NEWSLETTER         ^{August 08}

This newsletter is a forum open for your ideas, questions, suggestions and information.

Quick Tips for a More Successful Show

· Plan your exhibit with your audience in mind
          o For each show, define who your target audience is. Strategize how to appeal to this demographic.
          o This also includes aesthetics. What décor or display will work well to represent your product?

          o Most trade show promoters include general event advertising in their contract, prior to the show. Let established and potential new customers know where to find you by placing your own ad(s) in print and online publications.

· Set clear goals for the show
          o Is your primary objective to reach a certain number of buyers for retail sales transactions? Or is your goal to network with new potential wholesale buyers?

· Use a raffle to draw a prize or host a contest at your booth.
          o The information you gather from customers can later be used as a contact list for future sales leads.
          o Make certain the customer is aware that by entering your contest, he or she may be contacted in the future. It is also important to check with promoter if this is allowed at the event, as some states do not allow raffles

· Treat your booth space as a traditional store front.
          o Retailers consider it poor customer service for employees to eat or drink in "Would you like to enter our drawing for ___?" front of shoppers, sit down, or talk/text on the phone. Working at a trade show is no different. This is another example of providing ample staff at the booth so that employees can take meal breaks, make phone calls and rest when they need to.

· Actively engage trade booth visitors.
          o Greet each party who visits your booth.
          o Instead of approaching shoppers with the traditional "Hello, how are you?" which is what they'll likely hear from most other vendors, ask the customer an "engaged" question.

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"Is there something in particular you are shopping for today?"
"Are you familiar with our products?"

· Advertise in advance
· Have your booth manned at all times.
          o As a manager I cannot stress this point enough. It is optimal to have at least two representatives working throughout the entire show. This enables break times for the employees and a chance to do a little walking around. It also ensures that employees won't be worn out as the weekend progresses.

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Beaded Bliss

Weddings are a time of celebration and beauty. In all elements of this special day, the bride and groom have the opportunity to show their friends and family their personality and style. For bead fanatics, weddings are the perfect setting to incorporate their passion throughout the entire occasion.

Traditionally, many gowns and veils are adorned with small pearl seed beads or crystals. These days, the beaded embellishments go much farther. Bridal jewelry is the next step. Beaded jewelry can be simple and elegant, showcase a focal pendant, or even add a splash of color against an ivory backdrop. Of course, no ensemble would be complete without beaded shoes. These can be found either on the rack or custom made.

For a bit more creativity, think outside the beading box. Ask the florist to place some beaded accents in the floral arrangements and bride's bouquet. Tie invitations with satin ribbon and a simple bead. This theme can be repeated in the place cards. Beads can find their way into the centerpieces, napkin rings, and wrapped around the cake servers. It is even possible to decorate the wedding cake with beads.

As you can see, the sky is the limit for a beautiful beaded wedding. With a bit of creativity, beads can help make the day perfect.

So again Happy Beading.

*****

Wholesale Information

If you would like a postcard about one of our shows click here.

For Great Summer Reading, Pick Up Your Copy of Bead Romantique

          Lisa Kan just recently published her first book of beading projects through Interweave Press, titled Bead Romantique. As the name suggests, the pages of her book are full of feminine, floral, and vintage inspired designs. There is an intricacy and element of art throughout and incorporated into each piece of jewelry. With seventeen different projects, beaded inspiration is there for everyone, at every level. Each project provides comprehensive instructions that are easy to follow, even for beginners. Many designs feature seed bead stitches including netting, right-angle weave, and brick stitch. Additionally, readers will find wire wrapping and chain looping as part of some designs. Each project displays a full color picture of the piece, a list of materials needed, easy to follow step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. What sets Bead Romantique apart from the other do-it-yourself beading books lies in the attention to detail and the excitement Lisa exudes throughout the pages. At the beginning of every project, Lisa explains the inspiration behind the design, why she chose certain materials to complete the item, and some suggestions for wear. She also offers a complete description and a list of materials and tools needed to complete the piece, as well as the beading techniques that will be used. For beginning beaders or those looking to replicate each project exactly, a comprehensive Project Resource Appendix listing is included, mentioning where to find the items and vendors for each project.

Bead Romantique sells for $24.95 and can be found on Amazon.com and Interweave.com. To meet Lisa in person, visit her booth at the Denver Bead Renaissance show at the Crown Plaza. She will be featuring the newly debuted Japanese Professional Precision Tools. For more information about Lisa, her book or products, visit    www.lisakan.com