College Savings Dolls Wins the “Boomers Back in Business” Category
Congratulations to College Savings Dolls, located in Schaumburg, Illinois, for being named in the Top 10 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners. College Savings Dolls won the top spot in the “Boomers Back in Business Category”! We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Patty Errera and asked her to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Patty: Seeing results from an idea in your head, to a product in your hand.
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Patty: Passion and never giving up, no matter how difficult.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Patty: Watching a TV show on Oprah.
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Patty:
- Passion
- Determination
- Positive attitude
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Patty: It hard work, but keeping moving forward if it is your dream.
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Patty: As I see the slow progress, I look back and think how far we really have gotten.
StartupNation: What is your favorite motivational/business quote as an entrepreneur?
Patty: Everything can be fixed!
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Patty: A positive attitude is how I live, every day.
Tell Us About Your Business, Experiences, & Funding Your Startup
StartupNation: How did you get funding for your startup?
Patty: Savings, borrow from family, Accion loan
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Patty: Network all the time, and money will always be an issue, so don’t let it control your dreams
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Patty: Social media, going to events, talking to everyone you meet about your product, contests, email, blogs
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Patty: Start building a social media base right away, even if your product won’t be out for a long time. Building a customer base takes time.
Changes in the Business Market
StartupNation: What changes have you seen in your business market since starting?
Patty: The toy industry has a few giants and many tiny companies. I have seen more new company start ups
StartupNation: What do you see coming that will impact your business?
Patty: I think the economy is better and there are more people spending.
StartupNation: Have a funny story about a client or business transaction that you want to share along with a key lesson learned?
Patty: When dealing with a new product you meet many companies and vendors, never burn bridges even if you didn’t like their work, they may be needed in the future. We had to change manufacturers and the first one may be used in the future, so don’t leave them mad.
Learn more about Patty and other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
