Twitter

Yes, Smell Goods '98™ can now be found on Twitter twittering with all the other tweets (say that fast 5 times). If you are already a tweet, follow me (twitter.com/smellgoodslady) and I will follow you! You can also check out the Twitter box to the right with all of my updates.

Why Twitter? Well at first I was determined not to get sucked in. LOL! I asked my bath and body sista SheaBath her opinion on Twitter, and she broke it down to me, basically letting me know that Twitter is a closer knit online community. She sold me, but what really got me was the one, simple question that I have to answer, "What are you doing?"

smellgoodspa.com

October 2008

What happened @ Smell Goods '98™ this month?


Raising Funds
I have a passion for empowering girls and young ladies. At the beginning of this year I made moves to reflect that passion by creating the Stay Sweet Collection for girls and young ladies. The Stay Sweet Collection is used to raise funds for grass-root organizations that are working diligently to help tween and teen girls to recognize their self-worth. I was very successful in raising funds for the first featured grass-root. However, I am not being very successful this time around. Here it is October 30th and in two days this fundraiser ends. I have blogged, posted to my many networks, sent personal emails, sent out monthly newsletters.... yet nothing! Well, tomorrow is another day, and I am very hopeful that in two days Smell Goods '98™ will be donating money to the featured grass-root.

If you are successful with raising funds, please share your tips with me, info(at)smellgoodspa(dot)com. I really want to be successful at this.

Marketing
I've decided to contribute to the Sista Sampler. I was a bit apprehensive, because with samplers you tend to run into people who like "free stuff". Now there isn't anything totally wrong with that, but when an Indie is trying to grow a business by sending out free product, gaining a new customer is always rewarding. So if past samplers have not been rewarding why participate with the Sista Sampler? Two words: target market. The Sista Sampler is hosted by In The Company Of Sistas (ITCOS), an online networking group that brings merchants of color and consumers of color together.

I was contacted in September by Elise of The Jasmine Trust requesting product donations. The Jasmine Trust is an organization that trains Standard Poodle Service Dogs for the Disabled. Smell Goods '98™ has donated product for The Jasmine Trust's 4th Annual Auction.

I have submitted goodies for product review! In the quest for maintaining a strong online presence, I always try to stay on top of the "who's who" in bath and body review blogging. These bloggers cater to savvy bath and body enthusiasts. Submitting product has been very beneficial for Smell Goods '98™.

Customer Marketing
I work diligently on bringing attention to Smell Goods '98™, but I also put forth much effort to keep my customers. I can't expect my loyal customers to hang around just because they love the product. I always try to make my customers "fall in love" with Smell Goods '98™ over and over again. I have recently started Buy 2 get 1 Free Wednesdays! The response to this promo was very positive. I noticed that customers strayed away from their "norm" signature fragrance to try something new. Next month I will start the Scent of the Month promo, which I think they will enjoy!

Cross-Marketing
I am very excited about this! In September I met a woman on one of my networking groups that also has a passion for empowering girls. Immediately we both saw the benefits of cross-marketing our businesses. This month we finalized our commitment. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.


What was on your plate this month? Any new ideas? Make any new contacts? I would love to read about it!

smellgoodspa.com

Objectives

Every now and then it is good to refresh your mind and heart with your objectives. In this world of "more money,more money more money", "consume more, consume more, consume more", one's mind can get caught up in the madness of it all. Sure, I enjoy making money like the next person, but I don't want to get caught up in the life of making money, to make more money, to make more money, that I forget about why I started this business and why I enjoy doing what I am doing.

The objective of being my own boss and creating products was not and is not to have my items in large stores. To me that takes away the nostalgic aspect and it takes away the personal one-on-one (which I enjoy). It also can bring more pain than joy (just observation). I love exclusivity! A specialty store/____ (cannot disclosed) in target areas, and a much larger project is what I am (we are) working towards. I may not get to see the fulfillment of the larger project, but I am grooming my children in this business, and hopefully they will see it through. I know that may sound gloomy, but that is the reality of really growing a business. It can take many years to get a business to its final destination.

The objective of being my own boss and creating products was not and is not to have money bursting out of my seams. If you can create a business that can take care of your basic living (food, shelter, travel, bills) without worrying about living, that can help you help someone else, that can produce an inheritance for your children, that lays a monetary foundation for your children so that they can achieve their dreams, then you have build a successful business.

I look around and every now and then in this big business world, I see a family owned business that has grown over the years. They might not be known by millions of people, but they are still so successful and their product is loved by many. They may not be suffering in a slowing economy, because they never went beyond their means. I know this system tells us, "Don't worry with how much you consume, you can work work work to pay it off." If you haven't realized it, that is a dumb way to live.

I believe the beauty in owning your business is doing what you love and becoming financially strong so that you can enjoy life.

As I close down for a few days, I will be reflecting on my objectives and enjoying my life and the life around me (husband, children).

Fresh Sheets & Me

A new addition in the For The Home category!

Fresh Sheets & Me 8 oz $10

What is it?:A friendly, multi-purpose mist! Fresh Sheets & Me is for your linen, home, body and vehicle! Containing natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera concentrate and Silver Citrate!
~Freshen Sheets
~Deodorize Home and Car
~Personal Hygiene
~Coolant For Skin
~Alcohol Free
Who needs it?:Anyone that loves freshness!

For a limited of time, purchase Fresh Sheets & Me at its introductory price, $10!