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Networking at Craft Shows

When you attend a craft show as a vendor, the main goal is of course to make sales and gather leads. However, there's one important step that should be forgotten, and that's networking with the other vendors.

The last craft show I attended wasn't a large one, but it was very local. We had the choice to attend a large one in a big city, or a small local one. I sure am glad we picked the smaller one, because it gave us a chance to get more local leads and make a better impression.

Because there was two of us, we took turns walking around and talking with the other vendors. Not only did we gather display ideas, but we got to talk to the vendors about their businesses as well. As a result of doing this, several business cards were handed out, a wholesale lead gained, and another show was scheduled. I was most impressed with the additional show scheduled. If I wouldn't have gone to talk to her, I would have never known she held her own shows in a small town near by.

Networking online is so important, yet many overlook how much more important it is to network offline. By making connections and friendships with other vendors, you are opening the door for more opportunities to promote your products. The more you network, the more lucky it seems you are.

The lesson of this story is to not stay stuck in your own table, but rather get out on the floor and chat with other people. You will be surprised on what you can find out, and how much better you will do!

Anita DeFrank & Kara Kelso, authors of Direct Sales Success, specialize in coaching direct sales representatives to reach their goal of becoming successful in their field. Visit Direct Sales Helper.com for free weekly tips.