I recently attended my first vendor event and I went in feeling a bit skeptical about what I was getting into as a small business owner. Entrepreneurship comes with taking risk and experiencing new things. Keeping this in mind, I continued to research and thought this would be a good experience for me and getting my brand established with the public. While still working my 9-5 full-time job, I wanted to make sure I selected the right event for me. There are a few takeaways from this experience that I would be happy to share:
How to search
Who: Please do your research to make sure your event planner is legit and established. There are a lot of scammers out there who want nothing more than to use your inexperience and profit from you, so you want to be careful who you trust. If you see a red flag, trust your intuition. Run!
When: Find a time slot and day that fits your current schedule to reduce any unexpected obstacles. Plan ahead and expect to be involved for the whole day. Organize in advance to eliminate chaos.
Where: Choose a location that you may be familiar with or one that makes you feel comfortable. If you are unfamiliar with the event location do your research. It's okay to be proactive.
What: Plan out what you would like to accomplish and make it work. What are your goals? Is it sales or networking, maybe both? Whatever it is, please make sure there is a strategy and push through until the end.
Price: This is an important one and may vary depending on what your strategy is. Affordable is always key, however, keep in mind you want to cover your vendor costs with your potential sales from the event, so be confident in your product or service because it can drive your potential.
Overall,
Step up and Stand out. Don't be hesitant of your abilities or passion for what you love. These events have way more pros than cons. You have the opportunity to network, meet new friends, and grow your business. Entrepreneurship does not stop with a LLC. Learning and constantly pushing yourself towards your goals will never hinder your ability to be the best, it certifies your dedication and hard work!
~Toodles~