Category: Entrepreneur

A New Way to Shop – Purchasing Unclaimed Mail, Mystery Boxes, and More! Featuring an Interview with Jodi Lytle, The Pallet Princess!

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

People have an undeniable fascination with a good shopping mystery! From storage units that have been abandoned and left unpaid long enough to go up for auction, to return items from major retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, sold for mere pennies on the dollar; the thrill of discovery is irresistible. There’s also unclaimed mail, encompassing undeliverable packages that have roamed the globe searching for their rightful owners. When no one claims these lost items, they too are auctioned off in pallets to eager buyers looking to uncover or resell these hidden “treasures.”

I must confess, I’ve become quite captivated by this fascinating world. I’ve indulged in an astonishing number of “Storage Unit Unveiled” episodes that could entertain me for years! Additionally, I’ve made unique purchases from Unclaimed Baggage, including electronics and various items left behind on airplanes. In fact, shopping for unclaimed baggage offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a computer, tablet, or phone at an unbeatable price. And for under $50 you can find a warehouse full of gems! (Check out these items below from Unclaimed Baggage today!)

This brings me to my latest obsession: Jodi Lytle’s (@PallettPrincessO) Instagram and TikTok pages. She shares her unique process of purchasing large pallets of unclaimed mail and surplus inventory from various stores via her authentically modest videos. With an engaging flair, she unboxes these intriguing finds on her Instagram and TikTok accounts, inviting her audience to join her in the excitement of discovering whether the items are hidden “treasures” or mere “junk.”

Jodi exudes a lively energy that captivates everyone around her. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, especially when she attempts to guess the contents of the mystery package based on its wrapping or the color of the paper! Frequently, she’ll exclaim with playful disdain, “I bet it’s car parts.” Alongside this, there’s an amusing streak of wishful thinking—”I hope it’s something nice.” Viewer comments vary widely, from supportive suggestions to outright rudeness. It often pains me to see her defend her reasoning for purchasing pallets—often at a thousand dollars or more—only to face criticism for her choices.

What Jodi is providing is FREE ENTERTAINMENT during a time when a diversion from the ills of the world is very much welcome!

Of all the intrigue that these various websites and content creators provide, the one that has truly offered me the most “payback” is Jodi’s Mystery Jewelry Boxes. I recently purchased my first box, which promised to include 20 individually wrapped new jewelry pieces.

This box exceeded my expectations. Jodi sent 30 pieces, all with their price tags still attached. My curious self tallied up the tags from Banana Republic, Saks, Nordstrom, Stein Mart, and more. The total value came to an impressive $690! When discussing ROI (return on investment), converting a $60 expense into $700 is undeniably fantastic!

The mystery box created an enjoyable addition to our family reunion gathering. It was such a success that I decided to purchase a second, then a third, and finally a fourth—after all, the holiday season will be upon us before we know it! Below is just a small sample of what has been included!

I asked Jodi to respond to a few questions. After all, inquiring entrepreneurial minds want to know more about this concept. She is a boldly honest mid-westerner – and gosh that was refreshing!

JODI’s INTERVIEW

Louise: Hi Jodi! I am a huge fan of yours and the content you create. What was the catalyst for you turning your affection towards pallets into a lively and highly entertaining online series (TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook?)

Louise: For my audience, how do you obtain “the goods”?

Jodi: I buy from some wholesalers I trust.  The links are in my link tree.  Pallet world is very unmonitored and that leads to a lot of scammers.  I always say “If you can’t touch it don’t buy it.”  You can find wholesalers on face book and monitor their page for a while to ensure that they are good real people. 

Louise: What if someone wanted to start getting their own pallets of unclaimed- where would they go?  

Jodi: There are only two places that I know of that sell unclaimed mail currently.  One is GRP in Dorr Michigan (Mitch and his wife Jess are great.)  and the other is Pallet Liquidation Depot in Oshkosk Wisconsin (Tell Mike Jodi sent you.) 

Louise: You definitely sell a ton of the mystery boxes full of jewelry! It is a brilliant idea. Any other types of mystery box ideas percolating?

Jodi: If we can find a good supplier we would be open to different mystery boxes.  We have been searching but have not found any product that we feel is quality.  Stay tuned because who knows what is next! 

Louise: What is the most common item found in these unclaimed boxes and envelopes?

Jodi: This question made me laugh……..CAR PARTS! But it honestly depends on the pallet.  

Louise: If you resell them – where do you usually do that – Etsy? Ebay? Another site? Combination of more than one site?

We do not really sell what we open.  When we used to buy big pallets we would sell locally to friends informally.  We donate and share about 90% if not more.  We keep about 1% of items that we open. 

Louise: I know that you have opened up highly personalized items and have enlisted the help of the social media audience to find the rightful owner. Tell me what is it like when you make a “match” between owner and item?

Jodi: It is rewarding.  When an individual gets back an item that is special to them it makes me so happy.  

Louise: Is there anything else you wish to share with readers?

Jodi: Please follow along and go on daily adventures with us! 

Louise: Where can they find you online?

Jodi:

LINKTREE

Tiktok Palletprincess0

Instagram Palletprincess0

Facebook Jodi Lytle

Thank you for reading!

This time last year…

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

It has been nearly a year that unplanned circumstances altered the course of my professional career. With the support of my business partners, and due to a variety of reasons, the decision was made to close 411 Voices LLC – our media marketing consortium company.

When the decision was made, it was heart – wrenching.  Make no mistake about that. So many hours involved in building our group and now it was ending “officially”.  I lost a lot of sleep.  I was drained.  Moreover, I was unprepared for the reactions to the news.

I needed to stop.

So… I took a giant step out of the social media arena for a period of time to reassess, recharge and continue to learn about the media marketing world so I could be do things differently and perhaps better, if I were to venture back “in”.

I learned a huge lesson – Sometimes, the best course of action is to reflect – listen in the quiet.  I needed to do that to come up with PLAN C. 

I was quiet. I reflected. I listened to others.  I went for long walks. I wrote blogs that I never published.  I asked for help from experts.  And, then it finally came to me – I was overthinking my situation.  I discoverd my “PLAN C” – I simply could have one company that melded all my interests together:  Education + Social Media + Philanthropy + Sign Language.

The result… Louise Sattler Consulting was born.

What is this hybrid company that I created? First, it is an extension of my Signing Families company.   I offer consulting services and products to help people interested in learning sign language the opportunity to acquire the basics.  This company is my “WHY” for so many reasons.  To think that a year ago I almost placed my “WHY” on the back burner  – permanently.  I am glad I didn’t.

What about my media professional world?  Well,  I architect social media strategies, conduct social media management,  create media content, set up websites (like this one),  plan client events and play B 2 B  and B 2 C “matchmaker”.  The goal is  for businesses, organizations and individuals  to get more eyeballs on their projects or companies.  And yes, I do enlist the expertise of others – many who are new to my “virtual rolodex”.  Most importantly, I pick clients who I want to work with based on their desire to help others and make a difference in their communities.

I am THRILLED with this new chapter.  I have clarity and focus that I haven’t experienced in quite some time.  I am working on projects that matter!

So… what are the lessons learned from my year – long journey?

First, if you are feeling that you are struggling – don’t despair. Change can be challenging, but at the same time very exciting.  I have met new people, accepted novel challenges and I am happy I did. Hopefully, so will you!

Next, allow yourself to trust those who walk with you during this journey.  They can be  fabulous resources. BUT…  You also must be open to reciprocate – as there will be a time for others to experience their own transitions and they will need your support.

In closing… 

I want to thank you for being part of my world. To the people who gave me guidance and assistance as I forged my. new path – you are all so very special to me.

To my readers – Please share with us if you are experiencing a career transition and what pearls of wisdom you may have.

Have a groovy week.

~Louise

Unique gifts from new brands

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

 

Recently I have met entrepreneurs who have developed very interesting businesses.  Their focus is on bringing unique products that are “out of the box” – while being very appealing.

Are all t-shirt companies equal? I think NOT

I fell in love with an apparel company because of their amazing display at the Celebrity Connected gifting suite for the Emmy Awards.  Gosh I loved NAIA VIBES.  If you are an entrepreneur who becomes a vendor at a trade show or gifting suite- take a page from NAIA VIBES.  The display was GORGEOUS. Very clever ways to give prizes (gifts) to the celebrities that were on hand. AND… the array of apparel and accessories made me want to order and order and order. Having a theme that was a standout made for one photographic opportunity to spotlight the brand after another.

The warm  long – sleeved t-shirt is now my NEW FAVORITE.  Here is the link if you want to put it on your “nice list” for holiday shopping.  And, the hats, backpacks and book bags were a hug hit, too!

 

Cosmetic Hideaways – Always able to stay pretty in pink!

I was confused when I saw this unique necklace design sitting at the Celebrity Connected.  It was a beautiful piece of jewelry but what exactly made it look “different”?  So, I inquired.  And much to my delight it was a functional piece of jewelry where a lipstick could be hidden, but also at your finger-tips for easy application.  I was trying to think if a pepper spray would fit inside – but I don’t believe so (Hint to the design team). However, it did fit my lipstick without fail.  It retails on their website for $98 and is in silver and gold colors.  It is worth the price as it is a carrying case and a statement piece of jewelry.

I connected with the creator, Christine Abdoo who sent me some background information.  She sent to me her press packet that chronicled briefly the story of this Grand Rapids based company:

“I would find that multiple times a day I would want my lipstick with me,” said Christine Abdoo. “I would get frustrated during the day, jumping from meeting to meeting, not being able to go back to my office to put my lipstick on. […] I wanted a necklace with a fashionable container where I could carry my lipstick with me.” The first designs on the market fit Chapstick size lip balms, and travel size lipsticks.

    … “It really just started with an idea. We all have them, but it’s what you do with them that makes a difference,” she said. “Taking an idea and making it come reality is pretty exciting”

Orders can be taken at their website here.

 

 

BIKES on a MISSION!

I must say that the guys from  SOLE Bicycles caught my attention recently.   In fact I made a bee-line to their vendor booth at the Halopalooza vendor fair in Los Angeles this past month.  How unique to put advertisements on the bikes themselves and then have them available to rent at hotels, resorts, etc.  Imagine having an event, such as a music festival, where vendors can bike from place to place with your logo zipping by!

If you love one-of-a-kind ideas that are eye-popping check out this Southern California company pronto!

IMG_5910

Eat my promotional material – Please!

Are you tired of receiving or giving the same old branded products.  What if I could introduce you to products that are from sustainable materials that can turn your event wristband in to a flowers with just a little TLC? Or instead of a greeting card – send a garden in a box? So much good can come out of so little effort by simply planting your branded products after initial use or when you are done with them.   Find my favorites here. 

 

 

 

 

If you could give advice to start-up entrepreneurs…

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I recently attended a bridal shower and this question was posed… “What would be the one piece of advice to give to a new couple?” Lots of great pearls of wisdom were generated by the shower attendees. A lot of what was said really resonated with me.

During the drive home I realized that I could extend this question to “wanna be entrepreneurs”.  What would have been the “gems of information” I wish I had known before I journeyed in to becoming a “solo-entrepreneur” aka solopreneur?

Before I arrived home I actually had amassed quite the list! So, here in no certain order are the things I learned in the past 10+ years! Feel free to use the comment section to add your sage words, as well! And, if you are looking for some great biz information check out the start-up #entreps column in the Huffington Post by my 411 Voices colleague, Sandy Abrams.

  1.  Seek advice from experts in starting a business. Some people find the Small Business Association in their area a huge resource. I owe a debt of gratitude for the help I received in launching SIGNING FAMILIES to Karen Geary, my first mentor, who I met at a special program for start-up entrepreneurs via the Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland. Mentors can help you learn how to protect your intellectual property, trademark your business name, obtain a business license and set up bank accounts. There is a “ton of stuff” you probably will need to learn including perhaps about research and design, writing a business plans, etc!  So… to reiterate… seek advice of EXPERTS!
  2. If you don’t “do numbers” – get an accountant! Know where your money is going and be mindful of your expenses.  Remember that there are strict rules for tax purposes regarding what is a business and what is deemed a “hobby”.
  3. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money! What I mean by a saying I have said more than once in front of audiences is that you need to have a marketing / advertising budget. It pains me to see creative people start a company only to have it fall flat as there were no plans for advertising. Sigh.                                                                   By the way – have an AMAZING website and a strong social media presence.
  4. Be kind as nothing good has come out of being a mean entrepreneur.  Competition will happen. Others will have different or even better ideas than yours.  Look inside yourself on how to be successful and don’t blame “the other guy” for ruining your business.
  5. Hire competent people.  An intern can be a valuable asset to your company or a disaster. Remember they are learning and you are offering them an opportunity. Interns, as a rule, shouldn’t be running your company.  Hire people who are able to do the job because they are experts at the job.
  6. Pay fair wages. Period.
  7. Stay educated and give back to your local area. Nearly every profession changes – stay on top of the “learning curve”.   There is value to seeking help from those who have walked a similar path.  Be proactive and attend networking meetings and join your local chamber of commerce.
  8. Not all good ideas become successful businesses.  Not all people can be successful entrepreneurs, even if they have good ideas.  Why? EGO!  Some people believe that all they need is a great concept and charm to succeed. Sorry – charm isn’t usually associated with ROI.
  9. Give back to your community by supporting local charitable organizations. 

Electric bulb idea concept design
Having a great idea doesn’t always guarantee a successful business!

 

Now your turn to add to the list in the comment section below.