Referring to tiny fleas from my previous post has made me think of attention spans today. I know, sounds like a miracle....but I really did give this next post some thought.
Challenge yourself! Try to hang in here and learn something!
Challenge yourself! Try to hang in here and learn something!
..... but I do still remember the days when you could write (or receive) a note or leave a message (remember those cute pink message slips?) well, way-back-when ..... I would also see those 'notes' and feel a responsibility to my company to respond (after all, they were paying me to represent their company)..... It's something that used to be called 'professionalism'.
A response might look like a quick email, fax .... or even a real telephone conversation .... but likely because of THE dreaded REAL 'pink slips' the world today appears to be spinning in a new orbit and this is not how business rolls anymore.
People working in our tattered economy, are ground-down to-the-bone, loyalty is a thing-of-the past and sadly, communication is deleted as though it never existed. It's pure urban survival clusters! No one really cares about 'action' (unless it involves $ for them). Even if you now 'copy' a boss or fellow colleagues ... they will also ignore you!


Their unharnessed energy could actually fuel a nuclear power plant but that's another story.
Here is the sequence;
#1. With the first 'spark'....also known as 'Plan A'..... a new Entrepreneur will begin by spending hard-earned cash in development of their new product, service or idea. As if that isn't bad enough, time-spent is in another category TIME- devoted can be staggering because their brains will never turn off as they connect with people on this 'plan' - and many times (because you won't have bags of money to deliver to them 'yet') the people they're connecting with are not very engaged or paying attention in the least. It's a hard sell.... but the determination is palatable. Products and support materials are developed anyway.....and it's very difficult to stop this process until you are charred beyond recognition.


The idea to spawn interest and get people 'talking' through 'free product samples' given out like candy-mints, might even make perfect sense. The idea will begin the 'smouldering' preview before 'it' lights and takes off. A new Entrepreneur will be happy to comply- recipients will be thrilled to ask for more samples!
#4. Selling and Distribution 101; A new Entrepreneur should have 'boots-on-the-ground' at some level to sell in any volume..... if not, just use the boots to kick their ass - cuz they aren't going anywhere otherwise. You need a clear distribution path and the internet is not the single answer! To paraphrase a wise person from a prior post 'You can have a crappy product with distribution and you'll be OK... but a great product without distribution will be going nowhere fast.' Distribution really is everything when selling something. (period)
#5. 'Plan B'....In the category of 'distribution' and a 'voice' for educating and telling the world about your brand through 'Shopping Shows'; hmm? sounds perfect .... A new Entrepreneur should learn upfront that shopping show buyers are next-to-impossible to reach (they can put a flea to shame!) and note that every laid-off employee from those entities is now 'working there' but as an independent 'rep' with their hands out for a big % to make an introduction to a buyer for you. It also should be noted if your brand is Made in the USA you are already at a disadvantage for pricing. That's a fact.
In Kool-Aid Rehab....the bell-curve has peaked (to bring you more challenges)...... and the sound of big business will begin to ring flat as you 'get real'.....

#7. A new Entrepreneur will also be developing distribution strategies in the way of possible Retail stores. I know (again), they are physically disappearing ... but some still think it is a lucrative business stream. To note: The fantasy that Retailers 'will come-calling' is another fallacy.... be aware too, that even when you are waving and standing on a buyers desk for an order, you are not guaranteed anything - especially in our fried economy. In today's times, it is high-effort, very low minimums and stocking fees. Also lots of bitching if you start selling directly from your website - wholesale accounts don't like that.


But for the weary Entrepreneur selling an un-ingestible harmless product which has never seen commercial airways you may be at significant risk ..... It may begin with an unsolicited comment from a very satisfied customers in their own '1st amendment voice' .... which will then be questioned and face unimaginable scrutiny. Warning; The bored 'Dr. Oz Wanna Bees' are on patrol to give unsanctioned 'Tattle Offices' something to do. Everyone embraces the drama ..... all in the spirit of looking like they are busy and on surveillance to 'protect' consumers. Oh, what would we do without 'them'...?

xo
'SARAH'
koolaidrehab1@gmail.com
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