Sunday, January 30, 2011

Love to connect!!

I often forget how great it feels to meet people and connect with them - both personally and professionally.  I had a great experience this afternoon, which was satisfying on both levels. 

I attended a focus group, held by a woman who's opening a store for unique, modern products for babies and young children in our area.  I believe I learned about her store, Binx, through a friend's FB page.  I contacted her about ways we might be able to collaborate, met with her, and learned about the focus group.  I was so impressed by her set-up, materials, and potential products at the focus group!  Binx is going to be a great addition to our area.

Perhaps more than sharing thoughts and learning about this new business, I loved chatting with women I already knew, and meeting others.  Many were small business owners and parents, providing lots to connect about.  I also got a couple of ideas for ways to market my Barefoot Books business.  What a great way to start a new week!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

It's been a while...

So I started this blog right after I became a Barefoot Books Ambassador in early October.  I intended to use it to blog about my experiences selling Barefoot Books, but quickly realized I was too busy figuring out my Barefoot Books business to blog about it, too. 

I've now been selling Barefoot Books for almost four months, and I LOVE it!  I also feel a lot more knowledgeable and comfortable with it.  In addition to having the opportunity to do something entrepreneurial and creative, I've really enjoyed learning about websites, events, resources, etc., for parents and children, especially in my area.  Prior to my daughter's arrival 15 months ago, this was a world I knew nothing about, and frankly wasn't very interested in.  It's amazing how life changes...

A few weeks ago I learned about the Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair, which took place at the library Saratoga.  Representatives from about 15 area preschools were there, and my initial reaction was to try to use it market my Barefoot Books business.  I contacted an organizer and was told that it would be too distracting for me to sell books there, even as a fundraiser for the library or one of the schools.

After thinking about it a bit, I realized I should actually attend as a parent, since my daughter will be two in the fall.  (I was very surprised when I first learned that there are preschool programs for two year olds, but now I appreciate the benefits and will likely send my daughter to one.)  The fair was extremely busy and a little overwhelming, but I'm so glad I went.  I identified three programs that will accept my daughter next September  - even though she won't be two when the school year starts - including one I hadn't heard about previously.   I also learned that programs tend to fill up in the next month or two, so I'd better get going!  (Oh, and I also picked up a directory of the local preschools to use for a Barefoot Books direct mailing. )