Monday's Business Bon Bons!
Today we are talking about Niche Marketing. Whether you are involved in a conglomerate site like Etsy or the web in general, it is critical to define a niche market in order to be successful. What does this really mean? It is simply like ESPN is to TV ……..a sport’s lover’s dream. You take a market and find a segment of that market to focus on. This allows you to create their perfect “candy store” so to speak.
Defining your niche has many advantages:
1. You become a specialist instead of a generalist. This distinction will cause your customers to trust you more because it is your “specialty”.
2. You will be able to create your customer's “candy store” which can become their favorite place to visit because it is tailored to your niche rather than broad appeal.
3. It is more cost effective since you will be able to streamline your marketing efforts toward a narrower market.
4. Niche marketing allows you to set yourself apart in a sea of options on the Internet.
Here are a couple of first steps to start you on the path to finding a successful niche market
1. What do you love? What market groups are you already a part of? A passion and personal knowledge give you fantastic advantages as you create your customer’s “candy store”
2. Take the information from step one and research google keywords. Look for niche areas that are not saturated with competition. This is where you will be able to break into the market by meeting a need that has not been saturated with options.
3. Followup by taking a “drive-by” the websites of potential competitors. This will give you an idea of what is being offered and may reveal where there are gaps and opportunities for you to shine.
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back Wednesday……..it’s always Mom’s Day on Wednesday at Balancing Bon Bons!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fun Vintage Friday!
Fun Vintage Friday is all about the 1940’s today, in honor of my Mother who was born in 1946.
"Mom"........calendar girl picture
Imagine life with no television, no fast food, no computer. Think Jitterbug, Glenn Miller Band & Frank Sinatra. Picture yourself at the opening of Casablanca.......
Now you are in the early 1940’s, a decade where much of the American Lifestyle was influenced by World War II. For the first time in America large numbers of women leave the home for the workplace to replace so many men who had gone off to war.
During the war fashion featured tailored pencil skirts and the first trousers for women.
The mid 40’s saw the end of the war and the look transitioned to a much softer feminine look of full skirts with small waists, and huge pieces of jewelry all very reminiscent of the Victorian Era. . There was something so romantic about the 1940’s……..wearing dresses and dancing to Frank Sinatra.
These women now had TV dinners and a taste of independence. What would come next?! Fast forward six decades………Pizza gets delivered to your house! So it’s Friday night and I’ve got some on the way. What a “win”! I get to sit and talk with you all about the romantic 40’s while someone else brings my dinner. Can’t beat that! Have a fabulous Mother’s Day Weekend! I’m kicking mine off right now……….
Imagine life with no television, no fast food, no computer. Think Jitterbug, Glenn Miller Band & Frank Sinatra. Picture yourself at the opening of Casablanca.......
Now you are in the early 1940’s, a decade where much of the American Lifestyle was influenced by World War II. For the first time in America large numbers of women leave the home for the workplace to replace so many men who had gone off to war.
Rosie the Riveter
During the war fashion featured tailored pencil skirts and the first trousers for women.
The mid 40’s saw the end of the war and the look transitioned to a much softer feminine look of full skirts with small waists, and huge pieces of jewelry all very reminiscent of the Victorian Era. . There was something so romantic about the 1940’s……..wearing dresses and dancing to Frank Sinatra.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Wednesday is Mom’s Day every week on Balancing Bon Bons. I hope you are looking forward to a fantastic Mother’s Day weekend. Thought I would send out this bit of encouragement to carry with you through the rest of the week.
The Images of Mother
3-5 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
6-9 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
10-13 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
14-16 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue. .
17-19 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
20-24 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
36-45 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
46-55 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
OVER 56 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a Mother is not only measured in the clothes she wears,
the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a Mother must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love for her children resides.
For those of us who are in the midst of the teen years, it might help to remember some of the sweetness that has come before. Life is full of changing seasons and this teen one sometimes reminds me of the short season before babies can smile……you give and give with not much in return. Then one day……….. they smile back at you and it all feels worthwhile. One day your teen will smile back at you again! Here are a few pictures of my favorite memories. Would love to see some of yours! If you would like to share a photo, comment with a link or email me a photo and I will post it in honor of Mother's Day. God bless you all this Mother’s Day!
Sweetness!
I've had so many jelly beans I'm turning into a jumping bean!
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The best place in the world...a genuine hug!
All my sweeties. 4th of July, Nashville, TN
praying for Nashville in today's floods...they do an AMAZING 4th of July Celebration
Mother's Day!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday's Business Bon Bons
Okay, the kids are back in school and a new week begins to take shape. So I thought Mondays would be a good time talk a little business.
I am a BIG reader and podcast listener. Did I say I was a big reader……well that may be putting it mildly, but I think I see how all that time will now be put to good use in this blog as I get a chance to share some of what I have been able to learn with all of you. Some of the business books I’ve read are, Moonlighting on the Internet, 4 day work week, No More Monday's, Microtrends, The Long Tail...so if you would ever like me to comment from one of these, let me know and I’ll be glad to feature that in our Monday Business Bon Bons.
Today I’d like to share one of my favorite internet resources. It is the website scottfox.com. When you first visit it may look a little overwhelming with so much info in one spot, but if you look closely you will find very useful resources. I would recommend signing up for his email newsletter. I receive this and through it I was able to get his “Traffic School” daily email which sends you one technique per day to consider using to increase traffic to your site. They are easy to understand and he is very “down to earth” in his manner and presentation. Although some of the lingo on his site sounds a little hyped I have found his materials to be very realistic and user friendly. So enjoy looking around. Use what works for you and your business style and leave the rest………….that’s my motto anyway!
Hope your week is off to a great start. I woke up with a cold, but am trying to outline just a few things to accomplish each day toward my business to keep it moving forward amongst all the bonbons of life!
Z9FQJK2BXMK3
I am a BIG reader and podcast listener. Did I say I was a big reader……well that may be putting it mildly, but I think I see how all that time will now be put to good use in this blog as I get a chance to share some of what I have been able to learn with all of you. Some of the business books I’ve read are, Moonlighting on the Internet, 4 day work week, No More Monday's, Microtrends, The Long Tail...so if you would ever like me to comment from one of these, let me know and I’ll be glad to feature that in our Monday Business Bon Bons.
Today I’d like to share one of my favorite internet resources. It is the website scottfox.com. When you first visit it may look a little overwhelming with so much info in one spot, but if you look closely you will find very useful resources. I would recommend signing up for his email newsletter. I receive this and through it I was able to get his “Traffic School” daily email which sends you one technique per day to consider using to increase traffic to your site. They are easy to understand and he is very “down to earth” in his manner and presentation. Although some of the lingo on his site sounds a little hyped I have found his materials to be very realistic and user friendly. So enjoy looking around. Use what works for you and your business style and leave the rest………….that’s my motto anyway!
Hope your week is off to a great start. I woke up with a cold, but am trying to outline just a few things to accomplish each day toward my business to keep it moving forward amongst all the bonbons of life!
Z9FQJK2BXMK3
Friday, April 30, 2010
Caribbean Friday Night
Happy Friday!! I walked outside this afternoon, it was about 70 degrees, beautiful blue sky, warm sun and the sound of Caribbean music floated by in a passing car. One of my very favorite experiences in the past ten years has been snorkeling in the Caribbean. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be this Friday night than sitting out watching the sun sink into the aqua waters of the Caribbean Sea. Sooo, I have gathered a few Caribbean goodies for us to enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by! Would love to hear your comments on Favorite Friday nights. Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Spinning Plates on Dimes
Sounds a little strange, “spinning plates on dimes.” But we women do it every day and are really quite proficient at it.
Everyones’ plates may be a little different, but we all have lots of plates. There’s the plate of laundry, the plate of cooking dinner, of taxiing children, the plate of friendships, and caring for our spouse, outside jobs, paying bills, caring for pets or maybe for our parents, then there are the plates we try to squeeze in like our online business, maybe some exercise, or quiet time with God. Life can truly be a circus…………at least that’s how I felt today as my plates came crashing down.
Ever have those days? Wake up to too many hormones, all the plates feel like they need attention at the same time and when they don’t get it, they start to crash.
Then come the dimes. Dimes can be good or bad. Today I had both. Running late to pick up my daughter from high school because I had the “get just one more thing done” syndrome going before I left the house.......then comes the dime, she gets in the car with the sweetest smile and all giggles. We have a fun conversation and suddenly my day turns on a dime. At 15 sweet conversations are to be savored and so this “dime” brought everything to a stand still for a peaceful moment and made all those crazy plates seem a little less stressful. So I take her home and run out to take care of few errands before dinner. Cell phone rings ………here comes the next dime, and it’s not as sweet as the first. My son who used to be nicknamed “smiley” is now in an all out fuss in two seconds flat over why we cannot go to dollar taco night with his friend even though we are having tacos for dinner at home tonight. Not much makes sense at 13.
As I catch myself sinking back into the negative drag of too many plates and too much attitude, I realize something. As long as my moods are attached to my teenager’s I will always be “spinning on dimes.” So let’s hope awareness is half the battle!
Everyones’ plates may be a little different, but we all have lots of plates. There’s the plate of laundry, the plate of cooking dinner, of taxiing children, the plate of friendships, and caring for our spouse, outside jobs, paying bills, caring for pets or maybe for our parents, then there are the plates we try to squeeze in like our online business, maybe some exercise, or quiet time with God. Life can truly be a circus…………at least that’s how I felt today as my plates came crashing down.
Ever have those days? Wake up to too many hormones, all the plates feel like they need attention at the same time and when they don’t get it, they start to crash.
Then come the dimes. Dimes can be good or bad. Today I had both. Running late to pick up my daughter from high school because I had the “get just one more thing done” syndrome going before I left the house.......then comes the dime, she gets in the car with the sweetest smile and all giggles. We have a fun conversation and suddenly my day turns on a dime. At 15 sweet conversations are to be savored and so this “dime” brought everything to a stand still for a peaceful moment and made all those crazy plates seem a little less stressful. So I take her home and run out to take care of few errands before dinner. Cell phone rings ………here comes the next dime, and it’s not as sweet as the first. My son who used to be nicknamed “smiley” is now in an all out fuss in two seconds flat over why we cannot go to dollar taco night with his friend even though we are having tacos for dinner at home tonight. Not much makes sense at 13.
As I catch myself sinking back into the negative drag of too many plates and too much attitude, I realize something. As long as my moods are attached to my teenager’s I will always be “spinning on dimes.” So let’s hope awareness is half the battle!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Blossom
Just after the kids went back to school last August I was enjoying a Starbucks and a little “me” time meandering through one of my favorite antique stores. Normally I would have been at a little part time job I had acquired, but the slow economy ended that. However, it was also that economy that caused me to sell some clothes on eBay the week before and in the process I noticed that a set of Julia Child’s cookbooks sold for over $900 dollars that week! Popularity was at a frenzy because of the recently released “Julie and Julia” movie.
As I wandered through the antique store soaking in all the treasures of the past my eyes suddenly froze on a set of books nestled back in one of the booths. Could it possibly be that set? What were the odds of an eBay newbie stumbling on this information and then finding the books all in the same week? I don’t know, but it happened to me. $37.50 for a First Edition Set. Before this I didn’t even know the value of first edition books, but this experience gave me a new appreciation!
Fast forward a week. The books are on eBay and my husband and I are sitting in “The Outback” restaurant pushing refresh on our phone internet connection as the seconds counted down on my book auction. This was the best entertainment I had had in weeks! I had no idea how exciting an auction could be. Auction time 3, 2, 1, 0 ……… final bid $205.00! Not the $900 I had seen the week before, but $165 profit was pretty exciting for an eBay newbie with a zero feedback score.
I was hooked. Combining my love of vintage things and an interest in online business, 3 months later I opened my own vintage jewelry store VintageBonBons.com. If you have ever had an online business you know the rush of the first sale. Mine came within hours of starting the store set up! It has not all been quite that fast, but for the most part it has had a steady pace and growing it is part of the fun.
We enjoy so many blessings in disguise. A lost job and transition to mothering “independent” teens gave me the time to slow down long enough to notice the details, develop a passion and open a store. So that’s my “blossom” story……….I would love to hear yours! If you would like to share the story of your business, please email me at vintagebonbons@bellsouth.net and I’ll post them for others to enjoy.
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