Importance of Marketing Offline
by Kara Kelso
http://www.momsmarketonline.com

The internet is a wonderful source of information and millions of
people that could be your customer. Although we need to keep in mind
that there are millions of others just like you fighting for that
business. This is why it's important to tap into the offline world -
people that you would never meet online. Starting with your local
community, let's talk about a few things that you could do to market
offline.


~ Events - (craft shows, bizaars, fairs, etc)
The online world dies down durring the summer, so this is a perfect
time of year to improve your offline marketing. Check with local
offices (Chamber of Commerce, City Hall) and also your local mall.

~ Drawings and contests
These can be done at local restaurants or other small businesses.
Perfect for smaller towns with only a few businesses. Talk to the
owners about setting up a box for a drawing for free products that
you offer, donating a free lunch/gift certificate at that particular
business, or both.

~ Advertising with your car
You shouldn't expect a whole lot of business from doing this, but
the main purpose should be to get your name out. It takes several
times of someone seeing the name of your business before they buy,
so the more you can get it seen the better!

~ Networking in your community/getting involved
Join the PTA, Chamber of Commerce, charity groups, etc. Attend town
meetings and be aware of the people and events in your community.

~ Catalog shows
Offer hostess benefits for those doing catalog shows for you. Ask
current customers if they would like to earn their favorite products
for free.

~ New Mom Packs/Welcome Wagon - Again check with the local offices
and groups.

In the second part we will talk about how to make the most of your
table at a craft fair or bizaar. Finding the fairs and bizaars is
simple. You can contact local malls, chamber of commerce, or special
interests groups related to your business (this is also a great way
to do some networking if you choose to be a memeber of some of these
groups).

The first step after you have found the event you will be attending,
is getting ready for the show. You will want to have everything
ready several weeks befor hand. Just to name a few items that you
will need:

~ A box for a drawing (explained in part one)
~ Table cloth for table
~ Lots of cash and carry items
~ Plenty of catalogs, coupons, and free samples
~ Change ($5s, $1s, etc)
~ Pens, perferably with your logo on them
~ Posters, flyers, etc
~ Boxes, bags, etc for sold items
~ Business cards

Now you are ready to attend your bizaar! Make sure you table is
neat, and if possible tidy up in between customers. You want those
looking to pick up items and look them over, but they do tend to set
things back out of place. Just a few more tips while at the bizaar:

~ Welcome everyone that comes to your table...don't forget to smile!
~ Stand, don't sit, if possible
~ Set out a unique item (even if you don't think it will sell it
will catch your visitor's attention!)
~ Offer everyone that walks by a catalog, sample, coupon,
business card, and entry to your drawing

After the show comes the real hard work. Now that you have all the
contacts from the drawing, you can start following up with them a
few weeks later. If you offered samples, ask them what they thought
of them and if they have had a chance to look at the catalog.
Remember that following up is the most important part!