So this week I am back figuring out different marketing strategies. I should always go with my first gut instinct. I missed out on a great advertising plug through one of the podcasts I listen to - Boutique Cafe. They are having a 12 days of Christmas show where they talk to 12 different designers. Since I am not a designer, I thought I didn't qualify. I was wrong. I could have been on the show as a boutique owner. Something else must be in store for me.

Strike Two! Not only did the tradeshow not live up to my expectations, I participated in a boutique luncheon - "Shop til you drop" of 250 women that were not really interested in buying kids clothes. It didn't help that I was growing sicker by the minute. That was yesterday. So today I am still in my pajamas dreading picking up my daughter from school in the next hour. She's so energetic. At least I got a nap in this morning. My husband told me it seems I am sounding worse not better. "You should have taken Airborne," he says. Is that like an "I told you so" expression?

I survived my first tradeshow! It went very smoothly actually. I had two of my friends help me out and they made for a perfect team. I had high expectations for the tradeshow so I felt disappointed with the outcome overall. There was not the volume of people from the local public that I had aniticipated would be attending based on what was communicated to me. Now that I have had a few days to reflect, I can see in a more positive light though. I came out with almost 50 new customers that I added to my database, which brings me over 400 to date. If just 10% become loyal customers and return and tell their friends, it would be worth it. When it comes to marketing, it is so hard to find the return as it may not come until much later and can be hard to pinpoint its origin.

I am officially a soccer mom! Monday afternoons are busy with gymnastics and soccer games. I am running up and down the field cheering my little girl, who at first was flouncing around with the group getting a kick in once in a while. Little did I know my pep talk of "pretend that ball is yours and go get it!" would make such an impact on her. She became an agressive little player. I am so proud!

Time is flying! I continued to get hits and orders from The Daily Stroll editorial. It's a great place to learn about the latest stuff out there. I signed up for their weekly email a few months back. I am starting to think about Christmas presents so these email updates keep me posted on the latest stuff.
I am gearing up for my first tradeshow in less than 2 weeks - Christians In Action Trade Show! I am excited, nervous and tired. I am a little run down from a bug I have but I am plugging away to make it a hit. I have two friends helping me that day as well as the tradeshow commission also gave me two volunteers to help out. There are supposed to be thousands there, but the numbers when you whittle away my actual market makes me think it will be a nice size show. I hope sales are good that day - my booth is next to the area where parents and kids will pick up free butterflies so I know I have a target audience arriving. I have stickers and tattoos for the kids. I am working on my banner and flyers - oh so much to do!

Today was a great day! The Daily Stroll wrote a wonderful editorial and I got some mega hits and the orders are coming in. Within two hours of the published article, I received a call from a lady who wants to sell the clothes in her store! Happy days.

I've been busy getting my new stock inventory online. I am excited about the new styles. It was like opening a present to see one beautiful item after another. My daughters were delighted and started wearing the clothes immediately. My 5 year old is total fashion and she has a pretty good eye for it as well. I finally think I have everything up and it's looking pretty good. I am going to take a break and review it once again tomorrow morning.
I am looking forward to an editorial writeup from The Daily Stroll this week. I was very excited to get their response that they wanted to do one. I am glad to have my website complete. This ad was a great incentive to get this done quickly.
I've also been busy cold calling schools in the local area. I've got one trade show and about 9 various school functions like trunk shows, fairs, festivals, luncheons or fund raisers that I will be setting up displays for. I am real excited and have some great ideas. I need some freebies like stickers and tatoos to give away. This is my next todo item on my list.
I am tired. My husband is wondering if I am ever going to come back and spend time with him again. Signing off.