How do you convince a friend to start a business?
I have a fozzy of a bear of a quandary on my hands.
You see, my sister is a truly talented artist. Every year on my birthday, the one gift I look forward to more than any other is her card to me. It’s always some adorable, irreverent drawing with a witty phrase, and currently, the only people who get to see these cards are my family.
We’ve talked with Meredith about starting a greeting cards business, but we’re having a hard time with it. She just graduated from college and is somewhat risk-averse, and can’t see beyond the first hill, so to speak. The idea of starting a business is very daunting. I know she’s excited about it, but also overwhelmed.
But its such a shame that her cards aren’t out there. I know they’d be a hit.
So to all the current entrepreneurs, what would you do to get a friend or younger family member to take the leap?
March 23rd, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Hey Jonathan,
I might have an idea that works. You might want to shop her cards around, the one that she sent you so far. There are trade shows, art fairs and such that you can get your feet in the door with. Or, just ask her to make a few drawings for you and use those. But, if you feel that it can work, don’t give up. Ease her into the idea, but don’t let her forget about it.
March 24th, 2006 at 6:47 am
That’s a great idea.
My aunt sells her cards and scarves at a craft show and does well.
Or, you might want to try Ebay, or her own web store.
That might be enough to give her some confidence.
Matt S.
March 24th, 2006 at 8:57 am
As I’m sure you know, the cards you describe would sell well in a college town.
If you truly believe in the product, how about you start the business and hire your sister to develop the cards? After she sees the business in operation, and the viability of it, she could work into an equity position if that’s what she wants.
March 24th, 2006 at 10:56 am
Here is an inexpensive way to start. First pick up a copy of Greetings, Etc. It is THE trade journal of the industry.
Within the magazine, you will see what the competition is doing and you will start to understand who the appropriate retailers are. You might want to contact a few retailers and start to pitch your concept, just to get some initial feedback about the concept, pricing, etc.
Then go to http://www.greetingcard.org and start putting together a database of suppliers, paper, envelopes, packaging, etc.
Then put a direct mail list together of retailers press across the country — what I would do is an inexpensive direct mail piece which highlights your concept…the objective is to gather feedback, critique, opportunities, etc.
As a small stationery owner, I would suggest you do a lot of the preliminary work, before you get into this arena…it’s ferocious…but it can be penetrated with the right idea.
March 24th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Didn’t mean to make my comments seem so overwhelming…you guys are right word of mouth at the grassroots level is a more sane entry into the market and could be more fun.
My approach was a reflection of my marketing background and it was the only way I knew to proceed…so
Keep encouraging your sister and hit those local crafts shows, etc.
July 27th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I am a greeting card designer who began my small company years ago, and now with a record of good sales with solid reorders, am going out on my own to find reps and other ways to distribute the cards. Fuel prices and the current economy are making it very hard to break into the market as reps are staying closer to home, so I am eager to brainstorm with someone to create a website and a marketing plan on line. Anyone out there who knows someone honest and creative, and who is strong on optimization? I would appreciate any good suggestions on how I can find the right person. Perhaps the young lady who has such great ideas but is unsure how to proceed could be in touch if she is interested, as I am open to adding good lines onto my website and possibly would distribute for a commission as distribution grows. I am the sole creator of my work, with a tiny company, and it is a real David and Goliath scene out there, but I still believe in the power of one person to affect others with the strength of their own emotion and creativity. What people want is the personal touch, still. I welcome and thank you for any reasonable suggestions on how to best tackle this very dynamic era in marketing.