I was busily working on my book revisions when a call came in on Skype from my daughter. Jennie called to ask me to settle a mother/daughter dispute. It seems that Jennie had told 4 1/2 year old Zoe that when she was a little girl she’d made books and went door to door selling them to our neighbors. Zoe loved the idea and promptly recognized a hot business opportunity right on her street. It was also a natural for this pint-sized artist. Jennie wasn’t comfortable with the idea, being new in the neighborhood and all.
I listened to both sides (although Zoe was more whiney than persuasive) of the story, then suggested to Zoe that she sell to people she already knew. “I’d buy one,” I said. “How much is it?”
Zoe perked right up. “Zero dollars,” she said.
I suggested she rethink her pricing. We finally decided that $3.00 would be the right price. “I bet Margaret and Jim and Becky would each buy one, too,” I said, committing my siblings who didn’t even know about this fabulous product we were envisioning.
Then I asked Zoe if she took checks or credit cards, or if this was a cash only business. Jennie chimed in and said they weren’t set up for credit card sales. I said that was not a problem and I’d tuck $3.00 into Zoe’s Valentine.
Then Jennie asked, “Would you like to have it mailed or would you prefer to wait and pick it up when you visit us in a couple of weeks?” I said I’d be happy to wait. “Oh, Zoe,” she said, “she’s saving you shipping and handling.” Zoe broke into a big grin as if I’d done her a huge favor. She went off to begin production.
So here’s what Zoe learned that timid people ten times her age haven’t figured out yet. In order to start a business, all you need to do is:
1) find a product/service you love
2) then find your first customer
Now you’re in business. Period. Begun. Open. Then just do it again. And again.
*****************
Zoe’s too young for teleclassses, of course, (and she gets free consulting from Grandma Vegas whenever she wants) but you’re probably just the right age. Want to learn how to generate a steady stream of good ideas? Join Alice Barry and me for Better Than Brainstorming on Wednesday, February 18, 8-9:30 PM Eastern.
The following week, I’m on my own for Outsmarting Resistance (which Zoe wouldn’t need yet) on Monday, February 23, followed by I Hate Marketing on Wednesday, February 25. Both teleclasses are at 8-9:30 PM Eastern.
This is a great story! Thank you so much for sharing Zoe’s wisdom AND impulsiveness to act on a great idea when she hears one, we could all benefit from that.
Great post, Barbara. I always love reading your (and Zoe’s) insights, and am consistently inspired by them. Thanks!
I stumbled upon your blog post via Twitter. This is a fantastic story that exemplifies the most basic business theories that are often overlooked!
That’s what I thought! Thanks for sharing it on Twitter.
ZOE ROCKS!!!
So here I am learning from a 4 year old. Fabulous! I retired several months ago, have been blogging about it, and now am ready to take that next step. Yesterday I gave a keynote address at a teachers’ conference which I’m hoping will be my “first client” since I’d like to do more talking about the ways in which I believe education needs to change so that not only are we teaching kids how to make a living we’re also – and perhaps this is even more important – teaching them how to live a life.
Great story and I love Zoe’s zest for life!