1st Official Week in Business - RosesbyDesign.com

[MarkPearson]

Hello All,

Just a quick update for those who are interested.

This is our first week in business infact day 4!

And I must say business has been brisk since day 1.

We have had many orders coming through our website already alot more than I expected in the early days.

Also had many enquires from as far out as Arizona, USA! (asking if we c
an ship personalised wedding flowers for thier wedding - money is not an issue!!)

Had a Call from The Hilton Hotel group this morning! wow!

Kate at bitsnstuff.co.uk (a forum member) has been a great help and is busy creating many new sales avenues for the business - thanks Kate.

So far our 1 Dozen Personalised roses - £33 has been the best seller.

I will be ending this week on a high, if the first few days are anything to go by.

[ebonybailey]

You have an amazing business Idea there, and as u know I called you earlier in the week. Im not suprised your busy. Good luck

Michael

[Hayles]

Hi Mark

Just wanted to say well done - I've not been a member long but can see how much thought and hard work you've put into your business and I'm really, really happy for you!!

Hayles

[MarkPearson]

Ebony - thank you, it was good to put a voice to the name.

Hayles - a lot of work did go into the planning and setup and we like i think many businesses had delays in getting started and difficulties.

But with a little help from 'my friends' (UKBF members) all was overcome and here we are online and trading.

I am sure I have a long road of decisions, problems and distractions but that is what makes a business fulfilling and enjoyable.

[JoyDivision]

Well done, you will be rightly be pleased, I am sure you already know this but don't become complacent, make sure you keep those accounts in good order and keep an eye a close eye on things.

If you are careful you have a very good business on your hands there.

[MinuWeb]

well done !

Bet you are glad you didn't do the grave thingy :D

[Steve Roberts]

Well done mate - nice one!!

I would say though, that it's best not to get overly excited during the busy times and not overly depressed during the quieter times - otherwise you might end up going nuts. I reckon the shortest meaningful period to measure things by is "quarters".

In ant event, better to have a busy week than a quiet one. Just don't get too suicidal if next week isn't as busy!!

[multilingual]

Hi Mark,

It is always nice to see a business getting off to a good start.

Just out of interest, how are you promoting yourself, as I would imagine that your new site will not yet be generating any business directly through search engines?

If you are investing in advertising, what is the return? Have you been able to measure it at all yet?

JB

[Martin MGA]

Good to hear the good start Mark.

It's a good idea you've got there - you'll be getting an order from me come May time (Partner's birthday!).

[DuaneJackson]

Well done Mark. When you first floated the idea I said go for it or I will, and I meant it. I think I can say though that it seems like you've done a better job of it all than I could've. Especially in such a short space of time.

Best of luck.

[Jayne]

Well done, wish you all the luck :lol: Hope you get lots more sales.

Jayne

[clairemackaness]

I'm sooo happy for you, you've worked hard and it's paid off. Well done and good luck for the future.

By the way, do the Hilton need some art work! LOL

[MarkPearson]

We have been just promoting via word of mouth, forums.

I tried to create as much of a buzz as I could during the planning stages.

It was Duane's 'go for it or I will' that got me settled on the idea and made me take it to the next level!

I did have some poor business ideas for a few months, its difficult as I was actually looking for a new business idea.

As I say, so far so good.

I still have many many steps to go to creating a strong established business. But every business must have started like mine one day!

Once again thanks for all your help everybody.

I still need ongoing help/ideas for:

- promotion/marketing
- SEO
- affiliate members (we pay 10% on every product)
- people to give us links

If you can do or help with any of the above - get in touch!

[Steve Roberts]

It's a great concept (just looked at you excellent web-site). Because it's an "emotional" purchase customers are less likely to be hung up on price! In terms of promotion, had you considered press releases to relevant magazines? It's an interesting story and editors are always looking for the next piece of editorial.

[MarkPearson]

Hi Steve,

Press releases are part of my marketing plan, but so far not had much luck on that front.

I do have a few mags interested in valentines features on us, so thats something.

Do you recommend any magazines or papers to approch?

What is it you do steve?

[duenna]

Dear Mark

Congratulations on an excellent first 5 days!!! I looked at your website the other day and I will be placing an order later this morning.

Good Luck

DMSCS

[MarkPearson]

I will enquire about that.

Any idea where to find this info?

[winton50]

Well done Mark

nice to see someone prepared to work hard and doing well

Stu

[Ozzy]

Hi Mark,
I love your product, so does everyone else I have shown your website to.

I see you formed the company through Quick Formations, so I would be delighted to feature your company in the January newsletter as a Quick Business in Focus. This I hope will also bring you plenty more trade for Valentine, and increased publicity. Afterall the newsletter does go to some 11,000 readers. Just get in touch and we can sort out the content, images, etc. if you wish - it is free publicity.

I've already book marked your site for my wifes birthday and valentines.

[robbie williams]

great website and idea and I have just made a purchase!
Well done!

actually i will give you feedback when my missus receives it!

[MarkPearson]

Hi Ozzy,

Many thanks.

I really can say the whole business might not have even been conceived if it was not for you and your fantastic business form (and all its members)

I have been looking for a new business venture for a while and when I come up with the idea it was members on here that actually give me the push I needed to set it up. Not mentioning all the support and help members have given me along the way.

I have just come off the phone from speaking to iwantoneofthose.com who are very interested in featuring our products for valentines day!!

I will continue to use this board as the business grows and I come across hurdles and challenges with UKBF help I am confident we will overcome all of them.

Ozzy.
I will be in touch with you soon.

[MarkPearson]

Thank You Robbie.

The Robbie Williams I thought at first! lol

How sad of me, I bet you get that all the time!!

Because your a UKBF member, I will include a special extra ;-)

Let me know she is happy tomorrow.

[robbie williams]

yes i do get it all the time :lol: its good for making cold calls as long as the person the other end is female!

I look forward to the delivery - im sure she will be chuffed!

Honestly its a cracking idea and I wish you all the best.

Kind Regards,

Robbie Williams (its on my birth certificate!)

[SillyJokes]

Well done Mark. Let's hope the business continues to be a success after all your friends and family have done their orders ;)

I wouldn't bother doing the order to the States. This service is common online over there and if money is no object it could be because it's a fraudulent order. Stick with what is going to do your business good in this country and forget the US.

iwantoneofthose are a very big outfit. This is just their thing. it's exciting to think you could work with them, but are you going to be able to cope with your own orders this year, let alone doing a load for them which may prove less profitable?

Just how many roses can you personalise in one day? I don't expect an answer to this but there must be a physical limit and you may want to do the most profitable work you can, particularly in your first year.

[robbie williams]

missus loved the roses! Excellent service and really easy way to impress the other half.

excellent stuff!

Keep up the good work Mark!