Orientation:
Please take a moment to listen to your animated instructor discuss the flow of today’s class. We have set up the Aphrodite’s Classroom. Join your Practical Potions group there to discuss marketing in aromatherapy.
Please read today’s notes and watch the short videos when you settle. Mostly, put on your marketing cap and get ready to turn your dreams for the future into a plan.
Introduction:
It is beyond the scope of this course to delve deeply into marketing- it is, however, a crucial aspect of any business. Marketing can mean the difference between pursuing your dream career or having it not work. We are proponents of ethical and safe marketing. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Deliver what you say you will and more. Provide customers with full details of what is in your products and safety cautions. You must also follow Canadian regulations for creating, labelling, and selling a cosmetic product. So, please work these regulations into your business formula.
We see three main places students might decide on as business locations, but there are many more options you may come up with.
1) On-line- selling of products. Platforms like Shopify offer opportunities.
2) Create a physical store or a seasonal pop-up store. This is very expensive, but an alternative is to approach people with stores to sell your government-compliant products, such as hairdressers, cosmetologists, etc., who wish to introduce a unique line aligned with their customers’ ethos.
3) Farmer’s Markets.
These selling options will require different skills, commitment, and marketing strategies.
Marketing Involves Sketching Out Your Vision and Bringing Your Dreams to Life
Articulating Your Story:
In the heart of every creation lies a story, a narrative that weaves together the essence of who we are, what we believe in, and the unique gifts we bring to the world. As you embark on this aromatic journey, it’s not just about mixing essential oils; it’s about distilling your soul into your creations. You have a unique opportunity to infuse your brand with the richness of your experience, the depth of your values, and the authenticity of your journey. This isn’t just marketing; it’s about crafting a legacy that resonates with the core of who you are and connects deeply with those you aim to serve.
Consider the land you walk upon, the air you breathe, and the plants that grow in your local environment. These are not mere backdrops to your life but the living, breathing elements that can differentiate your brand in a crowded market. Using local plants tells a story of sustainability and respect for nature, creating a unique selling proposition. Imagine harnessing the essence of lavender fields from Provence, the eucalyptus groves of Australia, or the wild roses that grow where we do in Alberta. Each location offers something uniquely beautiful, a signature note that can define your brand and make it unforgettable.
But how do you begin to weave this tapestry of personal branding and local essence into your marketing narrative?
The intersection between market needs and your passion is a Starting Point for product development and marketing. Many marketing experts, from Tony Robbins to Claire Zammit, endorse this philosophy.
X Marks the Spot- This is Where Your Brand Gains Traction- Pay Attention Here!
Start by reaching deep within to uncover your longings, dreams, and the unique intersection where your passions meet the world’s needs.
This is the fertile ground where your brand’s essence will take root.
It’s where ‘X marks the spot,’ a powerful nexus of dream and manifestation.
Here, clarity is your beacon, guiding you to create products that are seen, felt, used, and experienced.
The Root of Your Essence
In the heart’s secret chambers, delve deep,
Where dreams stir from their silent sleep,
Uncover the longings, the silent whispers,
Where passion’s fire blazes, not flickers.
In this sacred space, your quest begins,
Where the tapestry of destiny weaves and spins,
Here, your brand’s essence finds its place,
In the fertile soil of this embrace.
‘X marks the spot,’ a treasure not of gold,
But if a dream’s power, bold and untold,
A nexus where vision and reality dance,
Where clarity shines, not left to chance.
Create with purpose, let your beacon shine,
In products felt, seen, and divinely fine,
This is your stage, your moment, your sphere,
Where your brand takes root, year after year.
Bloom Your Passion
In the heart where your true dreams abide,
Uncover the spot where passion and need collide,
With clarity as your steadfast guide,
Your brand’s essence will flourish, not hide,
In this fertile ground, watch it bloom wide.
Who is Your Target Market?
As you target your creations, remember that your products are not for everyone but for a particular person. Picture this person in your mind.
Who are they?
What are their dreams, their desires, their needs?
Keep your packaging, design, and overall concept focused on resonating with this ideal customer.
Every element of your brand should speak to them, from the visual aesthetics to the story behind each blend.
Take the Necessary Time and Use Your Imagination and Knowledge to Develop Your Brand
Take the time to sketch and envision your ideal brand.
Bring your whole self into the process: imagination, knowledge, skills, tools and intuition.
What colours, textures, and images come to mind?
How do these elements tie back to the story of the plants you choose and the land they come from?
How does it relate to your special skills and passions, and what do the people you see around you need?
This is your canvas, and you are the artist.
Let your imagination flow freely, capturing your ideas with pen and paper.
This creative process is not just about planning; it’s about connecting with the heart of your brand.
Remember to also connect to your nightly dreams. Pose questions about what is suitable for you and your brand.
Could you write down the feedback and continue to dream and manifest?
Now, let’s put pen to paper.
Could you write out your brand’s story, starting with the unique features of what you offer?
Is it a particular plant, a rare essential oil, or perhaps the sacred land upon which your ingredients are harvested?
Tell the story of where your ideas and ingredients originate.
Share the journey of discovery, the challenges overcome, and the passion that drives you.
What about the need you see in yourself and the people around you?
Why were you driven or called to create this particular product and brand?
This narrative is powerful; it sets you apart and creates a bond with your audience.
Remember, the most captivating brands are those rooted in authenticity. They don’t just sell products; they offer experiences, emotions, and connections. Your brand is an extension of your essence, a reflection of your commitment to wellness, healing, and the beauty of nature. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a clear vision, and watch your dreams transform into reality.
Anna on Manifesting Your Dream and Getting Your Product to Market
Other selling options:
https://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/sites-like-etsy/
Other Marketing Resources:
Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers- A dear friend who hosted business telesummits and was a fabulous business coach and psychologist leaves us with some marketing wisdom. Jo Anne passed on in June of 2022, but she would want you to know this-
Another great resource is Tad Hargrave- marketingforhippies.com
Tad offers fantastic, free resources and lots of goodies to buy.
Hub Marketing for Farmer’s Markets
You can visit your Practical Potions Journal downloads below for articles and ideas about marketing.