December 31, 2007
Solace goals for 2008
Posted by Jess in
Solace
After an eventful four-month period of general craziness, it's come to a New Year. Solace always takes a back burner to everything else, and of course after Zoë, it's time to start focusing on it as my next priority.
If I don't start ramping up the hype, someone else will take my idea and do better with it.
With that, here's my Goals for Solace for 2008:
1. I need to revamp my storefront around my new methodologies. I no longer teach small classes - the masses have spoken, and they want individual care. People were willing to pay more for an hour of individual time, so that's what they'll get.
My big dilemma was how to spread the word that people can come in for an hour and learn ANYTHING, whether it be questions, or something more structured.
I think I did it successfully. I have a new ad campaign called "How will you use YOUR hour?" In the flyer, I give brief descriptions of how others have used their hour. I am very careful to also include use of the word "learning" rather than just "training". Training implies benefit to the employer. Learning implies personal benefit.
In addition, I am also calling myself a "Technology Coach", which implies one-on-one personalized care.
Right now, I have notepads free to everyone, especially clients. As they say right on them, "Keep this pad by your computer. When it's full of your questions, bring it to Solace."
2. I need to be more retail-oriented to encourage in-the-door traffic. I am in a boutique-retail walking shopping district, complete with coffee/ice cream shops, cafe's, and a beautiful Victorian strolling park. I am right across the street from the town library and neighborhood pizza parlor. There is lots of foot traffic!
I currently have a fun marketing scheme. All around my office are "Solace" themed things. The coat hooks have "solace for your coats" written above them. I have coffee mugs that say "Solace for your early morning sleepiness." I want to find computer-related tchochkes to sell, that are gift-quality and unique. Even 1Gig USB drives with "Solace for your data" on them would be perfect.
However, this plan brings me to goal #3:
3. I need to find funding to get a receptionist onsite for at least 20 hours. I have lots of jobs. I am a Lotus Notes and Domino consultant, with many writing contracts in between. I hate the fact that my shop sits empty for too long. A part time receptionist would be able to be a face to the company, and could answer questions and make appointments, which I desperately need right now.
4. I need to write Press Releases until I become one. I am bringing affordable computer learning to everyday users. This is revolutionary, and everyone needs to know about it! My goal is therefore to get a story in at least ONE magazine this year.
5. I need to stick to my "Tuesday night is free friend help" plan. I love helping my friends with their computer issues. However, each friend does not realize that at any given time, there are also 20 other friends requesting help also. There has to be limits and boundaries. Therefore, this year I am instituting a new policy. Tuesday nights are when I help friends. If I am all full on one Tuesday, they can book for next Tuesday.
6. Finally, I need to stop taking every SNAFU that occurs as a sign that I should close up shop. Matt can attest, or maybe I'm just paranoid. But it's hard not to get discouraged when I pick a night to have a special event, and the power goes out in my shop. Or when I spend money to order custom notepads, and many of them get soaked because I left the car door open overnight when it rained. Trust me, this happens a lot.
Here's to 2008, let's see what it brings.
Self-created window poster in storefront:
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Comments
Very cool, Jess. I like your spirit. Best wishes for the New Year!
I had no idea you had a storefront!
Thanks Curt!
Yup, Nathan. It's very small (175 sq. ft) and is missing several important things (like heat), but it's mine.
Now if I could just figure out how to run a business I'd be all set. I have my copy of "Entrepreneurship for Dummies" right here beside me. Now I just have to find time to read it!
LOVE the store window! Great marketing ideas too ...and cool poster. The free Tuesday idea is reallllll good. It's so hard to say 'no' when someone asks for help ...yet you need to keep sanity and have time for family. The Tues idea lets you do both. Very clever!
Keep at it! Great ideas! Love your passion and enjoy reading about this venture of yours! Receptionist idea...perhaps a trustworthy intern from a nearby school/college?
