This week’s blog is from Tip Snelson, founder and owner of “Tip Toes Custom Shoes” and big idea winner at a cool event right across the river. Read on as Tip sizes up the future and shares her philosophy on entrepreneurial endeavors! FYI – – The Creative Coast’s blogspot is Savannah’s sounding board for local thinkers, innovators, wanderers and wonderers. Guest bloggers share their thoughts, opinions and creative noodling from all over the map…
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Six weeks have flown by since I won the top prize at the Hilton Head Economic Development Corporation’s
“Bring Your Business Idea to Life” pitch contest. I am still amazed that I won…and even more amazed that almost EACH new person that hears my business idea, either wants to be my customer or knows someone who does!
“If you build it they will come” keeps playing in my head. My
“it” ranges from brides concerned about grandma wearing sneakers to their wedding; women having sworn-off wearing dresses to long distance relatives with petite feet. I seem to have “hit a nerve” with a large segment of the population that was also suffering with my
“silly, unbecoming problem.”
Lesson learned: Trust your gut.
My idea – –
to make affordable stylish custom footwear – – is completely opposite the traditional model of mass manufacturing and marketing. Dealing with people
“one on one” and building life-long relationships is quite a radical idea in this age of instant outcomes! I know my success will require patience and re-tooling to stay focused and customer-driven.
When I make this happen, the rewards will follow.
I will be very selective in choosing my first customers. I call them
“co-creators” and I will rely on them for feedback, idea generation and the honing of my processes. They will be
“investors” – in the creation of my business with a sure payoff when it succeeds. Shoes that fit!
This first six weeks has been a flurry of media, meetings and late nights. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity and the exciting community that is helping make it happen. I truly believe in infinite possibilities and encourage you to do the same!
Thank you … and success to all my fellow entrepreneurs!
Tip]]>
