Interview with Sara Lopez
Biz
in the Bag
Sara Lopez is one of
those kind of peeps that you feel like you just know forever. I met her as a fellow vendor two years ago. She was in green and I was in teal. She openly gave advice and shared her laugh. Since our first meetup she has shifted her focus
and now she helps women entrepreneurs get the word out about their business using
an affordable marketing technique that ladies love to get … a swag bag. So read on and get your swag on with Sara.
Let’s
get to know a little about Sara’s business!
What is the name of your business?
Biz in the Bag
DBA: Simple Solutions by Sara
What product and/or service do you provide?
We provide the opportunity for you
to market your biz thru swag bag advertising, as well as providing SWAG for
events.
When did your business start?
Originally in 2008. But as a true
business venture in 2013.
Where is your business located?
We are in Hypoluxo, FL (South of
WPB/ north of Delray).
What territory does your business serve?
Primarily SE Fl. This includes
Cocoa Beach south to Miami and west to the Glades. We do ship out of state as well.
Wow ladies! A
great way to cover lots of territory!
Who does your business serve?
Any business wanting to expand its
marketing territory. Stay at home moms who cannot get out and spend the time
and money on events. Table costs and sitter fees take a chunk out of any sales.
We also assist the event
coordinators who need to delegate, as well as local services wishing to have a
nice give away.
I know a few like that … oh wait … ME!!
What need does your product or service
fulfill for your customers?
At the vendor level, it is an
inexpensive way to market en mass. No table cost, no tents, no time away from
family on weekends.
At the Event level, it saves a huge
amount of time for the coordinator. This
service lets them concentrate on other things.
At the consumer level, a nice take
home bag filled with great offers and discounts as well as samples.
What DIY tip about your product or service
can you share with MY TRIBE?
When advertising your biz,
plzzzzzzzzzzz make sure your business card can be read easily. Use 12pt type,
block style, less is more...name/product/phone/website. When participating in
swag bags think about a fun way to get a customer’s attention. Attach a raffle
ticket onto your biz card that says you’re a winner call.
Oh man! Let me go
check my biz card NOW!
One more tip for Sara … A MUST READ!
Do your research … with anyone you
deal with. Ask questions before you give them money. I have a list posted on my
FB page. Unfortunately there are those that look for a quick way to get your
money into their pocket. That applies to swag as well. If they never post a
picture of the event, no links to the event itself (so you can call and verify)
no other types of social media activity....beware...
Let’s
get to know a little about Miss Sara herself!
Who is in your support system?
My husband and close friends.
How did you get bitten by the
entrepreneurial bug?
My parents had their own biz and
always encouraged me to be independent.
What is your biggest success up until now?
Growing the biz from 100 bags a
month to over 1500 a month.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Truthfully, small businesses.
Trying to teach that you must market outside your family and friends to grow.
It does NOT have to be costly...I post ways to market on the cheap. I see
vendors spend $300 or more for an event table, take a few names for a giveaway
(another cost) and wonder why they can't get out of the red. They could spend ½ that on swag and reach
1000's of potential customers.
Any funny stories you want to share so
other ladies don't feel like it only happens to them?
Over estimating my ability to multi
task! Especially with an at home biz. Never
start dinner, run upstairs to bag a few, switch wet clothes to dryer (forgot
them earlier) ooppsss sheets in dryer need folding first … ok, crap … dinner!!!
You're a new addition to the crayon box,
what color would you be and why?
Clear sparkles...it goes with
everything!
Sara Sparkles!
Where do you most want to travel, but have
never been?
Ireland and Spain.
What about being an entrepreneur do you
love?
My hours to be flexible.
Networking, going to events and meeting amazing people with amazing stories.
What is your why?
Retirement income.
What value does your business bring to your
life?
Staying active and social.
Sara wanted to make sure you get these two messages …
FIRST!
You cannot do it all...plan, plot,
list build and delegate. My biggest lesson...don't
be afraid to ask. Kids can help more
than you think, honey do lists really exist and friends are usually willing to
pitch in.
SECOND!
Listen for what people want. That's
how I started this. Being at events hearing vendors “complain” about high table
fee's, babysitter cost, unhappy husband syndrome, different tents needed,
packing and unpacking product, RAIN, heat, etc....so for a small fee want me to
do it for you?
Event peeps being unhappy with swag
vendors: being late with payments, product and deliver of goods....so for a small
fee I will do that for you....
Opportunity is there, listen for
it. If it was easy, everyone would be a millionaire.
Hard work, some well-deserved tears
and if no one else does, Pat yourself on the back when you accomplish a task.
Let Sara
share with us some of her tips!
How do you track your appointments &
to-do's?
Old school calendar and composition
books.
What is your favorite gadget or app that
others entrepreneurs might want to check out?
Timer (Pinterest hole, fb and even
bagging swag) I lost too much time and rely on it to keep me on track.
What social media forum has been most
successful for your business?
Facebook groups.
What is your best time management tip?
If something is just not
working...STOP. Either try later, rethink process or ask for help!
What are the biggest time wasters we
entrepreneurs get caught up in?
Over thinking the task...just do
it. Tweak rough spots as you go...
How do you continue to meet new clients?
I personally network. A Lot!! 2nd Biggie....ask for referrals!!!!
Any tips you'd like to share about
networking?
If you’re not comfortable, take a
friend. Do not walk up to someone and stick a biz card in their hand and just
be your fun self...the more you do the easier it gets.
I also know that not everyone can
or wants to do this. I offer an opportunity to have us market for you at the
networkers in your area or out. I present your biz card, sample or gift
certificate along with mine as I introduce the biz. It helps identify what we
do as well as gets your information out as well.
Gonna read this part over and over and over again!
I told you that she openly shared advised!
Don't give up. Don't get stuck in a
rut. If your 3 minute elevator speech needs works...change it...practice it,
try it out.
Same with biz cards and
advertising...keep your branding consistent but still mix it up with promo
offers, try QR codes yet? How about keeping a really accurate record of what
works....
Anytime you think a negative
sentence, ”I can't afford that” replace it with “What do I have to sell so I
can afford that”
Sara
is sharing with us a special offer!
Is this an
exclusive special offer just for MY TRIBE?
Tribe Deal - 50% off any package
(limit one)
Get it ladies!!!!
How can MY
TRIBE get your deal?
Like my page
@fb.com/swagbagmarketing. Message me
letting me know you saw this on the systematicYOU blog!
How long will
this special last?
June 30th 2015
Sara wants to make sure you know …
I always post a monthly special on
my website...Bizinthebag.com
If you
need to reach out to Sara here is her contact info!
Sara Lopez
Biz
in the Bag
Website:
WWW.BIZINTHEBAG.COM
Email:
E-mail: Bizinthebag@att.net
Phone:
561-376-9029
In addition to:
FB.COM/SWAGBAGMARKETING (bag info
and events)
FB.COM/BIZINTHEBAG (social media
tips)
I really do hope you
enjoyed this interview and the amazing insight that this {lovely} woman entrepreneur
has brought to you. I love to see that
we are not alone in our experiences, fears, hopes and dreams!
Tune in for next week’s
blog where we will chat with Lori Dinsmore Withrow with Younique.
Happy Time Management
(a.k.a YOU management)
Tabby
