What's Your Purple Goldfish?

This week I had the opportunity to travel to a conference and listen to featured speaker Stan Phelps.  Mr. Phelps recently published a book, What's Your Purple Goldfish? I'm not going to give away the secret of what a purple goldfish is, but I will share with you the gist of his message.


The subtitle of the book is How to Win Customers & Influence Word of Mouth.  Mr. Phelps began on a journey to find 1,001 examples of marketing lagniappe.  What's lagniappe? Pronounced lan-yap, it's a Creole term for "a little something extra." This book is the result of his findings of examples of companies who deliver excellent customer services by giving "a little something extra" to their customers.


I haven't completed the book yet, so I'm relying upon my memory of his presentation to give you my favorite examples of marketing lagniappe:

1. Bigelow Tea - A recent customer ordered a box of Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea, and the first item that fell out was a packet of Constant Comment.  The customer feared he had received the wrong order.  Instead, it turned out to be a complimentary sample, and the customer was delighted to have a fun new item to try.
2. Plaza Cleaners - This Portland, Oregon company posts a sign on their door, "If you are unemployed an need an outfit clean for an interview, we will clean it for free."  They're paying it forward; maybe, just maybe, the local economy will improve a bit if that person gets the job.
3. Nurse Next Door - We all make mistakes, as much as we strive for business and personal perfection.  If this home health service provider makes a mistake, they deliver a fresh baked apple "humble pie" as an apology for the poor customer service. 
4. Southwest Airlines - Ok, we've all seen this one, but who doesn't love the "bags fly free" marketing message? 
5. Nordstrom - This company is famous for its excellent customer service, but I found this story exceptionally interesting.  One customer's feet were two different sizes: a 9 and a 9.5.  The salesman at the store split two pairs of shoes for one order. 

Now, the book is more than short stories about the little somethings extra companies do. It really is a study into marketing behavior and how develop the customer experience.  There are some fantastic, basic rules that will make sense more than your college textbook.

Do you offer a little something extra to your customers? It's not always easy, especially if you're a small business, like me.  I have two.  The first is the Bigelow Tea example. This lagniappe was born out of economy, not marketing strategy.  I send a "Krazee Kandel" with every order.  Some are tea lights, some are votives, all made from leftover amounts of wax I cannot use in the future. It's supply I have, can't do anything with, yet is a relevant gift as a means to say "thank you."  Always packaged neatly with my signature froggie thank you tags.

My second was recently introduced.  Knowing happy customers are the best word of mouth, I decided to start a referral program.  To my repeat customers, I include a referral card for them to give a friend or colleague to recommend my product.  If that friend makes a purchase, she/he receive 15% off their entire order, and my customer receives the same discount from her next order.  The discounts are truly minimal given the increased sales brought my way.

So today I ask you, what is your marketing lagniappe?  Post it here.  Maybe a reader will be inspired to follow your example, maybe a new to you customer will see if and bring you new business!

P.S. All those who post their examples, will be entered into a drawing.  If I draw your name, I'll feature your shop in an upcoming post!

New Facebook Contest!

I would love to know which of my products are your favorites, either ones you already have in your homes or ones you'd like to try.  Here's how you can let me know:

1. Go to my online Etsy store and find the product you like.  Copy the link from your web browser.
2. Go to my Facebook page and share the link on my wall.  If you're so inclined, write a comment or two on why you like it.

It really is that easy! Here's the contest piece: Every month I will draw the name of one fan who has posted a picture to my Facebook wall.  That lucky winner will receive a coupon for 15% off your next order, which can include sales and clearance items. Post as many items as you like, there are no entry limits.

Thanks again for all of your support. I look forward to seeing your favorites!

April Fragrance of the Month is.....?

I'm excited to announce the April Fragrance of the Month is.....ORANGE BLOSSOM!


I'm always trying to search for fragrances that are unique, memorable, yet .....comfortable. Orange Blossom is one of those fragrances.  Top notes of the fragrance feature the floral jasmine, with strong bottom notes of fresh squeezed orange.  All in all, there is a strong core of clean citrus and an overall scent of complete femininity.


My inspiration for this fragrance was two fold.  First, I wanted to feature a unique, floral fragrance for spring.  And while my list of spring fragrances are lovely, I wanted something not quite so predictable.  Second, according to the Perfumer and Flavorist magazine, Orange Flower is one of the top 10 fragrance notes for 2012.  I was on my way!


Orange Blossom is available in a 7 oz. cocktail glass candle

votives,

tealights,

12 oz. candle,

fragrance tarts,

and room and linen spray.

Items soon to be listed on my Etsy site include hand and body lotion, hand and foot balm, body spray, and body wash.  Please send me a convo or an email if you don't see an item you'd like.


All Orange Blossom products are 10% off throughout the month of April.


As a side note, I'm a member of a wonderful team on Etsy, the Promotional Frenzy team.  We have a new blog that we'd love you to view and follow.  When you follow, tell 'em Dorene sent you!

Tips to make your candles last

To get the most out of your candles, follow these tips:


Keep your wick trimmed. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to 1/4" above the wax.  Anything longer can cause the wick to burn too quickly and to create smoke.  If you have a "mushroom" at the top of your wick after burning, it's too long.

Candles add fragrance, warmth and comfort to a home.
Try these tips to keep them burning longer.

Avoid drafts.  Drafts can cause your candle to burn unevenly.  Sometimes the drafts in your home are subtle and you may not notice.  If you see your candle is burning unevenly, rotate it 90 degrees with every burn .  This will help you get the most from your wax.


Burn your candles long enough.  Burn your candles no more than 3 to 4 hours at a time.  A general rule of thumb is to burn your candle one hour per inch of diameter. Burning candles longer can cause the wax to get too hot and your may risk your glass breaking from the heat.


Use a candle snuffer.  The snuffer eliminates the oxygen needed for the fire to burn and enables the fire to estinguish itself naturally.  This also allows the wax to remain in its melt pool without splattering all over.  If a snuffer is unavailable, blow the candle out by placing your finger in front of the flame and blow gently.


Place a teaspoon of water in the bottom of your votive holder before inserting the candle. This will prevent your votive from overheating and ease in removal of the candle.


And always, keep your candle away from children and pets. 

Follow up to Blogger Blues

Not too long ago, I wrote about my case of "Blogger Blues." Many of you responded that you feel the same from time to time. It's no wonder! Many of my followers are running their own business, sometimes in addition to working part or full time, in addition to family responsibilities.


Some of you responded to the post with comments of "yes, me to!" or even words of wisdom.  Well, today I have a few words of wisdom of my own.


Ok, they aren't quite my own.  While waiting and hoping to get into a Tophatter auction today (another post), I was wandering around the web, trying to find pieces of business advice I could use.  In doing so, I came across the website Hubspot.com.  If you're not familiar with it, check it out.  There is a good, free analysis of your social media ranking, accompanied with a few free white papers on how to optimize your online presence.  (I downloaded their ebooks on Twitter, blogs, and Facebook.)  


While there, I perused their blog and found this awesome article on 41 Fresh Blog Post Ideas for Your Company Blog.  I hope you take the time to check out the website and to read the article on your own, but for those of you with time poverty, here is my Top Ten List:

1. Share a tip of things to avoid.
2. Relate your how-to content to a current event or celebrity. Example "5 _____Lessons from Lady Gaga" or "What the Election Teaches Us About_____".
3. Do a links-round up of relevant news for your community.
4. Do a round-up of your most popular posts.
5. Respond to industry research with your own perspective.
6. Feature guest posts from industry experts.
7. Publish responses to frequently asked questions about your industry.
8. Interview your favorite customer.
9. Run a contest and give away something relevant to your community.

And Number 10: (I really wish there were an auto feature to count down from 10 to 1)

Ask for guest posts from community members!

I love that one! I need to have a few of these in my pocket for whenever my well or my time runs dry!

What tips do you have? Comment and take my poll on the right! (And yes, I may feature them - with credit to the author - in the future!)

Follow me!

I feel so lucky to have grown my fan base to its current level, and it's all because of you!


Those of you who have followed me for a while know I spend a lot of my time marketing my business.  Did you know:

• My first marketing initiative was my newsletter. It has grown from 20+ close friends to nearly 100 people including customers, vendors, and others who are interested? I've also grown the format from a simple Publisher piece to an electronic newsletter with subscriptions? (If you haven't already, you can subscribe here.)
• I have a Facebook Fan page with over 120 fans and I give away a free product every month?
• Through the prodding of the Etsy Promotional Frenzy Team, my third marketing initiative was Twitter.  I never thought I would tweet, and now I have a Klout score of 37. (Go to www.klout.com for more on this). You can follow me @DLitesbyDorene.
• I've fallen in love with Pinterest.
• I've written 24 blog posts.

Perhaps this isn't earth shattering news or the strongest of social media efforts out there, but for someone who began this business venture less than a year ago and had no interest in SEO, it's been huge for me personally.  

I share this with you today for three reasons:

1. I love sharing my product. Please "like" my Facebook page if you haven't already. 
2. I hope to encourage everyone out there that working the social media is easy to do, although it does take time, skill and practice for the efforts to reap the benefits.
3. To thank you for reading my post and to offer you an additional 15% off any purchase (including sales and clearance) through the end of March.  If you email your order to me, the discount will be subtracted from your final price; if you purchase through my Etsy shop, please use coupon code BLOGLOVER at checkout.

I hope you continue to follow me through whichever media outlet you prefer. But please know I offer different  specials at various times through all of my marketing initiatives.

Thank you so much for your support! Enjoy the green this weekend!

Last month I launched new product lines of diffuser oils and fragrance sprays.  I'm happy to say my line continues to grow, but I need your help.  


If you've ever seen my fragrance listing, you know that it is extensive.  I'm currently seeking product testers for feedback on new fragrances to offer.  I've currently received feedback on a handful of fragrances, but have many more to go. So,....I NEED YOUR HELP! 

I am currently seeking testers for my new line of diffuser oils and fragrance sprays.  Please email me three fragrances you'd like to test, and I'll send you one (my choice) 1 oz. complimentary sample to test.  A complete fragrance listing is available here.

Thank you for your help!

Color of the Year

I've recently found myself thinking a lot about trends. All kinds. Technology. Social trends. Fragrance trends (of course). But not fashion, I'm a Capricorn, after all.


So I thought today's post would be about color trends. Every year Pantone researches worldwide socio-economic conditions to determine the color influencer for the upcoming year. Here's a snippet from their news release:


To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.


The 2012 color of the year, drum roll please, is Tango Tangerine. 

According to to the Pantone website, 


Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.  Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion.


Personally, when I first heard the news, my reaction was, "Hmmm....." I'm not an orange person.  But the more I see the color, the more I like it.  It is more red and appealing to me than I first thought.  Here are another image of the color from the Pantone website:

So, what are your thoughts? Do you follow color trends, and do you use them in your daily life or business?

Pearberry - March fragrance of the month

Sorry I've been MIA for a while....I'm glad to be back and to announce the March fragrance of the month - Pearberry!


For anyone who is a fan of Bath & Body Works, you know what a wonderful fragrance Pearberry is! Combining the fragrances of perfect pear and beautiful berry, Pearberry is a classic for anyone, anytime.


In addition to launching this new fragrance line, I’m pleased to announce the introduction of bath & body fragrances in addition to my home fragrance line. New products include body lotion and spray, as well as hand and foot balm to soothe away those rough edges and callousness.


While the Fragrance of the Month, Peryberry is 10% off.  Products shown include: 

• 12 oz. container candle, $14.85; 
• 7 oz. cocktail glass candle, $6.75; 
• tea lights, 6 pack for $5.50; 
• fragrance tarts 4 pack, $4.50; 
• room and linen spray, - $9.45; 
• votives, 4 for $9.00; 
• wickless candle, $4.50; 
• body lotion, 4 oz. for $7.20; 
• body spray, 4 oz. for $7.20.; 
• and hand and foot balm, 2 oz. for $10.00.

 Please take a look and indulge yourself!

Blogger Blues

Ok, I have to be honest.  I don't like to make resolutions, but I always strive to be better and to make goals. One of my goals for 2012 was to blog twice a week.


Well, I didn't make it this/last week (depending upon how you view the calendar).


Twice a week for me works best on Sunday and Wednesday.  There was no Sunday post this week.  So, I'll flog myself with a wet noodle in preparation for Lent.


I'll try to post an additional blog later this week (and again on Sunday)....but does anyone out there face the Blogger Blues? It's not writer's block in which you know what you want to write about but can't find the words.  With Blogger Blues, you simply don't have any topic at all, and therefore, the words aren't relevant.


So... I've tried to write about business applications, marketing strategies, favorite shops, and alas! my own products.  But Sunday and today, nothing. Rien. 


Does writing about Blogger Blues count for writing a blog? For today, I'm going to pretend that it does. Because blogs are about getting to know one another, and like it or not, these blues are what I'm going through at the moment.  


Maybe Friday I'll find a recipe to post. Or a book to review. Or any other inspiration. But these Blogger Blues also define me. Please don't be offended.  I'm just being honest.

Etsy shop review, Victorian Swag

Recently I had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a pair of earrings from Victorian Swag. And low and behold, I won!  


Monday, I received a this lovely pair of earrings:

Here's the description as posted on her web store:


These beautiful stud earrings featuring the print of a single rose and gold embellishments on porcelain would make such a lovely gift for her this valentines day.

I use E6000 Jewelry grade glue so your earrings will stay lovely for years to come!

And they are all as promised. While I've not had a chance to wear these yet, they are all as written and more!

Here's what the owner of Victorian Swag, Missy Perez, has to say about herself:

By day I am your average stay at home mom caring for two wildly lovely children while trying to keep some semblance of a tidy home, but by night I transform to artist and designer extraordinaire forgetting all my mommy duties for just a few hours to churn out original and stunning jewelry for your enjoyment!

I am continually inspired my children, my own childhood growing up in New England, and my amazing mother and grandmother. I'll get an idea for a necklace while reading a beloved storybook to my kids or while watching an old classic movie. The memories of my grandmothers house and her shabby chic country style, before that was ever even a term, are what has inspired the entire look of this shop. My designs are truly from the heart and I hope you'll love them as much as I do. 

Missy, thank you so much for the lovely pair of earrings, but more so, thank you for the opportunity to learn more about you and your store!

New product lines!

Did you know that over 80% of adult Americans have purchased some type of air care product over the past year? These products range from candles, air fresheners, potpourri, and car fragrance products.  Clearly, we have an expectation that our environments smell great year round, not just at the holidays or special events. 


With that, I am so excited to introduce to you my new product lines: Diffuser Oils and Fragrance Sprays!


Now you can take your favorite candle fragrance into the kitchen, the bathroom, and any where in the home.


What is so exciting for me is that my fragrance sprays are completely natural and safe for the environment.  They do not contain alcohol or other additives and can provide fragrance for even those with allergies.

Current diffuser oil fragrances available include:

• Clean Cotton
• Ginger Peach
• Lavender
• Lavender Vanilla

Current fragrance sprays available include:

• Key Lime
• Lavender Vanilla
• Love Spell
• Pearberry

If you've ever seen my fragrance listing, you know that it is extensive.  I'm currently seeking product testers for feedback on new fragrances to offer.  If you are interested in testing diffuser oils and fragrance sprays, please email me to learn how you can receive some free product.

Wednesday musings.....

Ok, all, I'm really tired tonight, but my goal for this year was to post at least two blog posts a week.  So, here are some photos of my favorite shops and products in Etsy land......please shop and enjoy!

Dell Cove Spices - I just love their White Cheddar popcorn topping!

I've tried my hand at wire crochet, and I love the bracelets from  Julie's Crochet Array

Gotta love anyone who is inspired by Pride & Prejudice! Check out  Brookish

Love the sense of humor from Forked Up Art!

I've already introduced Greenhouse Glassworks.  Here pieces are so pretty!

Only a knitter can truly love Sassafras Creations!

If only Alis would make a Dorene! 

Happy shopping, all!

Love Spell.....

...is the new Fragrance of the Month!


LOVE SPELL is similar to the fragrance sold by Victoria's Secret.  This seductive fragrance is made of a lovely bouquet of mandarin orange, bergamot, and tangerine enhanced by hints of fresh peaches, strawberries, and raspberries, yet also has  an undertone of white musk.
While the Fragrance of the Month, Love Spell is 10% off.  

Love Spell product line

So, as I'm learning to navigate my way through social media, I'm forcing myself to learn new things about marketing.  In the old 4P world (product, price, placement, people), I was G-O-O-D...ok, maybe just good, no caps or exaggeration.  Social media has blown apart all the rules. But it's also exciting to learn new strategies to marketing my product, which next to creating, is my favorite task in running my business.


Social media needs to be an engagement strategy, not simply a marketing strategy. And it needs to be on a personal level. So, how do you engage the masses on a personal level to be interested in your product? My first strategy is Facebook.


I've set a goal of creating a survey every month on my Facebook page.  I ask my followers and friends to vote for the fragrance they would like to see as the next fragrance of the month.  I'll usually set 3-4 options of what I would like and think can sell, but I'll also allow them to add a fragrance they would like to see.


(Note to self, ask the question earlier in the month so you're not scrambling the day before sending them out so you have time to quick test. Not a good thing to start labeling your product only to learn the wick is stubborn with the fragrance/dye combination......)


I've tried surveying my Twitter followers as well, but I've learned their responses get lost in my inbox....If any of you survey through Twitter, please comment on methods with which you've found success.


My last blog post discussed basic marketing strategies, and I decided to follow my own advice. I began my business to sell candles, thinking "I love candles. I see them for sale all over the place. I can do this." But I've been rethinking my business strategy around the concept that people aren't necessarily seeking candles as much as they are seeking fabulous, clean, and personally fragrant homes/spaces. Thus, my marketing strategy is now encompassing Product Development (products in the same stage of development) into home fragrances, rather than simply candles. (You could argue it is horizontal development, and I'd buy that too......)

Take it to the sheets!
Spray LOVE SPELL on
your bed linens for
a romantic evening!

So, this month, I'm launching diffuser oils and fragrance sprays.  I've not tested diffuser oil for LOVE SPELL yet, but hope to have that available soon.


Back to social media marketing....the products are now featured on my Etsy site, I've been tweeting about the new fragrance, product availability, and sales, I've announced the product on my Facebook page, I've created a Pinterest board around this fragrance, and will soon distribute my e-newsletter, and now it's posted on my blog!  *pause to take a breath*


But we need to remember that social media marketing is not a replacement for the tried and true, rather, it is an extension of it.  My fragrances are also available in my bricks-and-mortar stores (can't forget those!!!), and I will also snail mail my newsletter to customers who have not signed up for the email version.


Happy sales, all!

Marketing strategies

As entrepreneurs, the majority of our time should be spent marketing our business.  I know, it's hard to admit, especially when we enjoy the "making" of our goods.  And I know that I also become consumed in various aspects of my business, wanting to pretend I'm "creating", or I'm "marketing."

And these are the times I return to my business educational materials for guidance.

Several marketing strategies are defined, and intuitively we gravitate to one or another without being strategic in our thought:

• Product Leadership - being the best in our field...think Google for search engines. 
• Concentrated Growth - resources are directed to the growth of a single product, in a single market with a single strategy.
• Market Development - opening additional geographic markets or market segments. E.g., for social media, expanding into another online marketing venue; advertising in a new media.
• Product Development - modifying an existing product for a new market. For example, Philadelphia Cream Cheese broadening into flavored cream cheese products and cooking ingredients.
• Innovation - developing a new product or service. Apple created few new products or services of their own, but they took the concepts to new mass markets.
• Horizontal Integration - acquiring product lines in the same stage as yours. For example, jewelers specializing in earrings begin to develop necklaces and watches.
• Vertical Integration - acquiring vendors or suppliers for sales growth. Many Etsy vendors begin to sell supplies as a way to increase their revenue.

While basic and certainly not exclusive, this should give us a few examples of how to increase our business.  Many of you may doing it already.

If you create bracelets, are you also creating and selling watches?  Horizontal Integration.

If you create necklaces, are you selling supplies you no longer need? Vertical Integration.

Recently, I've expanded my product line about as full as I can go with horizontal integration in simply the home fragrance market.  I have three options for container candles, tea lights, then I moved into votives, then naturally into candle tarts. Soon to be announced are reed diffusers and other air freshener products.

My horizontal integration is the home fragrance market.

So what's next?

Unless I add more fragrances (product development), I will need to explore other opportunities for growth.  While I realize Etsy is an extremely competitive market for home fragrances, I prefer not to venture into other online opportunities (Artfire, Zibbet). I believe social media can only handle one marketplace and prefer to direct these efforts to one shop.

I do explore market development by trying to land my products into bricks and mortar retail environments and personalized products with event planners.

I have ideas of where I am going from here, and do my best to frame the internal discussions with myself in basic marketing strategies.  If you don't have a business background, I recommend you do some simple online research into some of these strategies.

Last week, my post revolved around "venturing forward" and the need to take risks in our business.  This week, I challenge each of you to take the risk into understanding basic marketing strategies and developing ideas on how to grow your business around them.

Happy sales!

Etsy shop review, Greenhouse Glassworks

I first "met" Natasha when she purchased some of my tea lights to include in her candle holders.   A few weeks later, she purchased another set, and both times has asked me to include some business cards to promote my product.  I’m returning the favor by featuring her lovely shop as today’s Etsy featured shop.

At Greenhouse Glassworks, you will find original fused glass and stained glass creations. Some of my favorite items are the candle holders I just mentioned.

Natasha’s designs are all unique stained and fused glass creations.  She finds her inspiration from plants, wide open spaces and the menagerie of animals from her studio that overlooks her horse farm in Western Colorado. And she communicates this feel through the beautiful photography that accompanies her artwork. 

Browsing through her store, not only are you drawn to items for your own home, but you will find fused glass pendants, earrings and other jewelry which make wonderful gifts. And to accompany these gifts, you can include hand made gift tags and thank you cards which are made from reproductions of her original colored pencil drawings.

Natasha is incredibly sweet and giving by supporting other artisans and their entrepreneurial efforts. Please take some time to browse through her shop.  Her artwork is incredibly affordable, and you are sure to find something to give yourself or to a friend! 

Venturing forward, part II

Last week I wrote of my journey into capitalism and ideas on how to venture forward into a slightly known arena.  This week I would like to celebrate my mother and her family for their courage to venture forward into very unknown territory.

I spoke with my mother tonight, who relayed an earlier conversation with her sister-in-law.  "Happy 65th Birthday!" my aunt said. "It's not my 65th!" mother replied.  "Yes it is.  You set foot in America 65 years ago today," my aunt insisted.

January 24, 1947 my grandparents, my uncle and my mother arrived from a two week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to venture forward into a new and better world.  My grandparents each survived concentration camps, my uncle survived living away from his parents in order to be protected from the horrors of the world around him, and my mother survived by being born in the environment created by the terror and  end of the days of World War II in Germany.

And together they ventured forward.  They left family, friends, and community behind in order to create a better world.  They left careers, education, and a way of life behind in hopes to  find the freedom and inalienable rights they knew should be theirs.

They took huge risks. Mine so pale in comparison. So many times I look up to my grandmother, who became my best friend, and am amazed at the courage it took for her, simply, to live.

But they also took calculated risks.  They did not make decisions in a vacuum.

I write this in my business blog because I think as entrepreneurs we all take risks.  But as I reflect on my mother's "birthday", I find myself thinking of the risks I'm taking.  Are they decisions made in a vacuum? Are they calculated risks? Or are they petty decisions I make in order to "advance" a hobby?  It's difficult for those of us who work full time, who manage a family, who are trying to uphold New Year's resolutions to have clarity of thought to take calculated risks to advance our work.

My challenge to you, to myself, is to look at our businesses, to be honest in what we see, and to take the risks necessary to succeed.  The risk to develop an accounting system to analyze the profitability of our entrepreneurship. The risk to reach out to experts for help in marketing our business in order to succeed.  And the risk to leave the product creation behind just a bit.....we won't succeed if we're creating and only hoping to sell our creations.  We will only succeed if we take the calculated risks necessary to grow our business beyond a hobby.

This land was made for you and me...

Happy Birthday!

Venturing forward

I have received much strong encouragement from my family, friends, and colleagues on my venture into capitalism with D'Lites by Dorene.  In fact, some of my friends have been extremely strong supporters, as they know my frustrations with my day job and have seen the creativity my business has unleashed in me.

One of the strongest recommendations I received in the beginning of my journey was to explore opportunities to become involved in weddings.  I didn't follow this line for some time as I wasn't certain of how to do it.  I mean, yes, candles are burned frequently at weddings, but doesn't every one just go somewhere to buy them in bulk?

While familiar, I've become increasingly knowledgeable about high-end customization for weddings, parties, and other functions.  So, I've been thinking about how to approach clients on how to include my candles on their special day.

I've decided to approach first wedding planners.  I've already established my prospect list and am planning to send sample products, such as Vanilla, Jasmine, etc. that would work for weddings, showers and other parties.  I've also worked to update my Etsy site with samples of party favors:

I will add my tea light sampler when it is ready, hopefully soon.  But frankly, I'm stumbling a bit with information to mail for a cold call letter.

Have any of you in the blogosphere worked with wedding or event planners?  What recommendations do you have for entering into this line of business?

Marketing Calendar

One of the tasks I've struggled with since starting my business has been developing products for the season in a timely fashion.  Fortunately, I'm small enough and have suppliers close to me, and I can be nimble in creating new products within a few days. And since a lot of sales come from my Etsy site, and since I refer a lot of local buyers to my Etsy site for a complete product listing, I haven't been adversely affected by this tremendously.

Until I'm ready to prospect into retail.  Just in time production works fine, until I try to promote my products to retailers....I suddenly realize that marketing Valentine products today is useless, as many retailers already have seasonal displays established or at least have their seasonal products purchased.

So I knew I had to establish a marketing calender.  But it couldn't be just a marketing calender, as it's easy to highlight holidays on a planner or electronic device.  I needed to establish a marketing and production calender.

I started with a basic Excel worksheet, labeling the left column with the months of the year and the planning schedule at the top.  For my column headers, I chose "Marketing Trends", "Product Marketing", and "Product Testing."

Completing the Marketing Trends column was easy,

January - New Year
February - Valentine's Day
March - Easter

and so on.  Next, I needed to complete the Product Marketing column.  So, for my established customers, newsletter, and Etsy shop, the Product Marketing column looks something like this:

January -  Valentine's Day; weddings
February - Valentine's Day; Easter
March - Easter; spring

and so on.  Next was the Product Testing column.  Here, most everything backs up another month:

December - Valentine's Day; weddings
January - Easter; Spring

and so on.  What this will do is help me integrate my supply purchases into other orders and help to save on shipping costs.  I can work test pours into my customer pouring schedule.  And if I order early enough, I have plenty of wiggle room if something isn't right, and I can integrate the successful fragrances into other supply orders, as well as watch for sales!

The final calendar looks like this:

This hasn't quite solved my problem of marketing to prospective retail vendors, but it does help me establish a calender through which I can anticipate their marketing plans.  All I have to do is add a column for when the stores would set up their retail displays, another column to anticipate when they will place their product orders, and integrate that into my testing and marketing calendar!

Do you have any planning and marketing strategies you can share?

Etsy shop review, Dell Cove Spices

Happy Wednesday!

One of the things I would like to do in this space is to give thanks to those who have helped me along the way. Just a few months ago, I was invited to join a team on Etsy, the Promotional Frenzy Team. While I will extend a public thanks to our fearless team leader at a later date, I would like to use this opportunity to thank my mentor, Patricia of  Dell Cove Spices .

First, and most important, the shop. If you are a food connoisseur (or even not!), you simply have to try the products Dell Cove Spices offers. So far, I have tried popcorn flavorings Italian Parmesan and White Cheddar, the latter which is the closest to POPCORN NIRVANA I have every found! I was also sent a sample of their Barbeque Rub, which made my Barbeque Chicken Pizza come simply alive! 

And gifts galore! I ordered their cocktail sugars for coworkers and have heard glorious praises for their products!

Second, Patricia is just a jewel. David, I’ve not met you yet, but I can’t wait for the day we convo or email! As a mentor on the team, Patricia has provided not just words of wisdom, but real life centering to make me think about how I’m running my business. So often, we get absorbed in our art that we forget about the business aspect. Even the most educated among us can forget that if we’re not making money, we just have an expensive hobby. Patricia provides that does of realism with a good dose of friendship.

Dell Cove Spices is a company ready to burst at the seams. Terrific products with terrific people behind them. If you’ve not tried their products yet, please do. If you have, please continue to support them.

Thanks so much for all you bring to our team!

They're here! Votives!

So many people love candles, and it’s been fun to see people’s reactions to what I sell.  I truly listen to the comments and feedback I receive from my customers, vendors, and of course, my friends.  I’m excited to announce that I am now able to expand my product line into another popular candle product...votives!

In order to accomplish this, I needed to take some time to experiment with other wax types.  When I first decided to sell my candles, I had found a commercial brand of wax that I “understood” and could predict.  Unfortunately, this brand was formulated specifically for container candles and not for free standing types such as votives.  I also wanted to ensure I could create a quality candle that would hold the fragrance and color all of you have come to expect.

Creating votive candles has allowed me to expand into soy wax. As many of you know, soy is an eco-friendly wax that is renewable and less harmful to our environment. However, you may not realize that paraffin is the premium wax to hold color and fragrance. I have now created a custom blend of soy and paraffin waxes which accomplishes the best of both worlds.

Fragrances in my votive line are being added slowly so I can thoroughly produce and test each scent for quality purposes before making it available to you. Please see the votive listing on page 2 for what is available as of this publication.

For what is currently available in my votive line, please click here http://www.etsy.com/listing/89278513/votives-very-vanilla

For the most up-to-date news on what is available and for sales and specials, please “like” my facebook page  at www.facebook.com/DLitesbyDorene or follow me on Twitter @DLitesbyDorene.

What others are saying

For those of you who've not "liked" my Facebook page, you probably didn't know I have a drawing once a month and give one lucky fan a product!  Thank you, Sara, for the kind words! And, although it's not hopping off the shelves yet, Blackberry Tea is one of my fav's too!

http://kokadoodle3.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/tuesdays-talent-dlites-by-dorene/

Holiday decorations

I don't know why, but this year I REALLY am not into the holiday spirit.  Have barely started shopping (and if I did, don't know what I would give), let alone decorating. But I came across an article this morning that has me thinking about decorating......it's perfect for the cash or time strapped. Enjoy!

http://decorology.blogspot.com/2011/12/ready-or-not-christmas-is-coming-so.html

Busy thoughts and thinking ahead

Wow!  It's December 10th today!  Gotta remember to call my favorite nephew to wish him happy birthday!

Today I'll be delivering a custom order of Cinnamon & Balsam to one of my area shops.  I can't believe how popular this fragrance has become!  It's a custom blend I have created for the holiday season, and it is outselling all my predictions, including a version of Yankee Candle's Home for the Holidays, Sugar Cookie, and Snickerdoodle! Here's a to my Etsy shop with more information:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86261336/candle-cinnamon-balsam-fragrance-12-oz

And believe it or not, I'm already beginning to muse my fragrances for the first quarter.   I'm thinking baked goods would work because we're all trapped indoors and wanting something to make us want for comfort food. Also, fragrances to pamper relax us. Here are some thoughts:

• Hazelnut Latte
• Almond Biscotti
• Pearberry
• Asian Sandalwood

What are your thoughts?  What fragrances do you like to have around this time of year?

The holidays

Ok, I have to admit, I'm tired.

Work is absolutely insane right now.  But then, you probably don't know I oversee processing for my local United Way.  I think we're peaking right now, which is good.

And orders are coming out of nowhere!  I'm not complaining, but I am a bit surprised.  This is my first Christmas season and has been extremely difficult to predict.  For those of you who are reading, what are your recommendations for getting through the next two weeks?

Dorene

New fragrances

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86349924/candle-sugar-cookie-12-oz-of-home-baked

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82622444/wickless-candle-apples-and-oak

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86342961/sugar-cookie-12-oz-candle

Announcement!

*ANNOUNCEMENT* As my shop is coming up on 50 sales soon, I have decided to give a suprise special offer to the 50th sale! Follow me on twitter (@dlitesbydorene) as I unveil a clue with each sale!

New fragrances

Here are a few new items I posted today. 


Cinnamon & Balsam is a custom blend and ready for your holiday home.  Apples & Oak is a woodsy twist on your favorite apple scent.  And Rum Raisin is simply a fragrance to die for!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/86251802/cinnamon-balsam-12-oz-container-candle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81002122/apples-and-oak-12-oz-candle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81553853/rum-raisin-tea-lights-6-pack

New fragrances

Spent yesterday evening pouring new fragrances for the holiday season: Balsam and Cinnamon&Balsam.  My house smelled wonderful!  Look for them to be posted to my etsy site soon!