Hello hello!!?

http://www.getromantic.com/holidays/valentines-day

http://thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/2009/01/fridays-feature-grill-charms.html

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write. That was the craziest 6 days of my business career. What a rush!? The fact that I pretty much did everything all by myself has definitely given me a big ole’ confidence boost.  I car pooled with friends who had a booth in a different building so we did have each other to ride with to and from the show every day.  One of them (they are sisters) would stop by my booth once in the morning and once in the afternoon to give me a potty break. Lunch was me sneaking a bite of a protein bar while trying to look like I wasn’t chewing anything as folks walked by. The first 3 days I really wanted the cute  factor so I wore cute shoes. Days 4 and 5, comfort won out and the Danskos came on. I even used inserts but there is no help for being on your feet from 8:30 – 6:00 every day. AmericansMart Gift and Housewares show is considered one of the best shows of its kind.  It is an order writing show, so be prepared with pad’s in hand!? Grill Charms is now in 38 NEW stores because of those 5 days. Yep, I wrote 38 new orders during the show and since it was my first show, AND due to the economy they say that attendance was down by 60% over years past, everyone tells me I did fantastic. ?

When I arrived the day before the show, my shrink wrapped boxes on a skid were sitting in the middle of my 10×10 booth.  There was nothing but white drapes on 3 sides, two tables, 1 chair, 2 risers and a trash can.? By the time I was done I had a carpeted space (yep, laid my carpet myself) which was totally in keeping with my brand and look complete with black and red drapes, signage, shelves and of course I wore nothing but black and red for 5 days straight!  The best thing about the show was of course writing orders, but another very valuable aspect of doing these shows are the contacts you make and the knowledge you gain from fellow exhibitors.? After 5 days with the same people, your neighbors become a little family. Now I have the International Housewares show in March to look forward too.  Apparently that one is even BIGGER.? I can’t imagine!  I have got tons more work to do, leads to follow up with, more orders to enter and even a new sales rep I’ve hired.  It was so worth it and a must do for anyone with a product. In 5 days I got almost as many stores as I did in a years worth of sales calls on my own.  Back to work!

Leslie Haywood, Founder and President of Charmed Life Products, Inventor of Grill Charms www.grillcharms.com