HOW TO GET ROLLING/STARTED?

[U-CREATE-IT]

Okay, have some questions and comments that I would like to hear some feedback on.
I purchased my AMAYA XT a year ago next month. I also purchased an Epilog laser engraver. I was able to pay cash for the machines here in my 19th year in the Navy (retiring at 21). I am running part-time and home-based. I have had a website up for a couple months now (Volusion.com, www.u-create-it.com). I have had some sales on the navy base through work, but thats it!
What I would like to know is, how are those of you running home-based getting business? How did you initially get business generated to enable you to purchase more machines and pay the bills, or move into a physical storefront??
I have a website, I have a MySpace page, I tell everybody I know about my business, have use business cards, etc, etc. However, things seem to be slow starting. Did any of you do any door to door advertizing, local neighborhood mailings, news paper, etc, etc. I am not yet listed in the phonebook ans an actual business (I was afraid that my generate more business than I can handle by myself).
What are some of your tricks and secrets? I am sure I am not the only person with these questions.....Thanks!

[TinaK]

Hi Jody:

We are home based and we started on home machines a little over a year ago and have been growing every since then. We started doing craft shows then selling on Ebay then opened up a website this past February which is increasing in sales monthly.
My suggestion is trying getting into a niche market and really capitalize on it. Even try getting into the school to see if you can give them a faster turn around then their current company they use...
Why not do an open house type function and make up a bunch of things for sale and invite a bunch of people in....
If Arlington Chamber still does the Spring and Fall street fair then take some items down to there and set up a booth you will be surprised...Join the Chamber as well that helps...
Hope this helps and good luck!

[Pure Embroidery]

I started out at home with one machine and looked at where I was working first. I did some logos cheap and word started to spread. To allow myself growing room on price, I had an "introductory" price and told everyone that I would do their design for a fixed price, but that may increase over time. Worked great.

I went to a couple (2 exactly) craft/community fairs and took lots of cards and some embroidered bags and shirts to sell. Didn't do much for moving merchandise, but the residual calls haven't stopped yet and that was 2 years ago.

The one thing that I did that helped the most was to establish a firm pricing schedule once I was comfortable with the machine and digitizing. About 8 months after I started.

ALL of my business is word of mouth. I do not advertise, not even with business cards. I have my niche at my workplace and everyone that has a side business has come to me for their embroidery. I also do 90% of my work for "sub-groups" at my office. Everyone wants something special for their group or for an award or special project.

Once your work gets out, the business will follow. Take this time to learn your machine and learn to digitize. Trust me, you won't have time for a learning curve once you start running that machine.

I have a friend in the business and he is a full timer. The chamber of commerce and better business bureau have been his best investments.

My last advise is to wear what you sell. When people comment on your shirt or hat, tell them you did it. You'll be amazed and how much work comes in from that. Just be careful not to spend too much time on "one-times". The design you will only do once and only one of.