By the time you read this, hopefully, I will have driven a cargo van filled with my craft show supplies safely to Deland Florida – 125 miles from my home.
By the time you read this, hopefully, the person who was supposed to help erect my canopy when I arrive at the park will have done so.
By the time you read this, hopefully, I will be busily engaged in preparing my booth for business – setting up my tables, arranging displays and posting my signs.
And, hopefully, tomorrow and Sunday, I will actually sell some of my jean jackets and my one-of-a-kind knitted creations and Mother’s Day gift baskets.
Hopefully.
What’s the secret to starting something new?
Starting Early
Working like hell
Banishing the butterflies in your belly – When mine start to flutter, I engage in more work.
Organizing, Organizing, Organizing………………………
Asking for help – That is what neighborhood handymen are for – thank you, Bo!
Making lists – For example, I made a list of everything I needed to take with me to Deland and another list detailing in what order to load the cargo van. BTW, keep a notepad by your bed for jotting down middle-of-the-night musings, worries and ideas.
Engaging in a dry run – I set-up my booth in the garage just like it would be at the crafts fair and then tweaked the displays and inventory.
Preparing – I made sure I had on hand scissors, tape, screw driver, step stool, hammer, S-hooks and bungee cords for whatever unforeseen emergency arises. (Plus Advil)
Researching – I read all the pamphlets and books I could find on how to successfully participate in a crafts fair, how to successfully price your items, and what to do if no one is stopping by your booth. (Crying in sheer frustration is not an option.)
Learning new things – Venmo, Zelle, the Square, and Pay Pal – it’s a about making it customer convenient.
Reaching out to others – I asked questions of veteran crafts fair exhibitors and listened carefully, not selectively, to what they suggested and said.
Doing what you do best and getting others to do what they do best – Thank you Barbara Shine for the graphics!
Making friends with your vendors – Fast Signs, U Haul, and South Tampa Printing are the friendliest places ever.
Talking about it and writing about it – Gives you accountability.
Getting out of your comfort one – Renting a cargo van is at the top of that list – especially since I regularly drive a Mini!
Not being afraid to fail.
Hoping for a little luck.
Praying for success.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Iris Ruth Pastor