I was watching a program on TV with my husband, aka the channel flipper. I have to be quick while watching TV with him or I miss out. I can’t tell you the name of the program we were watching or what businessman was being interviewed but I did find part of the interview very interesting.

The most interesting thing he said was when his business was slow, he would go to the dollar store and buy cute, interesting items, take a “knock your socks off” photo of the item and put it on E Bay. Then he would watch the bidding go up, up, up. I was impressed with his ingenuity.

I have been to a few dollar stores and I admit they do have some unique, interesting items. However, nothing looks special sitting on the shelf with all the other items at the dollar store, but if you place the item with the proper color background, in the right lighting, you could make almost anything look attractive.

My point in telling you this story is to get you to start to think about the image your booth projects. If you are at a show with competing tat artists, how can you get the customer to choose you over the competition? Put yourself in the customers shoes. What would make you want to get a tat from one booth over another?

At your next event, I suggest your set up your booth a little early, then take a walk around the show. As you approach your booth try to look at it objectively, as a prospective customer would. Your booth is saying something. What does it say? Does it look inviting and fun? Is your booth neat and clean looking? Are the tats presented in an orderly way? Is it easy for the customer to choose their tat design? Are all your designs on display? Do you keep the clutter hidden or out of your booth? What do you feel needs to be changed?

First impressions are important. Present your product in the best light and make your booth welcoming for your customer. Presentation is everything.

Watch for my blog next week, I plan to have some booth set up photos for you to see.