Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tackling Craft Shows as an Entrepreneur

By Rick Amorey

If you think about fairs and festivals, you'd probably imagine picturesque rides, cotton candy, corndogs, and probably a shooting range with a stuffed animal as the price. When people organize fairs, it usually appeals to families and kids, couples and lovers. Those that are like me, however, think of something else entirely when I see a fair: I see a business opportunity.

One of the constants in fairs and festivals would be the space that organizers dedicate to a craft show. If you have the skills and a good enough entrepreneurial mindset, you'll realize that you can use this to earn a little extra for yourself. First and foremost, though, you'll have to determine what you'd exactly be able to sell at such events. So without further ado, let's take a look back at the talents that you may have had but forgotten.

What do you remember about your Arts and Crafts class back in school? Which particular crafts did you take a keen interest on? No to boast, but I admit to being quite good with woodcarving back then. As such, that is the medium that I focused on for the opportunity to join craft shows. I expanded my repertoire through the years by buying and studying more woodcraft-related manuals. Find what you can do, hone it, and roll with it.

After deciding to go ahead and start a small business at craft shows, you'll have to go through the rigors of choosing the specific events that you will join. It's not a very big problem these days. We have moved beyond the age of scouring bulleting boards for obscure fliers. Instead, all we have to do today is go online and look for lists of events that occur all over the country. Continue reading and I'll personally link you to a site that I recommend.

But the website is only the beginning. After all, all I could really do is give you tips on how to go out there yourself and socialize. Once an event has been chosen, you'll have to talk to the event organizers themselves. Ask questions, for I'm sure that the more experienced ones wouldn't mind. And besides, knowing the details of the booth rental can only prove to be beneficial for you.

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