Resources

I wanted to devote a post to plug a number of great resources for readers who are interested in entrepreneurial efforts with a small budget.

SBA.gov
This site has a plethora of useful information from drafting a business plan to locating local mentors who can offer advice. There are links on this site to another great organization called "Score." Check out the template gallery.

VistaPrint.com
This site is a great place for inexpensive promotional materials. I've ordered business cards, postcards and t-shirts. The quality is great and customer service is readily available.

The Flip
I just ordered this mini camcorder after reading a very favorable review in today's New York Times Magazine.
I will use this to upload knitting tips and helpful instructions to the Daisy's Bags Google Group which I use to communicate with the LODB and maybe I'll finally put something together to submit to Donnie Deutsch's Big Idea or Oprah...

DB Update

I recently learned that I'm not able to simply file a DBA Business Certificate (Doing Business As) for Daisy's Bags because I am not Daisy and there is a specific prohibition about using a proper name that is not mine. Rather than changing the entity name, I have decided to form an LLC or limited liability company. Although it is much more expensive to do so, I think it is a better decision, given my recent media exposure.

I continue to revise and revamp the website, much to the chagrin of my web mistress who is quite patient with me, and for that I am grateful. I'd love feedback on the site so please check it out. While the previous color scheme of grape/purple and lime greens is my favorite color combination, I'm aiming for a more earthy color scheme, in keeping with my overall eco-green theme.

I am hosting my 2nd orientation meeting for new freelance knitters this afternoon. I'm really not sure who will show up this time. The responses were much more noncommittal than with the previous group so I'm not exactly sure what to expect. I'm hopeful that the group will be as productive and talented as my current roster of LODB (Ladies of Daisy's Bags-see previous post). While I have had a few who are no longer able to continue with DB (other time commitments, difficulty knitting with plarn), overall, the LODB seem to be excited about completing their bags and eager to take on new orders.

Business Plan and Press Kit are in the works. My college roommate, a former Marketing Director for major women's fashion magazines here in New York, will be guiding me through the process. I hope to use the Business Plan to obtain financial backing, apply for grants and organize the corporate structure. The Press Kit will be sent to media, fashion sites and retail businesses, as well as to solicit partnerships with grocery store chains and other places where plastic bags can be collected for upcycling.

I'll close with a photo of one of my first Shannon bags graciously given to me by friends at Sprig, where DB will be featured in late June. I'm thinking of using it for the revised home page because I love it so much.

The Ladies of Daisy's Bags

I've officially entered the next phase in the evolution of Daisy's Bags. As a result of the phenomenal press I received two weeks ago, I am happy to report that I have too many orders for me to personally fill. I put out a request for freelance knitters on a local Yahoo Group for knitters and another called Some of the Girls (SOTG) early in the week. I invited them over for coffee and bagels at my place yesterday morning to get them on board. (Was supposed to be out of town for an emergency trip to Miami for work but am not going until Tuesday now so the meeting was really last minute and I appreciate the Ladies agreeing to meet.) I really didn't know what to expect in terms of a response but was pleasantly surprised to meet a lovely mix of six ladies of various ages, all very excited about the mission and ready to knit for some spare cash.

We spent a few hours together, signing the Freelance Agreement (since the techniques are not unique, it was important that I protect Daisy's Bags as much as possible), going over my vision for the business, (I want the freelancers to see this as a fun opportunity and not a labor intensive task) and sharing the patterns for the three styles I've developed. Everyone left with strips of plarn to complete their first order.

Having a competent group helping restock the inventory will be a great help by freeing me up to work on the marketing and business end of legitimizing the company. I have a number of options that I want to explore while I have some momentum coming off of the great press and Earth Day (Week).

Last week I also prepared and filed my Business Certificate with the County Clerk's Office to set up my Doing Business As (DBA). Presentation of the document at a bank will allow me to open a bank account and credit card in the Daisy's Bags name. I have to figure out how best to set up payments on the website. Should I use paypal or set up "add to cart" buttons with a "checkout" to complete the order? Suggestions please!

Thanks to everyone who is checking out the blog. I do actually have a few more bags left in the inventory and in a few weeks, after the Ladies of DB have completed the orders, we will work to replenish the stock for the website and for retail stores in the Manhattan/Brooklyn area. Ask your favorite store to carry Daisy's Bags wherever you live!