I recently received an email from a customer that asked me this very question. Why on earth would I be giving away free jewelry every week? She went on to explain to me that giveaways don’t create sales.
Here is a copy of the email I sent back to her:
I have owned a successful business for over 35 years. I have had more than enough of my share of "things" to keep me comfortable over my life. Sure, the economy of the world has changed the way I spend my money; but it has not changed my heart.
Worrying about your future with focusing on yourself and your own comfort does very little to assure that you will be happy. I am from the old school, where I was raised that it is better to give than receive. So I give of my time, money, love, friendship and yes, even my jewelry. I like seeing other people blessed by what God has provided for me.
Sure I want sales; sure I want people to read my blog; but stressing over this each day is something that I consider a waste of time. I can only hope that if someone reads my blog that when the need jewelry they may thnk about Lady Lynns Boutique.
I may not be able to solve world hunger; but if I can make someone smile today, I consider myself successful. I do not measure success by my possessions. I measure my success in my heart. It truly makes me happy being able to give to others.
So hey, guess what? I am not stupid, I just found a way I can be truly happy each day! I would say that is a pretty smart cookie!
Lady Lynn
16 comments:
Wow. That is truly unbelievable that anyone would accuse you of that. That's just sad. Amen to everything you said in your reply email... maybe God will use your words to change her heart and priorities. Thanks for stopping by our blog... your jewelry is just beautiful! Lindsey
Thanks Lindsey for stopping in and your comments! I actually laughed when I read it :)
What lovely thoughts you expressed. Yes, our lives are truly enriched when we reach out and give to others. I'm sure your beautiful jewelry has brought many smiles to many faces. And, I agree, you must be one smart (and very kind) cookie!
In life the truest happiness I have found is when I give to others...So I certainly understand your words and your heart felt expressions...Hopefully your love of giving will go beyond your blog and reach out to others, so that they too may try the spirit of giving...there is so much inner peace to be found there... :)
Bless you dear Lynn :)
You Go, Girl! It's always interesting to me how someone else tries to dictate what we should or should not be doing in our own lives. I am a firm believer that when you give to others freely, God pours out even more blessings for you. You keep on giving from your heart---and just allow me to get some of that blessing overflow! :)
What a great post and what a great attitude! You are not stupid, you are wise!
People are so suspicious of anything "free" they can't believe there's not catch!
I give away recipe cards that I've designed for my Martini Blog and my Tiny Food Blog. I post the 3x5 card at a good print resolution and allow people to download them for free for their recipe files.
Yeesh! Just because something doesn't work to create sales for them does not mean it won't work for you. Plus, as you indicated, sales may not be your motivation. I have to question the intellect of a person who tries to make a point by starting their argument with an insult.
I am not comfortable, yet giving away something weekly. I do try to do it monthly though. Even if it does not generate sales to the person that won it, it certainly generates sales from anyone that sees them wearing it, and wants to know where they got it. It also increases visibility to your store, and blog, since everyone loves a giveaway, contest, or great deal. I will have to say the person who wrote to you is most definately incorrect.
Lynn bless you for being a wonderful person. Some people do not realize that when you give you will receive even if it just means a note on how beautiful your jewelry is.
What a great reply. I am one of those that enters quite often for your giveaways. I have not purchased anything from your site as of yet, but if I am in the market for a jewelry purchase, you better believe I will be looking up your shop! I want to personally thank you for your genorosity and let you know that there are many of us out here that enjoy reading your blog and getting to know you better through your words. We are not all here just for the free stuff!
Thank you all for the encouraging words! Giving of one’s self is the nourishment that revives me each and every day! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for your warm, heartfelt comments!
Lynn
Perhaps it is our age (cough, cough) or it is who we are... I understand and live my life closer to your beliefs and standards than by the 'greedy, world's way'... more is not always better. My parents were adults during the Great Depression; I learn much from them. Although, I and my family do not have an overly comfortable life, we have managed. And sharing is a wonderful feeling, also.
Thank you for being so loving and giving .. of the heart. :)
It never ceases to amaze me how some people think! You are doing a wonderful thing! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the lovely comments:)
What is wrong with giving things away as part of a marketing plan? Big businesses do it. You, in my opinion, gave a powerful response. Actually, it is just the kind of response I would expect from a Baby Boomer who has years of experiance and expertise marinated with honesty and the gift of giving.
Beautiful...you are a lovely Lady, Lynn... am glad to have met you while blog hopping :)
I totally agree with you. People don't realize that if you only think of what brings you success will ultimately brake you. You gain nothing by holding on to things. Unfortunately too many people measure their success by "possesions" "stuff". Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive. I love to give. I love how I feel when I do. Thank you Lynn for being such an example of that. I love you.
Nina
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