Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Fairs and Trade Shows

Marketing Advice for those who are vendors in shows, or fairs:
MARKETING TIPS

1. AS A METAPHYSICIAN THINK OF YOUR TALENT AS A BUSINESS:
Conduct your work as though another had hired you to perform.
Example: Don’t take too many breaks
Don’t visit too much
Don’t trade too many readings (You’ll miss customers)
Stay seated; be available 99% of the time
Always arrive early - never late

2. YOU ARE YOUR OWN BUSINESS: Keep records of how many people you have seen, how much money you have taken in and the time frame.

3. LOCATE FAIRS/EVENTS:
Call cities listed in front of phone book and ask to be put on their mailing list. Inquire if any Parks & Recreation events are planned. If so apply for booth space.

4. BOOTH PRESENTATION:
It should appear like a serious set-up; professional, eye-catching and approachable.
A few tasteful items can be displayed, not too many.

Poster: Should be easy to see, clean lines, possess eye-appeal and not too wordy to confuse participants. If you read cards pick one and capitalize on it. Blow it up to 8 8 1/2” x 11” size in color at Kinko’s and use it to self promote on the poster. Make that card your gimmick to hook the public. Mine is “The Love Psychic”and the “SOULMATE SPECIALIST” sign. I use a large palm, works like a charm.

Costuming: All individuals should dress either in metaphysical garb or clean, neat clothing. No-no is to wear somber clothing such as black, navy or dark brown because this has an opposite effect on the fair participant than wanted. Bright colors or neat lines in neutral colors are the best way to present yourself.

Attitude: You have to be friendly to the public. The image you project is continual for the entire show, fair, or presentation. Eye-contact is of utmost importance with a warm personality and engaging conversation.

5. ADVERTISING MATERIALS:
Business cards, flyers or literature can be used for handouts. Need to be catchy so people will remember them. Too much verbiage turns many off in a brochure. All items should be displayed for picking up off the corner of your work space.

6. ADVERTISING IN PUBLICATIONS:
Get your name out in the public eye. The more times someone bumps into your name the more connected to you they feel. Yellow Pages in phone book, ads in metaphysical magazines, classified ads in local newspapers, in directories of metaphysical and light workers too. Contribute articles in metaphysical publications as often as you can with your by-line.

7. OTHER ADVERTISING INCLUDES:
Internet Page, phone message on machine stating where you will be appearing that week. Posting your flyer, brochure, or business card on bulletin boards in grocery stores, coffee shops, laundromats and in bookstores. (Note: You can’t be lazy about this chore or you will always have to pay to advertise. These are free postings.)

WORD OF MOUTH IS BEST WAY TO ADVERTISE.
Ask every client to recommend you to their circle of friends and acquaintances.

If you conduct readings at private or corporate parties always give out extra literature and ask the person being read to recommend your work in the future to their circle of friends, family and co-workers.

8. ENTERTAINMENT AGENCIES: (Locate in Yellow Pages in phone book)
Design a letter of introduction, mail it out to each one with your brochure and business card. Wait a few weeks, then call and re-introduce yourself. Keep notes of who contact was and what they told you. If they have a gig coming up they will mention it at that time. Never turn down work offered since they keep records and will not call you in the future if you aren’t easy to work with on their terms.

9. LETTER OF INTRODUCTION:
Send same letter to: organizations, schools, fraternities and sororities, night clubs in your area. Follow up in a few weeks. Send same letter to large corporations to announce you would like to work their summer picnic or Xmas parties. Include your literature, business card and rate you charge to perform. If you are cheaper than agency they might hire, you will get the gig. (Note: $100 hr is standard with 2 hour minimum.

10. NOTICE VARIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Be aware of weekly newspapers, other publications; scan for up-coming events. Call and offer to work for them at a reduced rate if it is a benefit affair.

11. OFFER CLASSES in your area of expertise. Mention this at every opportunity to keep your name and ability in the minds of those who have just seen you at an event.

12. SCRAPBOOK: Keep all thank you letters, e-mails, flyers from fairs you have participated in, snapshots, etc. This validates who you are and shows off your accomplishments. Keep all articles written about you in the media and a list of appearance on radio and tv.

13. SET UP AN AREA IN YOUR HOME TO CONDUCT READINGS. It should be tastefully decorated and quiet.

14. YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST PROMOTER: do it 100% of the time you are awake. No one will toot your horn for you, you have to do it yourself.

www.myrnaloupalmistry.com