Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 10:04:16 +1100
Subject: Re: EXPO $$ idea
From: "DON DIXON <dond@eballoons.com.au>" <dond@eballoons.com.au>
To: Angela Edwards <paidtoparty@hotmail.com>,

THE DIXONS

G'Day from Downunder,
We don't work in the USA, but I would have thought that all you described
(or proposed to do) far exceeded that $300 budget??? Are you allowing for
the cost of your labour? You should be!

OK, the Chamber charge $300 for the booth. But, what is that booth WORTH to
your business? If it's worth $900, then splash out a little. However, if
it's only worth $300 ..... ?????

Our opinion on this type of gig;
The objective is to show what you can SELL (not so much what you are capable
of creating). What you can sell, is what you KNOW or believe your target
customer WILL BUY. Explained in simple terms;
Why make or display anything that only a few of your target customers would
buy? It's a warm and fuzzy feeling to show how skilled you are at your
profession, but can they afford it? Do they show their appreciation by
opening up their cheque book?

As you aren't being paid for this decor, your client is YOUR BUSINESS. Ask
the question, "Will sticking to the Chamber's desired theme, benefit my
business more than if I displayed non theme products?" Display what is best
for your business - not necessarily what is best for others. Ideally, you
will be able to achieve BOTH. But always remember that the interest of your
business MUST take precedence over the other when you aren't being paid. It
becomes money spent from YOUR marketing budget. Spend it wisely!

If the booth is worth $300 to your business and you can stick to the
Chambers theme ...... AND show product that will SELL .... Go for it! If you
can not do the intended theme justice with a $300 budget, either drop the
theme or save your marketing dollars for another project. Maybe the
Christmas Banquet?

I don't want to discourage you! I am trying to help. After 10 years of
experience one learns to evaluate the true worth of these community and
trade small business promotional opportunities. We've learned plenty from
our mistakes over the years. It's not that we regret having done them! It's
more a case of we have learned how to get the best result for dollars spent.
Good Luck!

Don & Dolly Dixon  CBAs
Sydney - AUSTRALIA
Don's Web Site  www.bizballoons.com.au
Dolly's Web Site  www.celebrating.com.au
Members of the www.eballoons.com.au world wide online delivery network
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