starts on Sunday at the Jacob Javits Center.  I have taken a Booth there, this is the first time I have ever done a Booth!  

I am in Booth # 1455 and I am EXCITED!  I am really looking forward to meeting buyers and being out there talking to people --seeing what is going on. I hope to sell a lot too!  

So please if you are a Buyer, come visit!  

Etsy: Learn How to Make a Teddy Bear from Your Guy's Old Shirt

 

ETSY loved Wendy's handmade bears so much that they asked her to teach at their lab tomorrow!  Monday, December 14th from 4-8pm in DUMBO(55 Washington St). 

The bears that she is going to teach you to make are great gifts.  Low in cost and made straight from the heart!  Perfect for your little one cause what is better than a teddy bear made from daddy's shirt!  Your canine friend will most definitely like one too.

Wendy has been making/sewing since she was 5 or 6 years old.  She is very crafty--she can't help herself.