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Choosing an Accent Wall

Part of our design project here is to choose new paint colors for our kitchen/living/dining room combined area.  I’ve written quite a bit about my struggles with choosing paint colors in the past, and the thought of choosing color(s) for one large space is causing my head to spin.  Part of the problem is that I know we should have an accent/anchor wall.  Also, while I want to show the division of say, the dining room and the living space, one continuous color will have to work for both as there is no structural division that would allow for a paint shade change.

I’ve been doing some searching of images for inspiration and have come up with the following:

An accent wall from House Beautiful:

This gold-leaf wall from HGTV is interesting to say the least, but leaves me wondering what choosing a paint color with a bit of a metallic hue to it would do…. maybe a deep bronze?  Could be very pretty in the evening with the right lighting.  Actually, the more I think about it, the metallic gold leaf is growing on me.

As the author at Sunset describes here, very dark accent walls provide a dramatic backdrop for artwork and the other items in your room.

Our very 90’s style condo doesn’t have many architectural details to show off, so maybe in situations like these you are better off using an accent color inside built-ins or other nooks (also from Sunset.com):

The more I think about it, I’m more inclined to stick with one “safe” color and perhaps do smaller accent spaces like the shelving above.  Maybe some stenciling or paint just a few shades darker than the base color on a few walls to define space.  We clearly have a lot of thinking to do in the next few weeks!  To be continued…

Women Grow Business – New Post on E-commerce!

Thank you again to Jill Foster at Women Grow Business for having me as a regular contributor – despite my not always regular contributions!

Here is our latest post, published today:

From Navigation to Web Video: Increasing Traffic and Conversion Rates for Your E-commerce Site

Sometimes I have a tendency to overcomplicate things.
For example, when creating a strategy for my e-commerce business – an online contemporary furniture store – I became overwhelmed with the perceived complexities of the project.

However, it boils down to a few very basic points.

As an online retailer, it’s fair to say your business is about generating revenue from the sale of goods. Just as in traditional retail, this is the result of ensuring two fundamental activities are taking place – ‘traffic’ and ‘conversion’ i.e. you have shoppers visiting your online store and they are turning into buyers.

On driving traffic
There are many ways that you can drive traffic to your site and many consulting companies that are ready to provide you with expertise in any of them. However as I see it, basic traffic can be derived from the following:

1. Site optimization
The key words you use throughout your website are what ensure that when a shopper uses search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) to find an item that you carry, they will find you. It is simultaneously a simple process (including words that describe your site/products) and more complicated (such as competing for key words with other vendors).

It may help reading-up on a good overview of the basic steps to give a better understanding.

2. Advertising
A popular mode of online advertising is Pay Per Click (PPC), which allows you to obtain prominent page space on search engines. You can also list your products on Amazon to utilize their popularity or place ads on social network sites such as Facebook or MySpace. I’ve found Amazon where your products are viewed by folks (who are actively browsing for products like yours) to be an effective way to generate traffic at a reasonable cost.

3. Customer interaction
It’s important to engage and interact with your customers. The word of mouth factor can be an effective way to create traffic. On top of this, the more you learn about your customers, the better you are able to determine what they are looking for and thereby tailor your site to more effectively meet their needs. Some popular methods of communicating with your customers include your company’s blog, Facebook and Twitter. Distinguish yourself by being quick to respond and be transparent. I also recommend using Google Alerts to track when folks are talking about you/your business so you can be sure to respond.

So now that you have driven visitors to your site, you need to make sure that you convert them into buyers.

On converting traffic to buyers
You can project your sales by utilizing a conversion rate – the percentage of your site’s visitors that will become buyers. A goal of all online retailers is to increase this conversion rate.

Some ways of doing this include:

1. Provide clear product descriptions and quality images. Especially when selling a tangible product, having these are important. It ensures the buyer has a good understanding of the product and thereby the confidence to purchase.

It has also been shown that videos demonstrating the product are also helpful in instilling confidence and thereby converting shoppers into buyers.

Certain manufacturers whose product lines I carry only provide a basic image. From experience, I know shoppers will not purchase an item that’s not clearly portrayed. So often I’ve found in this case, the best option with some of these products and vendors is to not carry them — unless you can obtain better images yourself.

2. It is important to make sure your site is easy to navigate. This includes the checkout process. It is also key your customers can find what they are looking for on your site. Outside of a basic search function, custom search fields can be created to make it easier for people to find exactly what they are looking for.

3. Ensure the visitor will feel comfortable shopping with you i.e. think personality here. Imprint your personality and/or your brand’s persona within the various facets of your site. It is key to have a company blog so you can show the personality behind the storefront and interact with visitors. Videos have proven to be helpful in this aspect as well. User reviews are extremely useful in convincing a shopper about the quality or relevancy of a product for them, as well as sharing positive shopping experiences.

4. Consider that shoppers are concerned about safety when shopping online. It is important to show customers it’s safe for them to disclose their personal information — such as contact and credit card data. Use services that certify the safety of your site and thereby put your visitors at ease. VeriSign, McAfee and Kikscore are a few to consider.

That’s my initial plan to traffic and conversion — both so integral in creating revenue. Approaching the process in this logical way has helped me to create a systematic plan to building my company.

What else do you think is key in growing your online retail operations?  Please feel free to share your thoughts!

Catching Up!

After a nice long weekend in Las Vegas (more about this later) I returned to attend the Grow Smart Biz Conference here in Washington, DC.   It was a day of information and inspiration for small businesses and a fantastic chance to meet other fellow small business owners.  I can say that I walked away feeling energized (even after a weekend in Vegas!), inspired and ready to get back to work.  Thank you to Shashi Bellamkonda at Network Solutions for pulling the event together, which included high profile visits from Senator Mark Warner and Chris Anderson.  Several excellent panels provided thoughtful insight and advice on major small business topics.   What a great time!

To keep up with all things social media and small biz, I suggest you follow Shashi on Twitter or at one of his blogs.

Grow Smart Business Conference in DC – with Coupon Update!

I wanted to share news of an upcoming small business conference here in DC. It will be held downtown next Tuesday in the Renaissance Hotel and it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to learn and network with other small business owners:

“Small business owners and entrepreneurs should attend to learn how to overcome challenges that all small businesses face. Attendees will hear from an outstanding group of panelists for concrete takeaways including:

• Proven strategies for business growth despite the current economy
• Executable, cost-effective ways to market their businesses
• Insight and tactics for securing small business financing
• Actionable ideas for integrating social media into existing marketing”

Learn more and sgign up to attend here. Hope to see you there!

UPDATE:  I’ve just received information on a coupon to attend for only $99.  Enter coupon code “SHASHIB” at checkout for tickets at this great price!

Also, be sure to visit the SmartBiz Answers Booth at the conference (my hubby will be one of the experts on board – save your toughest legal questions for Raj while your there)! http://blog.networksolutions.com/2009/the-growsmartbiz-conference-featuring-the-smartbiz-answer-booth/

Source for Industry News – Design Trade Magazine

Our Ansel Bar Stool was recently featured in Design Trade Magazine.

We love that others appreciate the simplicity of the Ansel the way we do – which is available in bar or counter height.

Ansel Bar Stool from Nuevo

The Design Trade Magazine features design industry information and product news, so check back often to learn more about interesting new products and design-related news.

If I Envision It… Dreamy Kitchens

Raj and I spent some time last night combing more magazines and the web for images to inspire us – or maybe guide us – in our choice of kitchen cabinets.   We know we want a contemporary look and something that will not make the space feel smaller than it is (super dark colors, etc.).  Here are a few of our faves that are light, airy and uncluttered:

Not exactly a kitchen but look how pretty this island image is (from Metropolitan Home):

I apologize for not crediting these photographs appropriately – I was in such a frenzy to create a cohesive image of what we liked/didn’t like that I didn’t label properly.   Anyway – it was all out of love!

Women Grow Business Post: 5 Ways to Overcome Distraction

The fabulous blog for entrepreneurial souls, Women Grow Business, posted a new article written by yours truly today.   This one discusses some major distractions I face and how I handle them…

Last month I wrote about gaining focus in your business and thereby making the most relevant choices in your daily activities. This is essential for making significant headway with your efforts.

However, if you struggle with staying on task as many others and I do, it is useful to identify the pitfalls you face so that you can plan to avoid them.

The Big 5
The following are 5 of the biggest distractions aka “time sucks” I face and that I know others face daily. I also suggest a proposed solution for minimizing the effect these distractions have on your productivity.

Time Suck #1: Disorganization.

Solution: Get organized and get in control.
When you have a plan in writing and in front of you, you always know what your next task is. You are prepared to execute without wasting time and energy wondering what you should do next.

Use the ABC method, or a system of prioritization that works for you, to design your schedule.

Label your most important activities – that is, the ones that will have the biggest impact on your bottom line – with a giant “A” and attack.

Label items that need to be completed in a timely manner but are not critical with a “B”. Then label with a “C” tasks that can be done at your leisure or when you feel your attention span waning. We each have a time of the day when we are best able to hone in and focus on what needs to be done – use this time to build a structure that will support you throughout the rest of your day.

The disorganization carries over to your desktop and worktop. For me, having a stack of unidentified papers or an unfiled document floating on my desktop distracts me to the point where it is nearly overwhelming. You may have a different reaction but at the very least, if you file as you go or file on at a regular time, it will save you time searching for things later.

Establish a solid filing system for both your paperwork and your desktop. Make it fun with colorful files, clear labeling, etc. I met Kim, a professional organizer at Put It Away, at a recent DC Unintentional Entrepreneur event.

She suggested using Evernote for organizing emails, notes, files, and web pages on the fly. I’ve since given it a try and love it.

You can avoid collecting a series of open browser tabs by tagging articles and pages for later review and send emails and notes to your Evernote account from your handheld for easy access.

There are also virtual filing systems such as Virtual Filing Cabinet 4.0.1 and cloud computing options like The Rackspace Cloud that some people swear by. They both seem like fantastic ways to better organize your documents and files.

Time Suck #2: The infamous email popup.

Solution: I hate to even address this well-known problem but am writing this after checking my email for the 3rd time in 30 minutes. For me, once I get moving, I have no problem continuing the forward motion. It is when I stop that I have to start a slow pedal uphill again, with the front wheel of my ten-speed constantly wobbling and pulling me toward the ditches on either side of the road. Don’t undermine yourself!

Just turn off the automatic notification and designate times for checking, writing and responding to email.

I suggest allowing yourself to check email a certain number of times per day – after all, if somebody has something truly urgent to contact you about, they can call you.

Time Suck #3: Doubting your abilities.

(Image Free Jump by Jinto, Creative Commons)

Solution: Goodness knows how much time we spend every day questioning ourselves and making excuses for our actions or lack thereof.

Let’s collectively vow to make decisions based on what honors our goals and makes us happy and execute unhesitatingly and unapologetically.

Most of us are as likely to be our own biggest enemy as we are to be our own strongest advocate. Choose the kinder route and believe in yourself. Use positive reinforcement throughout the day and especially when you catch those feelings of self-doubt creeping in.

Time Suck #4: Not taking an honest look at your behavior.

Solution: It’s easy to get pulled into daily routines and create habits that are more comfortable than they are moving you in a positive direction.

Vow to be a little tougher on yourself when it comes to honoring your valuable and limited time.

Sure it’s ok to surf the Internet, but not when you are procrastinating in the face of looming projects. Recognize how much more value and joy the activities that align with your goals bring you and set aside some downtime for little indulgences.

Time Suck #5: Agreeing to participate in activities that don’t support what is important to you.

Solution: We have the choice to make our family, our business and ourselves our priorities. Social and networking events are obviously important, but make sure your participation has some real value for you.

While I adore meeting new people and seeing friends, I admit that I find myself over-committing my involvement in some activities out of pressure.

That puts unnecessary constraints on time and takes me away from moving ahead on key projects. Save yourself both the time and frustration and commit to activities judiciously.

One more major distraction: daily monitoring
In addition to the above, a major distraction for most people is handling the daily tasks that must be completed to keep your personal life running. For me, a big avoidance/distraction is monitoring and dealing with the paperwork of the finance-related aspects of my life. I’m currently test-driving a finance organization tool and working to implement a better system for keeping things organized and straightforward so that I can focus my energy on my business.

Stay tuned!

Do you have some distractions you face or suggestions for handling any of the above? I’d love to hear from you!

It’s Going to be a Busy Weekend – DC Sales and Events!

Thanks to Apartment Therapy for their posting on DC’s weekend guide to sales and events.  It’s a great roundup to get you excited about the upcoming weekend.

THIS WEEK
• Thos. Moser Annex Sale 10,000-square-feet space of rarely marked-down furniture that includes floor models, returned items and pieces created for photo shoots. Furnishings will be trucked in from the company’s seven other showrooms throughout the summer. Shoppers can expect discounts from 10 to 20 percent.
3338 M St. NW
6/5 – 8/9 EXTENDED THROUGH LABOR DAY

• Mrs. Howard by Phoebe Howard Opening Interior Decorator Phoebe Howard is opening her newest store next week in Charlotte, North Carolina. This will be the fourth location of her high-end home furnishing retail stores Mrs. Howard and Max & Company.
1001 East Morehead Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
Opening party on Thursday, 8/6: 6pm — RSVP to Leah at lkennelly@jmhoward.net
Store opens Friday 8/7

• Smith & Hawken Liquidation Sale The website/catalog is shut down and the company is liquidating all their inventory directly from their 56 stores in 22 states and Washington, D.C. Find your nearest store here. See our post here.

• Room & Board Summer Clearance Clearance furniture and accessories at up to 50% off.
Online.

• Gus* Modern Sale 20% Upholstered Essentials Collection – items that are in stock and ready to ship – at authorized Gus* dealers across Canada and the United States.
In the DC area, Gus* Modern can be found at:
RCKNDY | 1515 U Street NW Washington, DC
Homebody | 715 8th Street SE Washington, DC
Retro Metro | 213 North Market St. Frederick, Maryland
Madison Interiors | 8251 Telegraph Road Odenton, Maryland
Ocean Boulevard Furniture | 18467 Coastal Highway Lewes, Delaware
7/16 – 8/16

• James Wilhoit Antiques Closing Sale American and English 18th- and early-19th-century furniture — furniture, paintings, mirrors and other accessories are about 25 percent off.
277-B S. Washington St. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Sale Ends 8/31

• Sparrows Antiques Sale, Discounts on French antique furniture, lighting and accessories from 25 to 40%. Sale ends when all clearance items are sold.
4115 Howard Avenue, Kensington, Maryland

• The Community Forklift Free Fridays The Community Forklift is a nonprofit thrift store for building materials, located 5 min. from the NE DC line. We have a “Free Friday” each week. Everything in Aisle One is Free on Fridays, (and $5 or less the rest of the week). Right now we have a bunch of doors and carpet tiles in the free section, as well as samples from an architecture firm library (all sorts of little scraps for crafting).
4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
Every Friday, 9-5

Prepping for the Holiday

We were featured today on our favorite blog for entrepreneurial inspiration, Women Grow Business.  We offered up some advice for ecommerce stores in prepping for the holiday.  As usual, thanks to Jill Foster for letting us participate in this fantastic business resource and for continuously sharing a wealth of information for female entrepreneurs.

Here is a copy of the post:

But It’s Still August! Welcome to Holiday Rush Planning for Small Business

August 12th, 2009

It’s in the heat of summer.
We’re surrounded by swimming pools, baseball, and sweet iced tea. But as small business owners, what was a few months ago a distant event has now become a present deadline needing our attention.

(Image Santa in the Summer Street, Kewel Shang, Creative Commons)

Welcome to planning for the holiday rush!
Before time slips too far away, I wanted to offer some thoughts for those gearing up for that time of year from an inventory and small business perspective.

Inventory-related
1.) Since I sell furniture, this tip comes to mind. Holiday orders are placed months in advance – many times at the spring gift and furnishing shows. For many reasons, vendors will choose to sell and display any strictly “holiday” items very selectively since they aim to lower investment risk by keeping minimal stock.

2.) Choose and/or showcase more items that one would consider gifts (by pricepoint, item category, etc.) as well as smaller items that ship in boxed packages that aren’t necessarily holiday in theme so if they don’t sell out over the holiday, they can be carried into the New Year.

3.) Educate yourself on various manufacturer’s policy for stocking holiday goods. Given the buying cycle, many manufactures offer only a certain amount and sell out of these items as early as the spring gift and furnishing shows. Therefore, unless you have ordered certain items well in advance you will not have the option to feature them in your store.

Thoughts on merchandising
1.) For your e-commerce business, consider merchandising to highlight holiday items and include “holiday” as a category and search term.

2.) Determine holiday promotions based upon industry trends/buyer expectations and your own business model.

3.) Take advantage of any upselling opportunities.

Regarding Web site function for your business
1.) Monitor site function to ensure everything is working properly prior to the holiday season.

2.) Use Google Analytics to monitor customer behavior so that changes can be made as necessary.

Question to you:
What resources do you use to keep things running smoothly? What helps prepare your business for customers during holiday seasons?