1. Marketing - While writing our business plan, we had included a budget specifically for marketing our business. Commonsense right? Well let me just reiterate this, "You cannot over advertise your business." Be smart, clear and consistent, be everywhere!
2. Bigger is Sometimes Better - When searching for our retail space, we thought with a mindset of "start small then go bigger." Looking back, yeah, we should have went bigger. If you go into something with a small mindset you'll get small results. Either way your still taking the risk.
3. Do Your Research - Beware when using social media platforms to promote, engage and build your business. Always have your facts. Hard lesson: The Chick-fil-a controversy. Innocently we thought it was truly a National Chick-fil-a Day. We posted a comment to show support to the local Chick-fil-a's; since we do lots of promoting for other local businesses and participate in several business groups where we strive to support each other, this was a mistake. Aw Else Boutique's culture and service tradition is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect - regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.
4. It's Not MY Closet! - As the purchaser of the boutique, I find it challenging at times to select product based off what I would wear. Several times we have carried items that my partner thought would never sell, but then turns out to be a top seller. When heading to the trade shows, it can become very overwhelming. Keeping the styles of our customers at the forefront and not what I personally want. Laughing~ I do get first dibs on wearing the product though, which can be fun!
There truly are a ton of lessons learned just like anyone starting a new career, after a year you look back and think "did I learn a lot." Bottom line, it's still as fun, creative and a thrill as the first day we thought of the idea.
We'd love to hear some of your lessons learned from your career, job or life in general. Sharing is believing.
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I've learned to step away from my work when a task becomes challenging. A little break and time for reflection makes all the difference!
ReplyDeleteSchedule your time off the same as you would schedule an appointment for a client. Give yourself a day or two off and don't feel guilty. AND schedule marketing time daily.
ReplyDeleteDiversity of thought builds character. Surround yourself with co-workers (and friends for that matter) that challenge you with different ideas and perspectives. While identical thoughts can build ego - it's this diversity that builds a BETTER you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have learned you may want something so much for another person, knowing in your heart of hearts it would change their life for the better, forever; however, that person must see that and want that too. I have learned to let go and let God. I have learned it is ok to receive as well as give. I know all that are reading this are givers too. I am blessed with my Dad's giving spirit, but I learned this year I had to learn how to receive too. Do not be selfish by making it hard for the other person to give you something. Let them receive a blessing too.
ReplyDeleteHere are my Top 4 Lessons Learned Over A Year:
ReplyDelete1. Your Health can change in an instant by one visit to the doctor: I went for a normal mammogram in April from the request of my OB/GYN. After that one mammogram, I was asked to come back in, they saw something. So, I went for a second mammogram and they saw calcifications on my left breast. My family history includes my mother, grandmother, other grandmother and aunt, all who had breast cancer and survived it. My mom is a 25 year breast cancer survivor. My aunt-8 years! And both of my grandmothers died of other causes 12 years ago. With that being said, the breast surgeons at Excela watched me very closely. And a pathologist at UPMC Magee (out of the 4 that looked at my screens) felt I should consult a breast surgeon. Thank God I did, I got a biopsy and it was no cancer but could have been the forming of some. I have to work with an oncologist for the next 5 years and take Tanoxopin. I am thankful that that routine mammogram was done, and saved my life.
2. Work smarter, not harder: Over the past 16 + years, I have suffered from ADHD, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder. This has made day-to-day functions difficult. From remembering things to losing things, to being a mild hoarder ( I hate to admit this but yes, I was but not a dirty one ). After meeting with a mental health professional, I am on some new medications that help me think clearer, rational, and I am able to function better at work and doing house hold chores. I have decluttered my house (no more knick knacks) and have gotten rid of a lot of things that I just have accumulated over the years since I left my parents home 16 years ago to be on my own). I am now clutter free in my house, and am able to think clearer when doing day to day activities.
3. Friends come and go, but family is forever. Some people struggle with this statement. Some of my friends struggle daily with their family, others don’t. With my immediate family, they are amazing and just great people. This past weekend, I fell into a deep sleep, my cell phone died (I don’t have a landline) and no one could reach me. I was supposed to be at my parents at noon and did not wake up until 4. Needless to say, my whole family was worried sick. I had a family birthday party, and everyone was worried. My brother had a heart attack in his apartment, and my mom could not reach him for a day and a half. He had no landline as well. My poor mom found him, dead on the bathroom floor. I cherish my family every day. And I have learned not to take them for granted.
4. Being single isn’t all that bad. I have questioned this statement for the past 17 years, and always asked God why I can’t I find anyone?? I saw my friends around me, get married, have babies and live happily ever after. I could not understand why everyone around me was finding their prince, but I was not. After I turned 41 this past July, I can honestly say that I am okay with my life the way it is. I can come and go as I please and believe that God just feels I am to be on my own. Having kids and being married is great for everyone that has it, but I just don’t think I am wired that way. I have been on my own for so long, that it is all I know and really, I like just answering to me. I have come to the conclusion that this is God’s plan for me. And that is the life I have to live, and I cannot see me any other way.
Learned to not take anything for granted. Especially time. I will now tel you that I love you a million times... learned to trust in myself, even though I make many mistakes, its ok...im human...just as much as the next person. Learned to try and not sweat the small stuff. Let things go! It will get done. Maybe not today but tomorrow. Today I will hug my kids...love on my husband. Pet my dog. Everything else...can just wait. Thanks to God for allowing me to see what I needed to change.
ReplyDelete1. Marketing -" Be nifty, clear and stable, be all over.” You cannot choose your customers, you can’t change who your family is, but you can always reach out and say “Hello” or “Can I help you.” And you both do that effortlessly. You both get the word out about your store. You demonstrate pride.
ReplyDelete2. Bigger is Sometimes Better – Maybe, but you needed to crawl before you walk. Just think you’ve made something not so small, something much bigger. And you’re not out yet!
3. Do Your Research – Always do research. The Chick-fil-aDay was yesterday’s old news. You just get back up, dust yourself off and move on. Aw Else Boutique has bigger chicken to fry. Greensburg needs a Boutique with class. After all you won the Quest for the Best Award for 2011, and that was for 6 months in business.(extraordinary) And I know they just don’t hand those out to just anyone.
4. It's Not MY Closet! – TRUE, so true, but then as a previous business owner I thought the same thing. We learn over a period of time what the customer wants. And that is the most important lesson. Listen to what your customers are saying, watch as they speak to you. Are they truly excited about the product, has one or more asked for the same item? And just live and learn and sale, sale sale. And make every day just like the first day.
Stated well. Thank you for putting a smile on our faces.
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