Buzz Mommy

A lot is written about “black hat” SEO and marketing and if that is the way you wish to do business, it can bring in some more sales in the short term.  In the long term, however, I do believe that the old fashioned values of vision, hard work, and networking are what sustain a business.

Anecdotal illustration:

Katja is a genuinely sweet person who had something positive happen for her business.  A cute pair of ladybug shoes for Suri Cruise she helped select made a short appearance on Oprah’s interview with Tom Cruise.

If you are a small business owner, you know how big national media can provide a huge bump in sales.   And when people visit Katja’s store, Skimbaco, they’ll see a hand-picked selection of children’s products that reflect her own unique perspective on fashion–exactly the sort of taste making that brought a Cruise/Holmes family friend to rely on Katja’s expertise.

And, even though the shoes appear for just a few seconds in Oprah’s hands, people are going to find out that Katja chose them.  Why?  Because she’s spent the last year networking with and helping other small parent-owned businesses.  She’s reached out on various social media sites.

I saw the interview and immediately posted about Suri Cruise’s Ladybug Shoes.  When I got Katja’s facebook message that she had actually picked out the shoes for Suri herself, I wrote back that I had noticed the shoes and already linked to them at another shop.  Katja asked if I could add a mention–even if I did not link to her store or blog.  And I actually went back and edited the post.

And a lot of people, even if they have nothing to gain financially like me, are going to tell everyone about Katja’s celebrity baby styles, because she is genuinely a good-hearted person who has worked hard and smart.

Most importantly, Katja knows that success is not a zero sum game.  You can get there alongside other entrepreneurs who share your work ethic and positive spirit.