Got A Market Coming Up? 5 Tips To Get Out Of Your Head
Hey there Market Queen!
I have had my head down market prepping for a few weeks now, and with my next market less than a week out, I thought I would share a few thoughts that I know I have needed in hindsight of my last markets!
Today's blog is meant to uplift your spirit and set your mind up for success for your next market!
Now let me be the first to tell you, I am my own worst enemy and critic all in one. Me, myself and I can be the singular thing that is in stopping me from having a good day, and there is just no need for it.
When it comes to markets this mindset is no bueno. Who else but you (and only you) to market your incredible creations to the public? It's only you who truly knows the value of the item and can explain it to the smallest detail. So I have broken this down into a couple small pieces that I want you to take with you the next time you are feeling any type of way beyond ecstatic when it comes to your next market.
1. Honey, It's Never A Failure
Listen, there are simply too many factors that can come into play as to why you may or may not have had a great market day. Weather, other events happening nearby, a tech glitch, power outage, you name it! But there are other factors like the particular market event you set up at simply did not bring in your ideal customer. And that is okay! At the minimum you got your Business out there and I don't doubt you made a connection or two.
2. Chat With Other Vendors
If your last event didn't bring out your ideal customer, go around and chat with the other vendors at the event and see what markets they have done in the past or any that are upcoming. You can ask about how the turn out was and if there are any particular themes to consider when creating your inventory. Making vendor friends is also a great way to make the next market not so scary! If you know you have a vendor friend who will also be at the market, it will ease a lot of stress throughout that event.
3. Chat With Visitors to your Booth
Even if shoppers aren't buying, pay them a compliment! It helps to ease any tension or awkwardness as they are shopping. Nobody wants to shop if things are uncomfortable. Also if they are looking at your things and aren't really buying, feel free to mention a helpful fact about the product they are looking at. In my case for example, if a customer is looking at a merino wool hat, I'll say something like, "Oh you HAVE to feel it, your head has never felt a hug like this", and that 9 times out of ten guarantees that they at least try the hat on. At the minimum you should at least try to get a business card into everyone's hand who comes by your booth.
4. Observe, Observe, Observe
Who doesn't love to people watch!? What are customers wearing? What booths are they frequenting? Can you draw any inspiration for a new design or product? Do you see any needs that aren't being met by the customers walking around that you could solve by offering a product through your business? Markets are one of the best places to gain intel on your local market and what customers are wanting. Also commenting on purchases that were made from other booths can open up conversations into your customers buying habits which is always useful
5. Just Know, YOU'VE GOT THIS! But Also, do a Mock Set Up
Honestly, no one can do this the way you do! No one can speak to your products like you can and the more confidence you have, the more your customers will have confidence in purchasing from you. But on the confidence note, what really helps me to show up on market day fully ready to hit the ground is doing a mock set up. I get out my table and everything and set it up in my house to get a feel for how my current inventory will look when I lay it all out. Then when you get to the venue you know exactly how you're doing it!
Take a moment, breathe in, recognize the work you've put in to get to this market and show up!!
I hope these tips will help you get out of your head and jump into success at your next market! I know you've got this and will do great, just don't let the negative Nancy talk get in in your head (like I've been guilty of far too many times) and go and have the BEST time! I'll be cheering you on from here!
Do you have any tips of your own? Let's build our community up and share them below!