April 26: Making the first sale ... and trying to sell more

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a clear image of what my future would hold. A vision shared by many girls who grew up believing in happy endings. So, in 2001, after a not-so-happy divorce, I was faced with the reality that my future had become a little blurry. That's when clarity hit.

For the next five years, I got busy working on my future. I planned and plotted, searched and scoured. I even paid people to make it happen. Then one day, the clouds parted and the wind changed direction.

There, in the warmth of the sun, came those three magic words: "You've got Cash!" After five busy years, I made my first sale. Yep, Sarah of Londonderry, NH, was the first to buy a Poom Poom! I had spent a lot of money over half a decade to start my own business. On that day, a little came back. My Paypal account actually had money in it!

 

On December 13, 2006, Barry Privett of Carbon Leaf, let his fans know about the "Barry Poom Poom" by posting a blog on the band's MySpace and Internet site. Check it out for yourself at Carbonleaf.com and www.myspace.com/carbonleaf.

December 13th, 2006, my first day of business, I received five orders. I was now an entrepreneur equipped with energy and enthusiasm. I envisioned my pillow encompassing the world!

With well over 18,500 fans on Carbon Leaf's MySpace alone, I foresaw no problem selling 1,000 pillows of their lead singer. The problem was that I didn't do my homework. I didn't research or plot a marketing strategy. I thought fans of the band would see this unique Barry Poom Poom and immediately buy one. I found out it didn't quite work that way. People are happy keeping their money safe in their wallet. Why aren't I more like that?

From December 2006 through February 2007, sales were pretty consistent. I sold about 25 pillows at $49.95 a piece. March came in like a lamb and crawled out like a baby lamb, unfortunately. I hit a wall.

I did not solidify my expectations to Barry regarding his effort in the selling process. Selling these pillows at Carbon Leaf's shows would have been the perfect opportunity for not only sales but exposure. Unfortunately, deals are made with merchandise companies......etc.

The link I had envisioned from the band's web page to PoomPoom.net was not the same as Carbon Leaf's webmaster's vision. However, Barry did write an awesome blog on their MySpace page about "Barry the Pillow."

Plan 9 Music in Richmond has my pillows for sale. I've reduced the cost $29.95. I need to come up with some alternative marketing plans so I can move the remainder. I must make room for Elias of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, whom will grace the cover of my next Poom Poom!

Some costly mistakes I've made, but I've learned valuable lessons. It's never too late to start making money!

Thank you for reading. I always appreciate your feedback and questions, which I will answer now:

Gweneth: We are currently searching for a manufacturer here in the United States. Unfortunately, it seems the size and design of my pillow are complicated and not many manufacturers, at least those we have spoken with, are able to produce them.

Amanda: We will be selling Poom Pooms at the Chesapeake Jubilee on May 15 . Carbon Leaf will be performing! Come out and let's make a deal! See you there and stay tuned.