The makings of a best-selling clothing line
July 19th, 2008
We have been so BUSY lately! Really running-a-business-it’s-hard-to-keep-up-with-orders BUSY. And it’s great. It’s due to a number of factors, the first being a complete change in our discipline and focus. I’ve also gone to a few business intensive seminars that changed my view of myself and our business completely for the better. Lastly, the biggest thing is having some best-selling items that are flying out of the boutiques!!
In January / February, our online traffic had been building, and online orders were up, way up. And then, end of February, beginning of March, there was a definite drop-off. I was the first to blame it on the economy. Then I had to blame it on myself and my total lack of discipline. Which is not to be confused with amount of work I was doing - it was just always reactionary; I wanted to be on-top of it. Now, I’m getting there. If I have free time, I focus on what can be done to stay on top of things. I can honestly say that I devote at least an hour and a half every day to sales and marketing. At least. I now use an index card system - which I’ll save for another post but it’s the most simple amazing system that really works for me.
Once I stopped waiting for the world to come to me, everything changed. And our business is growing by leaps and bounds.
The next big factor in the business pick-up is attending business seminars by a really great coach. The first seminar was on sales and the second seminar was on a general business health check-up (WOAH!!!). Both were real eye-openers for me. I can’t tell you how great it is to get some outside input once in awhile. I don’t do it enough on THAT level; meaning, I listen to our customers but need to remember to listen to and seek out more mentors too.
By far though, a giant factor in our recent success is having some great products, at great price-points, that are poised perfectly for this tighter-economy / bigger baby boom / everybody’s going green movement. The great products, and now their proven performance, have given me greater confidence when I walk into a boutique. Which, of course, makes all the difference in the world.
Entry Filed under: About Me, Motivation to Keep Moving, Sales & Marketing
4 Comments Add your own
1. RuffleButts | July 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Amber,
This is a great post!! And congratulations on your sales! I so often find myslef in the same situation. I am reacting to the business all day everyday and then at the end of the month, I wonder why we have no marketing in the works. I am also trying to make an effort to dedicate time daily to PR and marketing, but I totally understand where you are coming from. You should give yourself a huge pat on the back that you made the effort to change your direction and it is paying off!! Your success is my inspiration for the upcoming month!
Also, I would love to know how you found out about this coach/conferences. I have been looking for conference for entrepreneurs here in South Florida and never seem to find them. We are actually relocating our business and family to Charlotte, NC at the end of August, so I would love to know if you have any recommendations.
And lastly, thank you so much for your super sweet comments over at the RuffleBlog. I’ll be sure to spread the word about the wonderful Baby Fabulous brand to my new mommy friends and show off her new gear!!
Hope your having a great weekend!
Amber
RuffleButts
2. Pamela Kramer | July 20th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Great post! It does get frustrating. I try to have something lined up each month whether it is a contest, review, charity or something! Sales have been slow and it can be very discouraging. I’m glad your site is here to help me stay focused on the bigger picture.
3. B*Fab Organic Graphic One&hellip | July 21st, 2008 at 10:15 am
[...] favorites are the giraffe cap ($12) and the lotus flower onesie ($24). I came across these through Starting a Baby Boutique and Clothing Line Blog written by the owner of Baby Fabulous. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking [...]
4. amber | August 4th, 2008 at 6:50 am
HI Amber and Pam -
Amber, the business coach was referred to me, but he does phone coaching and I would highly recommend him. I’ll email you a little more….
Pam - isn’t it a daily struggle to stay “up” in our heads? Morning to night. Another thing I’m just now recognizing is how business goes in waves…it’ll be going great and you’ll think there’s no way the momentum will stop NOW, and then *poof* it all seems to screech to l-o-o-o-w gear. That’s my biggest struggle right now, keeping the momentum on a daily basis and keeping stuff in the pipe line.
Talk to you all soon.
~Amber
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