People who are close to me are always surprised that I started a business which in many ways is essentially a sales job especially when you’re at markets & craft fair type events. It’s probably not the best thing to say but it’s true.
As you can imagine, big events like markets were quite intimidating at first. Having to put on a happy face, greet people, tell my story, and you know, try to convince people to hopefully purchase something (again terrible but true) are all things that kept me away from doing markets for a long time. Social anxiety & imposter syndrome were all at play too but I have a naturally very quiet, reserved disposition so the idea of being out & about with a bunch of people I don’t know was not appealing.
Anyways, I don’t remember exactly what got me to sign up for my first event, I think it was partly I was no longer dancing (#pandemic) and actually had time to pour into this business & needed something to work towards, but I went for and instantly got hooked. I loooove markets now!
All that to say, I figured I share my tips and experience for any other ‘shy’ small business owners out there that might feel intimidated.
Those are my tips! It’s all a learning curve but if you’re like me you’ll be hooked on markets after your first event. There’s nothing like being out with people, hearing feedback right from the source, meeting people who follow you on Instagram, and meeting other small business owners.
Speaking of markets, our next event is again with San Diego Made at the Forum in Carlsbad! We’ll be there both weekends and on Thursday and Friday. I would love to see you there!
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