Creating positive buzz – Chesapeake Ribbons

How do entrepreneurs create positive buzz around their products and services?  We’re sharing some answers and tips with you in our “creating positive buzz” series, and today we’re featuring a Philadelphia area “Mompreneur”.

Maryland native, Margie Gunn, launched Chesapeake Ribbons while launching a family.  Here is what she has to say about how she creates positive buzz.

Why did you start your business and when?

I officially opened up shop online in 2007 but had started creating products and planning the business earlier.  While staying home with my son at the time, I was looking for a way to generate extra income & create products that I could use myself.  Having only a son at that time, I decided to make ribbon belts along with hair bows, barrettes, key fobs, etc…to learn more visit Margie’s About Us page. 

When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?

I did most of the marketing myself – I started a blog and networked with other bloggers to get the word out.  I started offering giveaways and free samples.  I didn’t want to spend money on marketing until I was making some money.  I soon found a huge network of other mompreneurs like myself that were very willing to help out and trade/barter services.  I also went to websites like Lila Guide & 5 minutes for mom to get the word out about my business….listing it, etc…  Did a lot of link swaps as well.  I also hand out a lot of business cards and hang them on bulliten boards at various family friendly facilities. And I partnered with a local mom’s group – Moxie Moms.

What public relations activities do you incorporate today?

I still participate in all the same activities as I mentioned above, but I’ve also used Innovate Services marketing and PR help with press release writing and submission and e-newsletter management.

What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?

Word of mouth, referrals, going to blogs for giveaways and reviews, donating products & portion of proceeds to large charities help create positive buzz.

Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?

I think it can be done w/out expertise to an extent (in the very beginning) but to grow to the “next level” it’s wise to have someone with expertise helping out.  I still believe word-of-mouth is the fastest way to create buzz.

Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?

Yes, I’ve used Innovate Services to write press releases and submit them, which drove traffic to my website.  And I’ve also used Innovate Services to help develop and manage my e-newsletter.  This helps me focus on other aspects including new product development and networking.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?

Start small and as you begin making more money, then seek up more professional options.  It really takes a lot of time in the beginning, network!

Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger

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March 1, 2010 | Filed Under Public Relations, entrepreneurship | Leave a Comment