Cool Women I Met at the NAWBO Holiday Event

Planning for Wednesday's event had consumed my thoughts for about a week. My marketing strategy went from a small idea to execution in a matter of days. I had a first instinct about how to display my goods, but tried to come up with alternatives. One thing that I've really learned by now: go with your instincts. Preparing my display, I thought "I've spent a lot of time on this, what happens if it doesn't work out? I'll be calling it close to the deadline." Those thoughts of self-doubt are really unproductive. Of course it came out beautifully. In addition, I had the satisfaction of knowing my instincts were correct.

The event wasn't all about sales, it was also for networking. The National Organization for Women Business Owners is just that, an organization supporting and bringing together women who own there own businesses. Once my table was set up and I was situated, it was nice to remove my mental focus from myself.

Over the course of the evening I had the opportunity to meet women who are doing some exciting things:

• Deb Steinhart was there with her Infinite Wishes necklaces. This is the second event I've attended with Deb.  It's so wonderful to see her, she has such a great attitude. We're at the same level with our businesses, so it's exciting to share experiences, concerns and questions.  I also love to hear her talk about her necklaces.
• Karineh from Bel Biscotto was also there.  I've tried her biscotti before, Laura Allen is a fan and brings samples to her workshop.  It's delicious.  Friends of mine hold an annual biscotti festival in which we taste different versions from around the city.  I've baked my own for the group.  Hers takes the cake (no pun intended).
• Margaret Zox Brown was helping Deb with her table.  She's a painter in Manhattan whose work has been shown around the world.  She's been a successful artist for years.  Speaking with her reminded me that every successful person started where I am today.
• Jennifer Toussaint-Cali had her Vannuzza dolls on display.  Speaking with her, I thought he had the most genius of concepts.  Her collection is similar to the American Girl doll concept, except hers promotes multi-culturalism and learning.  It's great to see people bringing positive and empowering ideas to young girls.
• Linda Levine brought the Arbonne skin and cosmetics line.  Arbonne products don't have animal extracts and are not tested on animals. They are also paraben free.  When I was in Wisconsin, we were looking for products that are free of carcinogens and cruelty-free.  Finding her answered my quandary.
• Mary Ann Walsh, Executive Coach came to my table as well.  She's an executive coach who specialises in cross-cultural training.  She is able to assist people making the transition between Asia and the USA.  Given the current economic climate, I thought this sounded genius.

All in all, it was a successful evening.  It's so exciting being in a city where there are so many unique ideas that can grow.  It's the people of this city that make it so spectacular.

My Table at Last Night's NAWBO Event

It was a blustery night, just as I was getting my bags ready the sky opened.  Heading into the cold, dark, unkown it was wonderful to be greeted by some familiar faces. 

My first sales event, very exciting and scary.  I had spent the day prior working out the layout of my table and my marketing materials.  The hard work was worth it, I was thrilled with my display.

Turn-out wasn't as high as I hoped, but I did sell a few items and made some great contacts.  Because it wasn't an insane crowd, it let me become very comfortable with the setting, what I was doing, and ultimately build confidence.  Practice makes perfect.

Preparing for the NAWBO Event

Today's the big day.  My first real official sales event.  I'm very excited.  Deb and Laura are also participating so I'll see some familiar faces.  Oddly, I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be.  There's been a lot of over-planning today, inventory lists, printing instructions and directions, working out the table lay-out.  Perhaps I've hit the point where any more planning will make me nervous.

Looking at my layout, I can't help marvel at how far I've come in such a short period of time.  I'm very proud of myself.  I've worked hard and what I've done looks pretty impressive.  Thinking back to the stifling feelings of being overwhelmed, the occasional sel-doubt, it's all worth it.  I've really started approaching each task as if I'm in business school and these are assignments.

So with that, I'm wrapping up the final details and getting myself packed up.  Whatever I don't have, don't know or didn't plan for will be something for the learning column.  But I'm feeling really prepared.

The Home Stretch

My next holiday sale is tomorrow.  This will be the largest of the bunch.  Hosted by NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), it sounds very similar to the Shecky's event I attended.  The door price is higher than your average holiday sale, but it includes food, cocktails, a raffle and whole lot of networking and social activities.  Once again, I'm switching roles, moving from the attendee to the presenter.  My comfort zone feels slightly edgy, but the more I break out of the it the easier it is to do.  Eventually will my comfort zone be far reaching?  Or will it disappear all together?

Today's focus is on displays.  How am I presenting my jewelry to new people?  Taking lessons from what did and did not work on Sunday, I'm polishing my technique. Once again however, I'm not going to beat myself up over any mistakes.  It's still the learning process, almost like I'm in business school and this is another assignment. 

In completely unrelated events, it seems there's a lot of positive energy going around the world right now.  My friend Chris returned from the International Art Expo in Miami where one of our friends had some incredibly successful shows.  Check out his photo journal here.