market trends

I was recently informed that half of all sales made in the US last year were made through mobile apps, and that some start up companies are using social media networks such as Facebook to bombard businesses with their product. It seems to be very successful in some instances.
 I can remember a time when the only internet service available was AOL and if you were lucky enough to have a cell phone, it was a nokia brick. AOL and AIM were the basis of social media at that time. I find the growth and movement of technology within the last 15 years to be very exciting. I can't wait to see whats to come within the next 5-10. As a culture, we are making all marketing strategies that are not web based obsolete. 

My Dream Business

After some long evening, I have come to the conclusion that what I really want to do is start a business that I can pour my heart and soul into. A few years ago, I had the absolute pleasure of working for a crazy little lady named Jackie Beavers. Her nickname was Taz, because she was a mini tornado. Just watching her could make you exhausted. With the backing of some good friends, she started a liquor store named "Dandy's".  Her mission was to provide the coldest beer and the largest selection of liquor and wine in Florence, Alabama. Her mission statement was "The Friendliest Place in Town" and it was just that. Dandy's was the island of misfit toys but it worked and quickly became her "baby". Through hard work, determination, and ingenuity Jackie made millions. Since my experience with her, I have desired to have that kind of passion for a business.  

Don't get discouraged

I've recently found myself becoming very discouraged with my business and marketing ideas. This has been a difficult month not only fulfilling my educations and business goals but also dealing with personal loss.  Some days, I want to throw in the towel and give up. Then, I remind myself that there are a hundred people who didn't let discouragement get to them. With enough hard work and know how, I can succeed in anything I want to do.

Online Children's Boutique

I have given a lot of though to opening an online children's boutique.  Being a mother myself, I am well aware of the fact that in America, we spend more money on our children than anything else.  I would love to be able to open an online children's boutique.  The start-up cost with an online business is lower and because it is online, I could set my own hours rather than being consumed by a start-up within a building. I have found it to be extremely difficult to find boys clothes along with girls clothes. Another advantage to opening online would be to reach a larger demographic and not be confined to my general area. ( I love that online marketing makes it easier to reach a larger group of people. )

Lessons in Marketing

Lately, I've had friends ask for market and business advice. I am by no means an expert on the subject but there are a few things I have learned so far. I have to remind myself that just because I love the idea, does not mean that everyone is going to buy into it. There is a lot more to starting a business than just having a great idea or making a great product. This is a hard lesson to learn. I've had to explain to my neighbor that although she might love the hotdogs she makes, sadly, others may not love them enough to pay the amount she will need to charge  at the frequency she will need to sell them. 

In the past two years, the idea of opening a bar in Florence by UNA has crossed my mind several times. I have experience with ABC regulations for on and off site alcohol vending and it would be a great business venture. The down side is that the city of Florence Alabama has a few "bars" in the down town area. These bars are considered restaurants that serve alcohol and have to maintain a higher percentage of foods sales verses alcohol sales for remain open.  Another idea that my significant other brought up is opening a paint ball/ air soft field. He has gone so far as to create a detailed business plan. It would be a great idea if the economy was doing better. As it stands, it would be extremely difficult to maintain an area, create a customer base, afford to maintain the proper insurance, and make a profit.

Online Marketing

Over the last few months I've tried to follow some marketing trends.  I've concluded that the easiest way to market anything is online. Everyone is so busy it makes more sense to purchase needed items online.  Another thing I've noticed is that as a nation, we are obsessed with our children and our pets. I've seen more people buy things simply because their children want it, or because its something for their pet. I
 know that as a parent, i will spend money on my children that I won't spend on myself.

Keeping up with blog ideas.

First let me say I am wonderful at having business and marketing ideas, but I'm horrible at remembering them. I have just recently started keeping up with them on my phone. It always seem that if I don't put these ideas somewhere, I forget them and they are lost forever. This does gives me the idea of creating an app to organize ideas easily.