What about if Dawanda started a mentor program for new stores? Would that be of interest to new store owners?

I see alot of questions on the forums about starting out and also when you've been going for a couple of months how to get the sales going... Maybe a group of us who have had stores for a while could each take on mentoring a new store and helping them get going?

Is this something admin could set up and work with us? The mentor could spend some time looking at the store and offering advice and encouragement - but it be a considered and careful process - spend some real time on it....and offer constructive advice???

Thoughts/comments?
Ruth

As a new seller here at Dawanda I think that this is a wonderful idea and I would gratefully participate in such a programme!

I think that would be really useful, I'm new and would love any constructive advice. I'd of course be happy to reciprocate at some point when I finally have something to offer!

I think it is a good idea, really. I don't know if i would qualify for it, but if anybody would like some help...and I can provide it (meaning, i know how to help), just... say it! :P

Ruth I think it is a good idea. it doesn't take much time to help someone. Like I said before, what would be the parameters for being a mentor?? ideas?

I'm away at the moment on a conference so unable to reply in full - but when I get back, I will elaborate my thoughts on how a mentor could help. I was hoping to hear from admin about the subject too and what they think of it.......

Sorry I started this message a while ago and then have been away. My ideas/thoughts for a mentor program are that every time someone new opens a store on Dawanda, they are contacted with a couple of weeks by admin and asked whether they would like a mentor to review their store for them. If they accept, the store will be reviewed within 2 weeks ...or some such time. If they don't accept, no problem. A mentor - someone who has had a store on Dawanda for a reasonable amount of time - will then look at all aspects of the new store, from the shop, profile, items for sale, photographs, terms and conditions, views, pins, pinboards etc etc and then send a written review with their comments to the new store owner. The store owner can ask further questions in return, implement the suggestions, or do as they please!.

The overall goal is to give suggestions and tips to improving the shop presentation and help them achieve sales success. This would be constructive.

I would hope this could be something that was organized via admin - ie they assign new shop owners to more experienced seller who have agreed to be mentors. Dawanda then gets a copy of the correspondence between the new shop owner and the mentor.

Do you think this more "formalized" style of review/help would be useful? Admin- comments from you too?

As a new store owner I think this is a brilliant idea. I really hope it takes off.

I do think it is a good idea. I mean, people sign up here and for a couple of weeks there is so much to do and see and learn, that sometimes it is overwhelming.
I was last night talking to a person who was listing items for the first time, and she had no clue as to where the new arrivals were, categories, etc. I know it is not precisely the same as you say Ruth, but that is also helpful and sometimes needed.
Maybe the contact could be more fluid instead of a report. Shouldnt it be something faster, more "talked" (via contact button). What if you spend time looking, reading, writing a report and then the seller says.,,, eeeeh no. That would be an ugly risk.Wasted time.

I dont know if the most successful shops are going to be all over this considering they might be too busy selling! hahaha which isnt happening to me, for instance. But I think it is a good idea. Always nice to help.

Why did my message come up 4 times? LOL.

Yes, I do think a discussion style if good - but I feel a "report" just focuses the mind so that the writer can make sure they look at all aspects. I don't know - maybe us just commenting on this forum is enough. There doesn't seem to be a lot of interest here so....Oh well.

Babushka - would you like me to have a look at your store and see if I have any suggestions? I'd be happy to..... And why your message came up 4 times I'm not sure -but I'm even more impressed that three have now disappeared :-D

I'm sure I need help because I haven't sell yet here in Dawanda. I sell regularly not via web, but here I find it very difficult.

Hi Birdland, this sounds like an absolutely fabulous idea.

After nearly 2 months here without any success you start to get quite low on occasions and find it hard to motivate yourself. The kind of feedback you are suggesting would re-focus people again and hopefully result in some sales.

If this ever takes off can you be my mentor <grin>

Well, I'm far away from being a big seller, but I would be glad to help...

I'm with Florcita about the mentoring being more a convo rather than a report thing. I think it's easier and quicker.

I emailed admin and they are looking into this and will get back to us soon........Will be interesting to see their thoughts and suggestions.... and see what pans out... Thanks for your ideas.

Great Ruth... let's wait now :)

Hi guys... just back from my holiday... and what a great idea this is. I would definately be interested in hearing more and seeing what admin think.

Sx

I'm waiting, too!

Yes!
This is a great idea.
I would love the feedback so I can know where I should be making improvments :0)

I would love this idea, too! I do sell internationally through another site, but I'm still learning more about Dawanda and adding more items to my shop.