'Strawberry Smoothie' by SeaPinks
Treasury tool supported by the dog house
Thank you, Jenny from SeaPinks, for this gorgeous collection!Saturday, April 20, 2013
....and again!
Wheeeee!!!!!! This fabulous treasury featuring my Strawberries & Cream candle made the front page of Etsy today!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A Question to My Followers
Recently, I decided to kick my blog up a notch. I've made a good habit of blogging twice a week, once about Etsy treasuries or shop reviews, another on small business topics. I've decided to branch out and to write about home and lifestyle topics that my followers may find interesting.
So, here's a bit more about me. When I'm not in my day job or making and selling candles, I enjoy knitting, gardening, cooking (although not much with just me in the house), and yoga. I'm planning to show you more of this world in my Show and Tell Friday posts.
But before I launch into too much of anything, I'd really like to know what interest you? I truly enjoy marketing and invite you to ask any marketing or other questions affecting your small business. I'm planning to expand on the posts I've written on Decorating with Candles, but with more do it yourself candle projects.
What excites you?
What else in home and lifestyle excites you? Please use the comments space below or send me an email with your thoughts. I also invite other bloggers to submit article ideas for guest submissions. I enjoy getting the word out about other fabulous bloggers.
I look forward to your responses!
Dorene
So, here's a bit more about me. When I'm not in my day job or making and selling candles, I enjoy knitting, gardening, cooking (although not much with just me in the house), and yoga. I'm planning to show you more of this world in my Show and Tell Friday posts.
But before I launch into too much of anything, I'd really like to know what interest you? I truly enjoy marketing and invite you to ask any marketing or other questions affecting your small business. I'm planning to expand on the posts I've written on Decorating with Candles, but with more do it yourself candle projects.
What excites you?
What else in home and lifestyle excites you? Please use the comments space below or send me an email with your thoughts. I also invite other bloggers to submit article ideas for guest submissions. I enjoy getting the word out about other fabulous bloggers.
I look forward to your responses!
Dorene
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Etsy shop review - Tatiana Mozerova of Tatiana's Tienda
Today's Etsy shop review features Tatiana Mozerova of Tatiana'sTienda. Please take some time to learn more about her and her craft!
My name is Tatiana. I was born in a small Siberian city called Irkutsk. I graduated from university with a degree in civil engineering and management in economics. If you'd have told me nearly two years ago that I would open craft store in the US and that I'd be crocheting and creating crafts, I would have though that you were insane! It just wasn't a future that I had in mind.
 |
| Baby Boy Booties |
At the time, I was working with a construction company and dealing with projects and numbers, while at the same time I was studying for my second degree and teaching fitness in the evening. Everything was so overwhelming, I didn’t enjoy my life and one day I was fed up with it. I can remember this day… I was sitting in a lonely office, working on a boring drawing of a building riddled with numbers. I opened up a web page and started searching for flights. At the time, it didn't matter where I'd go…The most important part was getting FAR AWAY from the craziness that was my life! That same day I bought a one way ticket to Bangkok and I was infinitely happy with the decision that I made. I didn’t know what to expect or where I'd go afterwards, but I definitely decided that I didn't want to live that crazy life anymore.
I passed my final exam in January, got a diploma in civil engineering, quit my job, and moved all my stuff into a garage as I was off to Thailand. I remember saying to my family and friends, “I’m starting a journey towards a 'real' life, a life that I deserve and want to live, and a life that society doesn't dictate for you…A life that you want to live and share with others!” From there I traveled for about 10 months and it was the most amazing months of my life! I went to meditation courses, volunteered in Laos, worked in China with kids… But the most important thing – I’ve met an amazing person, my soul mate, a person who understands me without words on the way to “my new life”.
 |
| Newspaper Vase |
We traveled in South East Asia together, lived through the craziness of China… And then one day he asked me, "Do you want to visit the US?" Well, I had never been a big fan of this country but I realize now it was all due to the media. Russia and USA had never been big friends and I also had such restricted visions about the country before… But after traveling in so many countries, I realized that political views of a government don’t always have anything common with the people who live there. So I agreed to come with him. Right now I amazed with this country and really enjoy living here.
When I flew to the US I didn’t know what I was going to do or where I'd look for work. One day my boyfriend’s sister was knitting a scarf. And I remembered how I love doing this in childhood, but when I grow up I totally forgot about it because didn’t have time for it. The very next day I made a hat for my boyfriend. Afterwards, we came up with the idea to sell items such as this on Etsy. I made different goods for special holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. I later created candy bouquets and wicker baskets made from newspaper. I really enjoy the things that I create, because I know that it will make my buyers happier and richer inside, will put a smile on their face and maybe even change the world for the better!
 |
| Easter Candy Edibles |
And as you can see in both 'my story' and the level of detail and pride I take in all the goods I make, I put my heart and soul into this little boutique shop. This is how I support myself! I appreciate all my customers for all sales I receive and will go out of my way to make you happy with your order!!
 |
| Blue Rose with Ferrero Rocher candy |
I realize 'my story' is much more detailed than most you'll come across, but just wanted show how one day can change your entire life! Your life is in your hands and you are the creator of your destiny. Don’t be afraid of changes. It may seem too scary to make changes right now… but feel it in your heart that changes are for the good – so never hesitate to take the first steps!
Tatiana can be found:
Candle trivia
Many who know me are aware of my love for trivia, little known facts that are relevant a small amount of time. For example, did you know.....
1.) The man in the original Superglue commercial who was holding his hat affixed to a steel beam was John Goodman?
2.) The only union leader to be elected president was Ronald Reagan?
3.) The only reason Clark Gable accepted the role of Rhett Butler was to earn enough money to get a divorce and to marry Carole Lombard?
Maybe you knew the trivial pieces of information, maybe not, but hopefully I can "illuminate" you on some interesting facts on candles:
1.) The man in the original Superglue commercial who was holding his hat affixed to a steel beam was John Goodman?
2.) The only union leader to be elected president was Ronald Reagan?
3.) The only reason Clark Gable accepted the role of Rhett Butler was to earn enough money to get a divorce and to marry Carole Lombard?
Maybe you knew the trivial pieces of information, maybe not, but hopefully I can "illuminate" you on some interesting facts on candles:
- Historically, the most common use of candle burning was to tell time. Because the burning of a candle is fairly consistent and predictable, candles in the Middle Ages were marked with time measurements.
- There is no such thing as a soot free wax. All candles product soot. Soy and beeswax candles produce as much soot as paraffin candles; however, their soot is white compared to the grey soot of paraffin candles.
- No wax is considered "best" for candle making. Paraffin wax holds color and fragrance better than any wax on the market, and soy and beeswax are renewable products.
- Paraffin was first distilled in 1830, and revolutionized candle-making, as it was an inexpensive material which produced high-quality, odorless candles that burned reasonably cleanly and were used during the colonial days.
- A candle typically produces about 13 lumens of visible light and 40 watts of heat, although this can vary depending primarily on the characteristics of the candle wick.
- In the seventeenth century arsenic was added to tallow resulting positive aesthetic effects, although some unknown health risks.
- The candle industry is currently growing faster than the national economy.
- More than 1 billion pounds of wax are used in producing the candles sold each year in the U.S.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Surprise, surprise!
This past weekend was the first I made it outdoors to work on my gardens. I'll give you a moment to be awestruck by use of the plurality of the word, but you should know, I have a postage-stamp sized yard, and "gardens" means the front bed, the side bed, the back rose garden, and a few other spaces. We're not talking Central Park here.
Anyway. I've lived in this house for fifteen years. My gardens, such as they are, are known to me by square inch and the weeds they attract. I'm seldom surprised at what my yard can produce at this point.
Until this past weekend.
I was walking between the back and the "really" back yard on my way to the compost pile. (I love my compost pile, but am saving that introduction for a later date.) When, what to my wandering eyes should appear, but....no, it's not the season for a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer....a little furry bud.
I looked. I stared in disbelief. Then I started jumping.
Jumping not for joy. Jumping not to catch a squirrel, as my neighbor thought (embarrassment!). But jumping to catch a branch just a bit higher to see if my hypothesis was true.
It was. The tree I had known to love (not) and to appreciate (not) as part of a "border" was a pussy willow! A thirty plus foot pussy willow! In fifteen years, I've not seen this tree produce anything similar to a bud, let alone the architectural branches we proudly display in our homes. Looking up over the top of my garage, I saw a fuzzy treeline of what must be the buds of these pretty spring displays!
So I brought out my clippers and snipped what I could. Then I brought out my ladder and cut as many branches as I could reach. Of course, the good stuff was only attainable by climbing on top of my garage (not!), and my boys weren't with me, but I was able to gather enough branches to make a modest display for my foyer.
About a month ago, I had a conversation with my father about our yards. The pussy willow he had given up on last fall and had been felled to the ground had suddenly begun producing flowers not seen in years. Maybe the shrub I inherited so many years ago was just severely neglected, yet somehow in the right place to produce this year. I think the lesson here is that nature is a unpredictable. I'm not trying to analyze the jet steam, greenhouse gasses, or even compost pile versus Miracle Grow, but there is still a lot in our own hands, in or on our own footprint, that we have yet to learn from.
Go get your hands dirty!
Anyway. I've lived in this house for fifteen years. My gardens, such as they are, are known to me by square inch and the weeds they attract. I'm seldom surprised at what my yard can produce at this point.
Until this past weekend.
I looked. I stared in disbelief. Then I started jumping.
Jumping not for joy. Jumping not to catch a squirrel, as my neighbor thought (embarrassment!). But jumping to catch a branch just a bit higher to see if my hypothesis was true.
It was. The tree I had known to love (not) and to appreciate (not) as part of a "border" was a pussy willow! A thirty plus foot pussy willow! In fifteen years, I've not seen this tree produce anything similar to a bud, let alone the architectural branches we proudly display in our homes. Looking up over the top of my garage, I saw a fuzzy treeline of what must be the buds of these pretty spring displays!
So I brought out my clippers and snipped what I could. Then I brought out my ladder and cut as many branches as I could reach. Of course, the good stuff was only attainable by climbing on top of my garage (not!), and my boys weren't with me, but I was able to gather enough branches to make a modest display for my foyer.
About a month ago, I had a conversation with my father about our yards. The pussy willow he had given up on last fall and had been felled to the ground had suddenly begun producing flowers not seen in years. Maybe the shrub I inherited so many years ago was just severely neglected, yet somehow in the right place to produce this year. I think the lesson here is that nature is a unpredictable. I'm not trying to analyze the jet steam, greenhouse gasses, or even compost pile versus Miracle Grow, but there is still a lot in our own hands, in or on our own footprint, that we have yet to learn from.
Go get your hands dirty!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Oops, I did it again!
It happened twice in one week - I made the front page of Etsy!
I'm not here to brag, but to share my excitement. Here's the treasury which was featured yesterday in the 2:00 PM EDT hour:
As I mentioned last week, when Etsy posts a grouping of "Hand Picked Items", the grouping (also known as a treasury) has been created by another member who usually sells on Etsy. When these treasuries are featured on the Etsy front page, the product and shops included get additional exposure that is so important for independent shops like mine!
Please take a look at this gorgeous collection and shop Etsy today!
I'm not here to brag, but to share my excitement. Here's the treasury which was featured yesterday in the 2:00 PM EDT hour:
'For Mom' by allthingsgranny
Treasury tool supported by the dog house
As I mentioned last week, when Etsy posts a grouping of "Hand Picked Items", the grouping (also known as a treasury) has been created by another member who usually sells on Etsy. When these treasuries are featured on the Etsy front page, the product and shops included get additional exposure that is so important for independent shops like mine!
Please take a look at this gorgeous collection and shop Etsy today!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Customer Loyalty Programs
As a small business owner, I'm always looking for additional opportunities to market my business, aren't you? And the easier and less expensive the better. But finding those opportunities is a challenge.
We all know it costs more to gain a customer than it does to retain a customer. But if you sell a product that people don't really need, how do you get that customer to keep coming back to you?
Not long ago, I decided to implement a customer loyalty program. It took a few weeks before I settled on the right product. According to Hubspot, the most common loyalty programs are:
1.) Points systems. We're all familiar with these - we walk into our favorite coffee shop and are offered a frequent purchase card which is stamped or punched with every purchase. Or the purchased dollars equate into points to be converted to a free item. This can be difficult for business like most of your who read my blog - selling with stores utilizing online marketplaces.
2.) Tiered reward systems. This program expands the point system by offering one level of reward for, say, 50 points, another level of reward for 100 points, etc. Still difficult to coordinate for the small business with limited time and resources.
3.) Upfront fee for VIP benefits. I recently purchased some kind of card from Staples for some kind of reward. Does my ambivalence show through here? Again, not a program for me.
4.) Non-monetary rewards for customer values. You've heard the sale - for every $x in sales, y number of trees are planted. Honorable, but not for me.
5.) Partnerships. Specifically, this article referenced Twitter campaigns, but my favorite comparison is a local company which offers, this week, free tickets to the Disney Ice Capades for an estimate. Hmm.
6.) Games. McDonald's Monopoly anyone?
7.) None. Offer a quality product and customer service with the sale, and loyalty will follow.
I'm sure most of you, my loyal readers, feel you choose strategy #7. And I hope each of you does offer a quality product and exceptional customer service. But I wanted to do something more.
So last fall I began a Refer A Friend program. The steps for me are easy enough to implement:
1.) Identify customers who have made their second, or more, purchase. For you Etsy sellers out there, these customers are easy enough to identify - a little star is placed by his name in your sold orders log. For my non-Etsy customers, I can easily identify them with the auto-type feature in my database.
2.) Create referral cards. Use the products you have on hand. I happened to have on hand folded business cards, but I could easily use regular business cards as well. For gifts, I have a card I enclosed into a coin envelope easily found at your local office supply store which I've stamped "Thank You." Using these business cards and thank you envelopes, no additional supplies were necessary.
3.) Create a unique coupon code. I have a simple formula of customer initials and year. So "DN2013" is my personal coupon code. This allows me to track when the code has been used. I offer a 15% discount to a new customer who has been referred, as well as a 15% discount to my referring customer.
4.) Include the card with my customer's order!
This program has worked well for me. I have a way to thank every customer for his/her return purchase with a method which encourages him/her to spread the word about my product and to reward him when he does!
After working with the program for nearly nine months, I have the following recommendations for anyone interested in implementing such a program:
We all know it costs more to gain a customer than it does to retain a customer. But if you sell a product that people don't really need, how do you get that customer to keep coming back to you?
Not long ago, I decided to implement a customer loyalty program. It took a few weeks before I settled on the right product. According to Hubspot, the most common loyalty programs are:
1.) Points systems. We're all familiar with these - we walk into our favorite coffee shop and are offered a frequent purchase card which is stamped or punched with every purchase. Or the purchased dollars equate into points to be converted to a free item. This can be difficult for business like most of your who read my blog - selling with stores utilizing online marketplaces.
2.) Tiered reward systems. This program expands the point system by offering one level of reward for, say, 50 points, another level of reward for 100 points, etc. Still difficult to coordinate for the small business with limited time and resources.
3.) Upfront fee for VIP benefits. I recently purchased some kind of card from Staples for some kind of reward. Does my ambivalence show through here? Again, not a program for me.
4.) Non-monetary rewards for customer values. You've heard the sale - for every $x in sales, y number of trees are planted. Honorable, but not for me.
5.) Partnerships. Specifically, this article referenced Twitter campaigns, but my favorite comparison is a local company which offers, this week, free tickets to the Disney Ice Capades for an estimate. Hmm.
6.) Games. McDonald's Monopoly anyone?
7.) None. Offer a quality product and customer service with the sale, and loyalty will follow.
I'm sure most of you, my loyal readers, feel you choose strategy #7. And I hope each of you does offer a quality product and exceptional customer service. But I wanted to do something more.
1.) Identify customers who have made their second, or more, purchase. For you Etsy sellers out there, these customers are easy enough to identify - a little star is placed by his name in your sold orders log. For my non-Etsy customers, I can easily identify them with the auto-type feature in my database.
2.) Create referral cards. Use the products you have on hand. I happened to have on hand folded business cards, but I could easily use regular business cards as well. For gifts, I have a card I enclosed into a coin envelope easily found at your local office supply store which I've stamped "Thank You." Using these business cards and thank you envelopes, no additional supplies were necessary.
3.) Create a unique coupon code. I have a simple formula of customer initials and year. So "DN2013" is my personal coupon code. This allows me to track when the code has been used. I offer a 15% discount to a new customer who has been referred, as well as a 15% discount to my referring customer.
4.) Include the card with my customer's order!
This program has worked well for me. I have a way to thank every customer for his/her return purchase with a method which encourages him/her to spread the word about my product and to reward him when he does!
After working with the program for nearly nine months, I have the following recommendations for anyone interested in implementing such a program:
- Use what supplies you have on hand. I know many of you order your business cards through online printers, so perhaps this option isn't for you. But most of you have a printer and scissors and can easily print something using a postcard template on colored paper. Even cheaper - write a personal note on the invoice/packing slip!
- Offer a discount substantial enough to make it worthwhile to your customer and his friend. I could probably even go up to 20% and my logic is this - it costs more to gain a new customer. Why not pass those savings on to your customers? You'll possibly gain a sale you would not have received otherwise, and your customers will appreciate your gesture!
- Measure your results. Let me repeat - measure your results. Give yourself plenty of time - one quarter is not long enough. Maybe the coupon code, which is your most tangible means of measurement, isn't used as frequently as you'd like. But do your customers come back? Honestly, I've only had a handle of customers make referrals that I can track from the coupon. But I've seen these customers return, and I truly believe it's the "something that makes them feel special" which helps them remember me when they want to purchase a similar product.
I know there are sometimes fears about offering coupons or sales. My wisdom is - don't be afraid! I know the mental calculations of "loss" of revenue or cash flow, but those losses are nothing compared to the loss of a sale, or the loss of returned sale!
Do any of you offer loyalty programs? What works for you? What would you like to do but just haven't been convinced to take the plunge?
I love to hear from you!
Happy sales,
Dorene
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
