We were lucky to catch up with RENEE O’DONNELL recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi RENEE, thanks for joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
It’s not always easy asking friends and family to support my small business I have found a few ways that are respectful and tasteful to ask them.
1. Clearly articulate your vision: Start by sharing your passion and vision for your business with your friends and family. Explain what your business is about, why it matters to you, and how it can benefit others. By effectively communicating your enthusiasm and purpose, you’re more likely to garner their support.
2. Engage with personal connections: Reach out individually to your friends and family members and engage them in personalized conversations about your business. Tailor your message to their specific interests and needs. Show genuine interest in their opinions, address any concerns they may have, and demonstrate how their support can make a difference.
3. Offer incentives for referrals: Encourage your friends and family to refer your business to others by offering incentives or referral programs. This can include discounts, rewards, or even special events. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources can be highly influential in generating new customers.
4 Leverage social media and online platforms: Utilize social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, to showcase your business. Share updates, testimonials, and success stories. Encourage your friends and family to like, share, and comment on your posts to help increase visibility and reach a wider audience.
5. Collaborate on events or projects: Consider collaborating with friends and family members on events or projects that align with your business. This could involve hosting joint promotions, sponsoring community initiatives, or partnering on creative endeavors. By working together, you can both benefit from increased exposure and support.
6. Show appreciation and reciprocate: Acknowledge and appreciate the support of your friends and family. Express gratitude for their efforts and consider reciprocating by supporting their endeavors or recommending their businesses to others. Building a culture of reciprocity strengthens relationships and fosters a supportive network.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Renee O’Donnell, who had a long career in healthcare spanning over two decades, underwent a significant change in her life when COVID-19 transformed the healthcare industry. This prompted her to reevaluate her career path and envision a different day-to-day lifestyle. As a result, she embarked on the journey of opening her own boutique named Slate.
My decision was influenced by her love for shopping at boutiques and her desire to support local vendors. She sought a workplace that she truly enjoyed being a part of every day. With the support of her friends and her previous experience in online selling, Slate began its operations, aiming to provide a fun and unique shopping experience while actively contributing to the local community.
Although Slate offers a wide range of clothing for women and girls, catering to sizes from small to 3X to ensure inclusivity, the boutique also features bath and body products, home goods, handbags, jewelry, and other delightful gifts that bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
After overcoming the challenges of construction and navigating the labor shortage prevalent at the time, Slate finally opened its doors, supported by a strong network of local individuals and organizations. The boutique eagerly joined the community as an active participant, collaborating directly with the Eau Claire Snow Angels, a nonprofit in Eau Claire, WI that assists children in obtaining essential winter clothing like snow pants, hats, and mittens. Additionally, Slate hopes to collaborate with other boutiques and local vendors in the area to promote other businesses while achieving their own success.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Starting as a part-time venture, Slate quickly gained momentum and became a thriving business that provided me with a full-time income. The success and positive response from the community fueled my determination to turn it into a sustainable source of livelihood. I invested my time, effort, and passion into expanding the boutique’s offerings, improving customer experience, and building strong relationships with local vendors and fellow boutiques.
Any advice for managing a team?
As an employer myself, I recognize the importance of valuing each team member as an integral part of my business. I strive to create an environment where they feel a sense of ownership and pride in their work. While I believe in offering incentives when goals are achieved, I also make a point to express appreciation unexpectedly, fostering a culture of recognition and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.slateboutiqueandgifts.com
- Instagram: @slateboutiqueandgifts
- Facebook: @slateboutiqueandgifts