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

Come See My Stall at Fairfield Halls

I have been invited to have a stall at 2Inspire's Winter Fayre next week Saturday 7th November 12-5pm. A family filled day of fun, shopping, entertainment, Sony sponsored raffle (free raffle ticket comes with your FREE ENTRY) and seminars. I may very well perform too! A year ago exactly I was interviewed by the same organisation for their blog , check it out.

Naturally, my stall will have my new book for sale, as well as Exclusive Luxury Greeting Cards of mine that cannot be found anywhere else, and I will also be taking orders for my Custom Poetry Greeting Card service. Christmas is just around the corner people, hint-hint.

REGISTER YOUR FREE ENTRY ON EVENTBRITE

Hope to see you there,

@LK_ReelDeevah

Inspiring Interview

2Inspire Ltd is an organisation that promotes women in business and they have recently started a youth academy to promote and encourage talent among young people. You may recognise the name from a previous entry on my blog for when I went to perform at a networking event of theirs a couple of months ago. They recently asked me to do an interview with them to feature on their blog. I was cautious to begin with, not that I am a stranger to interviews or enquiring minds about what I do but I was worried about the depth of my answers, particularly because it was going to be in print form. I am glad I did it, it was a pleasure and I even inspired myself which was much needed at this point in time. Nonetheless, any reader can tell that I am passionate and hardworking with what I do. Let me know what you think.

There are questions regarding what a typical business day for me is like, how I feel about inspiring and empowering young women, how I started my business and advice I have for others. There are also some very blunt and honest answers that would not surprise my peers or colleagues in the slightest. You may also be shocked to see names like Hugh Hefner, Spike Lee, Donald Trump, Jennifer Saunders and Maya Angelou in the same sentence but it'll make sense once you read it. Read, enjoy and feel free to comment. View full interview

Performing for Women in Business

And that is so true. 

I always get involved with projects, businesses and individuals that do inspirational things, particularly for the people that maybe in great need or simply the most appreciative of the cause in question at the time. Thus, I have got involved with 2Inspire Network by being one of the performers at their business event taking place next week Saturday.

Ladies (and those that are 'female interest friendly'), Mumpreneurs and Entrepreneurs, I would like to encourage you to participate in this event, if you are not familiar with it already. It's the 2Inspire Network Ladies Day on the 28th June 11am-7pm at the Novotel Hotel in Greenwich. There will be workshops, seminars, NHS health checks, business support and shopping. It is a networking opportunity to promote your business, potential business or possibly even meet your future business partner. Furthermore, I will be performing my poetry on the day! 

I will also be promoting my bespoke Greeting Card service. This will be an all day event however, my performance will be 6pm-7pm. 

To attend simply register for FREE via www.2inspirenetwork.com 

2Inspire Women in Business
@ Novotel Hotel
173-185 Greenwich High Rd
Greenwich
London
SE10 8JA

See you there ;-)