when most of us hear the word Accounting - we cringe.  even though the math is simple – it somehow seems unbearable.  thank goodness for experts that get it – so we can worry about other things (like which new designer to bring in for Holiday!  or which dress to put in the window display!).

The Accounting Spot is run by a woman named Holly who has a BA in accounting and an MBA.  two kids later and she’s left the grind so she can be at home with them while pursuing her smarts and helping small businesses with their accounting needs. 

i don’t know about you – but i like to work with people who “get me”.  In other words – someone who is an expert in their field – but would be very likely to be your customer as well.  Holly is cool like that.  If you’re a DIY-er, she created a slew of forms that you can use to manage your own books (they start at $8).  If you need help with one project – that’s cool too.  And if you just want someone to do it all – all the time – she’s your lady. 

if you’re used to working with a local accountant  – fear not.   when i owned ooma, i hired a gal who i never even met in person!  we did everything online.  same with my web designer.  virtual companies are great to work with – because it’s easier to schedule (you do things on your time, she does things on her time), it’s better for the environment (no driving to meetings! no unnecessary paper!) and it’s no big whoop.

if you’re too busy with your shop or not that keen with numbers – perhaps this is a great way to free up your time and get your books in order.  i majored in finance – and i still outsourced my bookkeeping!  with affordable costs – there’s no reason why you need to do your own accounting (unless you dig it, of course). 

note that Holly does not offer Payroll at this time – but is looking to add the service soon.  And she’s not a CPA – so no taxes!

want to woo your customers with luxurious silks in rich, vibrant hues?  how about a flouncy party dress with a sexy racer back?  Jesica Milton, from Seattle, is a new designer who aims to blend comfort and glamour into beautiful garments.  Jesica’s first collection is an example of sophisticated relaxation – easy, breezy – but instead of your usual jerseys and cottons – she’s upping the ante with 100% silk.

 

i’m especially loving this bright blue number.  would be a great dress for a cocktail party, holiday soiree, or as a wedding guest.  100% silk crepe, w/s for $142.50.  the line is small – but well edited.  w/s price range is $60 – 227.

is it just me or has twitter just recently become as essential as an email address?  every newsletter i get…every blog…now has a link to a twitter follow!

it’s hard to escape talk of Twitter. you hear about Ashton’s millions of followers. celebrities are on it. a friend may be on it. and you’ve either embraced it or shunned it. so let’s talk about how it can help your business. several boutiques are tweeting and i’ve talked to a couple to get their input on why they joined and what they’re tweeting about.

@mabelzora joined because she just launched a gorgeous new website and wanted exposure.  she tries to mix personal and business tweets to match the tone of the store and further her brand.

@Urbanic joined to connect to with like-minded folks who love design, to keep current with online communication, and keep people updated on goings-on.

@MoxiePDX considers it a way to advertise for free, pass along interesting info, and see what other businesses are up to.

@RadishPDX would love to learn more about how to use it – but wonders if it might lose it’s charm if it becomes a paid service.

as for me  - @theproprietress  joined to spread the word about this blog and connect with other boutiques, designers and fashion-forward people i can blog about.  i was hesitant to join – thinking it was lame…but now i’m enjoying it.  i only post about once a day (that’s all i have time for!) – but i see people tweeting like crazy and think they may have a richer experience.

i think it’s certainly a great tool – when used properly.  it can either expand your voice to a new set of listeners (where you may post a link to something with more info) or it can spark conversations.  as a business user, i’d recommend avoiding the diary route(where you post what you ate for dinner or your opinion on last nite’s Gossip Girl).  Unless it relates to your business (outfit of the day, perhaps?), or promotes your brand, of course.

I used to write newsletters (boy – that seems outdated now!) and was an early store-blogger with ooma.  because my store was an extension of me – i aimed to keep the flavor of all my musings essentially me.  your store is a brand – so just make sure your voice is consistent – whether talking to a customer, blogging, websiting, newslettering and yes – tweeting.

if you’re a newbie  – you’ll notice all sorts of short-hand that may seem foreign.  here’s a great article by @michellerafter that helps navigate the best ways to use Twitter.

happy tweeting, little birds!

i always loved getting the Nashville Wraps catalogs - so many fun designs for boxes and bags – it always inspired me to mix things up a bit.  now i’m excited that they have a new line of sustainable retail packaging!  BRAVO.  i hope more wholesale packaging companies jump on this bandwagon.

the line, Green Way ®, is either natural, recycled, degradable or environmentally sustainable – and what customer wouldn’t appreciate your thoughtfulness in supporting our environment? 

Green Way ® includes bags, tissue, boxes, ribbons & packaging supplies.  check out the designs (email them for custom designs/logos) – some are pretty cute (though a few are a little hokey).

check the website and blog for even more information about recycled bags and “going green”.

perfume has always been a special treat for me.  i like to have a signature scent – and change it up depending on my mood/phase in life.  i’m a sucker for pretty packaging and charming names too.

….which is only one of the reasons why i love these!  aren’t these precious??  Lulu Beauty is created by a shop owner Julie in Seattle (she owns Show Pony) who amazingly – has the time to create a line of perfumes!   the tiny vials of sweetness are packaged in a retro cigarette case (cute!) complete with mirror.

the perfumes have feminine names like Gigi (…”a flirtatious and sexy scent..”) and Starlet (“..feminine magnetism bottled…”).

a great add-on sale or gift item to have at your cash-wrap.  i think perfumes (especially small bottles) sell well in any type of shop (clothing, accessories, lingerie, gift).  these are priced very reasonably too (roll on wholesales for $15, min 6 – though Julie will sell 3 of each scent for new orders).  i’ve tried the samples – and they are divine (and the scent lasts a surprising long time!).

contact Julie to place an order!