PWBN-Magazine_MAR_APR_2017-V5 (1)

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Visionary Revives the Chuck Taylor Classic By Lynda Dell Sometimes it’s enough just to appear on ABC-TV’s “Shark Tank” to get a nibble. The exposure alone has ramifications that can’t even be fathomed. This was the case for long-time owner of Baggins Shoes, Glen Lynch, the largest retailer of Converse and Vans in the world, in Victoria, of B.C., Canada, when four years ago, he caught an episode that featured Nick Romero, a California-based entrepreneur and owner of The Ave Venice, who had developed the technology to print on Converse shoes. Although Romero didn’t catch any sharks that day, he did reel in the “King of Converse,” explained Tara Savrtka, director of operations at Baggins Shoes. Visionary Lynch suddenly saw the possibilities for taking his business in a new direction. “Immediately the owner called him up and they started working on a deal right away,” noted Savrtka. “He was really excited that we could now print on Converse shoes.” Lynch invested in direct-togarment printing technology, Converse molds, licensing, and training. Romero’s platent, a specially designed clamp, flattens the Chucks and Vans so they can be printed on without damaging them or the machine, explained Savrtka. Custom printing has quickly grown to become 25 percent of their business. Since then Baggins has partnered with local cartoonist Gareth Gaudin, of Legends Comics and Books, famous well-known celebrities, local businesses, and most recently their first artist from the U.S., Lori Felt. “We love being part of the process!” said Savrtka. “Part of our goal as well, even though we have been around for 47 years, is to be known world-wide for what we do, so working alongside artists like Lori who expand themselves internationally and get brand recognition works in tangent with what we are trying to do.” Rolling Out New Technology Changed the Landscape for Designers Eight years ago Felt began custom designing sneakers, at first just for relatives and friends. As word quickly spread several moms commissioned her to create handpainted pairs for themselves and their daughters, which led to designing sneakers for party planner’s record hops. “The reason I love wearing Converse so much is because they are so comfortable that you almost feel barefoot,” explains designer Felt. “As I get older my feet tend to hurt so badly by the end of the evening that I can barely walk.” After Felt’s double hip replacement surgery, at age 42, she could no longer wear heels. She opted to wear sneakers just about everywhere and began designing them for every occasion. New technology made it possible for fashion innovators like Felt’s company, (LoriDiamondArt.com), to reach new markets and flourish. That’s what led her to create a line of bridal sneakers for brides who hate wearing heels, but love the comfort of happy feet. She fully expected to sell her line to the party planner Uncommon Events, but didn’t expect the biggest break of her career the day that she was asked to design hip-hop sneaker center pieces to coincide with the dance troupe Antic’s premiere East Coast performance of Sneaker Suites at the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Gala (PIFA). Given only four days to find a printer to produce gold sneakers, she was running out of options, and wondered if she could create the illusion of gold. After reaching out to Baggins Shoes, Tessa Hinz, their senior graphic designer, was able to find creative ways to mimic the look of gold. Hinz’ full mock-up of Felt’s design printed on canvas was approved. Last spring they were featured at the PIFA Gala at the Kimmel Center and now those gold sneakers and two other custom designs, Bride with Soul and NY, are featured on Bagginsshoes.com’s front page. Think Big, Think Global “My underlining goal is to become an internationally-known artist,” Felt said, “to raise even more money through my designs for causes that have touched my life and extend my reach.” Lynda Dell is a professional writer who can tell your business story. Read her blog at https:// daretodream2016blog.wordpress. com/
Sales Success is Not Easy By Phyllis Smith While many salespeople know the fundamentals of sales, many do not know how to a) qualify a potential customer; b) negotiate and c) close the sale. In addition, many salespeople are eager to sell their products/ services and have a hard time listening for buying signals from their prospect. In other words, they don’t know how to stop talking. Could be out of nervousness or fear. After all, it was hard enough getting a prospect to even listen to an opening pitch, let alone schedule a meeting or conference call. Secondly, it is important for a salesperson to research the company and person they are selling in advance. Understand who they are and what they do so that you can ask intelligent questions. The worst thing is to ask a prospective customer 1) What does your business do? (you should know this before you even engage with the person); 2) Try to close the sale before getting the customer to a) agree that they need your service or product; b) see the value of your proposition and; c) state that they have a budget to pay for your product or service. It’s also important to know if the prospect has been getting competitive pricing. You need to find out if they are considering other offers for the same products or services. There are so many factors that can destroy a sales opportunity. Make sure that you build an introductory relationship with your prospect before you start selling anything. If you don’t take the time to know your prospective client and build a rapport - you will never sell them anything. Phyllis Smith is the CEO of EZIA Enterprises, Inc. and the Founder of the Professional Women’s Business Network – info@ezia1. com
Page 1: P PWBN Magazine Spring Issue March/
Page 4 and 5: Capturing Your Family Legacy By Deb
Page 8 and 9: 6 Tips To Overcoming Presentation A
Page 10: Individualized nutrition and corpor

PWBN-Magazine_MAR_APR_2017-V5 (1)

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?