Lessons I Learned at My Last Jewelry Trunk Show

The Shecky's Girls Night Out event in Dallas was fabulous. I loved the new location -Fashion Institute Gallery (F.I.G.) building in downtown Dallas.

I had the preshow jitters because about 70% of my jewelry inventory was the new Glass Rock Candy Collection that I was revealing to the general public and press!

With ~60% of the show being assorted jewelry vendors (not all handcrafted some was also imported), I had a leg up on the competition because folks are buying directly from the designer/artist which always resonates with folks. It is so fun to engage people and share the inspiration behind my signature ring the Three Pebbles, Three Wishes (not a dry eye in the house I may add) and every other piece of jewelry I create. Having said that, I should have had a larger sign stating buy directly from the artist ( I think my sign was too small)....because people are more apt to ask questions and linger when they know you are the artist. So, that is lesson #1 since NOT all vendors were the designers themselves (some design and contract wholesalers in India, etc to manufacture their designs).

Last year, I had a helper my dear friend, Mrs E, but being a school night a lot of my gal pals have soccer, dance, etc...and it was hard for them to get away. I really missed having someone help bag, run the credit card machine so I could focus on doing what I do best-engaging the customers who are browsing! :) For 3 hours, it was utter mayhem in a fabulous way but I'm sure I lost a sale or two because I was stretched so thin! Lesson #2, get a helper at all costs!

I had a Shecky's show special and the sign I had needed to be more prominent.....so, I did NOT need to repeat it like a gazillion times!!! Lesson #3 cost me a rough voice by the following morning! hee hee





I am really excited to be doing the event in Houston tomorrow because it is a SOLD OUT show. Yeahoo. I was a little nervous because it was the first time for Shecky's in Houston but all those ladies stepped up and are ready to shop!

I'll be road tripping just for the day and I can't wait to have gauge Houston's reaction to the new collection. And I'm sure, I will learn a few more lessons a long the way! The more shows I do the more experience I have including being prepared. The gals next to me forgot extra tape for their credit card machine. OUCH....but since I'm such a nice neighbor I shared my extra roll! ;)

The collection, Glass Rock Candy, will be available to the general public by the end of May.

If you would like a chance to snag some Glass Rock Candy at an unbelievable price make sure you sign up for the Diva newsletter because next week I will have two specials that includes the exclusive Shecky's goodie bag at a price that will think you are dreaming!

Promote! Promote! Promote!

Plain and simple promote your jewelry and your business every chance you get. I've stated this before but I thought it was well worth mentioning AGAIN because I just got a web sale as a result of standing in line at the movie theater wearing a Designing-Diva original! :)

The easiest way to is to wear your pieces whenever you leave the house. Every time, I volunteer at my children's school the office staff want to see what new design I have on and how much will it cost them. :) Nine times out of 10 when I'm standing in line at the grocery store or post office, I get comments on the jewelry I'm wearing. I NEVER just say thank you. Rude manners? I think NOT. I want to engage them and so will ask what they were drawn to/what they like about the design, etc...this helps me establish a relationship albeit a short one! I always whip out a trusty business card with contact information and share a one quick blurb about my story /jewelry/background).

I know some of you are just cringing at the thought of having to engage a potential customer because you think you are too shy, you can't sell, etc.....The whole point is NOT to sell but to engage the customer, get them emotionally attached and start building rapport for a life time relationship. Does that mean they'll buy today or even tomorrow? NO it doesn't but it certainly increases the chances of them not only buying from you but referring others to you!

Have you heard of the 80/20 principle? 80 % of your business comes from 20% of your customers! Think about that HARD! Do you know who your 20% is? For me, I have customers who consistently purchase and give me referrals and I make sure they are appreciated with excellent customer service, being thoughtful (reminding them about upcoming anniversaries , birthdays, etc), and making sure I engage them by TELLING not SELLING. These are the people who love to hear my "inspiration" behind the designs and enjoy the "painted picture" my words and talents create!

Having said all this I would be remiss in not inviting y'all to view my latest fused glass jewelry collection, Glass Rock Candy, that will be unveiled for the general public next week at the Shecky's Girls Night Out event in Dallas & Houston. If you live in the Dallas & Houston area, I have a few general admission tickets left (reg $10) that do not include the deluxe goodie bag. Just e-mail me at artist AT designing-diva DOT com if you would like to attend so I can add you to the guest list (you must be 21 years or older because alcohol is served). Even if you can't make it, drop me an e-mail to get a link to a sneak preview of the collection.