From: "Inflated Impressions" <inflatedimpressions@prodigy.net>
To: <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject:  scared
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 19:52:32 -0700

Hi,


          Tim McConeghy, Lord of Latex. I have encountered children and
adults alike who are scared of balloons for an assortment of reasons. With
very young children the initial inflation is often scary. A combination of
the hissing sound and this huge what the heck is that thing comming out of
his head in multiple colors!!! I inflate 2-3 at a time quite often. Popping,
squeaking and other balloon sounds often cause delayed reaction fear as well
as being a deterent for future balloons, lots of parents use the "He/She is
afraid of balloons" response because of a previous incident. I have even
been told by a waitress that I could not work her station because she had
been molested with balloons and was thus terrified of them. During those
times when a manager insisted I approach her tables other waiters ran her
food and covered for her. Don't feel to bad, at the end of the night she had
me make balloons for her kids and sat comfortably counting her money while I
did them. I have also been told the child feared balloons only to have them
request a helium balloon from the hostess. Now I sound bitter.
          I have found that for me the best response is to say "Have a good
night" and walk away. Ocassionally I will make a balloon around the corner
and sneak it to mom or dad when it is obvious to everyone that I am the
source of the childs fear, but most often, as with allergy claims, I treat
fear related incidents seriously and try to give that customer as pleasant
an experience as possible by staying away. Find out what works for you and
everyone will know your the best twister in your socks.




Tim McConeghy CBA
LORD OF LATEX
Inflated Impressions LLC