Tea Business Dreams

Rush Limbaugh Starts A Tea Business

Love him or hate him...Limbaugh loves tea. 

Rush Limbaugh, the famous radio magnet and self proclaimed "patriot" has launched a line of ready to drink bottled tea called "Two if by Tea."  (a clever play on the famous Paul Revere quote) Two if by Tea is available in two flavors both regular and rasperry sweet tea.  (it comes in a diet version as well.)  See www.TwoifbyTea.com

Two if by Tea, sponsors the Marine Corps - Law Enforcement foundation and plans to donate a minimum of $100,000 beginning summer 2011.

Rush's latest creation speaks to a greater trend we are now seeing in the tea industry, namely, celebrity endorsed, tea products,  Other examples of this trend include Chris North (of Sex in the City fame), Jackie Chan and "The Donald" (also known as Mr. Trump.)

Why the "rush" into the marketplace?

Well, there is no doubt that the tea business is HOT! 

Think about it from a marketing position.  Tea is a highly accepted, consumable and healthy product. 

It is well received across a variety of markets and demographics.  Both men and women in the United States consume tea and 85% of that consumption comes in the form of ready to drink bottled or iced tea.

Selling tea is no longer restricted to large corporations or celebrities with unlimited budgets.  Truth be told, it is easier to get in the tea industry now than ever before if you know how.  You can easily get an idea of the vast potential of the tea industry by grabbing a set of free videos on the topic at f http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com  These videos profile 5 Secrets To Tea Business Success.

Two if by Tea is a unique idea, it blends history, patriotism and great tasting tea.  My challenge to you?  Picture yourself on a bottle of tea!  It may be easier than you think.

 

 

Even Movie Stars Are Starting Tea Businesses

For years my friend, Christa, has talked about Sex in the City.  She loved the show.  Loved the movies and there is no doubt in my mind that she will love this new line of tea.

 

 

 

Actor, Chris Noth, best known for his work on the HBO show and the subsequent films, has just thrown his hat into the tea tasting and tea blending business.

His new charity driven blend is called "Sweet Florida Dream" and is a blend of green tea, the  citrus tastes of mandarin and tangerines. 

The sale of "Sweet Florida Dream"will help the Rainforest Action Network.  The RAN works toward a sustainable future in global reforestation.

Chis' blend is sold by the boutique style tea business called LOVA.   LOVA Tea focuses on small endulgence and features contemporary tins and fantasy flavors such as Creme Brulee, Bannana Split and Cherry Cheesecake. 

 

 

 

What does LOVA and Chris Noth know that you don't?  Ding. Ding.  They realize that the tea business is ripe for the picking.  Connecting charity and tea is a great way to get free publicity for your cause PLUS get your brand out there in front of the masses.

What cause do you care about?  Is it the Red Cross?  The Japan Disaster?  Aids Relief?  Orphans in Uganda?  Whatever your passion you can connect it with tea.  Find a way to give back to your cause through your tea business and you will open the door to amazing publicity opportunities.  The more publicity, the more buyers, and the more buyers the better your chances of giving back!

So how do you get started?  Easy!  Your first step is grabbing a tea education.  With a tea industry education you will be able to formulate the right plan for your dream in this season of your life. 

There are several options in the area of tea education.  You can attend a variety of live 2 day seminars, you can attend the World Tea Expo and catch a class or two, you can attend cupping seminars given by the Specialty Tea Institute , but in my opinion, the easiest and most affordable way to get started is to consider my online training school.

Developed from 13 years in the tea business, Start A Tea Business, allows you to learn the industry from the comfort of your own home.  Video, audio, written materials and a tea professionals package is mailed to your door.  A complete, indepth education will get you started affordably and you can easily start pursuing your passions... tea and your charity of choice.

 

For more information on Start A Tea Business:  http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

For more information on LOVA visit:  http://www.LovaTea.com

 

5 Simple Ways To Tell If An Online Tea Store Is For You

Do you dream of working from home owning your own online tea shop?  If so, that doesn't surprise me. More and more of my clients are interested in starting web based stores.  In this article I would like to address the pros and cons of this tea business career choice.  

How do you know if this is this type of tea business is right for you? 

1. Do you have a "techie" mind?

Now, I am not saying you need to be a genius.  In fact, it is easier to build a website now than ever before. But let me be honest, there are lots of technical "glitches" that come into your day to day world.  

In order to succeed online you need to be able to update your own sites, work through the glitches and or outsource to get help.

2. Do you love a change?

The internet is in a constant state of movement.  As soon as you get a system working, don't be surprised if suddenly things change!  

Just think, only a few years ago we were introduced to Google Adwords.  Now you HAVE to understand it and how to use it. 

Remember pre- Twitter, Facebook or My Space? Gone are the days where you can just "sit back and let it happen."  To own a successful online store (of any kind) you have to be open to change, daily evaluating what will work for your business and what to avoid.

3. Do you love to learn?

Face it.  Owning a website with an ecommerce shop is going to force you into an ongoing education. You will need to invest in learning software, marketing, PPC, blogging, ezine creation and much more. Owning an online business is a lot like running a marathon.  You plan on running 26 miles.  You pace yourself, you train yourself and you keep going.

4. Are you consistent?

Consistency is KEY to a tea business.  If you cannot give your clients a consistent product, customer service and shipping experience then pack it up now!  You are DONE~

5. Are you Unique?

There are tons of so, so tea companies on the internet.  TONS.  The key to marketing online is standing out.  What is your difference?  It is the difference that makes you succeed.  The difference is what you market, it becomes your message, your mantra.  You must be different in a way that an audience will embrace and be drawn to.  The secret is knowing what your clients need and then building your business around fulfilling that desire.  

Now we come to the end of the article.  What do you think?  Are you ready to move forward or has this convinced you that an online shop is not a good tea business fit?

If you are now discouraged don't be.  I just saved you thousands of dollars and hours of frustration.

If you are encouraged... contact me and get involved in one of my "Build An Online Tea Business" classes.  You will love it.

Post your comments and tell me what you think?  What is your tea business dream?

Can I profit from a home tea business?

Do you feel like your tea dreams are on hold?  If you are one of the many who dream of owning your own tea room or tea cafe but feel stuck in a run while you wait... do I have an opportunity for you. Why should you shelf your dream for another day?  You can begin building your tea business today from the comfort of your own home.

One of my ways to build an affordable tea business is to start a business with Tealightful Treasures.  Tealightful Treasures is a direct sales company offering fabulous teas and classy promotional materials. 

I have personally invested in Tealightful Treasures because I see the potential of home tea entrepreneurs reaching their dreams hosting one tea tasting at a time.

How can you make money with Tealightful?

Become a Tealightful Treasures rep and you have an instant tea business!

Your starter set comes with catalogs, samples and tea cups.  Suddenly you are ready to serve tea to all your friends AND take their orders.  

Within only a few days you can be bringing in income without heavy duty expense or investment.

I am very careful about recommending any other company.  I make sure to check them out over and over again.  I can say with confidence that Tealightful offers a quality program for people who want to start a tea business FROM HOME on a limited budget.

Now remember: building your client list is KEY to success whether you work with a company like Tealightful or whether you have a traditional tea house.  But don't be fooled!  Regular interaction and relationship with your customers does not require leased space.  It does however, require consistency and hard work.

As a home tea consultant you will be able to share with your customers new flavored teas, new tea accessories and the latest tea time fun.  If you are interested in more information on this program I highly recommend you call (585) 436-9019 or email them from their website TealightfulTreasures.com 

Help me out: Be sure to tell them Dawnya sent you!  I look forward to hearing your Tealightful adventures....

Do you already own or run a home tea business?  Post your comments and tell me what you love or hate about it...

 

Ready to start YOUR OWN home based business but not with a company?  Free Video Reveals Your Options.

http://tearadio.typepad.com/tea_business_dreams/build-a-home-tea-business.html

Tea Business Basics You MUST Know

HI Tea Family-

So, you have the "tea dream."  Check.  

Now, do you know the basics?  How do you get started and what should you know?

Moving forward with your dream even in tiny baby steps can do alot to boost your spirits and give you the additional motivation you need to succeed.  Here are my top 5 questions you need to ask yourself if you plan to start a tea business:

1.  What is my signature strength?  (what do I do better than other people?)

2. What is my greatest weakness?  (what do I need to find others to do for me?)

3. How much time each week can I devote to my tea business?

4. Where can I get training? (and do I need it?)

5. Have I created a dream map?

Now that you know the questions let's start at the top and find the answers.  First off, what is your signature strength?  Everyone has 3-5 signature strengths.  These are usually items that you love to do or that people constantly comment on.  

For tea lovers this may be; "you set beautiful tables"  or " you are always passionate when you talk about tea."  

Find your strength that is step #1.  Your tea business MUST be built on your strength.

Next face the facts and look your weakness right in the face.  Don't turn away or try to fix it or sweep it under the carpet.  We all have weaknesses.  My weakness?  Routine!  I have doing the same thing day after day after day.  I can't do it.  I also hate bookwork, office administration, etc.  These are NOT my strengths.  What are your weaknesses?  What do you hate?

Step #2 is knowing what you should AVOID at all costs.  For instance, I opened a full time traditional tea room in the late 1990's.  I knew within 10 minutes of opening that signing the lease was a mistake. WHY?  Because I hate day to day routines. (I just forgot because I loved the creative set up part)

A better choice for me (one that I eventually moved to) was a by reservation tea house where every day was a new and exciting theme and focus.  Choose a tea business model based on your strengths and your  weaknesses.

Now we are onto question #3.  How much time can you devote weekly to your tea business?  If you are like most people you may only have 5-10 hours tops a week.  That is fine.  You just need to determine what you currently have and how you can harness it.

If you have 6 hours a week then begin to make an appointment with yourself for those 6 hours.  Those hours become sacred.  Those are your dream building hours.  6 hours a week may not seem like much but it adds up and can easily build a business for you to be proud of.  

Step #3 then is harnessing the time you have to build your business.

The next question is the one everyone likes to avoid.  TRAINING.  What kind of training are you getting? I talk to people every day who think surfing the Internet for information is going to give them what they need to succeed in the tea business.  WRONG.

Over the years I have invested thousands and thousands of dollars in ongoing training.  I have to be honest.  If you aren't willing to invest in the training necessary to succeed in your dream industry then you should forget about it now.  Just set it aside.  

I cannot believe HOW MANY PEOPLE go into the tea business WITH NO TRAINING.  They will spend money on equipment, etc but won't drop money for education.  They result is usually failure.  What a waste! 

Step #4 is connecting with a quality tea business education program and using your weekly business time to study.  A program designed for the tea industry will give you a methodical method to avoiding pain!

(there are lots of programs but I would ask you to consider my Start A Tea Business online course.  It will change your life and allow you to study from home. _call and ask about our payment plan.)

Last but not least is creating a dream map.  A dream map is a step by step plan.  Perhaps your dream is to own a tea cafe.  You know that you need financing and a location.  At this point however, you only have 6 hours a week and a few hundred dollars to your name.  Securing a lease at this stage is not possible.

BUT if you have a dream map you can start from where you are and map a plan to move forward.

Example:  2009  - 6 hours a week.  Gather tea loving customers locally and on the Internet and begin communicating with them.  Sell them tea.

2010 - build on that base and gather up to 5,000 names and addresses.  Host my first live event, put up a website and sell tea.

2011- etc. etc.

Look at where you are and where you want to go.  Your dream is now a reality even if the steps are small!  The tea business needs you.  You need to fulfill your destiny.  So answer the 5 questions and get moving forward.  You can DO IT!

(C) Dawnya Sasse 

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What's your tea dream and what are you doing to make it happen?  Let me know!

Can Blogging Build A Prosperous Tea Business?

How can blogging set your tea business apart from the pack?  Easy!  Blogging is a consistent way to keep your company name in front of your clients PLUS build a new traffic source for your website.

Don't have a tea business but want one?  Building a blog can provide you with some beginning steps in reaching your target audience and expanding into a product line.

But remember: strategy is the key!

There is more to blogging than simply sitting at the computer.  A great place to learn about blogging is from the Blog King himself.  I recommend www.BlogMastermind.com as a great course to get you started.  Yaro Starak has been there and done that and has tons of tips, tricks and suggestions to help you succeed.

Of course, blogging is one thing, knowing the tea industry is another.  For  6 years I have had the privilege of teaching students worldwide online about the tea business.  My Start A Tea Business class is offered on an ongoing basis and teaches you the ins and outs of the tea industry with 17 different types of business options. For my free video mini course go to www.StartATeaBusiness.com and sign up now.

In addition to blogging,there are dozens of new ways to "socially connect" with your audience.  While MySpace, Facebook, Linked and others provide a simple way to unify, we have yet to see Web 2.0 (as it is called) produce a profit.

Consistent blogging is still your best bet if you invest in the know how.  The tea business can take many shapes from traditional brick and mortar to high tech and cyber friendly.  Don't be afraid to dream big and seize the day!

 

(C) Dawnya Sasse - Tea Events (TM)

Hope and Passion - A Tea Business Story

Hope and Passion are two emotions that we cannot live without. If you are in a place of discouragement, despair or even confusion please feel free to watch this video...I made it especially for you. Also, if you have dreams of a tea business this video will encourage you to look at your home options.. saving you time, money and investment yet boosting your hope and passion. Join me:

Happy Birthday Tea Events! Here is my honest to goodness, one time only, birthday bash special. The goal is to give you HOPE and renew your PASSION for the tea business.

Don't miss this one time offer. I want to help you fuel your passion, your hope and your business. If you need extra help with affording my class call 888-225-0252 to sign up for the October 5th 2008 StartATeaBusiness.com course. There will never be another offer like this. Don't miss it!

Fall Fest Tea Booth

HI Tea Family-

Welcome to Fall! Can you believe it is here?

Fall starts in Kansas in late August due to school starting early. Our annual fall fest was this last weekend here in Washington, Kansas. I thought I would share a few fun pics with you to get you inspired.

This was the first outdoor event I had personally done in our new town. It inspired me to write an article on how to run a successful live booth. The article is filled with tips and tricks that can boost your sales and encourage your customers to become part of your tea business.

If a tea business is your dream these step by step tips will help you go forward during the upcoming fall or holiday season.

On another topic: A question that I often receive is "do I really need tea business training?" The answer is no. You don't need training. You can do it the hard way without support, connections, educational background and a solid business plan.

You can do it without wisdom in how to invest your funds or what things are worth the money and what things are a waste. You don't have to get insight from people who have been there and done that. You don't have do any of those things. You have the power of choice.

So why would I recommend training?

For the same reason there are drivers safety classes. To prepare you for success. To keep you from hurting yourself or others on the highway. To show you how and why the car works and to educate you on what to do when the rubber meets the road.

I have been teaching people how to operate a tea business for 11 years. I share from my years of personal educational investment, experience owning a tea room and an internet company and from my legion of networks with other tea business professionals.

I offer classes because I BELIEVE it is the only way to succeed in the tea business. If I didn't believe that I wouldn't teach the classes and that is the honest truth. I teach to save you your life savings and your 401 K. I teach to encourage you in dark times.

I teach to fan the flames of your tea dream.  Join me won't you?

WIshing you Tea success,

Lady Dawnya

P.S. Join in the online education revolution! Get the tea business training you need from home. My next class begins October 5th 2008. Enroll Today at www.StartATeaBusiness.com or call 888-225-0252.

7 Tips For Operating A Profitable Tea Booth

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to expose countless strangers to the wonders of your tea products? 

Getting fresh new faces to taste your tea can be challenging.

Here are some simple ways to make it happen in a positive, profitable manner.

Hosting A Tea Booth (indoor or outdoor)

1.  The number one goal with a tea booth is capturing permission based information.  You want to get the public sampling your teas and signing up for free educational materials.  This can be offered as a free e book, a tea tasting seminar, a tea and health brochure or an upcoming fund raiser event.   Ask for their information and you will be surprised at how many names you will actually get.

2.  Offer a free gift or prize by requiring guests to fill in a questionnaire.  This form can include favorite types of tea or favorite flavors, their name, address and phone number.  This type of questionnaire serves two purposes.  First, you grab some quality information on tea trends in your area and second you build your marketing list.

3.  Always offer a postcard on upcoming events or current promotions.  Be sure to get something into your customers hands.  Postcards are easy to put up on the fridge and are read 18 times more often than a regular brochure.

4. Offer 3 types of samples.  A regular black tea, a flavored tea and an herbal.  Ask each guest which appeals to them most and then give them the appropriate sample.  You will immediately eliminates the "I don't like this" first impression simply by customizing the sample to the customers personal taste.

5. If you are selling tea by the cup go with a 1 size fits all approach.  Booth space and time is limited.  People are choosing to get a beverage with you instead of someone else so make the choice easy for them by offering a 16 ounce medium cup as a standard.  Simplicity will keep things running smoothly.

6. Invest in a great sign.  Great sign-age with your name and logo will embed you company name in the new prospects mind making it easier for them to recognize your follow up mailings.

7. Dress professionally and EDUCATE your booth workers.  Make sure that your tea booth is filled with smart, educated tea tenders who know the hows and whys of great loose leaf tea.

These 7 steps will help make your tea booth a success and keep new customers coming back for more!

(C) Dawnya Sasse - All Rights Reserved

Tea Smoothie Video

HI Tea Family-

Well, August is hot here in Kansas.  This is my first full summer here in the Midwest and the humidity is quite an adjustment.  I just returned from 9 days in Oregon where the humidity is next to nothing. Boy, that brought back fond memories.

In addition to the summertime heat, my 10 year old niece is staying the month with us.  We are having lots of fun.  Here is a photo of us at a recent photo shoot.  I took a break in the shade and Karlynn hopped on my lap!

In the office we have been busy creating new educational video for your pleasure.  This episode takes you into my kitchen to prepare an easy tea based smoothie.  I think you are going to love it.  Please feel free to leave comments and share the video with others.  Let's spread the tea love!

Last but not least we are busy updating the TeaEvents website with a whole new look including a forum, more tea links, video, photos, and a lot more.  Really fun.  Our free audio mini course is also becoming a free video course so that is keeping me busy.

Sept 7th is our new Start A Tea Business class.  The holidays are just around the corner and if you get your training now you can be making money this winter!

Wishing you a TeaRiffic Day,

Lady Dawnya

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