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Lia Simmonds promotes artists and designers through Outsource Marketing
[Thu 04/11/2010 11:55:20]
 Sometimes you meet a person who just has it — that entrepreneurial spirit that so many would like to have but most can only dream of. Lia Simmonds, director of Outsource Marketing is one of those people that seems to have been born with the entrepreneurial gene that fills most of us with envy. While it is hard enough to set up your own business at any age, starting at the tender age of 10 is something not many people can pull off, but that’s exactly what Simmonds did.
“Being an entrepreneur has always been in my blood,” she says. “When I was 10 I established my first business, which involved looking after my neighbours’ pets and gardens when they were on holidays. I designed my own logo and flyers and I remember the thrill and excitement of my first job and pay packet.”
Craving the flexibility of being self employed and able to make her own business decisions, Simmonds started her company in 2008.
“Since 2000, the idea of Outsource Marketing has been zipping around in my head,” she says.
“The kick start to my business was a culmination of several life changing personal events, which emphasised the importance to me of pursuing now what gives me a ‘buzz’ and what I really enjoy doing.”
Outsource Marketing sources high quality, original, handmade products, giving buyers access to quality wholesale products made by local and national Australian artists and designers.
 “As a regular art market shopper, I felt inspired by the products from creative and talented Australian artists and designers. I always thought it would be fantastic to buy their products not just at the occasional market but regularly through gift and homewares stores,” says Simmonds.
“These talented artists and designers did not have either the time, skills or money to promote their wholesale product ranges to outlets. This inspired me to create a business for myself where it combined two of my passions, my business skills in marketing and my love for sourcing new and original Australian creativity. Thus Outsource Marketing was born.”
Simmonds talks passionately about the artists she represents, with each artist bringing with them their own unique style and product branding. She is inspired by products that have a unique edge to them and are not just run of the mill merchandise.
“It may be the design, the image or the idea and I am only able to sell products I genuinely feel will fit this criteria. It is important to me to remain focused and loyal to the calibre of my artists’ work,” she explains. “At the moment I am sourcing other products to include in my range. I am always on the lookout for new Australian artists and designers who I can represent across a broad range.”
Some of her favourite designs at the moment include Ali J art prints and ‘truth.be.told’ stationery. “I adore all of the Ali J art prints,” she says. “They are bright, vivacious, beautiful pieces of affordable art. I have one framed and hanging in my office, which always draws compliments from visitors. I have heard from my buyers that their customers have come in, bought one Ali J Art print, framed it, loved it so much that they came back the next day and bought two more different designs.
“The ‘truth.be.told’ stationery sets are exquisite and unique. They are made with high quality papers and make a beautiful present. I use mine regularly and friends always comment on how beautiful the illustrations are.”
 Simmonds likes to point out there is a difference between Outsource Marketing and other wholesalers as all the products she sells are handmade in Australia by independent Australian artists and designers.
“By supporting Outsource Marketing you are directly supporting local Australian artists and are positively affecting their business in terms of growth, confidence and creativity,” she says proudly.
The Australian artists and designers work independently and seamlessly alongside Outsource Marketing. Simmonds exclusively manages the wholesale side of their businesses, which enables the artists to maintain creative control and direction over their companies. Outsource Marketing provides open feedback from buyers to artists on their products, saleability and success.
“The affordability of products is an important consideration for Outsource Marketing,” she explains.
“I understand that the products we sell are competing against overseas imports. Therefore, I am sensitive and aware of maintaining prices so they remain competitive in the market and also support my wholesale artists.”
Outsource Marketing’s website was launched this year as a virtual ‘shopfront’ to her Perth-based business. Simmonds says it provides her with a 24/7 online presence, access to buyers across Australia and hopefully worldwide exposure in the near future.
 “It is easy to apply for online wholesale access,” she explains. “By applying for access, buyers are granted a password so they can view the wholesale prices and place orders securely online. The general public are blocked from viewing the wholesale prices and buying.”
Basically a one-woman show, Simmonds — who has more than 15 years experience in customer service, sales and marketing — handles all aspects of the business including sales, administration, public relations, marketing, website maintenance, book-keeping and the delivery of orders.
With such a busy schedule she would be hard-pressed for time to relax, but Simmonds iterates that when she needs a break she will take it.
“It’s about listening to my mind, body and soul. When I do, I remain in harmony and balance. I know when I need a break and I simply take ‘time out’. I also extend this point of view when dealing with my artists,” she says.
But as consumers are turning to local products in the wake of the economic crisis and environmental concerns, Simmonds’ business seems poised for further growth and success. “I feel there is now a definite attraction by the end consumer towards products that are made in Australia,” she says.
“The increased popularity of local, art markets springing up through all states (for example Made on the Left and The Finders Keepers markets) is an indicator to me that a new wave of conscious buyers is prevalent in all demographics. People in general are now ‘world aware’ of the source of their buying.”
Simmonds believes that the public will continue to demand products that are unique, original and are made locally to a high standard, which might just be the secret to her success.
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