"Etiquette is not about being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy to others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!"
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I help individuals and businesses polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
Visit my website to see what I can do for you!
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I have attended my first holiday bazaar of the season. Part of me was reluctant as I don't want to rush things along, but the rest of me realizes that time of year is upon us, whether we are ready or not!
There was a good turn-out at this event, which is nice to see for the vendors involved, and as always, half of the fun is the people watching! If I may share some observations:
1. There is no need to walk carefully down the center of the aisle way, avoiding eye contact with the vendors. They are not waiting to pounce and reel you in!
2. When you stop to look at a particular vendor's wares, feel free to ask questions. Don't think that the seller is poised, ready to talk you into a sale you may not be ready for. Do offer a compliment if you like what you see; compliments do not obligate you to buy.
3. If you like a particular item but are not interested in purchasing at this time, ask the vendor if she/he has a business/contact card. Many do, with email, telephone number and/or website. Jot down what item caught your attention; you never know when it might make an ideal gift later on.
4. Keep in mind that you are not the only person attending the event! As you move in and out of the traffic pattern, look about you -- is there an actual person you might be stepping on -- or directly in front of?
5. Yes, it is lovely to run into friends while shopping but get out of the way while you chat so that others may continue on with their business.
If you are the vendor sitting behind the table:
1. Do you really want to be there? It was interesting to see that those vendors who were standing, smiling and chatting with shoppers had people stopping by to look at their wares, while those who were sitting towards the back of their spaces were left alone, especially when their facial expressions gave the impression that they were, well, waiting for some sort of surgery without anesthesia.
2. If someone smiles at you, smile back. If a person compliments you about your display, make an effort to continue the conversation. Don't turn away to do something else, go back to reading your book or engage your friend in a personal conversation. You never know what kind of a sale you may be passing up.
3. Invite people into your space but don't attempt to bully them into purchasing. One man kept telling my 13 year old daughter why she needed his note cards to write to her (non-existent) boyfriend. She finally gave me the deer-in-the-headlights look and ran. I basically followed suit.
4. Share your product, don't "hawk" it. Shouting at people as they walk -- actually, hurry -- by you is never good.
Above all, enjoy the experience. While the holidays do seem to come around far too quickly each year, take a break and do what you like to enjoy them. My daughter and I each found a present for ourselves and have agreed we will be very "surprised" when we open them on Christmas. It works for us!
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Remember...
These tips apply to many situations you might find yourself in through-out the year, not just the holidays. Farmers' Markets ... Business Trade Shows ... Job Fairs ... any event where you are strolling aisles and browsing displays, you are surrounded by other people.
Whether you are behind the display table or walking the aisles, be the person who stands out. Watch your posture and your body language. Be aware of those around you. Keep a friendly smile on your face, make eye contact and don't be afraid to interact with others. Not only is it why you are there but you will also enjoy yourself more. You never know who you might meet!
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Please feel free to send me any of your
etiquette or customer service questions or stories!
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Wishing You A Peaceful, Happy Thanksgiving!
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Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912
www.jodiblackwood.com
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