How I Worked My Stall

I got exactly what I wanted regarding having a stall or exhibition stand at events to promote my book and card services post book launch. No complaints here, especially since I made a book sale within 5 minutes of my arrival of my very first stall experience- who gets to say that?!

The stand (stall table area) itself was half the size that it was advertised to me as being but as it was offered as opposed to bought I just worked with it and made the best out of the situation. I have worked with many people in the past at various events and on various types of projects so I know to anticipate these things and prepare for a contingency.

Bear in mind that I spent nearly 48 hours learning and achieving to make fondant roses for my cupcakes that was meant to compliment my stand as I had slightly achieved with the theme for my book launch. Not only did most of my beautiful sugar roses get crushed in the box I carried them in but the few good one's remaining did not get the exhibition they deserved because the table was so small that it could not fit a cupcake stand. That effort went to waste but at least I can add that to my food blog so not all is lost there.

Many thanks to those who came out to support like you said you would, every sale counts! And to those who came up to my stand to see my cards, check out my book and complimented my designs and poems. I also appreciate the networking Entrepreneurs who came up to me, particularly after my performance, to speak about potential opportunities.

I networked plenty as one would do at such events. Clearly, I now have to top up my stock of flyers, it's all good. In the past I have pitched and sold things, organised and hosted events but to host your own stand and practically sell yourself per se (brand and products that reflect you) while trying to grab people's interest and attention in a surrounding of competition, is a different ball game and quite the challenge at the end of the day.

Anytime I go to an expo, fair, festival, market place or even anytime I see a Charity Rep stopping people on the street, I admire the patience and stamina in the Sales Rep/Sole Trader that stand around or walk about all day trying to engage strangers in order to sell something. This is done with the anticipation of rejection after their pitch or to just be blatantly ignored from the beginning. I did not think that I had it in me to participate. Needless to say, my respect for those hard working, persistent people has grown. It is not the most fun job in the world but it can feel very rewarding especially when it is for your own products. If you are not selling you are at least marketing yourself. I was fortunate to do both on this occasion and I'm proud.

One of the best parts of the day other than the sales was when a friend of mine texted me early in the morning to see if I needed any assistance with my stand and that was such a life saver as that is exactly what I needed. He helped, we did what we set out to do, I was not overwhelmed and all was well. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

You can order my poetry book I'm All In in time for Christmas on Lulu or Shop Infiniti. If you want just a taste of my poetry, written especially for you instead a book written for others then you can order one of my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards™ on Shop Infiniti also.

Look out for future stalls and performances from me via my twitter updates @LK_ReelDeevah