What’s in a Name?

A brand name is the first image your business projects. It is, therefore, the face of your business. A successful brand-name will entice potential customers, tell the story  of what you’re offering and be something to remember.

Playing the Game

Coming up with the right business name is always a creative challenge. I love the process of creating a name that fits the product or services then creating a logo that brings all of those creative efforts together. My most successful business yet, SueB.do, was born out of a previous business venture. I was creating a pushcart concept for Holey Soles (a Croc competitor) and working with Rick Smelzer from Jibbitz helping to create themed ideas to personalize the shows. The name of the concept was Shoe Be Do It. The idea was that the customer would pick out a pair of Holey Sole Shoes, decorate them with ribbon, rhinestones and Jibbits to create a custom personalized shoe. My fabulous graphic designer Cathy Cahill sent me some graphics to look at and said “OK SueB.do here is your “Shoe Be Doo It” logo.

Why it Works

As soon as I saw SueB.do I knew it was going to be the name of my next business. My middle name is Beth and I am definitely always “do”ing. Nevermind the fact that people often confuse it with Scooby-Doo which I like because they remember me and my name.

The Logo Makes the Brand

Just like the name is the first impression your business makes on, having a logo the represents your brand creatively, distinctively and effectively is how you’ll be remembered long after you make a sale. For me, creating the perfect logo was an ever-changing and long process  over the course of time. The bee represents me flying around while the madras background, and pink & green  creates the feeling of BEEing on the Cape & The Islands.  I love my logo and name and Cathy and I constantly are tweaking things as the years go on. The bee’s eyes now come to life and the S & B are capitalized to go more with my name since I am one with my brand. Just as you will continue to evolve in your business, so must your branding strategy and collateral.

Branding and Social Media Platforms

My branded Cover Photo for Facebook Timeline

Now, more than ever before, we must not just be concerned about business cards, hangtags, signage and advertising collateral. Social media sites such as Facebook and Pinterest offer business owners the opportunity to stay fresh and keep moving forward in terms of creative marketing and branding. Accordingly, I have cross-promoted my logo and the look of my logo through all of my social media outlets. The plaid and bumblebee are now my signature look and my customers are quick to recognize the visuals I’ve created and I am reminded of how well I’ve done when I read a comment on my personal Facebook page starting with, “hey sueb.do!”  As someone who uses any opportunity to BEE my brand… All of my e-mails include a montage of my personalized social media buttons which stay true to my brand as those are where I’ve spent a great deal of time promoting SueB.Do’s unique line of products.

SueB.do

Color Me-Pushcart with Passion

Just like the ebb and flow of fashion we all witness year in and year out, my ebb and flow in business ventures is a never-ending cycle.  More than 25 years ago, I started my first business in Norfolk, VA called “Color Me”.  I sold hand-painted clothing off a pushcart at the Waterside.  Fast forward 14 businesses later, and I find myself with the same passion for selling from a pushcart—well, sorta.

This summer I will be entering my third SueB.do summer season at the Popponesset Marketplace in New Seabury on Cape Cod.  I am excited to announce I will be adding a pushcart to the back of my SueB.do store.  Currently there is a picnic table in the back where we offered beach themed art classes for kids the past two seasons.  Since the Kids Creative Corner in the Marketplace is expanding, I thought it best to use that outdoor space to sell more clothing & accessories rather than art classes.  Hence, the purchase of my new pushcart.

A Simple Spark

Many of my business ideas come from the observations I make.   I have my antenna up whenever I am out in public or at a consumer market.  I have a knack of just knowing.  Call it a gut feeling or intuition, but I am usually spot-on sensing an opportunity and embracing it.  I thrive on learning and have experienced many business successes because of my just-do-it approach.  This recent pushcart revelation is no different.  I love selling Direct-to-Consumer.  So when I spotted a pushcart at my visit to the Boston Gift Show on March 27, 2012, I got very excited.  I asked Sabina from The Original Savory Saltine Seasoning where she bought her cart.  She explained that her husband had built it himself.

Sabina and I—both thrilled after making a great deal!

Back Where I Started

Back Where I Started

The pushcart is now in four boxes in my garage waiting to be assembled.  My entrepreneurial spirit took flight during my time behind my pushcart many moons ago.  I learned so many things about owning and operating a business during that formative and exciting time of my life.  Now, with a custom made pushcart in tow, I am reliving that rush once again.

I look forward to getting the selling season at SueB.do in the Popponesset Marketplace off to a rolling start!

SueB.do

“Knot to bee forgotten”

“A knot is a method of fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or several segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object—the “load”. Knots have been the subject of interest for their ancient origins, their common uses, and the area of mathematics known as knot theory.”( wikipedia.com)

With growing trends in fashion involving mixed media creations, it only makes sense to add a unique, preppy item like the Knot and Rope bracelets I’ve found. Given where I sell and who I sell to the Nautical look is almost always in but this summer I’ve added a new product to my ever-growing preppy line of Cape-inspired goodies.

I am SO excited to bring an offering of super awesome Rope and Knot accessories for self and home.

Rope it Up

The Ropes Bracelets Made in Maine ($30.00-$70.00)

Lemon & Line Knots made in RI $28.00

Rainbow Knot Headbands $18.00

Rope Coasters made in MA $8.00 each

Black Leather Knot & Magnetic Knot $28.00

With Knots on my mind and Ropes on my Wrist,

SueB.do

Modern Classic Clothing by Jude Connally

One of the many thrills of being an entrepreneur in a mostly direct-to-consumer market is seeking the next big seller. Even if it’s a small item like a neon stretch bracelet, if it flies off the shelf, it’s a hit..

Here I am with the founder of B.I.G. Tara Gilvar wearing my awesome bell-sleeved dress by Jude Connelly

Last summer I complimented my good friend Rosena Marley at the Popponessett Marketplace in New Seabury wearing a fab dress. She mentioned the designer’s name and  told me that I should consider selling them in my store.   In true Sueb.do fashion I immediately searched her, found her line, fell in love with her line and even bought a bell-sleeved dress and enjoyed it all summer.

With a price range of $148-$168 I am confident that it fits my Cape Cod market perfectly. The dresses wash and wear beautifully with divine fabrics and bold, unmistakable classic patterns.

About Jude Connally

At Jude's booth at the Coterie Show in NYC

Jude Connally  has passion and vigor for life like I do. It’s part of why I connect with her brand like I do. Connally says, “Living life to its fullest and embracing moments to connect, create and explore is the passion and inspiration behind the designs.”

“Getting dressed is so much more than putting on your clothes each day. We see it as a tool for defining and expressing who you are.”

With this passion and belief in mind, Jude Zimmerman created JUDE CONNALLY. A modern collection of vibrant prints and soft silhouettes that makes everyday dressing for women easy, expressive and fun

Here are a few designs soon to BEE in Sueb.do's store!

     

Great bold patterns for summer livin'

Dresses with sleeves are the quintessential date night look!

BEE Sure to stop into my store in Poppy this summer, or message me on facebook to place an order. These dresses are sure to BEE great sellers this summer!

With Jude’s bright dresses in my closet and soon to BEE  in the store,

SueB.do

Working Towards Becoming a Paperless Lifestyle Ambassador

And if I'm using tech. gadgets, you kknow it will BEE branded:)

My iPad is loaded with apps to simplify my life

An average American creates about 4.5 pounds of trashper person per day. 30% of that is paper. I would likely use more than that being a mother of 3, a networking diva and a business owner. I have always embraced any new technology that makes me more productive. With apps and other programs literally at my fingertips, it seems counterintuitive as a modern business owner to NOT use them to my advantage.

 App your way to a Paper-Free Lifestyle

• Constant Contact Newsletters
• Evite instead of invitations
• Card Cloud (on line biz card that can be exchanged thru the cloud)
• The new app Clear-To do list
• Siri 
• Folders on Desktop, in Brower

With my fingers doing the iPad, iPhone and Paperless dance,

SueB.do

Wonders of the Sea

The sea has always inspired, intrigued and calmed me. It represents happy memories with friends and family during my favorite season of all. The sea has a sense of mystery and solace. It’s steadiness and constancy inspires me daily. I love the feeling of sand between my toes, the hot sun upon my brow and searching for smooth stones, sea glass and unique seashells.

Here’s a spattering of my delightful line inspired by these wonders of the sea!

Buy Bracelet Here

One size fits all starfish ring!

Buy Starfish Ear Cuff Here

Starfish Baubles!!

 Keep reaching for the Starfish!

Sueb.do

All Aboard for the Nautical Fashion Look this Summer!

Like the waves in the ocean we know the tides of fashion come and go each season. For those of us who spend our summers near the ocean, the nautical look is a staple in our summer wardrobe. However this year, even for those inlanders who don’t spend much time near the deep blue sea, you too should BEE sure to pick up some classic nautical pieces to spice up this season’s wardrobe.

Walk the Plank

The sea-going look can be grown up and sophisticated or distinctly youthful and saucy according to what you choose to wear. With exciting accessories from SueB.do with strong nautical forecasts, you are sure to make a big splash into Summer 2012!

$36.00 Super Trendy Nautical Striped Opera Gloves

BEE Nautical at Home…

$36 Hand-tied Sailor Knot Door Stop

Straight from the Sea!! Lobster Rope Door Mats

New Nautical Inspiration

As any of you who follow my social networking know, I am all about Pinterest.   If you’re on already, follow me to stay up with my latest inspirations. If you’re not you can still view my Nautical Board. 

Anchors Away!

Anchor's Away!!

My handmade Anchors Away Bracelet is a simple nautical statement.

Buy Bracelet Here 

Ship Out w/ this Statement Necklace

Stay in the loop with Rope Bracelets

Classic Summer Rope Bracelets

$38.00 You will make waves with this braided rope nautical bracelet!

Going to BEE a best-seller!

Happy Sailing into Spring/Summer with these fab Nautical trends

With Nautical Stripes,

SueB.do!

Pinterest is my Latest Interest:

As a Social Media Maven I love consuming my self with the lastest social media tools to see if they can benefit my businesses, SueB.do.  Welcome to my favorite new obsession….. Pinterest.   Pinterest is where you can curate your own inspiration boards that define who you are and follow other people’s boards that spark your interest.  You can “pin” images from Pinterest or  images you like from the web. You can use pinboards to promote your business especially if you are selling consumer products.

Click here to follow me on Pinterest!

Pinning with Purpose:

On Pinterest, you can check out Sueb.do‘s latest products.  As soon as I uploaded one of my new “pins”, The I am Beautiful Leather Wrap Bracelet, I got several orders in through my website!

 Pintrest is a fun way  to express who I am visually, which I love!

Pinterest: A New Way to Shop:

 Pinterest is a new platform to find and potentially shop for unique treasures .  Here are two articles from Mashable that can help get you going. One is a Beginngers Guide and the other is a slide show with Tip & Tricks. Enjoy!

A Time to BEE Empowered

U eat, drink & breathe? I start businesses. Most of you know that my busy selling season is during the summer months and I love finding new ways to be involved in my community both by selling and networking. Between my involvement with the women’s entrepreneurial group, B.I.G and my passion for empowering women in all aspects of their life, I arrived at a whole new Sueb.do venture.

Computer Companion

I call it Computer Companion. Meetings happen several days  weekly meeting of 2 hr.s where 6 people come to learn, collaborate and share. It encompasses a group of women eager to learn different pieces of information around technology, social media, biz marketing and making the most of the technology you consume. The women come with an open-mind, good questions, patience and a fully-charged mac computer.

My souped up iPhone 4s rockin a Sueb.do case!

I’ve been having a great time sharing all of the knowledge I’ve gathered over the last few years and look forward to staying on top of the latest trends and information on the market to share to my companions.I have a love of knowledge. I love the process of honing in on something to learn all of the “in’s and out’s” of. I then realized I have a natural knack for sharing that knowledge to others and paring it down into the real “what you need to know.” I have a passion for technology and anyone who runs in my network knows I am a bit of an early adopter. I look to Apple for all of my techno-efficient buys such as the iphone, ipad (for biz and personal use!), computer and even my tv!

In each group we discuss two main umbrella topics: The Mac and Social Media.

Mac

Social Media

The Empowered Companions!

I love getting the feedback from the ladies attending who slowly feel well, EMPOWERED! They are learning the true beauty of understanding how to operate the technology  we own.

Here is some of the feedback from attendees of my group. 

Karen D. said, “Computer Companions is awesome!! Gr8 way 2 learn… & there is SO much 2 learn!” 

Julie C. said,” Working with Cape Cod Suebdo has empowered me to understand basic tools on my Mac so I can be more efficient and productive, and I feel so good. No more waiting for my kids to help me!” 

My iphone & ipad go hand in hand as my fav. possessions.

With technology on my mind and companions ’round my table..

Come “LIKE” my new Fan Page Computer Companion

~Sueb.do

The Power of Giving:

Mel Robbins- a true business dynamo.

Mel Robbins is an author, relationship expert, syndicated radio host and America’s Life Coach. I met her at Tory Johnson’s  Spark and Hustle weekend for which I was a sponsor and a vendor on the shopping night. Of course I connected with her and gave her a Humanity bracelet as a token to remember the evening and connect her to my biz Sueb.do. In wrapping the bracelet on her wrist she said she had to have one of these bracelets for her daughter. In kicked my instincts to which I responded, “sure as long as you promise to come speak to B.I.G- a women’s entrepreneurial group I am a pod leader for.”

Flash forward to September 2011 and Mel Robbins is sitting at HYP Yoga studio in Wellesley,Ma donning a new Sueb.do best-selling bracelet amped to offer her sharp and effective advice for living to a room of hard-working, empowered women entrepreneurs.

What makes all of this so amazing is that you really never know until you try. I came to find out, when someone asked at the meeting, how much she charged for a speaking engagement of this nature, that she usually gets a whopping $10,000 and an astonishing $500/hr for one-on-one advice.

Me, Mel Robbins, Debra Goodman(owner HYP), and co-pod leader Peggy Kriss

From that meeting, everyone left engaged, inspired,empowered and in awe and one woman even hired Mel for a one-on-one and it has truly changed her life.

All of this stemmed from a powerful networking event which has greatly impacted my life- Spark and Hustle and my never ending drive to meet and connect with powerful women in business. This is truly power of networking, talking and connecting at it’s very finest.

The Give and Get

Continues:

As mentioned before, one woman from B.I.G signed up for a one-on-one with Mel following the inspirational meeting. I of course had to get the whole scoop for this blog post as I thought it would BEE a great tie-in for all my readers. Here’s the low-down on the show-down:

Aside from being so inspired after Mel’s initial talk, Liz really felt she would benefit from having a more personal interaction with Mel. They quickly found a date that was agreeable for both and Liz couldn’t wait for the day to arrive. Mel came to see Liz at her home, in her element. They spoke about Liz’s business- Liz’s Lasting Lost which stems from a life-long struggle with personal eating issues. Liz offers coaching about weight loss and other weighty issues in addition to a tools that aid in making eating healthy fun and less of a struggle.

Mel wearing a Sueb.do best-seller as a "THANK YOU!" for speaking:)

During their meeting Mel helped Liz create a manageable plan of action which included a list of her goals and a strong emphasis on having a blog. Mel gave Liz the boost of internal ammo she needed to just JUMP and go for it all with her business. Liz felt empowered and connected to her business.

As the person who brought them together, this story is the quintessential example of what I love to do. I love to meet and connect and link other people together. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but this case was extraordinary. I love to know that from one little conversation at Spark and Hustle months ago led to the empowerment of so many woman who attended the B.I.G meeting to now helping Liz take her business to the next level.

I hope this story inspires you to make a change to your business or brand or home life today. Join B.I.G or attend a networking group and spread the joy of giving. Offer someone a simple word of encouragement, a sample of your product or practice your pitch to someone, you never know what you might get if you give!