A different approach

b'earth angel · 12-10-2008, 07:34 PM

This time of year you are likely to attend at least one holiday bazaar or craft fair/show. So let's talk about the marketing approach of those booths that caught your eye.
1. How were the tables displayed?
2. Did you register for a give-away?
3. Did you speak with anyone?
4. Sample something to eat?
5. Most importantly, did you make a purchase?
6. Overall, what was your impression of the person presenting the item?
7. Was there anything in particular that you could apply to a doula informational/promotional booth?
Please feel free to share anything not discussed above that you found interesting or applicable to babyfair booths, etc.
I would really like to get some fresh ideas circulating around this forum ladies. Spring will be here soon [although a little ways off] and with spring comes new beginnings and babyfairs. Thanks for your participation.

NewMoonDoula · 12-12-2008, 01:30 PM

I've been exhibiting at birth conventions regularly for a couple years now, and here are some things I've noticed:

~A little bowl of hershey kisses or something is a great hook.
~Then, a binder of photos and/or handouts really gets the conversation going, and keeps their attention.
~Put a big stack of business cards in a few places on the table... people tend not to take them if there's only a few left, or if they have to reach for it.
~A big backdrop makes you really stand out... even if it's just a colorful blanket or something with a small sign attatched to it.... but the bigger the better, and something colorful really helps...

... because remember that alot of the people attending already have small children, and they tend to wander around letting their child lead them, so a couple toys or board books or something like that on the table can be a mama magnet, and keep babe busy while you chat.

I'm sure I'll think of other ideas too... great idea for a thread!

MIA-D · 12-12-2008, 01:49 PM

I am loving this thread - gonna have to do some thinking and see if I can come up with anything new to add.

b'earth angel · 12-12-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMoonDoula

... because remember that alot of the people attending already have small children, and they tend to wander around letting their child lead them, so a couple toys or board books or something like that on the table can be a mama magnet, and keep babe busy while you chat.

I'm sure I'll think of other ideas too... great idea for a thread!

great idea Brooke, toys!!
Thanks for your participation ladies, some great suggestions here. Keep 'em coming!!

b'earth angel · 12-16-2008, 07:37 PM

I know that there have to be more craft show attendees out there, where are you?

doula Michele · 12-16-2008, 08:21 PM

I am a horrible craft show attendee..... I go just to get out of the house. But I rarely buy anything, I prefer not to stop and talk to people, and I hate when the vendors call out to me. I tend to ignore that type of thing.
The only time I will stop is if the booth looks busy, so that I do not have to talk to anyone and I can just look at what I want to see and move along.
This year I went to our big Christmas Craft Show, and I bought a toque for Lilli... and only because it matched the sweater her mom bought her.

meme510 · 12-16-2008, 10:18 PM

I have sold crafts at shows before and a drawing is a great thing. If you make up a nice gift basket filled with bath and body or even some toys. Because women will look for somthing for there kids before themselves. See if you can get someone to even donate one if you find someone who is selling a product it is a great way to get their name out and for them it is a tax wright off. It is also a good way to have a followup.

patricelondon · 12-18-2008, 02:09 PM

How does one find babyfairs?

b'earth angel · 12-18-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricelondon

How does one find babyfairs?

For me it means leg work. Ask around, network, I found out about our local hospital's fair via my LLL leader. If you live in a larger metro area, you can contact Toys R Us/Babies R Us and ask about their schedule. It wouldn't hurt to keep your eyes open in the local papers. Also approach some local shops and ask about doing a booth in store, like upscale resale shops featuring maternity or baby clothes, or even a birth center, etc.
My area also holds a bridal fair that I've been tempted to do a booth at! You know, get married, have babies, that sort of thing, it's bound to happen

.
Others may have more ideas I hope!
Thanks for asking Patrice.

napualani · 12-27-2008, 02:10 PM

Our birth network did a show once at a family expo. Let's see if I remember what we had:

We put our tables at the back of the booth to bring people into the booth.
We had display boards on the tables, handouts, and a binder with information
We had a pelvis model and baby to demonstrate
There was a birth ball and yoga mat to demonstrate comfort measures, along with a poster that had some different positions
We had stickers to give away to little kids because food wasn't allowed.
We had signup sheets to be added to a mailing list

I agree that big colorful displays attract people. Since it was a family expo a lot of booths had a game or craft activity in their booths.

My question is, has attending fairs brought you business?

Darlene

tessaeliz3 · 01-08-2009, 08:52 AM

Here's my take on doing booths. When I was with another company I did lots and lots of booths. I sold children's books and would do a booth about anywhere they would let me in..craft fairs to flea markets...anything that was in my budget to do. Tip there is set a booth budget and stick with it. Why I did all the strange booths wasn't really to get business right then and there, but to get people used to seeing me and my product. I noticed that someone had to see you about 3-5 times before they would stop and look.

( Kind of like children and veggies. The first time you put a brussel sprout of thier plate, they can't even stand it. Keep putting it out there and eventually it starts to look normal, then one day, they MIGHT even try it!)

Then I would be able to get the business. I think with doulaing this would be even more important esp. if, like me, you live in an area that isn't very familar with what a doula even is.

So, I'll continue doing booths, just to get people comfortable with seeing me, then I'll sneak in for the business ;-) I may not be able to see results, but I believe that there will be IMO.

b'earth angel · 01-08-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tessaeliz3

Here's my take on doing booths. When I was with another company I did lots and lots of booths. I sold children's books and would do a booth about anywhere they would let me in..craft fairs to flea markets...anything that was in my budget to do. Tip there is set a booth budget and stick with it. Why I did all the strange booths wasn't really to get business right then and there, but to get people used to seeing me and my product. I noticed that someone had to see you about 3-5 times before they would stop and look.

( Kind of like children and veggies. The first time you put a brussel sprout of thier plate, they can't even stand it. Keep putting it out there and eventually it starts to look normal, then one day, they MIGHT even try it!)

Then I would be able to get the business. I think with doulaing this would be even more important esp. if, like me, you live in an area that isn't very familar with what a doula even is.

So, I'll continue doing booths, just to get people comfortable with seeing me, then I'll sneak in for the business ;-) I may not be able to see results, but I believe that there will be IMO.

You bring up an excellent point. I have noticed this phenomenom at farmer's market, people want to see you there 2-3 weeks in a row before they really start to be comfortable w/buying from you. I hadn't thought about it though in realation to doula booths. Thanks.

Cherylkind · 01-08-2009, 01:42 PM

I recently did a booth with the BC I work with. We hung flowey curtains, brought a rocker and had lots of free samples. I got 1 doula client from it specifically, and I'm sure the BC will see buisness from it, but maybe not so soon.

we put out pens, sticker, list of free classes, did sling demos, bellybars, mother's milk tea and more.

We also put flowers up on the table, and electric candles.

I think setting up the ambience was nice.

we also walked up to pregnant women and gave them bags of goodies- that is how I got my client. So I wouldn't be afraid to go up to moms with obvious bellys. maybe the samples will lure them in!

Hypnomomma · 01-25-2009, 02:01 PM

I do alot of fairs and expos for my childbirth sevices, hypnosis service and holistic network...which ever is most appro.
I had my hubby build me a frame from PVC piping to frame my table and hang my banner (123print.com has great banner prices!)From the side I hang curtains. All my colors are harmonious...chocolate and aqua (so I can use for my many offering and not be too girly or manly)
I also bring a comfy chair ( ikea ..got love their prices and style!)and set up a lil play area so kids can play while I get to know mom.
My goal with each fair is to get my name known. I do not expect new clients ( although that happens alot)
I have a drawing fror a free massage which promotes the CMT and make me rememberable.Plus who doest love a massage?