Daily Archives: August 4, 2019

Launching An Online DIY Store

by

Everything is online now. In fact, many people will source tools and wires for more significant projects online too. The bottom line is it is cheaper all around, atypically faster. Although there will always be a place for putting your boots on and walking around a DIY store that smells like wood and paint, it is easier to order in bulk online. But when you are thinking about opening a DIY store online, there are a few things you might want to think about. 

Image Source

Storage

Your store is online, which cuts down on a lot of costs already, but you’re still going to need plenty of storage. You’ll need somewhere to store all of your stock. Most of the time, a garage will do – depending on what you are doing and the levels of stock you intend to sell. Of course, over time you’ll likely expand, and in doing so, you’ll need higher stock levels and more storage – but for the meantime factor space into the cost. 

Supplies and Kits

Depending on what you are going to be selling, it will mean you might need to have some suppliers lined up. There is always the opportunity to have your own tools and wires created, but you need rapid prototyping and probably need to buy in bulk. You need to provide, at a minimum, the basics that every tool she would need. Or, if you decide to be specialized, then that is great – but remember that buyers come in all budgets. So you’ll need to have a basic range right up to a high-end (which you can order at a moments notice should anyone order one). 

When it comes to kits, people aren’t always savvy with everything they need. So if you can put kits together like – replacing a door frame, beginners plumbing kits, essential tools kit… you get the idea. Easy kits that people can purchase and have everything from the screws to the right putty. 

Information

Part of the reason so many people head to a DIY store is for information on the project they are undertaking. But you can jump the gun and prepare some blog posts that cover a range of topics. Think about the most common things people are looking for and answer those questions. 

  • What color should grout be?
  • What’s the best way to clean paint brushes?
  • Can I repair bricks and pointing myself?
  • How do you bleed radiators?
  • How to fix a faulty lightswitch
  • The quickest way to clean clogged outdoor pipes
  • How to unclog a toilet

Experts

If you are thinking about opening a DIY store, the chances are not only do you have a lot of experience personally but you probably also know a lot of people who might be classed as experts in their field. Along with the instructions and general questions and articles you should have, consider having some videos. Where the experts give recommendations about tools (that you stock), and how to complete a job at home. 

People are more likely to buy from other people who they consider an expert in their field. 

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Maximizing Your Freelancing

by

When you are freelancing, it might be tempting to stay in the same room to work all the time. But the fact is that most freelancers don’t take full advantage of what they can do. Yes, we are all sold many stories about digital nomads who make 6 figures from their yachts in the Caribbean. And while there are many people who are making that money and more, and sometimes indeed from their boat – they put the work in first. For the rest, it’s smoke and mirrors. 

When we are talking about maximizing your freelancing, we are talking about how you can run a much larger operation, be more productive and even build a team. 

Image Source

Productivity

This should be where you start really. Once you are personally more productive, you’ll be working to a better pace and be freeing up more time to take care of the other things. It isn’t about working harder, it is about working smarter. So when you finally make the decision to streamline your own workflow and take care of business you should take a look at the following to help you on the way:

  • Focus Booster – so that you only work to designated timers, take a break when required, and it syncs across all of your technology. 
  • Evernote – helps with new ideas, you can save links, photos, screenshots, articles and more
  • Buffer – manage your social media needs in one place, take 3 hours out of your month and create a month of content
  • Pocket – if you know you will use the information again, put it in Pocket and go back to it at a later date

Team Building

If you are a freelancer, then chances are you are going to be better off building a talent pool that you can dip into when you need to complete specific projects. Start this process early, and put together a pool of creatives that are all freelance. Keep communication lines open, so you will know if they have the capacity. You’ll likely only need a single tool for your team management, and you’ll want to make sure they can all use it easily. Find something with a cloud, business phone system, and proper security management. 

Growth

So, now you’re very productive, and you have a talent pool of freelancers you know you can call on for ad-hoc jobs, it’s time to focus on growth. There are a few things that are tried and true ways to grow your business with some speed. Here are a few suggestions for you:

  • Sales funnel – Take time before you build it – where do you want to take people? What is the hook? What software will you use? Tools: Leadformly, Everwebinar, Facebook Lead Ads
  • Loyalty – if you have repeat buyers, you will want to reward that loyalty, so they keep coming back. Think emails will discounts, offers, and other incentives to make a purchase
  • Diversify – look at what you offer now, what would work with those offerings? In order to grow, you need to expand your services. Put serious consideration into what will work here, don’t add things for the sake of it. 

Freelancers now have access to tools, teams, and technology that can super-boost their careers. 

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂