Who are you and what do you do?
Hello, my name is Shannon Poss and I am the owner of The Very Idea. We are a screen printing shop in Murfreesboro our motto is to create, print, and repeat. Here at The Very Idea, our team focuses on completing all of your orders within a specific deadline. Our production warehouse is one of the largest printing facilities within Middle Tennessee offering bulk orders or even smaller orders with the most efficient time frame. We offer many different services such as screen printing, embroidery, signage, promotional products, and more!
How did you get your business idea?
The very idea has been around for 30 years and I just acquired it 5 years ago. my husband was super interested in this particular company because he was a UPS driver and would deliver to them all the time. The owners wanted to retire and wanted my husband to take over and ever since then we’ve been running the business together.
How did you make your first sale?
I made my first sale with a client named Mary that I still keep in touch with today. She actually mailed me my first dollar and ever since then we’ve had a really good relationship.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Murfreesboro?
The community and the support that I get throughout Murfreesboro is what I believe makes it so unique. There are so many small businesses around the area that have each other’s back and I just love how Murfreesboro is continuously growing and becoming a big community.
How do you advertise your business?
I advertise my business by word of mouth and using Instagram. I use different apps with Instagram to help me keep track of all my social media content. I also believe word of mouth is a great way to advertise your business and get into the community.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
I would have to say all the ideas that are in my head. There are so many ways to improve my business and advance and I have so many ideas for the future that it keeps me up at night.
What is one way you had to Pivot or change course to grow your business?
I would say a way that I pivot course to grow my business is showing off new products that are cool and trendy. It’s important for people to see the new stuff especially with the new generation and keep up-to-date with what’s fresh.
If you could travel back to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
I would say that I would plan better and really evaluate every part of my plan. I also would do it the way I want to. When you’re starting a business a lot of people have opinions so I would really trust my intuition and really let that lead towards the business.
Where do you wanna go with your business?
In the future, I would like to do some type of partnership with the competition or anyone in general that will help me and my business. Partnerships are always a good way to help others while we both help each other.
What’s the one thing you’re doing right now from a marketing perspective that’s getting you more customers?
Social media has helped me get more customers from a marketing perspective. It’s a great way to reach your target audience and I would honestly say never underestimate the power that social media can hold and how positive it can be for your business.
What’s one business lesson you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?
Being a good person who is likable and charismatic can advance your career in business. Good things come to good people so that would be a lesson that I’ve learned because at the end of the day you just have to do your best and be a good person.
What’s a podcast book or website you recommend that inspired you to grow your business.?
If I had to give a recommendation for a book, I would have to say Creating Spaces You Love by Joanna Games.
What do you use for your daily to-do list?
I like to stay organized by writing my notes in a planner. I like the Erin Condren planners because it has a lot of space to write down exactly what I need to remember and other notes.
What social media tools do you use that other business owners could use?
If I can recommend any social media app I would say preview. Preview is a good app for planning out your Instagram feed on your desktop computer and mobile app. Another app I would recommend is later. Which is a guide for your feed.
Learn more about The Very Idea by visiting their website!
