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 30^th 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