STRATEGIES AND SUCCESSES
section II • STRATEGIES AND SUCCESSES
Accomplishments/Success Stories WBE comments I have been in business since 1999 – longevity! All of my new clients are by referral. I do not have to invest in marketing and many clients I had from 10 years ago are still my clients. I’m still building relationships. Being able to touch the lives of thousands of woman in a more positive way. The ability to support myself and my family… To have the freedom of putting my priorities in order: God first, family second, career third. I would say one (accomplishment) would be that my mom and I have basically run this business since the ‘70s and we’ve done a good job. We try to employ more women, keep women employed with kids, and try to work with them and their schedules. I am a master engraver, which is significant for a woman. I survived the Great Recession. I have created an extremely diverse customer, base which is what keeps me safe through the recession. I am highly regarded in my field on a national and international level.
Advice to WOMEN-Owned Start Ups WBE comments Work hard, give good service, and satisfy the customer and myself. See that everything is taken care of and in good order. Take care of any complaints that come up. Don’t be discouraged. You just keep doing it and keep getting your name out there. Let people know that you are available. Don’t give up. You BUILD your business; you’re not given it. Building a business is working for it and following through on promises. Do a detailed business plan; the devil is in the details. If you don’t know what the small little tiny details are, those are going to be the things that will stop you from being successful. People like to focus on what they like to do. Sometimes they don’t focus on what the customer wants. The other thing they don’t do is figure out cash flow and that is so huge. You can get messed up in cash flow and get your business turned upside down by not paying attention to it. If you can’t perform, people won’t use you. Have six months cash in the bank before you start out. Don’t take no for an answer. Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Network.
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2013