Jacki's July Journicle

What do you do when you are not happy with your current situaion and not in a position to make an immediate change? What do you do when you know where you want to be and don't know the path to get there? What do you do when the answers are lost to you and your frustration clouds your mind?

I can start by saying to quiet your mind and think positively, but if you are in a bad space, that may be me smacked! When you are in the muck and mire of life and it's occasional dissapointments, it can be near impossible to grasp what type of positive lesson or guidance may be in that aggrivating moment. Since I don't want to get smacked, I may suggest a few candles to sooth your spiritual knots.

How in the world would a candle help? Even with it's aromatherapy effects, how is this going to solve any problems? Coventry candles are designed to create the vibration of energy needed to achieve your goals, helping you to match that vibration, thus more easily manifesting your goal. In other words, the candles help you jump over the issue at work here and get you where you wnat to go.

These issues don't go away, but give you an opportunity to work on them from a perspective that is empowering instead of dibilitating.

For when you are feeling desperate - Angel Affirmation, Spirit Guide Blessed Herbal, Angel of Guidance, Arache Invoking the Goddess, Ancestral Guidance Hoo Doo, Buddha World Magic

For when you need divine intervention - Angel of Miracles, Helping Hand Hoo Doo, Isis Invoking the Goddess, Ganesha World Magic, Miracles Blessings Kit, Goddess Affirmation.

To clear road blocks and obstacles - Road Opener Hoo Doo, Ganesha World Magic, Uncrossing Hoo Doo, Needed Change Blessed Herbal.

For when you need a miracle - Prosperity Blessed Herbal, Crown of Glory Hoo Doo, Angel of Miracles, Spell Caster Witches Brew, Kyphi World Magic.

For yourself or your customers, don't let the challenge you are facing rule you. Instead, take the authority in your life and make the change needed. Those inner enemies LOVE your pain, and love it when you wallow in it. The more pain, the more powerful they get - then you are in really big trouble.

Blessings of Joy, Abundance and Laughter.
Jacki Smith
Enchantress, Coventry Creations

Biz-ness Bits

There are no easy answers these days. All the rules have changed and the entire country is unsettled with no clear cut answers. The big question these days is “Are you brave enough to survive?”

This past month I attended a series of seminars on “Main Street” development where several marketing, banking and business development specialists talked about the changing landscape of the independent proprietors and small businesses.  There are several points that stood out and were repeated by many presenters.

The first point that every professional touched upon was “Buy Local”. This is a prevalent marketing concept all over the country; supporting your local market before looking to the national markets.  Reports from the 2008 holiday season confirmed that buyers want local products, handmade products, and they want to buy from companies whom directly benefit their community.  

Co-operative ventures are another key to the future survival of the small business.  There is a new power that small biz owners have.  They are seen as the future and salvation of the economic forecast and the SBA is creating some aggressive programs to support them.  When several small businesses combine their marketing, buying and influence on local PR, all benefit greater than individual efforts.  Choosing your partners in these cop-operatives is a careful process and is best found networking in your local merchants association or downtown development groups.

In other words – time to get out of your store and get involved in the economic development of your community.  Roll your eyes, take a deep breath, grumble and then put on your best smile and fill your pockets with your business cards and get out the door.   Networking is the cheapest way to advertise your business, all you do is show up, have a cuppa’ joe and talk to people.  Word of mouth through businesses can bring in a new customer every day if you do it right.
            When networking keep the following things in mind:

• You are not there to sell, you are there to meet (selling comes later)
• Let your charming personality do the talking – you are more than your business and let that come through
• Be helpful (not a know it all) and share resources
• Listen to what other people have to say first,  focus on them and you have a convert for life
• Offer your business card once a connection happens – write on the back of the business card something that will trigger their memory.
• Only volunteer what you can really commit to

Advertising starts with the networking, but don’t let it end there.  Facebook and twitter are just a few of the free networking sites.  Use as many as you can, spread the word, put up pictures of products from the store and lots of fun stores to keep people looking.  Print and radio advertising is getting cheaper and cheaper, don’t pull back on your advertising, do more.  People will come to a place that looks talks and acts prosperous and advertising sends you that message.  Call your local papers and radio stations and ask them what type of deals they have to offer you.  Co-op your advertising and get more for less cost!

One final point that was addressed in its own workshop is the importance of the façade of your store.  Just focusing on the aspects in your control, here are the high spots to look at:

• Have clean windows including the frame and building around them
• Clean your sign – make sure your window washers get the sign too.
• Planned and Printed signs – hand made signs can make you look last minute and unprofessional. (this applies to inside the store too)
• Window dressing that is vertical and horizontal – fill up the whole window and change it regularly
• Plants, or an inviting atmosphere in the front help to draw people in

The visual marketing of your store is the first sales person you have – it is the cover of the book you are judged by.  A little investment there can increase your business by 20-30 % (based on recent studies).

These workshops gave me so much to talk about and work with in my own business.  Take a minute to visit www.mainstreet.org – there are great articles and lots of resources.

Happy selling!

Jacki Smith
President and CEO
Coventry Creations
Type 40 Sales