Name : Jolynn Van Asten

Email Address : calljolynn@sendbettercards.com

What kind of Business do you run? www.SendBetterCards.com

When did you start it? September 2007

Why did you start it? To be able to assist other business owners with appreciation 'marketing,' and to help moms enjoy each day with our productivity tool.

What was your inspiration? A friend of mine is a life coach who also runs a business like mine, and she overcame depression of being a new empty nester by using our productivity tool to inspire others.

How much capital in terms of resources did you invest to start up your business? $500.00

Do you have a website for your business? If yes, please provide it.  www.sendbettercards.com

Who are your main customers? What demographic are they mostly from? Small to medium size brick and mortar businesses as well as moms / women in direct sales.

What do you feel are the basic goals that a business such as yours should reach in the first year? That depends on the goal of the individual owner. I set my own pace and schedule. I met all my first year goals financially. I believe the goal of word of mouth marketing at every local event I could attend helped me reach the goals I set for the business. I used C.J. Hayden's "Get Clients Now" book for direction.

For anyone who wishes to start their own WAH business in the same industry as yours, what are your top 3 pieces of advice? Join a womens connecting group such as "the joy of connecting" (cost effective); Take care of yourself first - If mama aint happy, nobody's happy; Do NOT work 24/7. You can work alongside your other activities, yes, however, get some sleep and turn your cares over to your higher power for greater solutions.

Has this business venture allowed you to spend more time or less time with your family? Much more. My husband and I will be going on a cruise next month paid for by our business and my children love it so much they tell all their friends and teachers. I made special business cards for them with "referral codes" so I can give them a commission when they talk about sendbettercards.com to people.

What are the top three marketing strategies that you employed to achieve success for? your business?

1.Send a follow up card with some brownies, or a coffee card inside to everyone I talk with. The return on investment is huge, and I do it all in a few clicks.

2. Working from my soul. I really care about people I meet and they know it.

3. Ask everyone for word of mouth referrals.

What goals are next for your business? To branch out and train 4,000 new business owners.

Where do you see your business in another 10 years? A huge success! I will have team members in every country, blessing them with all we have to offer.

Name the top 3 products and/or services your business provides and their respective?benefits to the customer/consumer. 

1. A follow up tool to use with clients

2. Real greeting cards typed in YOUR OWN HANDWRITING

3. A system that reminds you of birthdays: the cards are printed at corporate, stuffed in the envelope and mailed FOR YOU (for around 62 cents a card).

Has your business been recognized in any way by the media or any awards organization? If so please state how you were chosen and what kind of recognition your business has achieved. We were featured in the September issue of Success from Home magazine.

How many times a year do you offer special discounts on your products or services? When? I offer specials with each business package purchased.

Share with us two positive feedback comments your customers have said about your?product and/or service. "Wow- every business woman should be using this." -Gerry Quiensenberry Mary Kay Star Consultant. " My customer sent me a thank you note, for the thank you card I sent her, and said she was all choked up. Also said I was the only one who remembered her birthday." - Larry Kettle, Income Solutions.