Afraid Your Showcase Participation Will Be a Bust? Don't Worry!

People are consistently developing various means for business promotion, and this can occasionally include participation in local business showcases. Through the years I have been a participant in many. In fact for several years I ran a local business showcase monthly for women looking to promote their businesses. The challenge when participating in these types of events is ensuring that your product stands out from the pack. The process for doing this can be simplified if you are the sole individual selling a particular item such as jewelry, candles, children's books, or cooking products. The problem arises when several of you have the same products for sale.

Customer Reaction:

One observation I often noticed amongst customers was if too many vendors selling similar products were placed near each other (at the event,) the initial vendor received a thorough examination of their products. The next vendor would find their examination time reduced, and the next seller was often skipped. It didn't matter if the items had a different appearance. If similar products were spotted, the assumption became "oh it is the same old stuff." I often overheard these comments, and was saddened by wonderful businesses losing potential clients. It is up to you to halt those thoughts, and in a minute I will quickly explain how to do just that. Despite having some of the same products, you must create for your potential customers what I refer to as THE BLIND EYE. You are going to distract them from what is common or repetitive, by luring them with that which is stimulating.

Catch Their Eye:

Make your display attractive. This means vibrant coloring. Use flowers, colorful products, an attractive tablecloth (use one unique which is a conversation starter.) Place items which can be viewed as a steal for a customer ($3 and under in the front.) Is the item something you would want? Place enough of these items, so that once sold it can cover the cost of your showcase booth, table, or setting. The goal here is to make sure you don't lose money, even if it means you just break even. The name of the game is promotion. Have another area of slightly higher priced items that average $6 or so. This will elevate your chances of making a profit. Of course you will have more expensive items, but you want to ensure you have something that EVERYONE can afford.

Use the Bulk Approach:

Offer items in bulk, and let the pricing reflect this. If an item is $3 price it at $3.50 each or 5 for $15. You will be amazed at how many people are willing to purchase more because of the discounted price.

Remember to enjoy your event, and enjoy your customers. Never make them feel pressured. Everything is a choice, and you want people to choose YOU because you and your products represent quality.

Do Your Customers Know They Are Valued?

With the economy in the state it is in today, it is more important than ever to let your customers know you appreciate them and value their business. There are a few techniques you can easily put in place to make this information known.

Provide easy access to yourself or a top notch customer service team. There is nothing more frustrating than to call a business, and not be able to reach a human for assistance. This is becoming more difficult with the job eliminations that are occurring in various businesses. However, this is an area where small or homebased businesses can now shine and become the twinkle in their customers eyes. You may be a small business, but use your availability and the one on one approach as a technique that can place you at the top of the game.

Selling a product or services? Ensure that your customer is always receiving a good value for the money spent. Everyone is reluctant to spend money now, and consider carefully what their dollars will be used for. Let your customers know you appreciate that, respect it, and in no way are trying to take advantage of them. My family recently decided to eliminate business dealings with a local contractor we were interested in regarding deck repairs. He provided an estimate off the top of his head which seemed inflated. When pressed further to write down itemized accounts of the labor fees vs supplies he became very tense. After calling the local hardware store we understood why. He had severely inflated the costs! Comparing his rates to other local contractors we found his dealings shady. No one wants to be "ripped off," and believe me if you attempt to do that-the news travels.

Quality products are a must. Never provide your customer with anything you wouldn't deem good enough for yourself. They want the same treatment you expect in your business dealings, and when you do so there is nothing more valuable for your business than word of mouth.

When offering a product, opportunity, service ...be clear about what your intent is so that each individual will know what to expect. This also prevents misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. Document everything and provide copies of your paperwork for all parties involved. Keep your files current for future business dealings.

Keep things simple. Sometimes when doing business we want to make changes quickly.There is nothing wrong with change, but at times too much change can be confusing and overwhelming for your customers. Make adjustments gradually. Find out what your customers want or need to make their dealings with your business flow more smoothly. Gradually make the transitions, and see how it is working for them. If things are going smoothly and flowing in the proper direction proceed forward. If things are not going well, then this will be the perfect opportunity to make a correction before everything has been set in stone.

Review often and adjust when necessary while making business dealings. It can help you achieve the success you desire.