New School University Food Studies Program
Sylvia was the guest speaker at the Creative Marketing Workshop at New School University Food Studies Program. Here is her "note from the field."
June 20th, 2009.
It was great pleasure to be invited to be the guest speaker by Terry Frishman who is with Sarabeth Jams Company. The class "What I wish I had known before starting my business. "
The class was full of dynamic and talented individuals full of ambition and entrepreneurship who were there to learn some of the important principals of starting a successful business..
Terry raised great questions for all of us to think about which allowed me to share my experiences and thoughts on it. We discussed proper business planning, cash flow management, branding, promoting and marketing. The class felt great in discussing the area of believing in yourself and achieving your dreams. I look forward to one day in the near future in meeting them again and see how they weaved their dreams and passion into a successful business. Terry is a great leader in the food industry who I have immense respect.
The following comments were from class participants that were forwarded by Terry:
"Excellent presentation. Sylvia's insights on keeping it small, focused, without ego and working with integrity and respect for others was priceless. Her enthusiasm, honesty and intelligence were extraordinary. Sylvia is a terrific lecturer!"
"Sylvia gave great insight as to those variables that can affect a successful outcome. Her humble approach to ‘not knowing' everything made me feel better about still being in the learning stage and process."
"I can really appreciate her vision (wanting to do good for others, bringing something new and ‘exotic' to the marketplace). Her overall personality is positive and she is a fun person. Her products are fantastic and the packaging does tell her story whether she knows it or not. The rose petal is the first one I will purchase (and I do not even care for rose petal products - have had many.)."
"Wonderful presenter who shared her passion and delivered the message of food customs from other parts of the world. Love that she is sharing such goodness from Armenia with us."
"The importance of relationships with people and leave your ego at the door."
"Enjoyed her passion for what she does and her determination and confidence."
"There was lots of information. I liked the conversation about the ego."
"Very open and patient in her conversations...A passionate business woman."
"Excellent - her vision! The challenges she emphasized and lessons learnt from creating an import-dependent company."
"Sylvia's energy and passion, as well as her honesty were both motivating and informative."
"Her knowledge of the ins and outs of her business was fantastic. She was very proud and passionate about her product without puffing it up. Her products were yummy."
"With her passion, she is helping people in America."