Birthday Mooch Patrol

Although my birthday has come and gone, the celebration continues. I’ve told you guys before that signing up for discount cards at stores is a great idea. You might think you will get a lot of emails or junk mail but if you are living on a budget, the benefits of store coupons are priceless. This week, I’ve been on Mooch Patrol. I can’t tell you how much I racked up in free gifts. That’s right, free gifts from businesses that just want to say happy birthday! All I had to do was add my email to their mailing list.


My first “mooches” came by way of emails from World Market, CVS, and Moe’s Southwestern Grill. World Market sent me a coupon for $10.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more. All I had to do was pay the sales tax. I was able to get some gourmet eats for my special birthday evening for 96 cents. Next was Moe’s. “Welcome to Moe’s” was music to my ears when I ate my free entrée for lunch. The nice lady behind the counter even threw in some queso dip for my free chips. Now that is some good eatin’! CVS is one of my personal favorites. CVS gives me a coupon every time I walk in the door. I just scan my rewards card with their handy machine and out comes a coupon. For my birthday, CVS was so kind as to send me a $2.00 off coupon. Wouldn’t you know it? We happen to have been out of lotion at home. See, coupons really do work. I am so glad because ashy legs are not very diva like. Signing up for rewards cards saves you money and gets you free gifts.

I must confess: the best mooch of all came by way of a Goddaughter’s 2nd birthday party. She happens to have been born a day after my birthday. Her mom provided delicious free hot dogs and cake. Yet, that wasn’t the mooch. The mooch occurred when I was able to act like a silly 2 year old and no one knew it was for me; not the kid. Nothing feels better than playing with toys for your own enjoyment but passing it off like you are entertaining the youngsters. Now that living life to the fullest!

Smooches

3 Tips to Stay Ahead of the Game

Its my birthday!  As a present to my followers, I've asked guest diva Courtney Young to grace us with her words of wisdom concerning business marketing on a shoestring budget. Courtney is one of the sharpest minds in public relations and cause marketing.  Her company, Foresight, LLC, is making some great moves in non-profit and small business marketing.  If you're interested in staying ahead of the game, then open your present! Surprise!

Smooches~ The Shoestring Diva

3 Tips to Stay Ahead of the Game!
Courtney Young

You made it through 2009 and here are three tips to stay ahead of the game in 2010!


1) APPRECIATE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Sure you know your business, but do you know your customers? Well… if you don't, you should. If you think you do, it's time to check in or check your bottom line, because that's your truth teller. Customers are the very lifeline that keeps your business operating. Their changing taste and preferences vary from time to time so it's up to you to keep them interested. That is if you want them to keep your business open. For example, you could offer a free gift to repeat customers; establish a referral program with a discount attached to encourage new customers with similar taste. The point is keep up with them and they will keep up with you.

Remember: Keep it simple. Give them what they want, but don't break the bank.

2) SHARE YOUR ADVERTISING COST

Do you have a business neighbor that has a non-competing product line? Sure you do. Why not share the HIGH cost of advertising with them. In this economy, quality and impactful marketing are vital for any business venture, so why not get the most for your money? If you're hosting an event to introduce a new product line, consider inviting a neighboring business to split the advertising cost by sharing the advertising space. Picture this: a magazine advertisement with your business offering on the right and theirs on the left! Examples of cost-share partners include: Boutiques (shoe - clothes), Health/ Beauty ( hair salon- massage spa), Special Events (pastry baker- event planner), etc.

Remember: Its business. You’re getting bigger bang if they share in paying the bucks!

3) BE CONSISTENT

The high cost of losing customers far out ways keeping in touch with them! It's pretty simple. Set yourself a six month plan of action to keep your customers informed about product releases, changing trends, discount offerings, and/or product line reminders. This tactic will vary based on your product or service offerings, but the theory is consistency. For example, you can send out a monthly email with product promotions, a postcard with birthday discounts, or even host private showings on new product lines.

Remember: You want to stay ahead of the competition and sometimes all it takes is to stay on their mind.

I'd wish you all best of luck! If you use the simple tips in your marketing plan, then you won't need luck!


Courtney Young

cyoung@fcllc-online.com

I wanna new bedroom set!

I have a dilemma. I want a new bedroom set but I don’t want to pay an average of $1600 to $2000. My husband and I have visited several of the chain furniture stores to no avail. They lured us in by offering 12 months interest free financing or a beautiful flat screen TV. Well Mr. Chain Furniture Store, you L.I.E! I am not going to be caught in your tangled web of sales secrets. You will not catch me enjoying the additional bench the sales person threw in just for special customers like me. I am not falling for it… again.


In my frustration, I experienced a moment of clarity. You may call it an epiphany. Do I really need another bedroom set or am I just tired of looking at the old one? I must face the truth. Although another bedroom set with shiny knobs and fantastic ebony sheen is the subject of my daydreams, my current oak set is highly functional and a reality. So… how do I satisfy my desire to have a new bedroom with a limited budget? This is a case for the Shoestring Diva.

Over the next several weeks, along with your frugal living tips and blogs, I will be documenting my escapades into shoestring decorating. I do have a budget in mind but I will not reveal my goal until our Facebook “bedroom bid” contest is completed on January 31st. I am definitely up to the task. My bedroom is going to be fabulous!


Until next time…


Smooches

Bon Voyage!

Hi Everyone,

You are in for a treat! Guest Diva Heather Stallworth graces us with her shoestring travel know how. This “almost seasoned” traveler has crossed the seas numerous times on a limited budget. Even the most seasoned globetrotters are jealous of her travel finds. After reading Heathers travel tips, you’ll pack your bags and say Bon Voyage!

Smooches,

The Shoestring Diva

Bon Voyage! by Heather Stallworth

It’s a new year and endless possibilities are on the horizon for your next vacation. In today’s time we all are trying to save money and our travel plans are no exception. There is no sure fire way on how to get the best travel deals. However there are steps everyone can take to become a smart traveler and get the best bang for your buck.

• Research, research, research!!! When planning your next vacation getaway, research and compare on average of 5-6 websites offering a comparable package.
• All-inclusive are the best way to save big when traveling to one destination. Websites like www.travelzoo.com www.cheapcaribbean.com and www.vacationstogo.com are a few that provide great deals and rates that you won’t be able to beat. Are you an avid facebooker or tweet on the regular? Once you decide on your package “add” or “follow” the website and they normally will email a coupon code to use on your checkout for extra money off your package.
• Bon voyage! You can get great travel deals on cruises by using websites like Expedia or Travelocity, however, if you want to find an amazing cruise for the low-low try www.cruisecomplete. Cruising sounds so good right now I might just log on myself and scoop up a 3-nt Caribbean for $299 on my personal favorite www.cruisesonly.com. I find myself on this website weekly. Not only do they guarantee everything but they offer customer reviews and in-depth information on the ships and destinations.
  

Need even more discounts? WHO DOESN’T?? Before your trip log on to ebay and purchase coupons for lodging, transportation, food, admission and entertainment. Simply search for your destination and type in “coupon” or “gift certificate”


Journey on the Go!

1. Before exchanging foreign currency at the airport, find out if there is a departure tax, once you pay tax and are through security there are exchange ports in all terminals.W
2. When traveling with children, take recent, wallet sized pictures of them in case you get separated, also have your children have a recent picture of you with your number or emergency contact on the back in the event you are separated and your family does not speak the local language, keep in a snack sized zip-lock bag for better photo protection.
3. Looking for authentic food? Go for the more crowded pub or vendor. Locals know the best spots!

Tips from an almost seasoned traveler.

Heather Stallworth
heatherns@comcast.net





Please be advised that this advice is one Diva’s opinion. This advice is from research, observation and personal experience. No solution is guaranteed.

A Simple Way to Get Noticed!

Greetings Everyone,

This week’s blogs, tweets, and status updates will be dedicated to budding businesses and business tips. In this edition, I want to let you know about the power of the business card. To some it may seem like a tiny piece of paper, but in reality, the business card tells everyone who you are, what you stand for and why they need you in their life. Below are a few tips that will help you get noticed. Remember, business cards are an inexpensive form of marketing and advertising. Be sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Pass Them Out! - What good is a card if you don’t give them out? Why are they still sitting in the box and you’ve had them for 6 months? Distribute 5-10 business cards a day. You think this may be impossible but really it isn’t. You don’t have to be in a closed setting to give someone your business card. Give your card to the cashier at the Wal-Mart, a bank teller or even the gas station attendant. The more people who have your information the better your odds in making that connection.
• Make a Reference!- Although I am a Diva, my memory doesn’t always work when I want it to. I find cards and can’t remember where I got it. Don’t be like me. Write down on the card where you received it, date, and even some bullets about the conversation you had with the person. These simple tips will help you when fostering relationships by referral, business to business, and/or follow-ups.
• Back it Up! - Business cards have a front and a back. Use as much space as possible to convey your message. The front of the card should always have information available for the “scan” such as name, title, business name, contact info and services. The “scan” is what a person can read in 10 seconds or less. It is important that the front of your card is clean and concise for this reason. The back is your playground.
• Follow up!- Follow up doesn’t mean stalking. Sending a quick email or a handwritten note is a great way to stay on the mind of the recipient. Remember, you are developing relationships not just business.
• File away! - I try to file cards I receive in one location by industry. Of course that is when I am feeling really organized. Diva Solution: take a three ring binder and use baseball card or business card clear insert sheets. Use file tabs for further organization. Be sure to clean out old card with obsolete information every now and then.
• Pay it forward! - Take two cards from people you are comfortable in referring services. When referring the services of others, place your name on the card so they can acknowledge from where the referral came. This builds a two way network and you are just being plain ol' nice.

See, the business card is more than just piece of paper.  Looking for business cards?  Online resources like Vistaprint and 1-2-3 Print have low cost, high quality business card.  Sometimes you can purchase them for FREE. OK maybe not free since you have to pay postage.  The premimum selection and advance editing on Vistaprint gives you even more options.  Places like Kinkos and Staples offer business card services.  If all else fails, print them yourself.  Make sure to use quality paper! 

If you have some tips you have tried and find helpful. Share them with the Shoestring Diva Network. You can comment on this blog, our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/shoestringdiva) or on twitter http://www.twitter.com/shoestringdiva).

Until Next Time….

Smooches

Ideas Personified

So you want to be in business; that’s wonderful! Now let’s bring that brilliant idea to life. Having a business idea is easy, but taking action is a bit harder. I know what you are thinking; opening a business takes money, but there are plenty of free or low cost resources that will get you on the right track. That is why The Shoestring Diva is here!

Most people don’t know where to begin. Step one: Plan like you have never planned before. When I started my first business, all I had was a piece of paper of what I perceived I needed to get started. I knew I needed a business plan, but that cost anywhere from $300.00 and up. I sought free templates online and still couldn’t quite understand what the heck each section was asking. That is when I found my local SCORE and the USC School of Business. I worked on my business plan for free with them. Many colleges and universities have community services as a part of their school of business. I also sought help from the Benedict-Allen Community Development Center (CDC) and Palmetto Center for Women. Both organizations are designed to give you free or low cost economic development services.

Don’t forget to plan for the downsides of business as well. Develop a plan for marketing and advertising, financing, and even how your family will be affected by opening a new business. Strategic planning is key!
Step Two: Become legit. It does not cost a lot to become a limited liability company (LLC) or incorporated (INC). As a sole proprietor, there is so much liability on you personally. In South Carolina, the Secretary of the State charges a one-time fee of $110.00 to become a LLC. Just think, your business will be a reality for less than $9.00 a month for the first year. That may mean no lattes or Big Mac’s but look at the reward.
After you get your Certificate of Existence, go to www.irs.gov and get your federal tax id number. Your business and Uncle Sam are now married. If you are wise you’ll consult your CPA, for a pre-nuptial evaluation. Next, contact your county and city business offices to get the fees on your business license. If you are going into retail, you must also get a resellers license. Stop worrying about the cost of the fees. You just got started they will be extremely low.

Look at that! Your dreams are now reality! If you are in SC, you have only paid an average of $200.00 or less to start your business. Sometimes investments of time are more important than money. If you take the time to plan, build relationships and research, you’ll discover that ideas personified are not the far out of your reach.

Coming soon: Marketing, Websites and Networking on a shoestring budget!

Smooches




Please be advised that this advice is one Diva’s opinion. This advice is from research, observation and personal experience. No solution is guaranteed.

Leftovers Made Brand New!

For Christmas I cooked a great meal; fried chicken, pork roast, collard greens, mushroom rice, squash casserole, corn bread and iced tea. A meal worthy of ooo’s and aah’s. Due to the fact I only know how to cook for a family of 5 now, I had a ton of leftover in the fridge. In my family, the leftover meter ranges from one child that is totally opposed to eating leftovers to a husband that will eat anything in the fridge that doesn’t have fur on it. I was able to make three meals out of those leftovers. With a little bit of craftiness, I saved time, money and food. Here how I did it.

For Saturday lunch, I warmed up fried chicken, mushroom rice with roast gravy and corn bread. I added some new vegetables of green beans. This meal was a big hit at the table with the picky child. He had no clue it was the same food.

For Saturday dinner, I reheated the pork roast and collard greens. I added a parmesan flavored pasta-roni for the starch and kool-aid for the drink. Once again, big hit at the table. I reminded my husband that leftovers are best if eaten within 3 days.

Finally Sunday came around and I needed just one more meal. The fridge was almost cleaned out and I was struggling to find a recipe for the last pieces of the pork roast. Then an epiphany occurred; pork fried rice. We had barbeque ribs, pork fried rice, spring mix salad and tea.

I did it! I used all the leftovers from Christmas dinner. Do you know how much money we saved? Saturday’s lunch and dinner side additions only cost $2.50. Sunday’s dinner only added an extra $10.00 to the food budget. That means three days worth of eating for a family of 5 for $12.50. I impressed myself. I should earn honorary “Iron Chef” status for this one.