You are a Marketing Company!

Here are a couple of ways to get the word out on your business.

Most of your customers, prospects and other contacts have e-mail, are on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ or Twitter.  They are using these to communicate, get their news, and learn so use these tools to give them something of value.

But don’t just send out a newsletter talking about what you are selling or promoting.  Instead write a friendly 300 -500 word e-mail that offers something they want.  Find some interesting information that would appeal to their tastes and share it.   For instance, if you have an apron line, share stories of why your customers wear aprons, give them information on the history of aprons, offer recipes or link them to videos you’ve found online.  If you sell home decor products give them tips on how to decorate their homes.  Share more than your own stories.

Post weekly informational articles on your blog or use a video blog to really get their attention (youtube.com, vimeo.com).

E-mail is still tops so work really hard to get people to sign up for your free e-mail newsletter.  You have a good chance to get people’s attention and turn them into loyal customers.  It takes little money but it does take lots of attention and care.

The Green Pear

I had the privilege of meeting with Cristie, owner of The Green Pear in Villa Park today.  The shop was all decked out for Halloween.  It's like being in France.   A relaxing place to shop with the beautiful things and the great french music.  Take a look at some of these great Halloween characters.  You will also be able to get Pansy Cottage & Garden and Tattered Goods at The Green Pear soon.

Vintage Susie's Spoonin' Jewelry

I'd love to introduce to you Susie Hibdon, owner & designer of 'SPOONIN', a wonderful new handmade jewelry line made from Vintage Silver Plated Flatware.
Susie is a child of the 50's & all that implies. She is nostalgic, sentimental & a keeper of the past. A Southern California native, Susie has a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter & a grand-son who fills her with joy. She went to college for Interior Design & has put that knowledge to work in the many passions of her life. She previously owned Lambs & Ivy Boutique in Crestline, CA, has an on-line Graphic Design business, vintagesusie Custom Design, specializing in blog & web design, magazine ads & print work, this summer was honored to be published in Belle Armoire Jewelry & she writes a popular blog, vintagesusie & wings. Her tag-line for her blog is 'Let's Fly', wanting to inspire & be inspired by all her friends & followers to learn to be fearless, to learn how to live an authentic, creative life & to ultimately be brave enough to follow their passion & make all their dreams come true.

Susie's blog:    http://vintagesusieandwings.blogspot.com
'SPOONIN' site:    http://www.wix.com/vintagesusie/facebook-spoonin

Mosser Glass cake stands in black!

These Mosser Glass black cake stands are gorgeous.  This is a new color for them and I LOVE what they've created!  I can picture these in a black and white table display.

Los Angeles Gift Show, July 2011

I took these pictures with my cell phone so they are kind of small but here is our Jonathon doing a Raven's Nest tasting.  The Pumpkin Butter and Raspberry Jalapeno Jam were a hit!  Yum!  Unfortunately I couldn't stay away from the Pumpkin Butter.

 Hugh on the left is our favorite Irishman here to help show his line Ulster Weavers.  Win is our new salesman for Northern California.

 Larissa and Harry with Larissa Love Cosmetics.

 There's mom and daughter from one of my favorite stores, The Daisy Shoppe at the Brea Mall and Mission Viejo Mall.

 The lovely Nancy showing off a potential new line.

 Petal Pushings new design!

Watson Drugs from the Orange Circle loved this apron for their waitresses!

What do a brown paper bag and a hershey's bar have in common?

You will get both if you visit me at the LA Mart Gift Show, showroom #342 next week.

Los Angeles Gift Mart Show

LA GIFT SHOW STARTS TUESDAY, JULY 19 THROUGH MONDAY JULY 25.  COME BY J. JOHNSON & COMPANY SHOWROOM #342 AND SEE NEW WHOLESALE LINES, SHOW SPECIALS, SNACKS AND DRINKS PLUS A GIFT JUST FOR YOU.