Carol Owens wanted to become the role model that her daughters looked up to. She had a passion to provide a service where her actions would make other people happy, so she decided to take care of other families’ grocery shopping errands. Read our interview with the lovely Carol below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
My motivation came from having two daughters and thinking what example would I be? “Do as I say and not as I do” has never been an effective parenting strategy. I was daydreaming about my LEGACY and when it would begin. How could I tell my daughters to dream bigger, think outrageously so that they could change the world, when I had sat in cubicles for over 33,000 hours of my life? Service to others has always been a strong internal force in my personal happiness. I wanted to provide a service where my actions would increase my customers joy.
Tell us about your business.
I want to save YOU time! Most people don’t enjoy shopping for groceries. It is usually squeezed in between the time of the things you HAVE to do with the things you WANT to do. I provide grocery delivery services for busy families, older retirees, and disabled customers. My service can reclaim a couple hours a week for you to do something fun or relaxing.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes! Anyone that signs up as a member will get $10 of free groceries. Who doesn’t love free food?!
Where is your business based?
Collin County, Texas.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Researched the market, made a business plan, and a business license. After that it’s been learning as I go along.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Word of mouth has always been my best referral. Once my customers have tried my service they just can’t live without it!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I’m a natural introvert;, so it has been hard for me to approach people or really network with others in person.
How did you overcome these challenges?
(Laughs!) Still in the process, and day by day really. I never want to feel like I am selling something. I have to remind myself that if I really want to help people they need to know I exist!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Some days are so slow but I know most legacies are not built overnight. Patience is so important and the lessons I learn when times are tough are the best teachers.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I have a very personal touch. A lot of my older customers love that I will talk to them and help them put the groceries up. I also bring my 20 month daughter with me and EVERYBODY loves babies.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Don’t expect everybody to support you, still keep going.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Getting stuck in a rut is too easy, try something new. If you love it, do it again, and again, and again.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
So far my favorite business resource has been other women entrepreneurs. I have talked to so many at different points in their business and it has helped open my eyes to the journey ahead.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @frontdoordeliverygroceries
Facebook www.facebook.com/frontdoordelivery.NET
Website frontdoordelivery.NET
Hashtags #frontdoordelivery #groceryshopping #grocerydelivery #supportsmallbusiness #collincounty
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I read TONS of articles a day. I love the ones from SCORE (sba.gov) and a couple of accounts on twitter that share VALUABLE information.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Updating minor things on my website and always looking for new ways to reach people.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I really want to connect with other small businesses in the area for a support network. I plan to attend a couple of business networking groups (in person). I would like to also be able to have a steady schedule. I have just acquired some new promotional items I can’t wait to try to get more customers!