Start a Home Based Business
as a
Barefoot Books Ambassador

Today I am delighted to present an interview that I recently did with Chris McRandal.

In June of this year Chris launched a small home based business as an Ambassador with Barefoot Books.

Our interview begins:

Hi Chris, thank you so much for your time today and for agreeing to do this interview.

Hi Darlene. It's my pleasure. Thanks for having me.

Chris, I know that you recently launched a new small home based business as an Ambassador with Barefoot Books. Can you tell us a bit about why you decided to start a new business and what attracted you to Barefoot Books?

Although I work in Corporate America now, I owned a small home based business from 2004–2008 and have also sold Avon and Tupperware in many years past. I have always had a desire to be an entrepreneur and was looking to do something part time to supplement my current income. I didn't want something that was too physically demanding, and flexibility in hours and how I want to work my business were key determining factors in my decision.

What I mean by "how I want to work my business" is that I chose to have an online book store as well as do fundraisers. You can also do home party sales, fairs and event sales, school and playgroup sales and one–on–one sales. With Barefoot Books the strategy of your business is your own!

What attracted me to Barefoot Books.......what isn't attractive! The products are truly masterpieces! Many of the books are award winners and endorsed by people like Oprah Winfrey and Debra Messing. Most of all the company core values of Inspiring Creativity, Celebrating Diversity, Building a Community, Creating Better Products, Protecting the Planet and Supporting Charitable Foundations are so in line with my own values that it seemed like a perfect fit.

What types of books does Barefoot Books sell?

Barefoot books are children's books aimed at 0–14 years of age however as I can attest, adults love them too!

They fall in to three main categories:

1. Fun First Steps: Engaging Young Minds – targeted for toddlers and pre–school children. The books have bright, accessible art; clear, easy–to–follow rhyming text and ideas that fire up the imagination.
2. Tell Me a Story: Inspiring Imagination – targeted for children who are old enough to follow and enjoy a good story, and who are emotionally ready for some of the issues that the stories explore.
3. One World, One Planet: Broadening Horizons – targeted for families who recognize the interdependence of the world's many diverse societies and want to live the message.

Is Barefoot Books a Network Marketing business?

Barefoot Books is a Network Marketing Business. You can sponsor others and build a team whereby you can earn various team bonuses and increase your earning percentages.

How will you grow your new home based business? Do you have any specific marketing strategies planned?

In the short term I am using email marketing and word of mouth to get the word out. I left some business cards and a catalogue in my hairdresser's shop. Hopefully with all the foot traffic it will help spread the news. I've also been networking with some teachers and schools to talk about fundraising opportunities.

In the long term I plan to do more Search Engine Optimization to drive more traffic to my personal website as well as expand my fundraiser target market to libraries, children's organizations, etc.

Based on your experience, what are the top four things that you would suggest that people should be thinking about when they try to decide what type of new business they should start?

The top four things that I would suggest are:

1. Research, Research, Research! I can't tell you how important it is to know exactly what you're getting in to.

   If it's not an area you know very well make sure you talk to other people that work in that field.

   Are there any contractual obligations? Financial obligations? Will you need to service your product after the sale? How many people do you need to run the business, etc.?

   Do your homework and don't jump in too quick. Ask lots of questions and ask people whose business sense you admire to look at the opportunity for their opinions. Often, asking someone else may help you see beyond the emotional side and allow you to see the practical side.

2. Think about how you will deal with the unexpected: death of a family member/spouse, physical ailment or injury, down fall in the economy, etc. These are all factors that most people don't think about when embarking on a new career adventure, however they can be vital to one's survival in the case of a devastating, unplanned incident.
3. Be excited and know your product and/or service. This is especially important if you are getting in to sales. People are more likely to buy something that you can talk about with confidence and today's consumer wants to be educated.
4. Think about the demographics of your target audience and the uniqueness of the product and/or service you are offering. Is it affordable? Is it desirable?

Chris, once again, thank you so much for participating in this interview. I'm sure many people will find your input quite valuable, if and when they consider starting a home based business.

Barefoot Books offers a very unique selection of children's books that make ideal birthday or Christmas gifts.

For more information about all of the children's books that are available through Barefoot Books, please contact Chris McRandal via her Barefoot Books website.

Also, when you go to the Barefoot Books website click on "our story" and then check out the section called "Download activities for your kids". This is a free section with lots of activities for your children as well as some songs for your children to download.

Chris, I wish you much success with your new home based business!