I went to the market yesterday to restock perfumes and meet up with a customer's order. He wanted to buy a designer perfume. While I was in the market, I just kept wondering where all of them bought from and how much they invested to be able to sell wholesale. I have always wondered, but then, I know it's like a magic trick to them; they don't reveal it to just anyone. You will probably have to pay to have the right information or do things on your own and learn from your mistakes.
The ridiculous increase in the price of all the items just made me wish I was on top of the chain, like these dealers, I would have loved to make things easier for people. This will not sit well with every entrepreneur, but then, I think empathy is important in business too. I try to put myself in my customers's shoes, so I dare not treat them anyhow or be too greedy with making profit.
Being on top of the chain is one piece of advice I was given by a professional in the field of entrepreneurship. I once wrote about it. However, yesterday was one of the days I craved it so much because the prices were so high that I couldn't buy it. It made me wish I could just buy directly from the manufacturing companies and at lesser prices.
As I was going back home, I was really reminiscing about how it would be for me to have a big store and be a supplier myself—one with empathy, actually. So, I thought about making a detailed business plan and getting one or two investors that will invest some money in my business and get a yearly return on investment. I am looking for ways to get such investors, and I hope I figure that out.
Another option for me is to just work extra hard, save up gradually, and keep expanding till I can become a dealer myself. So basically, in a more logical interpretation, my options are between 'SMARTWORK' and 'HARDWORK'. In this case, both are good options to pursue, but obviously, one will take more time than the other. Well, I am keeping an open mind and also getting ready to put a lot of effort into making my business very successful this year, either with smartwork or with hardwork.
To achieve this, I will have to put myself out there a lot, and that means getting out of my comfort zone. I have a number of ideas I want to explore, but as much as I don't want to use this as an excuse, I am actually in need of a better phone, and I am actively working on it. I also need to buy better lighting and nicer props for better product photography, and I will buy them soon. I am taking notes on product photography ideas so I can get creative with the kinds of props I purchase. I am also making plans for branded complimentary jotters, pens, and thank-you cards.
I will keep looking for an investor while all these go on as well. I think a new level of intentionality should help me on this journey I am about to embark on. It's about that change wouldn't occur if you don't make moves. I have always wanted to own a physical store, and I will put all my effort into achieving it.
Thank you for reading❤️