Laura At UMT

Important Feminicide Event Series at UM

2012-02-08T20:45:00.002-07:00

Join me and friends of CAJA3 (Community Action for Justice in the Americas, Africa, and Asia) for an amazing event series brought to us by sponsors from the University of Montana and our local community. I'm calling it my "Alternative Valentine's Day" and I hope you'll take part too.

During Spring break, we students are encouraged to trade in our opportunity to seek excess and relaxation with volunteer work, giving back to the community at an Alternative Spring Break. This Valentine's Day invest in your education about real issues across the border and learn a new word "Feminicide".

Two human rights attorneys from Mexico will be visiting Missoula during the week of St. Valentine's day to bring us a poignant reminder of Feminicide in the Americas, its causes, and how it's being addressed today.

Here is the flyer I developed for UM International Programs and co-sponsors for this event. You can right click, save, and use for reference. To find more information about this event series, contact International Programs at (406) 243-2299

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching!
~Laura

Asking the right questions: My thoughts on the University of Montana Re-Branding Effort

2012-02-01T16:26:00.005-07:00

The University of Montana is about to get a major overhaul- not physically, but in a way that will still be seen, felt, and heard by all of us in years to come. In my classes I have learned so much about branding and market research, but today's re-branding event topped my list of educational experiences here at the University. I was honored to be part of a group of people brainstorming the University's new brand image with Mind Over Media consultants from Pittsburgh, P.A.

The instructions were simple, walk up to each board around the room and answer one question using a marker or post-it, and make sure to interact with the other contributors' thoughts. Questions included "What is most distinctive about the University?" and "What makes you feel connected to the University?" along with "What is the University best known for?" These open-ended questions were food for thought, designed to draw out the best, most positive characteristics about the University from the people who are here every day. These clear positives are what the firm intends to emphasize to gain attention from students, donors, and other people and businesses who interact with the University.

The use of exploratory research data is just what my instructor, Dr. Emily Plant was teaching us about yesterday in our Marketing 366: Marketing Research class, and there is nothing quite like seeing it in action with professionals. When a company wants to solve a very broad marketing problem but isn't sure how to refine their survey questions, they will hold a focus group or in-depth interviews with the target market, in order to find clear themes or patterns from which to base their survey.

Once the University of Montana is able to identify their most positive, most valuable features, they must determine how to best spread that message to anyone who is considering interacting with the University. That's where the survey comes in. Finally, as these positives are shared and gain attention, the underlying benefits of the University will gain attention as well.

It's a technique that can be applied to so many scenarios. Just like refining a resume, we need to discover our most clear and valuable strengths and tailor that message to whoever may hear. Before we can begin to understand our customers, we must first understand ourselves. How do you think this re-branding effort will turn out? What do you think are the most marketable aspects of the University and living in Missoula? I'd love to hear from you.

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching!
~Laura

New Series on the 2012 MBN Symposium

2012-01-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Great news!

I have entered an exciting collaboration with other Missoula Businesswomens Network members to bring you the very best of the 2012 Symposium. What does this mean for you? Not only will you get great content and insights from some of the presenters you saw, you will also learn from the presenters you missed! Would you like to be a part of our effort to fill the gaps from the Symposium?

We are still looking for contributors to cover the presentations by:
Tracy Worley, Judy H. Wright, Anthony Lambert, Nicole & Sharon (CPA's), Kelley Durbin, Laura Bender, Bridget McMillion, and Jennifer Shryock. Please e-mail me if you are interested in this and learn about the opportunity for free ad space in return for your contribution.

Also, look forward to great content coming directly from my coursework at the University of Montana School of Business Administration. The content coming your way will be full of education on Leadership, Small Business, Networking, Communication, and Marketing. Be sure to "follow by email" on the right sidebar!

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching!

~Laura

For your vocabulary: "Feminicide"

2012-01-25T15:06:00.003-07:00

The systematic mishandling of incidents of rape relating to the University of Montana has many of us poised to delve deeper, learning more about women's continuing fight for recognition on the world stage when violence is staged against them. Across the world women wait to be heard, but there are many who have decided that they should wait no more and seek justice right now.

Do you know the word "Feminicide"? It is a word used to describe a new kind of crime being waged against women, an especially violent crime based on gender alone. Nowhere has this type of crime been more rampant than in the city of Juarez (pronounced "wha-rez"), and now there has been an amazing turn of events. Finally, these women and their plight is being put on center stage, right here at the University in a series sponsored by the International Programs at the University of Montana.

Would you like to learn more? I want to personally invite you to the events being put on International Programs, February 13th-16th, co-sponsored by the UM School of Law, UM Women and Gender Studies Department, UM Women's Resource Center, Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, CAJA3, and countless others.

Come to the welcome Potluck Feb 13^th, 6PM Burns St. Community Room, located at 1500 Burns St.

We begin by welcoming two individuals who were part of a groundbreaking case against the Mexican Government, holding the country accountable for the atrocities being overlooked and the poor responsiveness of the Government to take action in the face of this unspeakable gender violence.

Come to the Presentation “The Social, Political, and Economic Factors Influencing Gender Violence in Mexico and the Inspiring Response…” Feb. 14, UC 7PM

Attend the Law school continuing education presentation, Feb. 16^th UM Law School, Room 201 1:30-4:30PM

Watch the Film: “BAJO JUAREZ: The City Devouring its Daughters” Feb 16^th, University Center Theatre 7PM, Reception Following.

I sincerely hope to see you at at least one of these presentations. Please put them in your calender and resolve to learn more about what is happening to women on the world stage, so that incidents at the University of Montana never happen on the scale of Juarez Mexico, and so that violence against women will never again go unnoticed by authorities... completely unpunished.

Never stop learning, growing and reaching! Stand up against Feminicide!

~Laura

2012 MBN Missoula Businesswomens Network Symposium

2012-01-24T13:43:00.004-07:00

I simply cannot wait for the 2012 MBN Symposium, coming up in just a few days! Last year, I was so inspired by the phenomenal business women speakers and their insights, that I created a four part series on the blog, found here: The 2011 MBN Symposium.

Keynote Speaker, Nicole Johnson

Cost of attendance is just $45 for MBN members and $50 for non-members for a jam packed day of great classes, as well as a fancy lunch with a keynote speaker. This year's keynote is given by Nicole Johnson, author of Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul. If it's anything like last year, this is going to be great.

If you're considering attending, check out the Discover MBN website, and make sure you sign up soon!

I hope to see you there!

Artfire VS Etsy, Who wins in 2012?

2012-01-01T12:19:00.005-07:00

I want to thank all the readers who contributed on my post last April (2011) comparing Artfire VS Etsy. There has been a call for a 2012 update and I'm pleased to announce that we're finally ready for you!

The rules of the internet are always changing and these two companies are by no means static. Almost everything has changed and I want to tell you why it's a closer tie for 2012. I also want to tell you why you might want to consider adding Artfire to your e-commerce mix if you haven't already.

___________________

The Rules have Changed. Etsy has listened!

In our 2011 comparison, we really slammed Etsy for its confusing fee structure, manipulative search engine structure, shop limitations, and required sign up as the main reasons why Artfire was preferred. Now in 2012, Etsy has delivered changes and improvements that easily make up for or totally reverse these negatives from 2011. This calls for an updated perspective!

You Will Reach More People
How Etsy and Artfire aren't in direct competition, and why you should care.

Before we delve too deeply into how Etsy has improved, let's look at how Etsy and Artfire have positioned themselves in the online world. Actually, you will find that these two sites are poised to go after two completely different groups of consumers, and are not in as direct competition as you think.

If you are selling online, your main concern should be whether you are seen by the people who will want to buy your product. If these two e-commerce sites deliver your product to the computer screens of uniquely different target consumers, your next step should be to determine who those people are and who your product will most appeal to- and maybe the answer is both.

Your Target Market Will Appreciate it
...and you'll actually be able to find them

Many fall fast and hard for the great community and social currency system created by Etsy. But are your customers the kind that will truly appreciate and buy into their system too?

Think about it- right now, Etsy rewards their sellers who buy from other sellers and leave positive reviews. They pass on those positive reviews to your shop, displaying them on your shop page as if it was you that had received that positive review. And guess what, leaving a negative review for someone else will hurt you too. This system was designed to induce creative people to buy from other creative people. This is their community culture and if you're selling on Etsy, other sellers and Etsy community members had better be your target market.

If however, you sell items that would appeal to those whom Etsy may not draw and capture (Men!!, Busy People!!, Non-Creatives!!) the list goes on, then Artfire is definitely worth a shot. Their intent is ease of use, not holding you hostage in a community where you will likely spend more than you sell. Albeit a very homey, lovely, bunting-wrapped hostage situation.

Google Will Love You Better

Artfire.com has a very open user interface that feeds off 3rd party search results. As stated on their FAQ sheet, they use part of your monthly fee to advertise their site, with a typical monthly advertising goal of 100 million impressions in 30 days. Theirs is a no-strings attached philosophy with one monthly fee and unlimited listings. They don't require a consumer to be part of a community (or "sign up") to place an order. Meanwhile, Etsy.com has created its own online ecosystem, requiring sign up and constantly encouraging you to return through direct e-mail marketing. Their philosophy is to sell the customer not on your products as an individual seller, but to sell the customer on their shopping experience and community.

In the online world SEO (search engine optimization) is everything for being seen and heard. Etsy sells itself as an online community on outside search engines, where Artfire tries to get your individual products there next to the big box guys. Want to learn more about SEO? Read a Professional Marketing Consultant's #1 Tips

Musings on Internal SEO (for dorks only)

The search engine structure for Etsy no longer rewards those with the biggest pocket book by giving them the highest listings. Charging for the top listing in default search results was an unfair practice- both to the artist and consumer. By listing in order of most recent listing, Etsy manipulated customer's search results by showing those products that had paid to be there, not those that most closely matched their query. They finally heard our cries and made this system better for the shop owners and the consumers. Now they just ask you to pay for an ad if you want to be seen at the very top (a Google-like structure). Artfire always recommended leaving your products alone after posting them, because deactivating or re-listing items could damage your placement in search results. Now that Etsy has removed the costly and time consuming 20 cent re-listing scheme, you will see your 3rd party search engine results improve. Edits to your Etsy are now easier than ever too, and won't cost you a dime in re-listing fees. It's about time they caught on!

Artfire is Free to Try, You Have Nothing To Lose
Not sure whether Artfire will actually help you reach a new market? Try it and see.

And if you're ever answering that age-old question "Do you sell online?" Don't direct them to your Etsy shop where your sale could be drowned out and eaten alive by a community of cannibals! Send them to Artfire, where buying your product doesn't require they buy into a whole culture, too.

Announcement about my Wedding!

2011-12-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

Announcement: You'll notice that occasionally on my blog there will be posts regarding my wedding planning. I'm getting married on August 16th and planning for this has taken a lot of my creative energy and time, but it will all be so worth it! You'll see that sometimes I use my blog to share my wedding inspiration and information with my bridesmaids.

Don't lose hope- I promise to continue to post helpful things I'm learning from my classes and workshops along the way! I hope you don't mind the pretty wedding stuff though in the mean time. :)

PS: I'm getting married to this handsome man!

Here are some of my Bridesmaid dress ideas! Enjoy.

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.

Laura

Missoula Crafters! Big Outdoor Marketplace planned for Parade of Lights!

2011-11-16T15:45:00.002-07:00

Saturday, December 3, 2011
100 Block of W Pine St
6:30 – 10:00 PM
Music, entertainment, Santa, food, drinks, vendors
Free and open to the public
Contact: Kimberly Allen at 406.860.7283 or kimberly.alle15@gmail.com

Entertainment Management at The University of Montana (UMEM) would like to invite you to participate in our Fall Freeze Winter, Please! event. It will be held on December 3rd from 6:30 – 10:00 PM and is open to craft, snack, or business vendors. Unfortunately, we are not allowing any large food items or drinks, on account that our main sponsor will be handling those items. The event is being held on the block in front of Sean Kelly’s on West Pine Street.

Fall Freeze Winter, Please! is very similar to a German Weihnachtsmarkt. There will be lights everywhere, a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, ice sculptures and live music. We will be getting people to come through the block from the Parade of Lights, therefore we are expecting upwards of 1,000 people to participate. The event is free and open to the public, and will be a time to celebrate winter as a community.

UMEM is a unique academic program found nowhere else in North America. Over the course of their studies, students in this program study most aspects of the entertainment business including music, television, film, sports, live performance, and literary and visual arts. The purpose of the program is to introduce students to the business of entertainment while giving them the opportunity to speak with and learn from top professionals in the industry. Throughout the program, students learn the processes involved in developing, presenting and sustaining an artist’s career or event while incorporating related business aspects of the entertainment profession.

The first annual Fall Freeze is an event series produced, promoted, planned, and executed by students registered in MGMT 402: Entertainment Management Principles I. These events include a concert series at Sean Kelly’s, a Poker Tournament, and of course the Fall Freeze Winter, Please! The students gain real-world knowledge in event planning and fundraising, as all proceeds benefit the UMEM student scholarship fund.

Every year as a part of this class, which also hosts the annual Spring Thaw, students choose a non-profit that we can donate profits to as a way to give back to the community. This fall semester, students will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Montana.

Festival Information and Sign-Up Form

How to DIY your destination wedding flowers: Grand Finale

2011-10-21T09:57:00.000-06:00

If you're just tuning in, I want to encourage you to look through my past posts in this series DIY Your Destination Wedding Flowers to see the valuable information leading up to this final post! This is a big process, and involves lots of planning and forethought. You are going to want to know exactly what arrangements to do, how long it will take you, and most importantly, you will need to know how to select the right florist abroad who you can place your trust in. If you do not clearly communicate your needs to a responsible bulk floral provider, you are gambling with one of the most important elements of the wedding!

In this series, I've already told you how to research florists abroad and how to use key Spanish florist vocabulary to communicate your needs to your supplier. Now, we are ready to move forward to the most time-sensitive and important steps. You are now going to need to draw on the very best of your patience, confidence, organization, and determination to pull this off.

Final Steps:

1) Get Help from the Concierge or Hotel Manger

Your plane has landed, you need to get to a concierge at your hotel to call the florist on your behalf, and confirm everything. It will be helpful to print out any final e-mails sent to you from the floral supplier that confirm the product and time you will receive it. If you can't speak in the local language or your language is poor, communicate this to the concierge so that they won't hand you the phone. When they have confirmed all the flowers and delivery time, and make sure to tip the concierge. Write down the name of your concierge. If everything goes well, at the end you are going to want to seek this person out and tip them again. This person is your lifeline and the key to everything working out smoothly. Don't forget that!

2) Rendezvous with your Supplier

Bring the full amount in cash in an envelope for your supplier, and extra in your pocket for tip if everything is what you asked for. Also bring a checklist for your meeting and carefully inspect all the flowers they've brought to you. Oh yes, and one more thing, bring a couple of strong friends with you to help carry the product and make you feel more confident during your meeting. This was very helpful for me! Sometimes we forget just how much we ordered.

Make sure you're getting everything you asked for in the quantities that you need and that everything is in good condition. Don't feel bad making the delivery person wait while you do this. This will be your only chance to adjust the price if something is not satisfactory, and you may never see this person again. Don't hand them any money until you have fully inspected everything and it's to your order. If something isn't right, only take what's right and adjust the price. Use your checklist to show the delivery person what you won't accept and the new total.

3) Thank and Pay

If they've done everything to your specifications, thank them and pay them! Pull out those extra dollars and leave a tip too. Don't forget to tip your concierge again for a great job at communicating and ironing out the last details. Part of the "Thanks" could be leaving a good review for this florist in English on a wedding website for other brides having a destination wedding at the same location. They will be happy to know that they could save money and have a good experience. Oh yes, and don't forget to send them a link to this blog series if it's helped you.

4) Arrange! Arrange! Arrange!

You have your flowers, and now it's time to put them to use. If it's the day before, go ahead and make corsages and boutineers ahead of time, these can be refrigerated and will hold up well overnight. Use photos to help you along, and make sure this isn't your first time arranging flowers. You need some background to be able to do this as some parts are technical. At least make a few before your actual trip using store bought flowers.

If it is the day of the wedding and you're pressed for time as I was, I highly suggest beginning with the Bride's bouquet and Groom's boutineer. They are going to be the first ones getting photos taken. After this is done, begin with your Bridesmaids Bouquets, and follow with Groomsmen's boutineers. Don't forget extras for corsages and boutineers for other honored guests such as parents and grandparents.

5) You're done!

Now that your work is done, enjoy the day. Unwind with a well earned glass of champagne and help Groomsmen put on their boutineers the right way! They are going to need your help! Then, relax- and enjoy the pictures afterward. You are going to love the way those goldenrod in the Bridesmaids bouquets blow in the beach breeze. You are going to love the big hug you get from the Bride after giving her wedding such a devoted and special touch. These are the memories that make all the work worthwhile.

This blog entry is part of my series called "Destination Wedding Flowers". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into DIY wedding flowers, see the series here: DIY Your Destination Wedding Flowers

New Facebook Makes Chain Letters “Top News”

2011-09-22T08:45:00.000-06:00

Those chain-letter makers are getting smarter… or maybe they just got lucky. Status updates that mention "death" or "dying" seem to be categorized as top news for the new Facebook.

In some ways this could be very helpful. It would be important to know if someone I knew passed away, but that hypothetical puppy was hypothetically killed as part of a very melodramatic chain letter? It just doesn't say "top news" to me.

I hope the collective genius of Facebook's hired hacker help can fix this algorithm, or soon none of us will get relevant social news from Facebook regarding our friends lives, it will be buried by chain letters.

Contacting local suppliers: Key Florist Vocabulary... in Spanish!

2011-09-07T12:11:00.000-06:00

Ok. So you are planning to DIY your destination wedding flowers! You have your list of contacts, you know which florists in the area are close enough to your wedding site to deliver your flowers, and (of course) you have a general idea of the types of flowers you'd like. If you haven't figured all that out already, no problem! This post is part of a series I've started as a how-to for Destination Wedding Flowers. I want to empower you to work abroad and use your own skills without getting ripped off by those ridiculously expensive resort florists! Maybe you have someone in your family that is a skilled florist but doesn't know where to start. This series could be of tremendous help and I hope that you'll share it with them!

The main challenge for wedding flowers in a tropical location like the Dominican Republic has been the language gap. This can be especially difficult as free translating services often make HUGE mistakes that completely cloud (or dramatically change) the meaning of what you're trying to say. So, I'm providing you a list of helpful vocab along with a kind of "script" which I used to communicate my needs- it has worked for me and I know it will work for you! Do not be intimidated now that you have the tools you need!

Laura's Say-It-in-Spanish Florist Vocabulary

What and When : This vocabulary will be helpful in describing what you're trying to do (arrange flowers for a wedding yourself, buying in bulk.)
Florist: florista
Flowers: flores
To Arrange: arreglar
Wedding: boda
Bulk Flowers: las flores a granel
The Date: la fecha
The Quantity: la cantidad
Dozens: docenas
Hired: contratado

The Flowers : Use these key words to describe what types of flowers and foliage you want to purchase. Just like us, there is certain lingo used in the florist world and these words are precise. You won't find these on an online translator, you just need to know them. Things not listed here can be found via Google Translate.
Cut flowers: flores cortadas
Blooms: botones
Stem: rama
Foliage: follaje
Orchids (Cymbidium): Orquídeas simbidium

The Script : Fill-in-the-blanks with your information as needed to aid in establishing a connection via e-mail with your supplier of choice. I have highlighted the vocab words I used and underlined the areas that you will need to replace with your date and location information.
FIRST: Say hello, and communicate who you are and what you're trying to do.

SPANISH SCRIPT FOR YOUR FIRST EMAIL:

Hola, Soy un florista contratado para arreglar las flores para una boda en Dreams Resort Punta Cana (en octubre de 2011). Estoy buscando por flores cortadas en la República Dominicana. ¿Puedo trabajar con su compañía para comprar las flores a granel? Quiero usar mis habilidades como florista para ayudar con la boda de mi Tía.

Su respuesta es muy apreciada.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Hello, I'm a florist hired to make arrangements for a wedding at the Dreams Punta Cana Resort in October of 2011. I'm looking for cut flowers in the Dominican Republic. Can I work with your company in order to purchase flowers in bulk? I'd like to use my skills as a florist to help with my Aunt's wedding.

Your response would be very much appreciated.

This should help you construct your first e-mail. If you need additional help with translating please leave me a comment with your e-mail address and I'd be happy to help! When you send out this e-mail to the suppliers you found in your first step, keep an eye out for a response. My next entry in this series will show you how to translate their message back and communicate your exact needs for types of flowers, date, and more!

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.
<3 Laura

This blog entry is part of my series called "Destination Wedding Flowers". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into DIY wedding flowers, see the series here: DIY Your Destination Wedding Flowers

Laura's Virtual Singing Tip-Jar

2011-08-22T11:51:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, you could find me on Missoula's Higgin's St. singing your jazz song requests in return for spare change! Some of you already know that I sing for Missoula's great brass band Soulaphone (ask for us on radio KBGA!), and make occasional appearances with Front St. Jazz Group and yep, even the local funk band Kung Fu Kongress.

Now I want to try something new, crazy, and wildly fun. It's like virtual street-singing, like what I was doing on Higgins St. in Missoula a few weeks ago! :) Thanks to the miracle of the internet, I can take your song requests online for spare change, too. Just follow the link, deposit your quarter, and post your request. I will respond with a quality full-length recording e-mailed to you, a one of a kind piece of art from yours truly! Crazy maybe. But wildly fun! Give it a try. :)

Oh yeah, and if you'd like to hear a sample of my singing so you can know what you're getting yourself into- check out my Facebook Band Page Laura Sings Jazz and click "Band Profile" to hear some great recordings with local artists! Remember just like walking down the street and tossing in a dime, it's all in the spirit of fun!

All the money in my "tip jar" will go towards purchasing a small amplifier to help me be heard when I sing! I normally have to borrow other people's or worse- try to sing over a giant brass band at the top of my lungs!! It just can't fit in my budget right now and I'm hoping to sing for it with your help. :)

How to DIY your Destination Wedding Flowers (part one: researching local suppliers)

2011-08-05T10:00:00.001-06:00

Finding a great local floral supplier.

Today I was able to make some major headway on my assignment for wedding flowers in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. By contacting a few multi-national suppliers by e-mail I was able to find a listing of florists throughout the D.R. and found 5 (with websites & e-mail addresses) within comfortable driving distance of the resort!

Some of you may wonder why I won't have bulk flowers delivered to the resort by one of those big companies. The answer is simple- time frame. I will be arriving the day before the wedding and can't count on the flowers being delivered on time, in good condition, and fully bloomed. (Did you know that many of those delivery services recommend placing your order to be delivered 2-3 days before the actual event? That's because they often ship flowers before they are fully bloomed.) Buds are indeed beautiful, but that's not the look we're going for here!

For this particular event, I'll need the immediate customer service only an in-person supplier can provide. Yes, I will need to be there to reject wilted flowers and make sure my client is getting the beautiful, high quality flowers any wedding deserves.

Are you hired to purchase and arrange flowers for a destination wedding? Trying to source bulk live florals outside of the country can be a challenge but also a great learning process. You will find yourself consistently outside your comfort zone! Here are my tips for finding your supplier in a place you've never been.

Using a map, familiarize yourself with the areas around the destination. Take note of larger cities within comfortable distance from the event. Often a resort is situated away from regular commercial areas, and any floral shops near the resort of course are going to have higher prices. I found that Higüey is about 10 min away and full of florists.
Find a search engine specific to the country you are sourcing in. In my case, I found that 1411 Dominican Republic and Dominican Republic Yellow Pages was a good search engine.
Translate the word of what you're looking for to the primary language of the country the event is being held. In Spanish, the word for floral shop is "Floresteria". This will be your search term. There are many free online translating services but my favorite is the one provided by Google.
Using Google.com, type your search terms and select "translate page" if the results are in another language. This was a major help for me since my handle of Spanish isn't what it once was.
Take note of suppliers in cities within comfortable distance from the resort/hotel. Note everything. The name, phone number, and Street address wherever they're given.

Great! Now you have a nice list of several contacts. Here's the list I was able to generate by searching for floral shops near the Dreams Punta Cana resort (in the city of Higuey and city of Bávaro). I have omitted all results that had no e-mail address. It's good to have a phone number, but unless you're fluent in Spanish, e-mail is going to be the best thing.

Sisay Av Alemania, Plaza Las Buganvillas, Bávaro 809-552-1231
Floresteria El Tronco Carr Friusa 1 809-552-0933
Floreste Juan XXIII 171
Flores del Caribe Av Italia 102 809-554-3782 floresdelcaribe@hotmail.com

Tropical Flowers Carr B Fruisa L-12 809-552-1874 belkishldz@hotmail.com

Notice the street-names seem very foreign- that's Ok, Google maps will sort that out for you. Plus you can always ask directions from someone at the shop later.

In my next post I'll show you how to narrow your results down, and provide everything you need to ask the right questions in a way you'll be understood! This may be helpful to those working in Spanish-speaking countries as I will provide you a "script" for dealing with your local suppliers in Spanish via e-mail.

This blog entry is part of my series called "Destination Wedding Flowers". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into DIY wedding flowers, see the series here: DIY Your Destination Wedding Flowers

Destination Wedding Flowers: A new series

2011-07-29T10:34:00.004-06:00

Ok. I need live flowers in the Dominican Republic. Now what?

My wedding is not the only one around the corner! My family is blessed with TWO this October, one in New York and one in the Dominican Republic. Although I've done wedding flowers before, this will be my first time arranging flowers outside of the United States.

My biggest hurdle seems to be to find a reputable wholesale fresh-cut flower supplier in D.R.! This will take every ounce of business sense I have stored up in me, and with the help of some high-school Spanish courses I might still know the proper conjugation for "I know I sound crazy but I need like 200 high-quality lilies by 9am tomorrow so who is your farmer?!"

Because I'll be learning so much in this endeavor, I'll share what I learn with you, and maybe this will help a few other brides planning destination weddings to save time and money! (I wasn't able to find anything helpful on this topic online).

This might even help a few people who for whatever reason (quality, price, etc) are looking for new suppliers for their craft but aren't sure how to go about it and strike a killer business deal that is the best solution for everyone involved.

Part One: Researching Floral Suppliers Abroad
Part Two: Contacting Your Suppliers With bonus Spanish vocabulary and script!
Part Three: Meeting, Purchasing, and Arranging (final series post)

Stay tuned and "Follow" if you think this will be of help for you or someone you know!

Wedding Ispiration Wednesday: Don't sweat it.

2011-07-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm very much in the early stages of planning my wedding with Robin, and it has already provided me with valuable lessons! Here are some ways I've been able to turn the stress into positive energy.

-Focus only what matters most! Yes... ONLY. For example, why should colors matter so much unless there is a specific color that has symbolic meaning to you? Why waste time looking online for the symbolic meaning of a certain flower or color? That is second hand information that has no bearing on your personal life experience. If it doesn't matter- it doesn't matter! Things tend to look coordinated in the end by virtue of your personal style and taste- just think of your home. It's not all just one or two colors, but it's still "you".

-Involve the people you love! They won't mind. There are lots of details of wedding planning that are fun... But those details can be overwhelming for just one person to deal with (aka YOU). So be honest and open with your loved ones about where help is needed. Let them know, see if they're willing, check in once or twice, and let it go.

-Give yourself time! If you truly have a vision for your wedding ceremony, give yourself time to accomplish that. If a simple court wedding before the ceremony will help you remember that a ceremony is just "ceremony", then go for it.

-Be proactive! Think in advance about what upcoming obligations may hold you back from getting the wedding stuff squared away. I'm having to do a lot of planning a year in advance because I'm still a full time student with a full time job, and I'll be in classes right up till my wedding day. Be considerate of your future-self and do most of the "heavy lifting" in the beginning when energy is high and distractions are few.

-Consider the importance of your commitment! I want my mind to be focused more on marriage itself and my future husband than on silly details of a wedding. By keeping myself reading the Bible and seeking advice on how to have a healthy marriage, I keep my head in the right place and keep the Devil from stealing one of the most beautiful times in my life away from me with vain distractions.

These are just a few things that have really helped me to handle all the things that have come my way, and deal with other people's stress about my wedding. Yes- OTHER people are more stressed than I am... and the last thing they need is for me to be a bride-zilla!

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching!
~Laura

PS: I have purchased a copy of this book, I saw it recommended on a favorite blog of mine. Have you ever read it? Can you recommend any others? I'll let you know what I think!

The amazing three-armed flower girl!

2011-07-22T14:48:00.001-06:00

Something struck me as odd when I looked at this lovely flower girl dress. It's the little girl- she has three arms!! hahahaha...

I took it as a little reminder to have fun and not take things so seriously when wedding planning. If you're interested in this dress despite the three-armed girl, check out The amazing 3-armed flower girl on projectwedding.com

Oh the wonders (and BLUNDERS!) of Photoshop.

Tee hee... I hope you're having a lovely Summer. I've been thinking a lot about my flower girls (yes I'll have two!)... that's four arms all together!! hahaha... sorry I couldn't help myself. But what do you think about fairy wings on a flower girl? Too costumey? My ceremony is outdoors along the forest line. It might fit in well with our magical theme but not totally sold on the wings yet. hmm...

Wedding Inspiration Wednesday!

2011-06-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here is a treasury I created of some wedding inspirations I came across on Etsy! I am planning my own wedding to this amazing man for next Summer in the gorgeous Catskill mountains. See, click, and enjoy this treasury here: Laura's first Wedding Treasury !

Missoula Woman uses Etsy.com for creative Activism, Charity efforts

2011-06-16T09:00:00.086-06:00

"It’s a lot less energy to be happy than to be gloomy," quips Jami Shipp, at the Talc Café during some relaxed conversation over delicious coffee and cookies. "I've always made things- I made scarves as gifts but a friend eventually told me, 'How many scarves can one neck hold?' I was inspired by my daughter to be true to myself, and then I found my happiness." Jami's brain was fun to pick- she is simply packed wisdom from her years of experiencing the ups and downs of life, and sh'es learned to remain positive and channel her energy into creating beautiful things from the heart.

And I do mean from the heart. Her online shop, called “Celebrating Life” is a collection of jewelry, knit/crochet gifts, and sewing artwork, incorporating many activist and charity items for MS awareness, Alzheimer’s, and Breast Cancer, all of which have touched her or the lives of her loved ones in some way. In conversation with Jami, it became clear that everything she does with her business is driven by a real intention to share love and grow our awareness of our humanity and individual struggles- while remaining hopeful and optimistic.

The personal touch is very important to Jami. From the start, she made it clear that she wanted to do this interview in person. And when I asked her where she gets the most value from Etsy, her answer was- "interaction, networking, and being active in the [Etsy] groups with fellow members." For me, it's easy to forget that Etsy is also a social community. Let Jami's extroversion inspire your own outreach efforts! Jami says, "How can you claim to be handmade if you can’t write a letter by hand just to say thank you or hello?" These are just a few of the many things that make this woman and her business very special.

Check out Jami's shop Celebrating Life at http://www.etsy.com/shop/damamashipp

Aside from her Etsy shop, Jami stays involved in the community teaching jewelry classes at Michael's. "I was in Michael's so much, they thought I worked there. I teach twice a week, basics in wire wrapping, bead stringing, knotting, crimping, wire crochet." You can see Jami and join in on one of her classes on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6pm-8pm.

This an installment in my latest series: "I Love My Job: Stories of Real Missoula Business Owners" Read more about this series and how to be featured here. Thanks for reading! It's easy to get Songbird's Branch delivered to your inbox. Just see the "follow by email" button on the sidebar!

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.
~Laura

Looking forward to Missoula's 2011 MADE Fair! How about you?

2011-06-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

Did you check out last year's MADE Fair? It was at the Elk's Lodge and it was amazing! I made some great connections and it really set my heart on fire to know and learn from the Missoula artist community.

This time, it's free and is being held at Caras Park, Sunday June 26th from 11am-6pm

Some of my favorites (previously featured on this blog!) will be there, including

Elizabeth Claire Rose Art & Photography
Gypsy Moon Designs (full interview article)
JaxHats (full interview article)
Sam's Crochet
Smells Funky Ceramic Works

I can't wait to meet all the other great vendors for even more Summer inspiration! See the full artist list here: http://www.missoulamadefair.com/vendors-2011-summer.html

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Summer. More artist interviews and insights to come!

I'm Engaged!

2011-06-03T20:24:00.002-06:00

I am planning a Summer wedding for next year with the Man who has forever swept me off my feet! Here is the video he took of the proposal, (awesome, huh?) It happened in Glacier National Park on Memorial day weekend. :) I have written about Robin a lot in this blog and just have to say that I'm beyond thrilled to soon be his wife!

Along with this happy announcement you can expect a lot more decor, event design, DIY and such coming from my blog. Just a heads up!

I am so happy to announce that his sister, Vicky of A Subtle Revelry (an amazing design blog) will be one of my bridesmaids! How could this not be the perfect start to a beautiful life with the man I love??!?

I am filled with love and am so happy to share this process with you.

<3 <3

Wishing you a magical, blessed Summer.

~Laura

A Note from the Swan Valley

2011-05-25T09:34:00.000-06:00

“There is so much wildlife here, if you look into the woods you will definitely see something.” Robin is driving us deeper into the forest. This dirt road takes us to the Beck Homestead in Montana’s Swan Valley, where we’re immersed in a culture of leaves, paws, wings, claws, and hooves. He peers out the driver’s side window searching for every possible glimpse of animal, and I kiss his cheek each moment that it won’t interrupt his driving- or his looking.

I’ve told him on walks that my love for nature extends only as far as my interest in the esthetics of it. But I realize I am in love with this pure air, the mountains, and the creatures of the Swan Valley… not for their intrinsic beauty, but for their peace-giving properties, and for what they have done to my man. I am swooning, this time, at the sight of his eyes, as they are back-lit by a new inspiration. He says, “All my life I’ve just driven past forests, I never realized how much there is to see by actually looking into them. I would have driven slower.” And he was driving slow, so enamored by the thought of spotting a creature to teach me about.

At night, we arrive at the base of a grand, grassy hill and are facing a gigantic three-story barn. Warm amber light spills from the windows and the trees crescent, cradling, like an oyster holds its pearl.

We walk hand-in-hand up the hill. To my right, an open plain, a pond, where some twenty whitetail deer bend their necks over cool, moist earth. Mystified, I am drawn there.

A proud bird lands very close to me on the wooden fence, puffing forward a red-feathered belly, its beak eagerly showing off a worm. In this way, the bird delays its dinner for a few minutes, watching me carefully, as I soak in the majesty of a patch of land that is loved and respected- just for what it is.

Does she, the bird, want to show me the worm, for how richly we are rewarded when we strive? Or… maybe she’s looking into my eyes, seeing what I feel while holding on to my love’s hand, as I am looking out onto all he wants to teach of and protect, respect and learn. His vision is a tangible one, one that can be understood by letting the warblers and chickadees excite, make contact with an Earth who is telling us something, and listen, and be changed. In dreams I’ve been told his spirit belongs here, and as such is such and is a proven truth to me today, then so do I. I should ask the bird, but she's eating now.

Now here's my wish.

Let us all write notes from the Swan Valley, or find something like this within!

~ Laura

I'll tell you The Absolute BEST Time to List on Etsy

2011-05-21T09:33:00.002-06:00

Don't think for one minute that there is not a specific time that is best to list on Etsy. If you've heard that it doesn't matter, guess what- that was a lie! Internet traffic is constantly being monitored and analyzed by the super computers that make the Web possible, and research has proven that there are prime times for Internet sales.

Wednesday during the 4:00pm work hour
AKA "Goof-off Hour"
According to a study by the price comparison website InvisibleHand, Wednesday is rush-hour for online retail sales. If you want to reach the US coast-to-coast with this technique, you will need to re-familiarize yourself with time zones. That means list or re-list 6 times to hit each time zone at exactly 4pm their local time. This will cost you $1.20. Money well spent!

Why does it matter when you list your item on Etsy?

Etsy is built on a controversial system that gives the highest search rankings to the items most recently listed, charging 20 cents to do so.
You are spending that money anyway, so you should learn how to make the most of it.
When you list during Goof-Off-Hour, you are listing at a time when people are ready to make an impulse buy. They want to shop fast before someone comes by their desk. They want it quick, and they want it now. It's simply an easier time to make a sale.

How many items should you re-list at that time?

Just one per time zone at 4pm. Why? Otherwise, you are just wasting money. Re-listing more than one of your items at the same time competes with yourself. So choose just one item at a time.

How to know which item to list:

It has a great picture that is a good representation of your skill level and the type of items for sale in your shop.
It stands out. Because many people already know about the Goof Off Hour, you need to be able to stand out from the other listings.
It is relevant to the current holiday or season. Now would not be a good time to list something that is out-of-season.

Overall, Etsy.com's daily visitors has fallen to pre-2010 levels. This means you need to work harder to reach a customer! Make sure to pay attention to internet trends to make your time and money pull double-duty for you.

Other considerations:

The LEAST POPULAR, worst time to list is Saturday. So wait till Sunday when you'll have a 27% better shot at making a sale. (info from InvisibleHand) After Wednesday, Sunday is the second best day to list.

Are you allowing shipping outside the US? If not, 11pm would be a very dumb time to list. By the time everyone wakes up, you are at the bottom of the list.

Afternoon is ALWAYS better. Internet retail sales increase by 52% in the afternoon. The reason? More people are awake and browsing.

Read my most popular blog posts:

Etsy VS Big Cartel and Storenvy

7 Steps to Small Business Marketing Success!

Artfire-VS-Etsy: Five BIG Reasons Artfire is Better

Good luck, I hope this was helpful! Please follow my blog, more great info to come. Oh yes! I want to let you in on my giveaway, check that out here!

~Laura

Handwritten Letters Matter, a giveaway.

2011-05-19T19:21:00.002-06:00

I'm determined to make what I do for a living reflect my values. Lately I've been doing all sorts of things, stepping further away from floral design to things like handmade cards and stationery. It reminds me how important letter writing is to me. For the past few years, my Grandmother and I have been exchanging (and keeping) our handwritten letters to one another. In these letters is wisdom, joy, expression- the essence of life, several weeks concentrated into one or two pages, folded, decorated, stamped and sent. It is just such a beautiful ritual that deserves celebration.

Sample of my Bitterroot Stationery

Most people only send cards around Christmas-time, selecting one they deem appropriate from a store shelf and then simply signing their name. I have trouble seeing how this is at all meaningful beyond being a basic gesture, or a nod to tradition. Do you agree? That is not to say that I don't appreciate these cards when they come my way (some of them can be very cute keepers!!) But they are wholly different from the handwritten letter that I'm speaking of. I keep many of the cards and am looking for ways to re-purpose them. Any ideas??

In an effort to encourage the legacy of the handwritten letter, I am giving away a mini pre-stamped set of my own designed Bitterroot Flower stationery. I will be at farmer's markets here in Missoula giving away these mini-sets but will also give away one to readers. You can see the set at my etsy site here: Bitterroot Flower Stationery Set

If you'd like to have a chance to win a mini-set, make sure you're following this blog and leave me a comment below. Good luck, and enjoy!

~Laura

The 5 Best (And Worst!) Places to Study in Missoula

2011-05-10T10:16:00.006-06:00

During finals week, many of us sniff out new territory for a great study spot, or we stick with a few tried-and-true favorites. This week, I've done a mixture of both and am pleased to share what I proudly dub the 5 BEST (and WORST!) places to study in Missoula. I have based my rankings on noise/music, activity levels, friendliness of staff, atmosphere, and convenience. Read and think... do you agree?

#1 Best and Worst: Zootown Brew and Bagels on Broadway

Zootown Brew: BEST! This downtown favorite has a safe, business-like feel. Great for meetings, and with a small lunch selection, the folks at ZooBrew can power you through the whole day. Internet is very reliable and the staff bring your drink right to your table, and with the cushioned seats, you won't want to get up anyway! Music there ranges from quiet guitar to current radio favorites- but what's most important is that the volume is reasonable. Plus, when you're done with that paper, you can print it out right across the street at Fed-Ex.

Bagels on Broadway: WORST! If you can even sit down and open your laptop without being approached and asked to purchase something, then you're lucky! The vibe here is, don't get too comfortable... if your mouth isn't full then you're not welcome. Not very conducive to writing that 14 page essay!

#2 Best and Worst: Talc Gallery and Buttercup Market

Talc Gallery and Coffee House: BEST! This brand new shop is a cozy nook with mod decor, great coffee, delicious sweets, and fast internet. Highly recommended for someone who is typing a paper or doing some research and needs limited distractions in an environment that will get those creative juices flowing. On your break, enjoy local artist's paintings, jewelry, and ceramic work displayed throughout the cafe, or do some people watching, looking out on the bustling corner of S.3rd and Orange. Heads up though, Talc is open Wednesday-Friday from 11am-7pm
"Like" Talc Gallery on Facebook And learn about their crafty Thursdays, where $5 gets you all the paint, glue, pretty papers, and inspiration you could ever want!

Buttercup Market: WORST! Its cafeteria seating may be a turn off for many, and with no internet, this may not be a viable option for someone who's trying to do their research paper. It's hard to get comfortable here, but if efficiency is what you're after, then grab a coffee, sit down and work on that math homework... and grab some groceries on the way out!

#3 Best and Worst: City Brew and Liquid Planet

City Brew: BEST! Truly well suited to the business-set, this is a good place for some serious focus to classic jazz. And when it's time to print out your hard work, the UPS store is right next door. It's kind-of cramped though, so be prepared to fight for your right to a power outlet.

Liquid Planet: WORST! Although they have a wonderful staff and great food, the loud, repetitive world music mixing with the heavy metal blasting from your neighbor's headphones just doesn't bode well for meeting your deadline. Plus, they are frequented by disruptive, crazed transients- I have never been there when I haven't seen someone being asked to leave. That being said, this is a great people watching spot, or if you're just hanging out with a friend and can't afford to see the latest terror flick.

#4 Best and Worst: Book Exchange and Butterfly Herbs

The Book Exchange: BEST! If you don't have a computer, the Book Exchange has you covered. They have 2 computers set up with internet as well as Wi-Fi with all-day access to delicious Liquid Planet offerings. This place will remind you of studying in a library, only a lot more fun! Their customers are friendly and courteous, and the staff will let you borrow their stapler. Plus, if you browse on your break, you may come across a few deals!

Butterfly Herbs: WORST! Although a lot of fun with friends or to relax, this place might be too distracting for getting any real studying done. Their seating is very limited, but their coffee has gotten a lot of praise. So- maybe when you're done with a day of hard work, go unwind with some tea and shopping at Butterfly Herbs.

#5 Best and Worst: UM Library and Break Espresso

Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library: BEST! You can't get much better than on-campus for your studying needs, plus with discounted printing at the Paw Print you won't have to leave at all. Well, except maybe for food! If you don't see a computer right away, try one of the other floors. Most computers are equipped with all the programs you'll need to compete assignments. And don't worry! You won't feel pressured in to buying anything. Trust me, you've already paid!!

Break Espresso: WORST! Don't get me wrong, this place attracts tons of students, but that may just be its downfall. The internet is sometimes unreliable and it can be very hard to find a seat. Often, you'll have to sit cramped next to people you don't know, which can be very distracting! That's not to say you can't get a great coffee drink and baked good there- but you may want to think outside the Break for a great study-spot.

Where do you get your best studying done? Disagree with some of these? Leave your response, I'd love to hear of more great places!

~Laura

Jackie Priess of Jax Hats shares about her new Missoula shop, and the connections that have brought her this far

2011-05-02T08:00:00.007-06:00

First of all, I would like to say that this lady is a superhero. From her company slogan, "Saving the world from ugly sweaters," to the way she taught her husband to sew (WOW!), and everything in between: getting her product into nine shops across Montana (six of those in Missoula!), selling and shipping worldwide through Etsy, and participating in the People's Market starting this Saturday.

Adrienne Priess, Photo by Shauna Dasher

Her daughter Bethany is a powerhouse too, a recent graduate of the UM Business Marketing program (woo! heyy!), and joined the Missoula Business Women's Network and is now helping her mom to expand Nationally. How cool is that?

Jackie started off on Etsy and although she has her own website for Missoula handmade hats, she allows Etsy to be her one source of sales. "It is so easy and foolproof," she says, "I have had my Etsy site for 4 years, and have learned so much just by trial and error. I didn't have my first sale for 6 months, so I felt pretty discouraged, but I found that you have to list frequently on this site to be located by a buyer, so when I discovered this piece, I began 'working' my site and the sales started happening."

Many artists I have interviewed shared that learning to list more frequently was the epiphany that got them on the right track with Etsy. My advice to get started with this: make sure you are making an extra $2 outside of labor and raw materials for each of your items. Now, you can re-list 10 of your items (one at a time, at prime times) until you make your next sale. When you make that sale, you'll be making that $2.00 back you spent to re-list your items, and can consider that a cost of advertising. ~LS

Jackie has had experimented with ads on Facebook, "...with little or no discernible results. I have also tried the various Etsy.com special listing ads, but never seemed to result in sales for me. At this time, face to face contact when I do local craft shows with repeat happy customers seems to be my best marketing tool." Still, her business Facebook page has helped her to build her fan base and sales.

Remember getting as much exposure as possible has been recommended over and over by local businesswomen on this blog as a rule of thumb, so there must be something to that! Network and build relationships with other artists and shops in your local community. Jackie sites "Vault Denim" and the group at Upcycled (517 S. Higgins in Missoula) as being two connections that will take her to the next level.~LS

I love my job! What Jackie Priess loves most about her work:

Each of my hats is made from recycled clothing, and each is unique and different. I love how no two are the same, so I don't get bored doing "assembly" work. I love making the buttons from polymer clay that gives each hat the signature "JAX" look. I love how so many people LOVE the hats and come back for seconds and thirds. I have several people that own at least 10 of my Jax Hats! I love how this has afforded me opportunities for a creative outlet with a financial gain. It has been something I have been working toward for over 30 years with many stalls in moving forward as I became a mom and worked full time. When I realized how many people were delighting in the hats I create, and started concentrating on these instead of the clothing line I was making, I took it to the next level.

About teaching her partners and future plans:

When my husband was laid off 3 years ago, I taught him to sew! He has become an integral part of my team and has learned to tap into his own creative side, helping design not only the hats, but also a new jewelry line. This winter we partnered with 2 other artists and opened our own store in Missoula called "Upcycled" located on the "Hip Strip" close to Betty's Divine. We opened on Jan 15, and it has been very successful selling locally MT made crafts made from "upcycled" materials. We are anticipating that it will continue to grow this summer, possibly tripling in revenue. My husband works at the store allowing me to continue working my job that provides the benefits.

Advice for the aspiring businesswoman:

Define your product - try not to do it all. Find what you do best and make it to the best of your ability. Put your signature touch on it and make it not easy to duplicate because of this touch.

Crafts people are usually multi talented and very likely ADD - we want to do it all! When you are displaying your wares at a craft sale and have too much variety of stuff it ends up looking more like a garage sale, and makes buyers confused.

More info on how to find and connect with Jaxhats!:

Jax hats can be found at JaxHats on Etsy or Jaxhats.com. Connect with their facebook page Jaxhats as well as Upcycled and Jackie can be e-mailed directly at jaxhatsmt@gmail.com or jaxonsjazz@hotmail.com.

Find Jaxhats every Saturday at People's Market in downtown Missoula starting May 7th and ending Oct 15th from 9:00am - 1:00pm. This is located on Alder St - 2 blocks south of the Farmer's Market by the XXX's (not the market under the bridge). Visit Jaxhats at Upcycled 517 S Higgins, Missoula, MT or find Jax Hats at Rockin Rudy's, The Green Light, the Artist's Gallery, Sorella's, Apricot Lane in the Southgate Mall, or Freyed Sew in Helena, Cello in Bozeman, or Fawn in Kalispell.

______________________________

Thanks for reading!

This is the third installment in my original series: "I Love My Job: Stories of Real Missoula Business Owners" Read more about this series and how to be featured here. Thanks for reading! It's easy to get Songbird's Branch delivered to your inbox. Just see the "follow by email" button on the sidebar! Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.

~Laura

Help! My blog is buried by schoolwork!

2011-04-29T17:46:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! Songbird's Branch has taken a back seat recently for this crazy ride called life! My classes have gotten a lot more demanding during these last weeks of school! I'm very much looking forward to getting my precious blogging time back. Meanwhile, let's keep hoping for warm weather as some of us are beginning our farmer's market sales efforts! I just wrote about Jax Hats who will be found at the market, also look for Rickie of Raven Ridge Fiber arts at the Clark Fork River Market (by the Higgins St. Bridge) which just opened on Saturday!

Do you make an appearance at one of our markets? Let me know with a comment- I'm putting together a list ;)

Let the sun shine!
~Laura

University of Montana hosts local hat-maker, Jackie Priess April 27-30

2011-04-26T06:40:00.000-06:00

As a U of M student, I'm delighted to share some great news- Jax Hats will have a booth in the UC starting tomorrow (until Saturday). Just when you needed another incentive to get to school this week, Jax Hats just might save your grade! In the next couple of days I'm posting a great interview highlighting Jackie and her business. She's the one who taught her husband to sew. ;)

Jax Hats will be at the University of MT on April 27-30, 2011 and every Saturday at People's Market in downtown Missoula starting May 14th and ending Oct 15th from 9-1:00. This is located on Alder St - 2 blocks south of the Farmer's Market by the XXX's (not the market under the bridge). You can also visit them at Upcycled 517 S Higgins, Missoula, MT or find Jax Hats at Rockin Rudy's, The Green Light, the Artist's Gallery, Sorella's in Missoula or Freyed Sew in Helena, Cello in Bozeman, or Fawn in Kalispell.

My personal thoughts on Etsy and how it effects entrepreneurs

2011-04-22T10:47:00.004-06:00

Let's face it. I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy. Going back in my blog, you would find instances of lavish praise upon the website, alongside fierce critique. Truth is, I have an underlying contempt for the internet in general, the way it has tried to entirely replace our face-to-face communications, and move all of our interactions and progress into a limitless void. If something were to happen to the internet, many people's life's work would go up in smoke. My blog would be gone and I'd have no proof of what I've written here. To me, that's a scary prospect!

So, I bring that cautious attitude toward Etsy, trying to keep it at an arm's length, not wrapping up my income within it- because after all, we rely on each other- locally, despite the illusion of a global market. (Or at least we ought to rely local). I haven't done much with my Etsy account and instead focus my attentions on Alpenglow Apparel and building a real life social network with like-minded Missoulians.

Here are some things I love about Etsy:

It makes owning a small business attainable even with an extremely limited budget. You needn't save to put on huge advertising campaigns to reach your community, you don't need to know anything about business. All one needs is a basic sense of responsibility and to be computer literate.

Etsy has given artists a real place on the internet and is devoted to the business education of its members. There are great resources on their website! It really is a game changer for the artist community.

Here are some things I can't stand about Etsy:

Many never "grow out of" Etsy and form real brick-and-mortar businesses that America needs right now. It allows these business owners to go under the radar and never fully participate in their local economies. Etsy can steal our sense of legitimacy, making it easy to disregard what we're doing by not taking it seriously. In this way it can hurt our confidence and make us afraid of leaving its cushy environment.

I am concerned that many who make money off of Etsy do not have the business sense to get a business license and pay taxes on their income. This strips money from communities and puts those individuals in a dangerous legal position. That being said... it is very profitable for the individual, and for them- that's great.

What do you think? Maybe I'm way off base with my criticisms of the site? Or maybe you agree. Regardless, I will continue to highlight Esty on my blog and show how it has transformed local women's lives, because it's certainly worth talking about!

~Laura

Get Real: Montana Woman Moves Confidently away from Etsy.com in Business Website Launch

2011-04-18T07:30:00.068-06:00

When I first contacted Julie Burns from Missoula, Montana’s Gypsy Moon Designs, she was about to take a dramatic leap. Launching a standalone website (powered by BigCartel) and a marketing campaign would permanently establish herself and her company as a legitimate online business, and cut the cord from her pre-fabricated storefront on popular shopping site, Etsy.com. I was pleased to catch her at the crest of this transition, one that many of us are likely to make as we educate ourselves in marketing techniques, business fundamentals, and gain much-needed confidence.

Julie has always taken her business seriously. Her very first day in Missoula, she approached a jewelry street vendor and started asking questions... And the answers she received, coupled with a high motivational drive and sense of self, empowered her to begin her own venture. Soon, Julie was selling her wares in front of Sterling Savings Bank at the intersection of Higgins and Main Street, giving herself an instant job. “[But] hot summer days and cold Decembers can be exhausting as a street vendor,” she explains, “So many of the tourists were asking if I was online.” So when she found Etsy, she left street vending for good in favor of the comfort of her home and embarked on an exciting world marketplace. And with over 1,800 positive feedback ratings on her shop, one would agree Etsy + Gypsy Moon Designs = a match made in heaven.

Julie attributes the bulk of her success to a growing customer base due to her efforts to self-educate (through online research). “I have learned so much about marketing and sales from the Etsy forums. Even if you do not have a Etsy shop I recommend searching the forums for valuable information. A major factor for any online business is being found. Search engine optimization (SEO) is something you will spend most of your time on. It's all about creating keywords for your site and back links,” she says.

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Search the Songbird's Branch Blog for topics in SEO

Read the "10 Commandments" of Networking
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Also, her confidence didn’t come overnight. “When I lived in Taos, New Mexico, I starting making jewelry and selling it at local markets. I also owned a gift shop in Taos. Taos is an artist community full of wonderful galleries and boutiques. I worked in a few fun galleries prior to taking the leap into store owner.” These experiences have given Julie an entrepreneurial edge. What experiences can you draw from that will give you

an edge, too?

Gypsy Moon Designs will begin its online advertising campaign through Facebook and ads placed on high-traffic blogs. We look forward to hearing how these venues are working!

Other than marketing through her Gypsy Moon Designs Facebook page, Julie relies on face-to-face networking. “Most of my networking is done locally at Missoula Saturday Market. Friends will tell you about upcoming shows… I generally hand out 1000 business cards during the Summer. This past holiday season I had a huge order of necklaces from someone back east who I gave my card to while she was at the Missoula Saturday Market.”

Why Julie loves her job:

"I love creating. Color and texture are so fun to play with. I could stay up all night making jewelry. Also, when a customer emails you and tells you how much they love the piece. Complements are very encouraging and rev you up for more creating."

"I must admit I love working for myself too. It takes discipline, you work many more hours than you would working for someone else, but it is so rewarding.”

Julie’s advice to an aspiring businesswoman:

"Often people think you open a store and money just comes pouring in. Nope. A business is built one small step at a time. Stay focused, disciplined; determine who your target market is.

This to me is the most valuable advice, open a savings account. Retail sales are always up and down. If you have money saved for the lean times you are less stressed. I think customers pick up on desperation. Lastly, do not undervalue your work.

When it comes to pricing I usually set the price and then raise it by 20% more. I learned that trick from financial advisor, Suze Orman. She said that most woman undervalue their work by 20%. If it is a well crafted piece there is a customer for it."
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This is the second installment in my latest series: "I Love My Job: Stories of Real Missoula Business Owners" Read more about this series and how to be featured here. Thanks for reading! It's easy to get Songbird's Branch delivered to your inbox. Just see the "follow by email" button on the sidebar! Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.

"The Birds are Back, and it Makes me Happy"

2011-04-16T20:26:00.005-06:00

Missoula jewelry artist, Jami Shipp made this happy announcement as the title of her latest treasury collection of birdy things from all over Montana. She also included my bird stationery set with her treasury! Here is a link:

Jami's Birds of Montana Etsy Treasury

Our state bird, the Western Meadowlark!

Aside from just making gorgeous jewelry, Jami also makes a consistent effort to gather Etsy artists around Montana and celebrate their art in her treasuries. Amen to that!

I'm so happy the birds are back, too. I have a not so subtle love for birds... as you may have noticed. *wink*

Connect with Jami's business today on her Facebook page!

And most of all, enjoy the beautiful beginning of Spring!

Artfire VS Etsy: FIVE BIG Reasons Artfire is Better

2011-04-12T08:30:00.007-06:00

Check out our great 2012 Update!
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Hello Readers! I am delighted to introduce Gail of Cross Stitch Cards to explain why she packed up her handmade greeting card business and made the move from Etsy to Artfire. She is here to bring us the facts so show her the love with your comments, clicks, and witty responses!

Laura

P.S. I also have a comparison of Etsy VS Big Cartel and Storenvy, so check that out too if you're thinking about spreading your business to one of those venues!

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You've created your handmade products. Congratulations! You've already made the decision to make something and sell it online, but now there's a more important decision to be made. Which online marketplace is right for you? There are many to choose from and two of the most well known are Etsy and Artfire. Using my own experiences, I will be looking at several aspects of the sites to help you decide which one (if either) is right for you. I started using Etsy and then moved to Artfire after about a year, as a lot of my Etsy friends were moving and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about!

1) Fees that Don’t Require a Graphing Calculator

Let's start with the bottom line: Fees and Charges.

Etsy will charge you $0.20 for each listing that you activate or renew. They will also charge you a small Final Value Fee of 3.5% when you sell your item. The listings are active for four months before they expire. I consider this to be a cheap price to pay when you compare it to Ebay for example where the fees are much higher. [Don’t forget the Paypal Fees on top of this!!]

Artfire offers two levels of seller accounts. The Basic Account is completely free in every aspect. No monthly fee, no listing fees, and no final value fees. The Pro Account is currently $9.95 per month with no extra fees, and it gives you more features like a blog to use, shop sections to organize your items, and preferential appearance in search results. The listings are permanent until you deactivate them. I currently have a Basic account which means that I do not pay any fees.

More about Artfire’s Basic Account:

The purpose of the basic account is to let new users get a feel for the site, get to know their way around, and get some items listed; a free introduction to the online experience. Most will upgrade to Pro because of the extra features that it offers. The most useful of these features to me right now would be shop sections. Once you have a large number of items listed, it is easier for the buyer to jump straight to the shop section that they need rather than scroll through pages and pages of your items. I mean, you don't go into a department store and wander all the way round menswear if you are looking for the lingerie, do you? You go straight to the right part of the store!

2) Sure-fire Search Engine Results that Won’t Put a Hole in Your Pocket

(A significant cause of the Etsy-to-Artfire movement)

When you list an item on Etsy, it moves further and further down the search listings the longer you leave it there. In a saturated market such as Jewelry sales, your items will soon disappear among the masses. The only way to bring it back to the top of the search list is to re-list the item. This will, of course, mean paying the $0.20 fee again. Many sellers were needing to re-list their items several times a week to keep them on the first few pages of search and the cost really starts to mount up.

Artfire recommends leaving your listings alone. The longer they remain active, the more likely they are to be found in a search. They submit your item details to Google Shopping and your items will pop up on there on a regular basis when shoppers search for them. If you start deactivating or re-listing items, it can damage your placement in search results.

Artfire get a definite plus point on this as they do some of the work for you there. The constant need to re-list with Etsy is time consuming and expensive, and takes time away from you creating your product. With the fixed fee per month on Artfire, you know exactly how much you will be paying.

3) Show More Photos of Your Product- You Deserve It!

I liked the layout of the Etsy storefront when I was using it. Particularly the way that the photos were displayed. The alternate photos are displayed right next to the main picture and it was so simple to click on the one you wanted to view.

Artfire has the extra pictures displayed underneath the main one, with a scroll bar to look at further pictures. I am finding this a little hard to come to grips with at the moment. The reason for the difference is that you can upload more pictures on Artfire than Etsy, and using a scroll bar is the only way to be able to put them on the screen without having the pictures take over. It's a small point, and one that just takes a little bit of getting used to, but still worth mentioning.

4) Artfire Will Help You Make the Switch, with a Guide Tailored to Former Etsy Users

The act of actually listing an item for sale is different for both sites. Etsy wants a short descriptive title, and Artfire likes a long title with lots of keywords. It's important to read the help guides on each site before starting. In fact, Artfire has a special guide for you to read if you're moving from Etsy, as the two sites do operate differently as detailed in the previous section. The rest of the listing process is pretty similar on both sites as you choose your tags and upload your pictures.

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Search the Songbird's Branch Blog for topics in SEO

Read the "10 Commandments" of Networking

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5) All Shoppers Welcome, No Need to “Sign Up”

I have bought and sold on Etsy and it is a straightforward user experience on both sides. Just like any other online purchase it is easy if you are used to it! I have only sold on Artfire so far, but my buyers certainly didn't have any problems, so I have to assume that the same applies with buying. As with any online purchase, if you want the item, you'll find a way. Not much to choose between them on this as it's pretty standard across the web.

To buy an Etsy item you do need to register on the site and open an account. Some people don't wish to do this to just buy one item, they will go and look elsewhere. To buy on Artfire, you do not need to register or have an account. You can simply “add item to cart” and checkout using Paypal or any other form of payment that the seller accepts. I think this opens up the market much more and makes it easier for the buyer.

Sorry Etsy, You Lose:

My general conclusion would be that there is nothing that I particularly dislike about either site. I would be happy to use Artfire or Esty for selling my products. However, the fees and charges is the main place where it is won or lost for me right now.

Etsy was a lovely, friendly environment for me to begin my handmade venture. It seemed like a gentle introduction to the world of handcrafted item sales. I was able to put as much or as little into it as I wanted. However, there did seem to be a certain pressure there to sell because I was paying a fee for the listings and re-listings all the time. There was a month where I paid more in fees than I received in sales. This caused me to think again about whether it was the right place.

On Artfire, I feel that I can take my time. It feels a little more relaxed. I am not currently paying any fees, and yet still making sales. If I don't have any sales for a while, or take a week off, then I haven't wasted any money on fees. I like the environment, the forums and the ease of listing an item. I am sure that I will upgrade to Pro in due course, and accept the monthly fee as a regular outgoing business cost.

I also love the fact that buyers do not need to sign up with Artfire to make a purchase. It just seems like a more open environment where people outside of the site can easily make a purchase. On Etsy, you are aiming your marketing at the existing users, and it seems a little shut off and in it's own little world by comparison.

Artfire gets my vote.

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See more of Gail's beautifully embellished, hand-stitched cards at Cross Stitch Cards Artfire site. You can also follow her on twitter!

Want to read more of Gail’s interpretation of Artfire VS Etsy? Read about her experiences in their unique community networking environments, a very important part of online sales! All this in Artfire VS Etsy part Two: Comparing the Social Experience, coming up soon to Songbird's Branch! Following is easy. Just enter your email address in the sidebar and it will be delivered to you privately by our server. Thanks for reading!

Compare Bigcartel, Etsy, and Storenvy: Pros and Cons, Who Wins?

Never stop learning, growing, and reaching!

Laura

Differentiate and Dominate! An important lesson from Missoula Business Owner, Elena Ulev

2011-04-04T14:29:00.001-06:00

You may have heard of Mrs. Elena Ulev’s other business, Hummingbird Designs- a real Missoula mainstay, with 10 years of jewelry sales at markets, arts and craft shows, and in local retailers. But in 2008, when HummingbirdMontana entered the online sales community Etsy.com, it soon became clear that Elena would need to differentiate from her competiton. “I did not have much success selling my jewelry on Etsy and was quite disappointed…” Elena says. “I thought I would give Etsy another try with my jewelry organizers because they are unique, and I figured that there might be less competition compared to jewelry.”

What Elena and her husband Seth developed is a truly problem-solving work of art. Built like a screen frame and mounted on a wall, the beautiful organizers are a perfect blend of form and function, keeping jewelry organized, beautifully displayed, and most importantly- out of children’s reach. These clever displays are also handy for showing off original work at shows and markets!

After five years of successful offline sales of these jewelry organizers, Elena had proven her hunch was right. And so, just this December, she came back on the Etsy.com scene with Eventyr Woodworking. “ We are excited but a bit nervous to see what will happen with our little shop. ‘Eventyr’ means adventure in Norwegian and my husband and I are indeed on a creative adventure.”

These days, Elena’s two young children are first priority. Still, she looks forward to building her business further. “As they get older, I might explore more ways to get connected and increase sales.” When asked about her greatest challenge, she explained that the fast pace of the internet, with its social networks and constant innovations, has been overwhelming. “I’d rather sell my product face to face at a market or show than someone over the Internet but I have to keep up with the times, I guess.” I’m sure this is a sentiment that many of us share!

“What I love most about making my jewelry organizers is having a creative outlet and time to myself in the woodshop. Being a mom takes so much energy and the ways that I replenish that energy are spending time outdoors and being creative indoors. I'm thrilled that people like what we have created!”

Elena’s advice to the aspiring businesswoman: “Get exposure. The more people see you and your products, the better.”

This is the first installment in my latest series: "I Love My Job: Stories of Real Missoula Business Owners" Read more about this series and how to be featured here. Thanks for reading! It's easy to get Songbird's Branch delivered to your inbox. Just see the "follow by email" button on the sidebar! Never stop learning, growing, and reaching.

The 10 Commandments of Networking from Jane Foster (My last installment in MBN Symposium Series)

2011-03-28T14:50:00.001-06:00

I had no idea what I was in for when I found my seat in Jane Foster’s presentation at the MBN Symposium! Suddenly, there was chocolate flying everywhere and we were all laughing our heads off! It was truly a fun meeting and I was so happy about the topic discussed. Jane Foster of Stevensville’s Foster and Foster Financial describes the act of making a personal connection a “lost art”. In her presentation, she explained that we need one-on-one contact to develop business relationships to the fullest, and she imparted some tactics to succeed in this age of technology and depersonalization. Jane stresses the importance of following up, and even suggests a handwritten note or phone call. Refreshing, huh?

Most of all, I'd like to share her 10 Commandments of Networking, which I found to be particularly great advice. It reads like an action plan, and sometimes I think that’s just what we need, to be inspired to take action instead of just simmering on broad ideas. Don't you think? Here they are:

Make a “Must Meet” list of people and find out where you can meet them. If you can find an organization to help you meet those goals, choose the one with the best bang for your buck.
Once you choose the group or event to meet those people, bring your best smile, attitude, impression, business cards and a great handshake. -- In class, we did an exercise on the proper handshake, if you weren’t there for that, look for a handshake tutorial coming out soon on my blog!
Gravitate to people you don’t know. Remember: Women move as a pack.
Be early and have consistent attendance. If you’ve paid to be a member of the organization, then make your dollars work harder by meeting more people! The only one who can make that choice is you.
Remember personal space. (18 to 24 inches) -- We did another exercise here where we had to get right up in our neighbor’s faces!! Oh well, at least there was candy on our breaths!
Know who you are and know who you are talking with, and act accordingly. Using the DISC method can help with this. If you are provided a nametag, always wear it!
Listen, with your ears, you eyes, and your body!
Ask thought provoking other-oriented, open-ended questions. They don’t care about what you know unless you show that you care about what they know! When you create value for others, you create value for yourself.
Be present and engaged. Put all your little “tools” away- the smartphone, the laptop, put it away! On smart comment is more memorable than small talk!
Be DISTINCTIVE! You want to be memorable, but in a good way! Make sure you have a way to help you remember the people you meet. Ask for everyone’s card, make notes on the back of them, do whatever you have to do.

An important topic from this meeting was “DISC method” from the book, Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last (Third Edition) It divides us into 4 different networking types and is a powerful tool in understanding yourself and others to make networking work for you! I may discuss this further in another blog post, so if you’d like to hear more on that, just comment to let me know.

I've got to say, if you weren't at the MBN Symposium, you really missed out on this one! With all the candy and laughs, the endorphins ran high and made it a very memorable experience. You can learn more about Jane and her business here at Foster & Foster Financial Services. Jane is a member of the Stevensville Main Street Association, Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, IDEA Mt, and Missoula Businesswomen's Network, where she serves as Chair for the Women's Empowerment Group in the Bitterroot Valley.

Well, this is it! I have completed my series on the Missoula Businesswoman’s Network Symposium for 2011. I hope it was helpful for you, and I encourage my readers to review past installments in my MBN Symposium Series to make sure you didn’t miss anything!

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

Announcing my "I Love My Job" blog series!

2011-03-26T20:06:00.003-06:00

I've been up to something! In a very sneaky fashion, right under your nose, I have sent secret interview invitations to local women whose work I admire. These ladies ROCK! I can not wait to share their experiences, challenges, and advice with you in the coming weeks. They come from all walks of life and have faced many unique challenges, but there is one thing they all have in common. Each one can say, "I Love My Job!"

The series so far:
April 4th: Elena Ulev
April 18th: Julie Burns
May 2th: Jackie Priess
June 16th: Jami Shipp

I know there is much to be learned from these interviews and I hope you'll stay tuned and savor each one with me. Do you know someone who would like to be interviewed on my blog? I am offering one month free of ad space on my blog to qualifying female business owners in Missoula, MT just for answering five questions. Email me at mslaurasimpson@gmail.com for more information!

Entrepreneurship- a Sign of Desperation?

2011-03-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I just returned from a nice family reunion in Las Vegas. While I was over there, I was thinking a lot about local economies and their effect on Entrepreneurship. Yes, I know- I'm a bit of a dork. But I did whip up some observations I think are worthy of sharing, and I hope I can start some conversation on this topic!

In the most recent InBusiness Monthly, I read that a floundering economy has an inverse effect on small business formation. In other words, when times are good, we work at a set pay on a set schedule, we have a boss, and we humbly seek the occasional raise or bonus. The opposite is also true… when the going gets tough, we get our own businesses going!

Think about it: what truly motivated you to start your own business? Were you fed up with your poorly qualified boss? Discouraged with the inherent difficulty of climbing the corporate ladder? Or maybe you're a natural born leader, a self-starter. For the average Missoulian, chances are it was simply the inability to secure a job that suited your skill set while still bringing in enough money to survive. And so, you went it alone.

So tell me, Missoula. Are we self-starters, or just desperate?

Not long ago, I read that a living wage in Missoula, Montana was around $11.24 an hour. That means in order to meet our basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) we need to have full time jobs that pay no less than $4 over minimum wage. Ironically- here in Missoula, finding employment that pays a living wage seems to be a pipe-dream.

I arrived in Missoula, Montana last Summer with my marketing background, strong resume, professional recommendations, and a penchant for networking. Reluctantly, I took my first job in town as a grocery store cashier, hoping for something more. I soon came to understand the gravity of the Missoula economic situation... I was working alongside several bright individuals who had earned Master’s degrees. How frightening it was to find that some must forego the career path they have spent years etching out, only to become a grocery store cashier. It savors of full resignation!

In conversation with a woman from Nevada, I learned that this isn’t just a localized problem. After 40 years of service in a government job, she’s in fear of losing it all in the face of extreme budget cuts at her place of work. I cannot imagine being let go and having to reinvent myself after four decades of service. But that’s her lot- and she’s already thinking about starting her own business. A family member may seek to expand his small NY business to a national level and she has the right experience and connections to help him with that growth.

Entrepreneurship, with its ultra-high stress and risk levels, is most people’s plan Z. So why are so many in Missoula self-employed? We’re all out of options! Perhaps Missoula's greatest source of pride is merely a symptom of its greatest shortcoming. What do you think?

Ready for St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

Admit it, everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Today I'm proud to declare that I'm 1/8th a lucky lass, thanks to my Irish heritage through the Faulk line. There are signs of Leprechauns guarding popcorn gold at the end of a confetti rainbow at my kitchen table today.

I am reminded of my childhood, leaving "leprechaun" notes for my little siblings, they were just young enough to fall for my ruse, and I was just old enough to revel in their curiosity with endless enthusiasm and creativity. Using a thick washer tied to a long rope, I created "footprints" on the roof of the snow-covered gazebo beneath my little sister's window, and then tossed red glitter out onto it. She wondered in amazement that magical Leprechauns had come to visit her.

My little table setting celebrates that time and the Christian evangelist, St. Patrick, who used the shamrock as a way to teach the concept of the Trinity.

My floral arrangement includes white hydrangea and a funny puffy green plant called tricillium which I purchased from Habitat Florial Studio !

The "pot o' gold" was a great find from Missoula 3:16 Thrift Boutique

I made the "confetti rainbow" from a single strand of Kristina Marie's confetti garland. Check out her etsy shop for more fun colors!

The St. Patrick's Day parade is behind us but I'm sure we will all find our own ways to celebrate this special holiday. P.S. Don't forget to wear green!

Blogger is Getting a Makeover!

2011-03-15T10:20:00.001-06:00

Hello on this sunny Missoula morning! It's a little colder than I would've liked, but you know what, you can't have it all. I'm just pleased to know my lilies are sprouting alongside my house! I saw them stretch up their first little green leaves through the soil just yesterday.

I recently got word that Blogger is going to undergo some major changes very soon. I know a lot of us use the blogger platform for our small businesses, so I thought this would be good to share! Heres a neat video:

Read more about the redesign at http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/googles-blogger-is-about-to-get-an-overhaul/

Thank you, Mark of Keenpath Missoula, an inbound marketing company for passing on this valuable information to me and my readers!

If you as well ever come accross information that might be of interest to Montana businesswomen and small business owners please send it my way and I will be sure to highlight your contribution!

Thanks and keep learning, growing, and reaching!

7 Steps to Small Business Marketing Success with Varju Luceno- MBN Symposium Series

2011-03-14T11:00:00.001-06:00

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

So far, I've shared my notes from two great presentations in the Missoula Business Networking Symposium series. Now, I have another for you- her name is Varju Luceno, and she taught some "simple, effective, and affordable marketing strategies" that I know we can all learn from! Among her strategies are sending old fashioned hand-written notes. I love that!

Varju is of course a Missoulian, although born and raised in Estonia she graduated from UM with her MBA and started her own business, Global Office Partners and practices here in Montana.

Here are the seven steps she shared with us:

Strategy before tactics: Varju said this great quote "Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat." This means have an plan! Write down (in detail) who your ideal customer is. Go and listen to what their needs are, what's being offered them, and how it's being offered. Then decide how to reach them.
Fill your marketing hourglass: On average, it takes seven "touches" before a customer will really choose you to provide a service. They need to see, hear from you, read about you, etc. 7 times before you can make that sale! So make sure you are the one that is in control of your online identity, and try to use new technologies to make those 7 "touches" yourself. When she mentioned this I was so astounded. It's true, business is moving faster than ever. So it's important to move with it, and let it work for you instead of against you!
Publish educational content: Another thing Varju said that I am in full agreement with: we really need to find our professional voices and promote ideas, not ourselves! If we can create content that builds trust, and offer free "try before you buy" starter offerings, individuals will feel more comfortable and may even become that holy grail of a customer- the "brand evangelist". This is just as the name suggests, a past customer who is so good at convincing others to try out your product or service, they are practically a salesperson for you.
Create a total web presence: Make short youtube videos (this helps with your SEO too!), get involved with social media like Facebook and Twitter, start a blog, etc. Claim your online real estate, because if you don't, someone else will. It is possible view and MANAGE the feedback we receive online. This is called "reputation management" and it's extremely important. Publishing fresh content is also important to maintaining a web presence.
Use a lead generation trio: You must get the lead to know-like-and trust you before you can sell them anything! How will you accomplish this? Your web presence should be working for you, not against you.
Make a selling system too: This is where the "try before you buy" offering would be helpful. Can you publish a pdf or offer anything for free to your customers? Do so and then follow up to see how they liked it and if they're interested in purchasing the paid version. There may be another selling system that works for you, so get creative!
Live by the calendar: It is so important to be organized. With a calendar, you can anticipate your fluctuations in sales, upcoming holidays, and other things that can become central to your marketing strategy.

Those are some great tips and I've employed a few of them already in my business, thanks to Varju's presentation. Something else she said I want to share:

Emphasize how you are different. (Differentiate and Dominate)

Consider these areas that you may be able to draw from:

Your unique product/service and process
Your unique experience and team
Your unique guarantee
You unique packaging/delivery
Your unique SOLUTION to a problem

As you can tell, Varju Luceno's presentation gave me plenty to think about and even suggested some things to put into action right away! You can read more about Varju at her website Global Office Partners and even follow her on twitter at @varjuluceno .

She recently tweeted an extremely helpful link about the new Facebook page format. Did you know facebook FMBL (that is used to create unique landing pages and links on a business Facebook page) went out of date as of March 10th? That's right, there is a new and better way to personalize the Facebook user experience and this article tells us all about it: http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/2011/03/09/adding-custom-content-to-new-facebook-pages/

Varju also suggested this great book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR .

You can actually get it for only 10 bucks on Amazon.com right now if you take the link. Don't stop learning about how to use the free technologies out there that can help us make more sales!

I am so thankful to have met Varju and heard all this great information. There is so much more I'd like to share with you from my notes, but for now you will just have to keep on wishing you were there! I am continuing my series on the MBN symposium until I've given you all I can about these inspiring women and their presentations. If you're hungry for more, check out some of my past entries from my MBN series!

Coming up soon: Interviews with a few amazing Missoula artists from Etsy.com! These successful ladies will share their great business ideas, tips and tricks that will be vital help for any of us who are just starting out on Etsy, the old veterans, and those who need a little inspiration boost to get back in the game.

Thanks for reading! Never stop growing, learning, and reaching!

~Laura

Surfing the Net? Here are 3 ways to keep from "wiping out"!

2011-03-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the internet, I must admit I'm a heavy user. For me, having an intention for my time online before sitting down to my laptop is the key to remaining productive. It also helps to know great sites so you don't have to go sifting through tons of web-garbage to find a little meaty, useful, memorable content.

I want to share with you some of my favorite local sites that I come to again and again to get the latest on online marketing and entrepreneurship.

Keenpath, a Montana inbound marketing company posts juicy original content to their blog all the time. I'm giving you their Facebook because that's the way I like to surf them- I like to see what's new crop up among all the boring status updates my friends leave. You could also just go to their inbound marketing company website to see the content all at once.
Montana Inbusiness Monthly- some people pay for this subscription or turn their quarter through the little sidewalk dispensers. I for one enjoy free things at least 60% more, so I check out their website to see all the great articles and find out who's new in town. This can be great for gaining new leads. New businesses need help and a little push can go a long way! The last issue had Alpenglow Apparel (a screen-printing company I co-own) so it became an instant keepsake... that one I bought. :)
Have you ever checked out the Missoula Businesswoman's Network? Now THERE's something I don't want you to miss. Joining is $45.00 (1 year) and you have instant access to a network of amazing businesswomen. And who doesn't like learning from a real live human being?

I will undoubtedly be adding to this list as I realize how many great ones I've left out! If you know any sites that are useful to you and are Montana-based, please comment below and I'll add them in!

Happy International Women's Day!

2011-03-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

First, thank you to all the ladies who have provided such a wonderful response to my blog and the Missoula Women Etsians list! Your comments have meant so much to me. I'm grateful that I will be able to learn and grow with you in our pursuit of business success and all things beautifully handmade! Soon, I will introduce a few special ladies from our list and share with you their answers to five questions that I think will broaden our understanding of online business.

Did you know? Today marks the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. When the holiday was first celebrated internationally (1911) women could not yet vote in most countries. Now, a number of women serve as presidents and are in other positions of political and social power. This year, the focus is on "Equal access to education, training, and science and technology: pathways to decent work for women."

I sit with my hot chocolate today reflecting on these things and knowing that soon I may be trading in my hot drinks for iced tea and lemonade. Despite yesterday's brief snowfall, I get this wonderful feeling Spring is here (or near)! It makes me want to go buy bunches of tulips and daffodils! I love the look of a simple jar of tulips on a freshly wiped kitchen counter top. I am always amazed by what flowers can do to lift the spirit and usher in a new season indoors.

I have always loved plants of all kinds. As a child, I made my own “greenhouse” under my bedroom window, using a tarp and stools. Eventually, my little dream came true... I have worked in a greenhouse, nurturing thousands of plants and with tender care have brought many flowers to bloom. I would harvest and arrange flowers for my floral design class at the college I attended at that time. Those days are colored by perfect pink snapdragons and smell like rich soil and bright, bold mums.

French Bouquet, Songbird Floral Design

I have had my etsy shop for almost one full year, and I am introducing something new to celebrate Spring! Fresh cut flower arrangements will now be part of my offering, available to Missoula residents only, thanks to my connection with Bitterroot Floral Shop and other florists in town. My first live arrangement, the French Bouquet, is available now in my shop. Little by little, and depending on response, I will introduce more selection! Coming up next will be live roses, daffodils, and tulips.

I hope Spring inspires you also. Why not try new things and embrace the beauty of our natural world as everything comes alive again! What is Spring inspiring in your life today?

Etsy vs Big Cartel and Storenvy: The breakdown for Montana

2011-03-07T09:22:00.002-07:00

Montanans are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic, intelligent women. So if you are feeling drawn to form an online shop, don't worry- it's only natural!

As a Missoula resident, you will be joining a constantly growing group of over 30 ladies that I've been able to list, and remember that is only on Etsy. Needless to say, you will have a strong network of locals that will help learn the ropes if you just reach out. But remember, Etsy is not the be-all-end-all of online sales! Keep your mind open to your other options. (I say this with a grain of salt because I think Etsy is by far the best.) In interest of avoiding dogma and instead latching on to the real TRUTH of the situation, I will delve into each of the top 3 venues for internet sales and tell you why Etsy still comes out on top.

First, check yourself.

Why do you want to sell things online? What are you selling? When do you want to make it your full-time job, if at all? How much time can you devote to it? Do you already have a following, or are you just starting out and trying to generate one? Asking yourself these questions will help you determine what you need from your online venue.

Next, weigh your options.

Etsy PROS: You will be immersed into an online community of (primarily) female artisans on a website that caters to them. Etsy has a unique feel that has you constantly oogling at gorgeous designs and soaking in inspiration. Also, the free educational materials (video lessons, tutorials, helpful links to online sales and marketing resources, uplifting stories) are nothing to scoff at. It's easy to navigate and you don't have to learn HTML to make your site look professional. Etsy drives traffic to you with great SEO on Google, and puts you on a playing field of people eager to be inspired to buy a beautiful, unique item (yours!).

Etsy CONS: It's one of the most expensive ways to sell product online. The customization options for your shop are fairly limited... you can edit the banner, info, and shop sections, and that's all. You will be billed both by Etsy and Paypal, a double-whammy of fees that hurt your bottom line. Your customer must first create an account with Etsy before they are able to purchase anything, and that extra step could easily lose you sales.

A Down-and-Dirty Comparative analysis of Etsy Fees vs Big Cartel and Storenvy

In the case study of a woman maintaining a maximum of 250 listings per month, the average Etsy bill was $68 per month. Maybe you think that's not too bad, but consider this...
Etsy and Paypal combined shave off a nice chunk, with transaction fees and a percentage off the sale price.
Etsy: $0.20 listing fee per item (which you must renew every 4 months) and 3.5% of your sale price, not including shipping.
Paypal: 2.9% of total price plus $0.30 transaction fee.

Had this same woman used only Big Cartel and had the same amount of traffic, she would have saved $580. That's because of Etsy's listing fee (you pay whether it sells or not, and must renew every 4 months, or more to stay at the top) and its 3.5% transaction fee. Big Cartel only has a monthly fee. Storenvy has no fees at all, so that woman would have paid NOTHING for her sales, except Paypal fees.

All that being said, I recommend Etsy. Why? I think all those PRO's I listed really do outweigh the cons for the beginner. It's just more user-friendly. As they say, the secret to success is support. Big Cartel leaves you standing alone on the world wide web, and the internet is a really big place. It's also hard to "get found" and generate sales on Storenvy, for several reasons- its users are less connected, its SEO isn't as good, and its educational resources are non-existent.

Here is another thing that might help you before you get too deep into the online world, it's a resource I wish I had before I started my own Etsy shop one year ago. I recently read this great book by one of Missoula's own woman business leaders, Linda Faulkner. I met her at the Missoula Businesswoman's Network Symposium and purchased a signed copy! I highly recommend it. Taking the Mystery Out of Business is full of ESSENTIALS and may be a great way to start before even setting up an account with Etsy or any other venue. If you need a boost on your business knowledge, this book is for you!

Get a SNEAK PEEK inside this book by taking the link I've provided. It will take you to Amazon where you can read pages from inside the book and read its great reviews.

Maybe this book will be of help to you as it was for me!

Please follow my blog for more great insights for Montana business women, including more from my MBN Symposium series!

My Series on the 2011 MBN Symposium

2011-03-06T16:57:00.003-07:00

Hello, readers! I invite you to enjoy several enriching presentations given by inspiring leaders at the January 2011 Missoula Businesswomen's Network Symposium . Each session has given me the opportunity to share my detailed notes on topics that we can all learn from, from marketing to networking, and beyond! My notes are published with permission of the presenters and are an accurate reflection of their topics and main points.

The Complete MBN Symposium Series:
#1 Lois McElravy
#2 Karen Porter
#3 Varju Luceno
#4 Jane Foster

Were you at the Missoula Businesswoman's Symposium too? If so, you may have had a candid photo taken of you! The photo of me (above) was a candid shot taken by Youa Photography. She has posted a Facebook album of 100 photos from that night, so take a look- there might be one of YOU there, too! Don't have a Facebook account? You can also see them here: Flickr

I would love to know that other Missoula women are benefiting from this series and if I should continue to focus on Missoula business and inspiring women in my entries. Your comments are always appreciated. To get more, "follow" my blog by providing your e-mail on my sidebar.

Interested in attending the 2012 MBN Symposium? This year it's January 28th. I hope to see you there!
Keep learning, growing, reaching!!
~Laura

The Wide World of Etsy, and the Missoula Women who are making $$ doing it!

2011-03-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just how big is the artisan shopping and networking site, Etsy.com? Pretty huge (170,000 shops on the site, last time I checked). You could really get lost sifting through hundreds of thousands of handmade items, but why do that when I've made you this nice list of Etsy shops owned by talented Missoula women?

Whew! When I decided to compile this list I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into. There sure are a lot of you Missoula ladies making some fabulous items on etsy! Truly, all my future gift giving could be totally covered by this list of great shops.

My descriptions are brief, but descriptive. If I have represented your shop in this list and you'd like to contribute something to the description, (or if you'd like to be added to the list,) feel free to leave a comment with your url!

Salty and Sweet Has sold over 800 mobiles, you can follow her on her twitter account !

Eventyr Woodworking specializing in unique and fun jewelry organizers.

Clothes Parenthesis vintage clothing by Krisi Marcus, a Grad student at UM!

Re.dress beautiful up-cycled, vintage, recycled clothing and accessories.

Serendipity Beaded Creations Beaded jewelry galore by Olivia Sears, find her on facebook and twitter. Cool tip: She also can be heard on the Missoula NPR radio station Wed. Nights 12:30am-2am playing Filmtracks, and reading our weather Fridays 5am-7am!

Gypsymoon Designs ~ One of my favorites! Link with her facebook and check out her blog!

Lady Pajama publishes a monthly zine and specializes in paper arts and collage.

Paula's Garden a tremendously popular etsy shop and for good reason... Lavender! Paula Scoggins, a UM undergrad is pursuing her Fine Arts degree while tending and crafting the crops of her 18 year-old lavender field.

Montana Pulp Works is a shop filled with beautiful paper garlands of all kinds. Also visit the facebook page.

Send Sunshine teeny, tiny felted animals that are amazingly life-like! By the incredibly talented Laurie Pace.

Elizavella's Enchantments here, Elizavella Collins sells high-quality clip art image. She has another shop too!

Sam's Crochet this 20-something makes hats, scarves, bags, and more! Also check out her blog.

Elle Art Designs enjoy planting inspiration from Elle! She has also has a Facebook.

Bonifide Blues Studio by Brenda Elvey. Fused glass pieces, bracelet fabrication, and sock banks!

Grant Creek Yarns by Heidi McBride

Avocado Designs lovely jewelry with excellent presentation!

Lune Luxe photography by Patia Stephens, check out her blog too!

Woolyfelt Creations by Jess Null all kinds of felted animals, pictures, and fantasy creatures. See her facebook

Smells Funky creative ceramic jewelry, bowls, and more!

Dig This Chickby Nici Holt Cline, appliquéd sweatshop free, organic apparel. See her facebook and website!

Unconventional Ida by Stella Latwinski, her two sites are full very cool pencil and ink drawings on cherry wood. I first met Stella at the MADE fair. She has a blog and a twitter account you can check out too!

Piper and Paisley very popular handmade hats which I happen to love.

Raven Ridge Fiber Arts Rickie van Berkum's hand-spun yarn and knit items!

Jaxons Jazz Jackie "Jaxon" Priess makes fun up-cycled hats and blogs right here

Elizabeth Claire Rose I met Elizabeth at the MADE fair this year. Her Etsy shop has intaglio prints + art cards, photography. Also visit her website!

IvolveS wraps and hair clips, I love the item photos! Very pretty.

And after you look through all those, please don't forget mine! It's Songbirds Branch, where I sell floral arrangements and stationery gifts.

Great ETSY resources:

How to Make Money Using Etsy: A Guide to the Online Marketplace for Crafts and Handmade Products

101 Ways to Market Your Online Jewelry Shop: Free and Cheap Ways to Market, Promote, Advertise

Etsy Success - How to Make a Full-Time Income Selling Jewelry, Crafts, and Other Handmade Products

I would love for this to be a fully comprehensive list, I am always ready to add new listings! Do you have a Missoula etsy shop to share? Leave a comment and I'll make sure to add you. You can also see constantly updating lists of Missoula area etsians right here: Etsy Shop Local- Missoula

Please show the love and follow my blog! It's easy to do by entering your e-mail on my right sidebar.

Coming soon: a Missoulian's guide to getting started on Etsy!

Learning from Missoula's Karen Porter, Growing Your Business Online - MBN Symposium Series #2

2011-03-02T09:00:00.001-07:00

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

As a UM Business Marketing student, I actively seek out opportunities to learn more about online marketing, social media, and networking- and last month's Missoula Businesswomen's Network Symposium was a real smorgasbord. I am a new member of MBN and the education and fun it's provided thusfar has been well worth the membership fee! Think of my excitement when I heard Karen Porter, (an award-winning UM Marketing professor and co-founder of a mother-daughter owned business, Skinny Dip Candle) would be giving a talk on growing an online business!

Karen Loye Porter's presentation at the Missoula Business Network Symposium was the most valuable for me as a small business owner, partly because of the sheer volume of technical knowledge she shared and also because she met me right where I was in my stage of growth- such that every topic was a point of learning for me.

I'm excited to share some of my notes from her talk, "Growing Your Business Online (Without Draining Your Bank Account or Losing Your Mind in the Process!)" I hope that these notes can be of some help for you too!

Karen started with some down-to-Earth basics:
A Website, Blog, Facebook Business Page, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Places, and Adwords are among some of the most valuable resources to us on the web right now. The internet is full of distractions so getting our priorities straight is very important! The idea is to make the best of these by maximizing our time and efforts spent online. Make sure you have clear goals for your website. Otherwise, what's the point?

Using Facebook for business:
Do you use a business Facebook page? Do you know the difference between a Facebook fan page and regular profile? I actually have a Facebook business page for Alpenglow Apparel (see it here). At first, there were HUGE growing pains learning how to use it. After being so accustomed to using regular (personal) Facebook profile was difficult for me to navigate the unique social bounds for their business pages and work to gain an active following.

Naturally, I was on the edge of my seat as Karen let us in on some great tips for how to use Facebook specifically as a business. Lots of business use (and abuse) Facebook without realizing it! There's tons to discuss on this topic and I wish I could go into more detail, but if you're a little lost in that area too, you could check out Karen's free Facebook Business Page Tutorial by joining her mailing list at www.ImpactOnlineMarketing.com It was definitely helpful for me! It comes with a handy checklist for optimizing your Facebook page that will help you cover all your bases.

Some sound "get found" Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advice from Karen:

Get on Google Places, "claim" your business on the map, making sure to fill in all the fields!
Know the words your customer is searching

The Google Keyword Tool shows monthly searches for words. In the left-hand column, unclick "broad" and click "exact"

Use the words you found from the Google Keyword search on your Headlines, "pepper" them across your page, with a different keyword on every page.
Ask for reviews, good reviews will boost your SEO
Go to a professional to help you where you lack knowledge, but be careful- make sure they explain their "tricks" to you. Some "tricks" SEO service providers use are outdated and may even HURT your ranking!

Well, that's all I have for you! Don't you wish you had been there for the real thing? Or maybe you were there! I would love your comment feedback. You can read more about Karen and learn more great tips on her brand new blog!

See some of Karen's great body massage candles and sets: Skinny Dip Candles they offer 36 candle scents as well as their own gift pack, called Pamper Packs. They manufacture locally right here in Missoula but sell across the U.S.

Laura's related reading:

Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series)

Search Engine Optimization Secrets: SEO For 2011

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

Lessons from Lois - 1st installment in my MBN Symposium series!

2011-03-01T12:00:00.003-07:00

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

Some people have so much beautiful enthusiasm and spiritual energy, they just blow you away. Lois McElravy, to me, is one of those people.

Before I even met her in person, I felt somehow drawn by her photo and amazing life story. Lois suffered a brain injury 21 years ago, but you'd never have known. It doesn't show in her eyes, her face, her style, or her attitude. Instead, she is just like a breath of fresh air. Although I was unable to attend her presentation at the Missoula Business Network Symposium, I made a point of introducing myself and I spent a few minutes basically basking in her aura of strong positive energy as she showed me her table of business and empowerment cds, booklets, and magic wands. Yes, magic wands! HaHa!

Later in the day, she asked me to have a photo-shoot with her! What a surprise that was and a fun experience! I would highly recommend hanging out with Lois McElravy, but if you're too far away for that or can't manage a flight to Montana, then at least check out her website. She does keynote speaking too, so you could just fly her out to you instead!

To learn more about this amazing woman and her work, go to: Lessons from Lois

Books Lois recommends: The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want
What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better

This blog entry is part of my series called "The 2011 MBN Symposium". To read other posts in this topic and gain more valuable insight into the presenters at the 2011 Symposium, see the series here: Missoula Businesswomen's Symposium

There Are no Children in America

2011-02-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

My Man brought up an interesting topic last night, that of the eerie lack of children playing outdoors. Now, I understand it's Winter time, but remembering my childhood in upstate New York, snow meant snow-forts. And snow-forts meant snow-wars between my siblings and I, sometimes involving 2 or 3 neighbor kids taking sides and letting the snowballs fly. This entire Winter season, I am sorry to say that the only snowball I've seen was the one my guy threw in my face while we picked out Christmas trees (ho ho ho.)

So where are they? Where are the kids? I remember one of the first things I said while first driving down a Missoula street last Summer, "This place makes me want to have a baby!" It was nothing but pristine, the tree-lined streets, the amazing downtown with carousel and giant wooden maze of a playground. Nothing much has changed since then, except the streets have always seemed so void of play. No basketballs, street hockey, or games of tag were seen that Summer, and none since. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places, but you shouldn't really have to look.

One thing I share in common with Robin is that he and I define our childhood by the outdoors. For me, it was running through the pines with my little brother and sister, hunting fairies and other imaginary creatures, big piles of leaves to jump in, and giant snow slides my Dad made for us every Winter. For Robin, it was general mischief with neighborhood friends, water balloon fights, piling up the Las Vegas desert rocks to serve as forts, and Winters in NY full of hockey and sledding.

So what's in store for the children of today? I'm worried that there has been a cultural shift, and we are witnessing the first silent Spring of our Country's youth, the kids that went indoors- and never came out.

Has the Wii actually replaced all childhood games and sports? Have the Nation's children finally been devoured by the relentlessly blaring television and countless online RPG subcultures? Have America's parents, self-absorbed and self-sufficient, drawn their social circles so tiny that they exclude their own neighbors from their interactions?

What kind of people will these children be, having never stretched their legs and tested the limits of their glorious, short-lived youth? I really don't want to know them, they will be like aliens that scowl at the sun and think that grass is only for cutting, leaves are only for raking, and snow is only for plowing. Somebody, save the children! From what I've seen, there are no children in America.

I cordially invite you join me in detesting these frighteningly ironic items:
The Sims 3 Outdoor Living
Wii Active Life Outdoor Challenge
Family Party: 30 Great Games Outdoor Fun (for Nintendo Wii)

Signing off! ~Laura

Montana Women in Business!

2011-02-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Lately, my job has taken me all over town meeting so many great small business owners, and I can't wait to share what I'm seeing and learning along the way! So... where to start?

I recently joined to Missoula Businesswoman's Network and have gained so much valuable business and networking knowledge from their annual symposium. MBN has been good to me, they covered the cost of my admission to the event in the form of a scholarship! Not only was I able to spread the word about my company, I also gained plenty of inspiration from the presenters.

Coming up, I will share my notes from the following presentations:
Karen Loye Porter from Impact Online Marketing, on "Growing Your Business Online"
Ris Higgins from Leadership Outfitters, "Release Your Voice Within. Reclaim You!"
Jane Foster from Foster and Foster Financial Services, "Face to Face Networking? Are You Kidding?"
Varju Lucento from Global Office Partners, Inc. "7 Steps to Small Business Marketing Success"
I also had a very special meeting with Lois McElravy from Lessons from Lois, see her website here.

Related reading:
Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections
Duct Tape Marketing: The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide
Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day

So, stay tuned for valuable insights from these amazing women!

~Laura

Missoulian’s Lament

2011-02-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to all the Missoula drivers. Something's been on my mind. I think it's been on yours too. This is about... POTHOLES!

Missoula tempts us with Spring, but we all pay a price

The water expands and turns into ice

Between cracks and crevices under our feet

and it all does a number on Missoula streets.

Potholes! They’re everywhere, if you haven’t seen,

So big you can barely drive in between!

Weaving and swerving through each intersection,

Just to protect your precious suspension!

This is a cry to our lawmakers, (who must not have cars)

Or who live in a section not as bumpy as ours,

Please see the plight of Missoulian motorists,

And clean up this warzone, looks like bombs have been dropped on us!

And if you don’t hear us, I know what I’ll do,

I’ll move to the third world… where the roads are more smooth!

A Favorite Inspirational Quote

2011-02-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I hope you draw some wisdom from this quote. I first heard it from a friend I met in my first year of college. She told me she wanted to be the first female President of the US! A woman with that kind of ambition is a good match for a quote like this, don't you think?

So maybe I will be bold today and let you in on a little secret. Did you know I co-own a small screen-printing business? I love giving discounts to members of MBN, SBC, and non-profits. We are the sustainable choice! http://www.alpenglowapparel.com/

Related reading:
Quotes of Note: Brilliant Thoughts Arranged by Subject
Great Quotes From Great Women
The Smartest Words Ever Spoken: 1001 Timeless Quotes

Thanks for reading, and I would love to hear your favorite quotes!

~Laura

A new thing

2011-01-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

I'm doing something new!! Surprised?

It's called Alpenglow Apparel. A custom screen-printing service that is causing local businesses to re-think their printing practices and make the switch to Organic cotton and Eco-friendly, permanent inks. We are the only screen-printers in Missoula with a full commitment to our eco-friendly product and a member of the Sustainable Business council.

As a co-owner of the company, I've joined the Missoula Businesswoman's Network and made some great connections at their Symposium last week. Check out our website at www.AlpenglowApparel.com and friend our facebook! Alpenglow Apparel Facebook Page oh yeah, and I've been tweeting about this a while at @MTgreenTee

Please connect with us and help us build our influence in the community as we help Missoula businesses to adhere to true sustainable practices!!

Oh my goodness, it's 2011!

2011-01-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

My blog really took a back seat to life for the past few months! There has been much purging of the old to make way for the new! My time at the floral shop has come to an end but it was a wonderful learning experience. I also ended employment with the local grocery store in favor of something better, something NEW.

Robin and I formed a business called Alpenglow Apparel. I do not attribute its formation to the loss of that cashiering job, all praise goes to Robin for his level-headedness during this tough time and thinking on his feet how to best manage our dwindling resources.

Alpenglow is a German word meaning the phenomena of light refracting off snowy mountain-tops just before sunrise. A rosy glow results- and it's truly breathtaking. This is a scene we've become accustomed to in the beautiful Missoula, Montana valley.

The company is an LLC and we will be working exclusively with organic cotton and screenprinting with eco-inks. The website is here: www.AlpenglowApparel.com

Hopefully this venture will be enough for us to live off of for now and hopefully it will thrive in the future. It requires our combined 200% effort in every department and since its incorporation we've been met with some success.

I embark on another amazing year, grateful for every day I've been given. Trying to make the most of it.

Amazing Day!

2010-10-28T16:43:00.000-06:00

I have some great news to share! Today I was asked to come design a couple peices at Bitterroot Flower Shop and voila, was offered a brand-new part time job! The whole interview process was a great experience and I'd love to share a little about that.

I arrived early with my own humble tools: green floral tape, a floral knife and snippers for woody stems. Lynda, the flower buyer, brought me to the large back design room, full of desks, sinks, flowers, and walk-in refrigerators. She told me that I could use anything I want and just be free to design.

This was both thrilling and intimidating for me! The only fresh flowers I've had available to me for the past several months have been roses, and normally I would just cut those shorter and set them in a vase, nothing complicated. But now, with three enormous refrigerators full of every flower and folliage you could imagine at my finger tips, I simply didn't know where to start. All I knew is that I'd need a baket.

My first arrangement was difficult for me. I changed my mind several times during the process, I inserted and removed folliage, and finally came up with what I'd like to call free-gathered Autumn arrangement. While creating this peice in my nervousness and excitemnet, I imagined myself a child holding her mother's hand. As they walk through the woods on an Autumn afternoon, they gather anything that fascinates. Berries, daisies, yellow button poms, plenty of leatherleaf make up the arrangement that resulted from my trips to- not the forest but- the refrigerator. Instead of becoming a densely constructed and strictly traditional arrangement, it's whimsical and free-form. I'm glad my imagination freed me from the nervousness that would have otherwise took hold.

My second arrangment was a breeze. I found a low and lovely vase and filled it to the brim with moss. This arrangment, I decided from the start, would be in the Terra-Firma style and very high fashion. Terracing with lemon leaves, I built an "altar" to the flower that started it all. The Stargazer lily is said to have begun the floral industry as we know it today. This bold flower is still fashionable today, and especially when displayed alone, has a very contemporary vibe. The three willow branches were a nod to the practice of Ikebana, the first true artform based on flowers.

So with these arrangements and a little small talk with the lady designers in back, I was given the first job of my dreams! The only job I've ever truly dreamed of having. To work immersed in such incredible beauty, and to bring my creativity to the spotlight once again.

Things I've Learned Recently~

2010-10-09T21:08:00.000-06:00

This blogpost starts a tradition. One year ago today I wrote about some things I had learned over the course of the year. That blogpost can be found here . So now it's time to take a hint from the 22 year old stuck in 2009 and bring forward something fresh, something oh-so-now!! :)

The problem is I don't know where to start.

The BIGGEST lesson I've learned this year is how quickly an intention, a thought, can transform your reality as long as it's in God's will for you. Here are some thoughts that became my world today (aka dreams come true)

I AM A BUSINESS WOMAN AFTER ALL

The dream: To start and grow my own business in Floral Design

Built an Etsy.com business
2 sales as of today, without any $$ spent on advertising or marketing

I LOVE QUALITY FOOD AND SHARING IT WITH OTHERS

The dream: To eat healthy foods and have less impact on the environment

I now work at an organic, non-profit grocery store where I get all my food at a discount and help others achieve this lifestyle as well.

MOVING TO MONTANA WITH HIM WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE

The dream: To be with my man and build a life with him, no matter where it takes me

We're still together and growing our relationship!
We moved to Montana so that he could pursue his graduate studies and stay together. (this is proving to be the RIGHT choice.)

I WILL ALWAYS BE A JAZZ MUSICIAN

The dream: To keep singing jazz and meet other musicians

I make regular appearances at the Badlander where Tommy and the Front Street Jazz Ensemble play amazing stuff!

I AM A CHAMPION OF DEVELOPING GOOD IDEAS I CAN'T PURSUE

The dream: To be continually inspired by the world around me to create and thrive.

I wanted to start a business in natural hair care with 100% aloe vera as the base
I wanted to start a business selling the high quality bluestone found on my parent's property as a craft material. My younger siblings as my employees... my miners. :)
I wanted to start a business making kits for indoor gardens to hang on kitchen windows. (This idea has already taken off for someone else, more power to them)
A BILLION other things. But the ideas themselves are so entertaining to me, I get all the satisfaction I need in just daydreaming about them.

It's just been a great year. I need to keep working hard and pursuing whatever's within reach. I'm loving the journey.

Business Stuff

2010-10-08T17:51:00.000-06:00

I am so happy that I've made two sales already, and it wasn't even my Mom or my friend as the customer!! This has given me a lot more confidence that selling my art online will be a good thing for me to keep doing.
Sold 9/28: Set of 6 Silk Mum heads, $7.00

I was having some serious doubts lately! Because of my extremely tight budget, I'm unable to buy high quality brand new silk flowers. This makes it incredibly hard to put together something worthy of sale in an online community swarming with amazingly talented artists. How can I be expected to achieve the elegant, sophisticated designs I dream of with only 20 year old, dusty flowers from the thrift store? I can make one or two nice things but certainly not enough to fill a whole shop.

Sold 10/08 : Pressed flowers and display frames, $3.50

These little pansies were growing in a pot on the front porch. One day, on a whim, I began to pick and place them between the pages of a large book for pressing. A couple months later, and they are perfectly preserved with all their beautiful colors. When I found the tiny frames at the thrift shop, I thought this would an excellent way to display the blooms and keep them from the elements!

So as you can see the things I have sold have been more along the lines of supply and small gift, not large arrangements. This could be because my shipping costs are so high on the large florals (they incorporate dried flowers and will need to be very well packaged) So I've made a flyer to post at work about my designs and hopefully drive business by offering free shipping for Missoula residents. I simply can't move forward with more designs without making a sale to break even on sales and supply costs. I can't make anything remotely Christmas-y because I lack the materials!

So there will be a new influx of smaller, more giftable items in my shop. Things like "blooming pens" and flower hair clips, and really whatever else I can think of that I can put together with these supplies I have! Maybe around the holiday season people will purchase these smaller items as gifts. I will also be joining a couple ETSY Teams which help members to market themselves for free accross the site. I was also thinking of building a Etsy floral designers team, but I just can't bring myself to do it unless I have more sales and attractive items.

I can't help but always thinking of new creative ways to make ends meet. School and food are just too expensive. I'm so glad I don't have a car, I'd be unabe to fill the tank anyway. I look forward to the days when I don't have to nervously clutch my checking register and triple check if a purchase is actually ok to make. I will also be trying out hand addressing envelopes this holiday season to make a little money and to save people some time (a suggestion from Mom) thanks Mom. :)

Necessity is the mother of invention! And here we go!