Here’s a video (and a person) that you can learn from on so many levels.
First: I’ve chosen this specific video, 8 Tips to Networking, because as individual shopkeepers, we don’t do near enough of this. (If I had a dollar for every time a resale or consignment or thrift owner or manger told me “I’ve never even been in [my competitor’s]” I’d be rich. Add a buck for every time someone said “I never go to [my merchant association meeting, Chamber of Commerce, business after-hours]”, I could retire to Florida.)
Second: Marie’s videos are FULL of inspiring ways to… do videos. Study them, then go out and create. The biggest takeaway (besides the camera work, added graphics, set design and her gorgeous hair) is her personality. Don’t you just love her? I mean, how can you not like someone who uses the word fakey-pants?
And third: The idea of followup: do it, do it now if at all possible, don’t over-commit. Can you remember the last time you (or the person you were talking to) promised to do something that never happened? Of course you can. It happened in your shop. You never got that to-die-for brownie recipe a client promised to send you and egads! You were gonna go “like” someone’s Facebook page and let them know some really good books for her to take on vacation.
Photo by Jeremy Bales
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
omg!!! are you playing my song or what!!! This is sooooo true. I am a member of our local chamber of commerce. In the two yrs that my business has been a part I have managed to be asked to be on the board of directors for 2012-2014. I am also co-chair for the membership committee.. I was awarded this year by the chamber “small business of the year 2012″also Diplomat of the year, for attending the most meet n greets and all other chamber sponsored events. I cannot tell you enough how many doors have opened up to me because of this NETWORKING. Also every year Kay’s KLoset picks a charity challenge that we work on. Last year we collected 800 bras for women of dosmetic violence and this year we are collecting food for the local food shelter.. I put on fashion shows for any non profit organizations as a way for them to raise money.
I believe that a big part of selling in your business is selling ‘Yourelf” and networking is a great way to do this. Amen sista so glad to see this video… thank you
This is one of the most informative pieces I have listened to lately and right on the money. I have found that creating relationships with other women, and finding ways to help them succeed in their business ventures is very rewarding. Even something as simple as cross-promotional advertising, which benefits all parties, can enhance relationships and build clientele. It is definitely one of the best ways toward growth in this economy.
Very good video with great content. I regularly visit the other resale shops in my area and leave a pile of my cards. Most will refer their plus-size customers to me, and I will send customers that I cannot serve to them. I have many new customers from these referrals. I also love to see how they run their stores to get new ideas! Many times I find a bargain for myself. But I have to say, almost none of them come to my store to visit.
That’s great Deb, that you visit and refer and shop with your peers. I hope that you also are building the networking aspect, with them and with others in your community. That’s how I found my new retail space, bought a home, helped organize our area’s holiday decorating event, and more.