Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Does anyone else go through this?  When sales and client communications are up and consistent, you feel very proud...and when things slow down a bit, you start to doubt yourself?

Oh yes, I`m about to enter my slow sales cycle.  Summer is a killer for me - all the kids are home and moms aren`t thinking about starting a new business.  During the summer, I am SURE that I am NEVER going to get another member and that it`s all over and I can get very grumpy about the whole thing.  The same is true from about October to Jan for me.  Of course, a smart woman would be happy that my slow times coincide with the times my kids are home or the holidays are coming - LOL!

I just use all my "free" time to market my business and plan for when things heat up again.  It`s such an irrational feeling because after 4 years of this, I know better.  But, still, I think it`s normal to feel down in the dumps when things are slow. 

~Kim

Kim, until I saw your website I thought ScrapBiz was something like 1-800-GOT-JUNK. What exactly is your business model?

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Kim - (Petset.com)

Don`t doubt yourself. I just reviewed your website and product offerings - excellent website, great idea, and being a black lab owner (12 years old, hanging in there - a little slower), I appreciate you being able to combine your love of dogs in creating a business. Anytime an advocation can become a vocation - amen!

How long have you been in business? Is this slow down normal or is there enough history to judge this question?

You have a very speciality product with a speciality price tag - there is a huge market out there for you. Wondering how many gift shows you have done? How many gift retailers carry your product? What about the up and coming dog bakeries? Are you in them? Might be a golden (lab) opportunity to create some POP displays for this "hot" new retail speciality markets - the people who trade here are your target market - IMHO.

I have some more ideas but I`ll wait for you to answer a few of these questions.

Later - R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

HA!  Nope, no junk.  I am basically a "Start-Up Nation" to the Scrapbook industry.  I wrote a "how to" guide on starting a business in that industry and I run a support site for members-only.

Well Kim - we all go through slow times and doubts.  It`s that drive to succeed and the dream that keeps us going and being more creative.  I agree you have to do gift-mart shows; let the retailers know exactly what you have.  I also agree you have to start contacting specialty doggie stores and bakeries.  If you`re not one for personal marketing, try mailing a sample.

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Donna - Dance to the Song of Life!
Owner - The Basquet Case Market & Gifts
www.thebasquetcase.com

One of the major problems I see in my own industry (graphic design) is independent designers and business owners never anticipating the slow times - and suddenly no work is coming in the door.  Not only do they start doubting themselves; they then go into panic mode trying to play "catch up" and initiate income-producing work immediately.  I always encourage individuals in my own industry to be marketing ALL the time - especially when they are the busiest - to create a steady workflow and avoid "slow" periods.  Personally, I deal with clients Monday through Thursday.  Friday is spent almost solely on marketing/promotion efforts each week.

- J.




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Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!