Summer Vendor

      I haven't done a whole lot of business as a vendor at various festivals and shows in the area.  I have enjoyed meeting new people and admiring what they've brought to sell, but there's one thing that's my favorite about "showing my wares" at these events:  time spent with my daughter.  She is older now and loves to sit and sell at our booth, whenever we go to events.  It's along the same line as fishing.
      When she was seven years-old, she really wanted me to take her fishing.  Well, I'd always told folks I hated fishing, because it was so boring!  All I'd ever done is sit and sit and sit and wait and catch nothing.  She finally talked me into taking her fishing one day, and I really enjoyed the time spent with her.  I took along my camera and really got some great shots of her fishing.  I've bought a license every year since, and we've spent lots of time fishin' together in the summers.
       That first day fishing was several years ago, and I have not caught a single fish yet!  I even bought the book, Fishing:  For Dummies.  I'm constantly getting pointers from people, when I tell them my fishing woes.  But, that's not the point.  Have I been exceedingly frustrated with fishing?  Yes.  What I wouldn't trade for the whole world, though, is all of that time with my daughter in some of the most gorgeous places God has created!  I always take my camera and get spectacular photos where we fish, and I have a chronicle of my daughter growing up in photos.
      I am going to sell my creations as a vendor at least a couple of times this summer - more if I can find some that don't have expensive vendor fees.  Yes, my daughter is already excited to work for me at our booth. :o)  I will be by her side, and that's what makes it all worth while.

"Dear Pessimist, Optimist, and Realist,

While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it!

Sincerely,

The Opportunist"

Happy New Year and Happy Snow Day!

I hope you had a very wonderful Christmas and New Year's!  This is the perfect time of year to concentrate on your goals for your business without all the business of the holidays.  It's also a great time to relax and create!

Are you ready yet?

Have you been happily creating items for your first Christmas show?  Now may be a good time to take a break to label, package, and price your items.  You never know when an emergency may arrive, or you may catch the latest "bug" going around.  You could have been on schedule, with things going well, and "bam!" you're flat on your back or caring for your sick child.  If you don't have something ready to sell, when that first bazaar comes, you'll be "up a creek without a paddle"!  Not to scare you, but just be prepared - ahead of time. :o)

5 Things.....

Christmas shows/bazaars are right around the corner!  Behind on getting ready?  Choose a short list of just three to five items to show, and make several of each item to sell.  Stick to your list!  This will get you going. Then, if you have extra time to get more items made, great!

Fall into Selling!

Fall/Autumn is a gorgeous and cozy time of year!  I LOVE the colors, textures, and fragrances of fall!  Orange is my favorite color, it's everywhere!  Christmas bazaars are starting up this fall, and it's a fun time to show your creations in person and meet customers face to face.  You can find them in your local newspaper, church bulletin or even on your grocery store bulletin board.  Also, check to see if t.v. and radio station web sites have "community bulletin boards" or calendars that advertise Christmas shows and bazaars.  Fall into fun and fall into selling! :o)