Measuring Up
Searching for a good idea? Just take a look out the window.
When Kathy Williams gave up her import/export business to spend
more time with her children, she let go of eight years of
"blood, sweat and tears" that starting her own business
had required. But within 10 years, Williams missed the freedom of
running a business and went in search of a new opportunity.
"That entrepreneur thing comes back into your blood," she
says.
For her second time around, Williams, 41, wanted stability and a
systematic approach to getting started, so she decided to open a
franchise. After researching several options, she chose V2K, The
Virtual Window Fashion Store. She was attracted to V2K's
software, which allows her to show potential customers how various
types of window treatments, such as draperies or blinds, will look
in their homes based on the dimensions of their windows and rooms.
With the software, she can also price the treatments and even
process an order without leaving the customer's home.
An initial investment of $29,900 put Williams on her feet with a
laptop, the software and two weeks of training, which addressed
everything from measuring windows to operating the software. The
training also covered marketing tactics such as door hangers,
mailing lists, and partnerships with local businesses.
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Williams' creativity, eye for home décor and interest
in marketing helped her reach $60,000 in sales within the first six
months. But her entrepreneurial spirit and personal motivation add
the final touches, as she projects her 2004 sales to be roughly
$300,000. "In this type of business, you have to keep
motivating yourself and keep excited," she says.