It's true, you get what you pay for

On my recent business trip to Atlanta, I needed to rent a car. Of course, trying to save money I booked my rental with EZ-rent-a-car. A very no name, low budget operation. Well, it didn't take me too long to find out why. The service I recieved was horrible. The girl behind the counter couldn't be bothered. She was in a hurry to leave. She nearly charged me for the wrong reservation. And didn't even get the words "have a nice day" out of her mouth before she was packing up her stuff and heading out the door.

The car she gave me was filled with stains. Now, I rent cars often and the occasional splotch is expected. But we are talking full out stains all over the upholstry. I was mortified. I walked back in, cancelled my reservation and walked next door to Enterprise.

Normally, I would never book with Enterprise because I find them to be the most expensive. But in this case, I was getting what I was paying for. They were so friendly. I explained my situation and they were very eager to help. The gentlemen I was working with not only gave me a 10% discount, but walked me out to the car and carried my luggage. He was proffessional and courteous.

A lesson learned. Saving money is not always the best option.

Making my own stuff

As my business starts to take off, I've started looking for ways to maximize my profit, limit my overhead and just get involved. I first decided I would start to make my own bath salts. Knowing that fewer people these days take baths, I still figured it was an easy avenue to travel down. And although, there were little bumps in this road, it still turned out a little trickier then imagined. What scent shall I make? What ratio of epsom salts to sea salts should it be? How should I package it? I'm still working on all this, but so far two out of three of my scents have been well recieved.

The next venture....making my own soy wax candles. Stay tuned for this one.

I've been invited.....

I wish I could say to the white house. But not just yet. Give me at least a year for that.

It was a Sunday. My booth was set up at the Public Market downtown. My mother sat there for me selling my stuff while I had to work. Don't you hate it when work gets in the way of play? And then it happened.

My first invitation to a festival. They saw, they liked, they invited. Even though I wasn't there. Way to go mom!

So without further ado, I introduce my first ever invitation: The Rochester Pagan Pride Day Festival, Ellison Park, Sept 20, 2008 9:30 am - 6:30 pm. It's their 10th annual, so I'm hoping for a great turnout!

For more info on the festival check out: Rochester Pagan Pride 2008
For more info on my stuff and other upcoming events, chek out: Nature's Nook, New York

THE website

Can I have a drum roll please? Here it is. My first. My only. My website. Just click on the link below.


www.naturesnooknewyork.com



Check it out. Let me know what you think. Pass it around. I'm still making changes to it, so check back often!

My first 'show'

Today was my first day of real business. And I think it was a success. I set up a table at the downtown "flea" market. Laid out all my product, made it look all nice and pretty. I had business cards. Flyers. And a smile.

My mother helped out as we sat and waited.

I won't say that I sold A LOT, but I did sell some. So that in itself was a success. But the really good part...I started to get my name out. People were interested. They took my business cards. They took flyers. And they wanted me to be back next week.

So, although it's not the fountain of fortune (yet) it was a great start! And I'm happy to say, I will be back next week.

Yippeeee

My first meeting

Went...well ok.

I packed up a little bag with all I have to offer. Which, granted, isn't a lot right now. But it's a start. I typed up a price sheet with a nicely done cover letter.

Drove my happy butt over there and met with the owners. I showed them everything, told them a little bit about me and what I was hoping to accomplish.

It ended with "I think we're interested, but let us think about it and we'll email you".

Needless to say, I'm not super excited about this. I hope it comes through. But I won't be surprised if it doesn't.

Looking back I realize there are things I could have done better. As some one mentioned to me, I should of had an order form with me. So if they were interested, they could have placed the order right then and there.

I should have had all my product. I felt sort of empty.

If anything, it was a learning experience.

Things are in full swing!

Oh my! Things are really getting on their way. I've got an EIN. I filed for my sales tax authority form. I've got product. I have the phone company coming on Monday to install my business phone line.

And...

I have my first business meeting on Tuesday. I'm so excited. I've found a cute little store that might be interested in carrying my baskets.

And..

I've got another place lined up that I need to call and make an appointment to meet with the owner. This is a pilates/yoga place that also might be interested.

And..

When the phone line is all set I can then order my business cards.

Moving right along.......