Hi all! SAHM in need of income that fits schedule of having 2 young children - so, I thought since I love to cook I would offer to cook and freeze meals for other families - I can do this during hours that fit in w/ my family - the problem is this - I listed on craigslist and the only responses I've received are from people wanting to solicit me for stay at home business "opportunities" (I should say that I mentioned that I lost my job, ...) - I've already tried several of these things as has my husband - and none have done much but cost us money - FYI - the reason I don't go to work a "traditional" job is because of my husband's work hours and our lack of childcare (I'm sure we could find someone to pay but then I may as well not go to work - my last job allowed me to work from home but the funding was cut and so was my position)- any thoughts on using the pennysaver or other local publications - obviously looking for lost cost as we are already struggling and I am really trying to keep this to a regular 4 families (no big business just enough to keep our bills paid) - I really am open to creative ways of getting this going - the other thing (besides household bills) motivating me is that we will be moving in the next few months to get our kids into a safer area w/ better schools - and we can't do it on what we're bringing home now - then I may even want to barter services in fixing up our new home - I wonder where to do this safely - thanks for your help!
Hi Rene,
I use craft show/vendor shows to market my jewelry business. The tables usually only cost $10-$20 to participate. I would suggest making some flyers with menus and a little about your business to hand out. Also, have some samples on hand...people love to eat.
Good Luck to you.
A.
Are you listed here, on MamaSource? Also, search yahoogroups, meetup.com and other sites for local groups, then solicit to the leaders of those groups.
Do you have any fliers made up or a price list? This will be critical because no one is going to hire you without knowing what their investment is up front. Honestly, I would be interested in your services, depending on the price. :-)
Also, ask local daycares if you can put fliers in their lobby. My daycare always has interesting opportunities on the table in the entrance. And bulletin boards at the grocery store are usually free.
It may cost you some, but you could also think about church bulletins.
Also, send an email to everyone you know with your flier and prices. Ask family and friends to pass it along to anyone who may be interested. Word of mouth is really powerful!
Good luck,
Kali
My advice is to start marketing in your neighborhood.Go door to door if you have to.Or at your church,networking it the way to get the word of mouth to begin. Have parties and invite people you know would be interested and have them try your food and raffle off a weeks worth of meals to anyone bringing you paying clients.
Start up costs would be alot when your first starting out so you have to have word of mouth to begin and then once that takes off you then build a website and get business cards and flyers and put them on cars in the parking lots of grocery stores.Let the business sell itself once you have a client base in place.
Hope that helps!
S.
You might try advertising to local moms groups. Many have newsletters and charge very small ad fees. MOMS Club is one group with many local chapters. Try www.momsclub.org to find contact info for chapters near you. Good luck! This sounds like a great idea!
Hi Rene -
I can help you with this. Here is my website www.thebrandiD.com. I'm happy to help you brainstorm about your business and how to market it. Drop me a private email with your phone number and a few good time to call you - it will be easier to talk via phone since I have a few questions for you. My email is ____@____.com a great day.
R.
Hi René,
I have worked in Marketing & Advertising for over 20 years. As I read through your post, a few thoughts came to mind.
If you have a computer, you can probably put together some SIMPLE, TASTEFUL business cards using a template from a page layout program on your system. The same goes for a flyer. You can quickly, cheaply get together some marketing materials.
First, keep in mind that people looking on Craig's List are generally looking for a bargain. Your cooking service is more like a luxury item. Let's face it, times are tough and people in the same boat are looking to SAVE money, not add cost.
That said, I still think your idea is a good O.. You just need to reach a more "upscale" or "specialized" audience with your service. If your goal is to recruit four families that you think will use your service consistently, then you'll have to reach out to a more affluent audience of families. Personally, I would imagine that your ideal target "client" would be a double income coupple with children. Post info at daycares! Start with the very basic--TELL everyone you know about your cooking interest and your business. Then SHOW your stuff! I like the idea of hosting an informal get-together to let people sample your food.
Think for a moment that the above scenario may not be the ideal situation. I know that in your head, this idea may look like "four families I am cooking meals for every week", but consider thinking outside the box for a moment.
Most importantly, you should look for a niche in your area that is not being met.
Perhaps you could offer a "new-mom package" that would provide 8 full meals along with a light grocery order (milk, cheese, bread, fruit, etc.) that would last a new mom about 2 weeks when she gets home from the hospital. Place cards/flyers at baby-oriented businesses in your area or tack a card up at local OB/GYN offices.
OR
Maybe you can market to baby boomers caring for an elderly parent(s) that you will provide their parent with a few frozen meals for the freezer every week. Now THAT, in my opinion would be an awesome niche to get into, as so many 30-50 yr olds age caring for their parents while working full time. Place your card on bulletin boards where busy, working people go--the market, beauty salons, the gym, office buildings.
The key to successful marketing is not to just throw "stuff" at a wall & hope some of it sticks, but to streamline your "voice" to reach those who need to hear it.
I wish you the best of luck and I hope some of these tips may work for you.
How about marketing your service to Moms during the postpartum period? You could speak to local Doulas an also maybe ask Jennifer if you could put up flyers at the entrance to "Becoming Mommy" in Squirrel Hill. If you choose to go this route please pm me your prices! :)
