Friday, November 28, 2008

A Little Tip on Back-of-the-Room Sales

This may seem obvious to many speakers who rely on back-of-the-room sales, but this little tip greatly increased my product sales for months after my presentation was complete.

Instead of putting your business cards in one little holder on the table(s) displaying your products for sale, make lots of stacks of your cards so it's easy for shoppers (potential buyers) to grab one. There are many reasons people can't purchase your products on the spot. By getting one of your cards in their purses or wallets, you have a much better chance of a sale later.

Yes, handouts or brochures given to every audience member may have your contact information, but sheer size can make them food for the trash can on the way out the door. A business card slips into a pocket or purse with ease.

Or better yet, do what we did, made business cards for my books sales (I Want You To Know Me) that are twice the size and stand up like a little tent on the table. Our products are all shown on the inside of the tent as a reminder ... voila a sales piece but it's a real keeper.

Mullins Creative has a great resource for these little 3.5 x 2 tent cards. They're on 14 pt. heavy card stock, full color on both sides, and also glossy coated on both sides so they're top quality. If interested, give us a jingle for a quote.

In the meantime, happy speaking and happy sharing your passions and products.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

My Head is Spinning with Ideas

I have the privilege of being the emcee at the upcoming 5th Annual Women Entrepreneur's Small Business Bootcamp, February 9, 2009 at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale. There will be an incredible group of presenters sharing their expertise on important business strategies in many areas. To get a better handle on what each woman will be sharing, I have been meeting with each presenter to find out more about their business, what makes them tick and what business tools attendees at Bootcamp can expect to walk away with if they attend their particular session.

Today I met Lori Martinek. But that's really an understatement. One doesn't just meet Lori Martinek, one gets swept away with Lori.

Lori is the owner of Presentation Plus, an award-winning marketing and public relations firm. She has also served as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Marketing and New Business Development Counselor in here in Phoenix as well as Illinois. Lori is also a former president, board member and consultant to chambers of commerce, charitable foundations and other non-profit ventures. My point is, she knows small business. She knows how small businesses can take advantage of very inexpensive opportunities, especially through social networking, to get noticed, get new clients, stay afloat and even prosper in a difficult economy.

Just in our conversation over coffee in the e-Factory ( a part of of Club E network, one of Lori's newest passions) she began sharing marketing ideas for my two companies, Mullins Creative and Azure Eyes Publishing when we were there to talk about her. She's a giver, she's creative and there's no question she's an expert in her field.

The women who attend the Women Entrepreneur's Small Business Bootcamp this year will get their money's worth of they only attend Lori's breakout session alone. It's going to be that good!

If you're available on Saturday, February 9, 2009, mark your calendar now. Stay the day and get 2009 off to a great start. Visit http://www.womensbusinessbootcamp.com/index.html to get registered today.