To: balloon@balloonhq.com
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2000 14:05:32 -0400
Subject: Re: Handling down time
From: Melinda F Dunn <jesamelan@juno.com>

Personally whenever I am waiting for new customers to come in, I go
around and do pocket magic for the tables I've already made balloons for.
 I also have fun telling the kids that aren't eating well that they can
do magic if they want, they can start by making their food disappear. 
Some will take the challenge but not always.  Another idea is to get the
kids that aren't eating to do so by telling them if they make a happy
plate(eat all their food), that I will have a special surprise for them. 
Now this can be anything, just as long as it is a surprise for them.  If
it is really slow, make them an extra balloon, give them a sticker, get
some toys from OTC or some of the other companies that offer novelties. 
Buy the ones that come in gross if you don't want to invest a lot of
money.  Some restaurants have prize packs, talk to the restaurant you are
working with to see if you can get them to invest in them, or if you can
get them to help you buy them.  If they buy them they can give thm out
when you leave or on other nights and help promote kids night.  I find
the parents are also appreciative of the fact that you encourage the kids
to eat, not just to have fun.  I also explain to the older kids that if
they eat good, then mom and dad will be more likely to bring them back
next week.  Just a few suggestions that seem to work fairly well for me. 

Melinda
aka Mindy the Clown