For more information on Cynthia and her company, visit the PINK Magazine website!

Question:

Hi Cynthia,

I am the Founder and President of Reel Women. I have tried to reach a manufacturer to produce my reels and have been unsuccessful. I have apparel that is very successful. My work is trademarked and the reels are copyright. Any suggessions on how to enter a man's world? Thank you!

- Ann L from Port Neches, TX

Cynthia's Answer:

How many manufactuers did you contact? Remember Walt Disney went to more than 300 banks before he got funding. As we said on the show - you need to be willing to have enumerable doors closed. But remember there are an unlimted number of doors. Don't let "No" stop you. It only means "No" right then and there. Embrace "No" and keep on going. Someone WILL say yes! Let us know when they do!

- Cynthia

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Question:

Dear Cynthia,

Myself and my business partner started a business in January 2007, in which we represent Israeli hand-made jewelry designers and sell their work to wholesale buyers across the country. So far we participated in 3 major trade shows in Las-Vegas and in NY. Through these shows we have not only taken actual orders (mostly from mom and pap boutiques), but also made a business connection with a rep in the Midwest area and with a potential big customer who ordered from us an initial large order.

The general feedback and reaction we get from customers at the shows, is very positive and filled with awe and excitement. We constantly hear that our collections are beautiful, unique and original.We have an amazing website, through which customers can reorder, subscribe to our news letter and view our collections.

The problem with this business is in re-orders. We hardly get any.You would think that customers are not selling our jewelry and therefore not re-ordering, but we know that is not the case.We get phone calls from customers telling us that they did really well with our collections and that they would like to re-order but they don't. We also send a marketing email monthly in a html format with a specific promotion; so far we didn't get any bites. I am wondering what is the problem here? Is it prices? Is it lack of marketing? What can we do for marketing without spending a lot of money which we don't have? Why is there SO much excitement in the booth at the trade show but we don't get the re-orders?

- Tami M from Portland, OR

Cynthia's Answer:

Since your company is successful and customers seem to love your product, why don't you more actively reconnect with them on every occasion possible to talk about reorders? I.e. Mothers' Day, holidays, offer special discounts. Maybe offer them something specific - just for repeat customers since you value them.

You can bring in a part time worker to call these customers directly to talk to them, letting them know you value their opinion. And if you're not sure why they don't do more business with you - why don't you ask - via phone, or via email - in exchange for a hefty discount on their next purchase?

- Cynthia

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