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Put A Twi$t On Your Business Model

August 3, 2011 by CRAVE Blogger | Comments (0)

As a business owner I know you are working very hard in your business, serving clients and staying on top over everything else that needs to be managed.

But what if all the hard work you are currently doing is not necessarily the most effective way to grow your business?

A solid business is built around a business model that works. If you think you have a great business model in place then it will only take a few minutes to confirm that this is the case.

If you aren’t quite sure if your business model is functioning optimally, now is the perfect time to give it a quick check-up and find out.

When I talk about your business model I simply mean the way your business makes money. Think about these basic components:

* Your business offer products and services

* You sell them for a certain price

* A certain number of people buy them (once or even better, repeatedly)

* You deliver them in a certain way (in person, electronically, third party, etc.)

Why not revisit your business model to see if there are a few ways you can change it. This doesn’t have to be complicated, simply take a piece of paper and a pen or open a new file on your computer.

Write down all the products and services your business currently offers, the price for each, how many clients you have who purchase each offer and how frequently. Total this up, subtract your costs, and see if this structure is going to bring you the financial results you want.

Now imagine how many different ways you can upgrade your business model to attract more business and leverage what you already have.

Get creative and try out several combinations of products and services. Here are some ideas:

- Perhaps you can add something new, additional revenue streams.

- You can also think about increasing the amount of what you already deliver.

- Or maybe at this point it’s even best to remove a part that isn’t profitable.

- Consider changing the way you deliver your products and services.

- What if you didn’t change a thing except to increase the prices (speaking or pricing, when is that last time you increased the prices for your products and services)?

Let’s use the business model of a consultant as an example.

CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting services delivered by the consultant alone

Price: Per hour

Clients: One at a time full time or two to three part-time

Delivery: In person

UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting in person delivered by the consultant, additional consultants working for you, speaking, selling intellectual property (an ebook, audio, or other information product)

Price: Consulting per project (and part of the fee for consultants working on behalf of the consultant), speaking per event, intellectual property per item

Clients: Many at one time

Delivery: In person, automated (via the internet)

Are you starting to see the possibilities for your business? Renewing your business model can re-inspire your enthusiasm for what you do as well as increase your desire for marketing your business.

A healthy business model is the foundation for a successful business. Take time to examine your business model and make sure it is the strongest it can be.

With a few simple changes, you will probably make more money and you may even find that you don’t have to work as hard to do so. Now who doesn’t want that!

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire! Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: fireflycoaching.com.

Fall Trends

August 18, 2010 by Jackie | Comments (0)

Autumn can be a difficult transition from summer fun, but fall trends are something to look forward to.  Every year can be tough to keep up with what is hot that season but CRAVE knows the right gals in the city to look to for this advice.  Looking good is important to NYC women so make sure you hit up these cool CRAVE-able New York boutiques. 

FSL Cosmetics (fslcosmetics.com)

The first thing people look at before they look at your clothes, is your face!  So you want to make sure that your skin looks flawless.  You also want to choose the right color make-up for your face as well as the season.  FSL Cosmetics use high-quality botanicals to help improve the skin’s current condition.  They not only do they have a large variety of colors, FSL incorporates exotic fruits, vitamins and antioxidants.  That is something all woman should CRAVE because it helps protect their skin from the harsh elements.  Fall is always about incorporating into your make-up warm colors and FSL has plenty of tips.  Try their fantastic line of warm lipsticks such as “Chocolate Kiss,” “Mz. Berry,” or “Pomegranate.”  The right colors plus botanicals that can actually improve your skin; can you get any better?!

Kim@fslcosmetics.com

504-234-6473

StefaniBags.com (stefanibags.com)

Bags are a girl’s best accessory.  NYC women need to have the right one!  To get the best designers and the right trends, go to StefaniBags.com.  The website is in the name so it’s easy to remember.  They always have new arrivals so you can keep up on the new bag trends.  This season, there seem to be a lot of browns, blacks, and oranges in many interesting shapes.  They have more tips on the website so check it out!

2005 Merrick Road, Suite 394

Merrick, NY 11566

887-357-0707

Bag Trends (bagtrends.com)

Another cool NYC place to look for the latest trends is Bag Trends.  A girl ALWAYS loves a sale and they seem to always have some type of sale on their website.  Currently, 40% off! They also have a link on their website that reads “Top 3 Trends” so you don’t even have to think about which bag is the trendiest.  It’s that easy!  Simplicity is something all busy women CRAVE.

718-531-6793

New York, NY

Suffering from Skin Damage this Summer? Fight it with these Foods!

August 16, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

We all want beautiful skin, especially during the “skin showing” months of summer. So how do we get it without spending a fortune at the Clinique counter? By eating antioxidant rich foods, that’s how. Your skin, just like every other organ in your body, needs antioxidant laden foods to keep it healthy and toxin free. Here are some of the most important foods to eat for beautiful skin. Try to get these delicious foods into your diet as often as possible and I promise you will love the results.

Foods for beautiful skin:

Sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, and almonds- What do they all have in common? Vitamin E! Vitamin E works to protect skin from ultra violet rays and rejuvenate the cells. Sauté swiss chard with garlic and olive oil and top with a mix of toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E never tasted so good!

Cauliflower, walnuts, and cabbage- Did you think wild salmon was the only place to get Omega 3 fatty acids? Well get excited because they are in vegetables too! Omega 3’s are essential in creating beautiful skin for they help maintain cell membranes. It is these membranes that act as barriers for the body, letting water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Make an easy cabbage slaw topped with walnuts then steam cauliflower and serve with a lemon tahini sauce (also packed with Vitamin C). After these two dishes, your skin will be good to go!

Carrots, Kale, and Apricots- Not only are these foods quick and easy to get your hands on, they also serve up a giant does of Vitamin A (aka Beta Carotene). Vitamin A is involved in the repair and growth of body tissues, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with sun damaged skin. Stir-fry carrots and kale with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a great side dish. For the apricots, try throwing them on the grill for a great summer dessert!

Bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries- Loaded with more vitamin C than an orange, these foods work to create collagen in the skin and protect your lovely epidermis from oxidative stress. Best ways to eat them? Grill the peppers and broccoli or eat them raw with hummus. As for strawberries, just pop them in your mouth (or put them in a crisp).

Shitake mushrooms, cod and shrimp- Mushrooms (both shittake and crimini), cod, and shrimp are chock full of selenium, a potent nutrient that promotes skin elasticity and quality. Broil cod with a fresh tomatoes and basil. For the shrimp and mushrooms, toss them into an easy Thai curry. So good!

*This post was written by Jamie Dougherty for the Please feel free to contact Jamie with questions or to share your health, wellness and foodie stories. Email: jamiegd@jamieliving.com Facebook: JAMIE LIVING Twitter:JAMIE LIVING

Back-to-School Shopping for Kids (and moms!)

August 4, 2010 by Jackie | Comments (0)

Can you believe August has already started? That means it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping.  NYC kids need to look stylish too!  Keep your shopping local and hit up these CRAVE-able boutiques that will have your kids wanting to try on clothes.  Your children will actually feel like going back to school when they see the cool fall clothes that local New York City women have to offer.

Estella (estella-nyc.com)

Do you CRAVE stylish fashion?  Well show that chic style through your children as well as your own wardrobe.  Estella is a local and online store that doesn’t sell the typical trendy NYC clothes.  They sell the most unique and interesting clothes for children around.  Estella has been making children and parents happy since 2002.  The parents love the fact that most of the clothes are machine wash-able.  Kids can be very messy and who has time for dry-cleaning anymore!  There is also a line of organic baby clothes which a lot of mothers seem to appreciate.  They also ship all around the country and world!  So Estella is good for sending trendy baby clothes to friends and family to make the perfect gift.

493 Sixth Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-3553

Planet Kids (planetkids.com)

Planet Kids has been busy and continues to grow with its two New York locations.  Your children will want to go into the store because of the cool space theme but you’ll want to stay because of the fashionable clothes on the shelves!  They have an expert staff who can answer any questions for news moms and mothers of four.  They also have a gift registry for the mom-to-be.  That can save your weird aunt from getting something well…weird for your new baby, ha!  Cool new clothes is the only thing kids like about going back to school in the fall, so make sure they go back in style.

247 E 86^th St
New York, NY 10128
(212) 426-2040

Bump Brooklyn (bumpbrooklyn.com)

Well, we talked about fashion-forward clothes for the kids, but what about for mommy?!  Bump Brooklyn is one of the best places to go in NYC for chic maternity clothes.  Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy.  Hannah Macdonald and SaSaDi Odunsi came up with the idea for Bump, a boutique for the urban pregnant shopper who was not willing to give up her sense of style.  These clothes can be worn during pregnancy, nursing and that transitional phase.  It is also a place for moms-to-be to connect before their babies arrive.  They are also very affordable.  “Give up wine, coffee, sushi – not fashion.”

464 Bergen St
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 638-1960

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

August 2, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

From runway show recaps to laid-back street looks, the world of fashion blogging is a vibrant virtual scene. It’s not necessarily about the newest, hottest, or spendiest trend — it’s about the textiles, color palettes and silhouettes that make us feel gorgeous.

For a jolt of wardrobe inspiration to pull you through the dog days of summer, bookmark Jazzi McGilbert, Sally McGraw and “Miss” James Kicinski. While their personal styles may diverge, their message is the same: get dressed, and get going!

Jazzi McGilbert of JazziMcG.com

Thrift store scenester? Or haute couture hound? Jazzi McGilbert (aka Jazzi McG) confidently struts straight down the center of the spectrum. Her blog traipses through the world of high fashion, throws the spotlight on intimate “intern confessionals” and shares a few DIY treasures (Alexander Wang sock garters, anyone?). As Jazzi puts it, her mission is to “let everyone know that the fashion industry can be tackled without a trust fund”. Can I get an amen, sister?

Sally McGraw of Already Pretty
Can one personal stylist change the way women view their bodies, and themselves? Sally McGraw thinks so. The lovely McGraw elevates her passion for chic clothing with an outspoken commitment to body acceptance. Blog posts like “What IS Flattering?” provide commonsense insights into topics that have frustrated shoppers since the dawn of time. And her weekly contests and giveaways — which range from cotton scarves to summer frocks to hefty gift cards — are not to be missed.

“Miss” James Kicinski of Bleubird Vintage
Chic baby mama. Vinyl record collector. Frilly knicker designer. Miss James is a retro inspiration — and a drop-dead gorgeous one, at that. In addition to writing about her latest Etsy obsessions and selling dreamy vintage-inspired collections through her online shop, James also blogs over at N.E.E.T. magazine. Best of luck as she stylishly feathers the nest for her new baby (due in July). What a busy little bird!

*This post was written by Alexandra Franzen for the CRAVE company:

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

NYC stylists and personal shoppers

July 21, 2010 by Jackie | Comments (0)

NYC ladies are known for their style.  How do you think they always look so chic? The answer is New York City stylists and personal shoppers.  We always need help picking out the perfect outfit.  Woman-owned businesses are the ones to trust when it comes to your style.  Here are some of CRAVE’s favorites:

The Black Dress Traveler (blackdresstraveler.com)

Summer is the time for traveling and we always want to look our best and go to the most fabulous places.  Wanda Mann, founder and editor-and-chief of The Black Dress Traveler, can help you with all your travel needs.  She can give you information on the best restaurants, where to find the perfect little black dress, or the best destination for a getaway.  Wanda is committed to sharing fun and useful information with other women that will inspire them to live life to the fullest. “We all know this journey in life is short. So why not seize those opportunities to live it up and to make a difference? And, wear a great dress!” – Wanda Mann.  That’s the attitude and style we CRAVE.

wanda@blackdresstraveler.com

Unique and Chic (unique-chic.com)

Unique and Chic is an image and style-consulting company in which will help you define your style in an elegant and natural manner.  We CRAVE a company who wants their clients to feel satisfied.  Unique and Chic provides personal attention and have created an important selection of services depending on your needs, such as a accessorizing your outfit for special events, casual wear, brides and bridesmaids, and job interviews.  They can also save time for the busy NYC girl by doing the shopping for us.  This includes finding the perfect gift for anyone, any occasion!

196 E 75^th Street

New York, NY 10021

917-318-5869

Cameo Closets (cameoclosets.onsugar.com)

Cameo Closets is a closet organization and wardrobe styling service for people in need of a wardrobe revival.  This company is very unique in that they help you love the clothes you already own! Cameo Closets helps you organize, put outfits together and give you a list of recommendations to complete your “new” outfits.  Cameo Closets is also encourages their clients to donate unwanted clothes to Bottomless Closet.  This organization gives work clothes to woman who can’t afford them and we CRAVE helping our working sisters.

89 Murray Street

New York, NY 10007

646-797-6262

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

Where to find great bachelorette gifts

July 8, 2010 by Jackie | Comments (0)

Summer is wedding season and that means many bachelorette parties to go to for us New York girls.  Gifts for these soon-to-be brides can be hard to come up with.  Everyone wants to get the perfect gift and we CRAVE this list of ideas.

Hanky Panky (hankypanky.com)

What is the number one gift to get a girl for her bachelorette party?  Lingerie for the wedding night.  We CRAVE Hanky Panky’s large selection of gifts for the bachelorette.  They began 30 years ago in New York and still influence trends in lingerie and sleepwear.  They pride themselves on providing brilliant solutions for fashion fit issues by remaining dedicated to innovative design, comfort and quality.  They have been manufacturing in the New York area since 1977 which is something we CRAVE in a company.  Get your girlfriend the perfect gift, she deserves it!

373 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-4996

Helen Julia New York (helenjulia.com)

Girls love candles.  Especially ones with smells that we CRAVE!  Bachelorette parties can be rough the next morning, so let your bride relax with one of these hand-poured scented soy candles.  Each candle inspires distinct moods.  These candles include: “I Do” (how perfect!), Prima Donna, Pearl Drop, Pink Diamond, Powder Puff, Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink.  Who won’t be able to have fun with names like those?

(718) 619-2267

Poppies and Posies Events (poppiesandposiesevents.com)

The perfect gift from the maid-of honor is a perfect bachelorette party!  Poppies and Posies Events can make your bride’s party exactly how she would want it.  PPE is co-owned by Sierra and Juliet who have both worked with some big names such as Donald Trump and Martha Stewart.  They specialize in flower arrangements that are perfect for any event!

132 W88th St, Apt B
New York, NY 10024
(646) 386-7347

NYC Shoe Shops to Please Your Feet

June 2, 2010 by Emily | Comments (1)

Summer is almost here, and nothing screams summer more than letting your toes out to see the sunshine in the perfect pair of new sandals. Sandals can be rough on your feet, especially in New York City, so finding a great pair is imperative. Check out some of the places we CRAVE when shopping for cute shoes. They not only have incredibly stylish shoes to don your feet with, but they are affordable and offer great service!

MooShoes, Inc. (mooshoes.com)

Founded in 2001 by sisters and New York natives, MooShoes, Inc. is a vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. MooShoes offers its services through an online store as well as in its lovely retail store in New York City Lower East Side, and is the first cruelty-free store of its kind in NYC.

Don’t think that because these shoes are vegan that they aren’t cute and comfortable, these girls don’t sacrifice style when supporting a cause. Slip into some super cute and cruelty-free footwear that not only make your feet happy, but makes you smile for doing something good.

78 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
212.254.6512

Tip Top Shoes (tiptopshoes.com)

Since 1940, Tip Top Shoes has been dedicated to comfort and fashion forward footwear. Through four generations, this family business has continuously strived to find new and exciting styles from around the world. They have been chosen Full Line Independent Retailer of the Year by Footwear Plus and have been chosen as one of the most influential shoe retailers in the country by Footwear News. They have been featured in a variety of articles in magazines such as Forbes Magazine, Lucky, and New York Magazine. Whether it’s the latest trendy, technical shoe or the most basic footwear, you will always find your size, style and receive exceptional service.

Why do we CRAVE them? They carry the brands that we already know and love, but they understand the importance of quality customer service. At Tip Top Shoes, we feel like we’re family.

155 W 72nd St
New York, NY
1-800-WALKING

An Interview with Bump Brooklyn

May 19, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (0)

Having a baby is the most wonderful gift anyone could ever give a woman, but who says you need to loose your sense of fashion when you’re pregnant? Just imagine a time where running pants and baggy shirts are replaced with colorful dresses and skinny jeans! It so happens that the time is now! Hannah Macdonald and SaSaDi Odunsi fought against the stereotypical image and started Bump Brooklyn, a boutique for mothers-to-be to stay stylish and embrace their pregnancy in every way possible. They believed in keeping the fashionista within no matter what life throws at you.

Who couldn’t possibly CRAVE what these gals have brought to you? Heck – your closet loves them too!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

How can I not respond with our shop slogan, “Give up wine, coffee, sushi – not fashion”!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Contemporary. Chic. Comfortable.

What are your most popular products or services?

Beautiful dresses, nursing bras, J Brand jeans, Basq skin care, bella bands, personalized jewelry and storksak diaper bags.

People may be surprised to know…

Bump carries a number of wonderful contemporary designers like Susana Monaco, Line and Yumi Kim who feature styles that can be worn during pregnancy and long afterwards.

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?

Hannah: Anything that makes you happy when you put it on.

SaSaDi: Must have has to be handbags & great shoes – you can pair them with anything now matter what your shape or size.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Hannah: The abuse of any life – man, woman, child or animal.  Life is so precious and we have to protect it.

SaSaDi: I don’t have a specific cause that I am passionate about but any cause that works to better people’s lives and give voice to creative expression.

If you could time travel where would you go?

Hannah: The 1920′s when women were starting to realize they had a voice that deserved to be heard and hemlines were starting to get shorter!

SaSaDi: 100 years into the future – I am curious to see where all of this is really going to take us.

Shop around and see all the wonderful clothing that Hannah and SaSaDi selected for you at bumpbrooklyn.com!

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