Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`ve just returned from my 1st greeting card/stationery tradeshow and a mentor friend asked me -- what`s you next step??? At first I wasn`t sure, but after careful thought, I feel I need to continue working on my business plan and start seriously thinking of creating my website and developing my product line. Any suggestions would be most helpful.

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Lygia (Gia) Thomas
Owner/Creative Director
The Lotus Collection
"greeting cards ~ stationery ~ custom invites"

Hi Gia,

As a new stationery company, I can offer some words of advice. 

First of all, you might consider becoming a member of the national Greeting Card Association...they offer some great insight into the industry, in addition, their site has links to industry vendors such as envelope, paper and other important prodution manufacturers.

I would also subscribe to (if you have not done so already) Greetings, etc. the industry trade magazine.

As part of your business plan development, you`ll need to do a ton of research at both stationery stores and on-line...it might be a good idea to contact one of the small-ish firms out there and ask them some questions, as it relates to production, pricing, distribution, etc.

The stationery industry is very competitive, but there is always room for new, fresh and creative ideas.

All the best and much success!

Kim

Hey Gia--
If you ask me, your first step, if you haven`t done it so far, is to set up your life plan. Just like reviewing a map before you set off for a hike, the life plan will help you clarify where you`re going and make the next steps of your journey a little easier.
I think this link might help you.You can then follow the 10 steps outlined by StartUp Nation.
I hope this helps.

The Swaynester