Wow, an amazing thing happened today.

I have a small business, Lil' Angel Gifts, that I work at by myself. My company and products actually came to be because of my special needs son. I work when I can, but with having 3 young children and the extra responsibilities that are involved with Cameron, it has been difficult to really grow it to where I need it to be. But, it shows great promise, so I have confidence that I can get it to that point.

However, some of my ‘slowness’ results from my lack of ability to call potential businesses/clients. I am NOT a salesperson. I am not pushy, I can’t sell something I don’t believe in. Fortunately, I believe in my products. But, I am also personally connected to my products, so I fear rejection and hearing "no". That is one main reason I neglect to push forward. Another reason would be because it is SO difficult to sneak away uninterrupted to make a business call.

Well, tonight I decided to try to change this and get some guts.

My biggest seller is my wedding products. I took a deep breath and called up a wedding planner on the other side of the country who would be displaying at a bridal show next month. She also happens to be the PRODUCER of the show. I wanted to talk to her about who I was, my company, my products and how I could have my products there without setting up a booth (since I am so far away). Now wedding booths start at around $700 and go up drastically. So, to travel, lug product, get a hotel, meals… you’re looking at a $2000 trip easily. That is not what I wanted. What I am hoping is to get a relationship with a WEDDING PLANNER who happens to also attend wedding shows. She can promote my products all year round, but also bring samples to the wedding show. If she gets orders, great, but no risk to her.

I expected to speak to a rushed woman who would talk to me for a minute or two, take my info and my website, and then follow up with her later. I was surprised by a very friendly and eager young woman. I didn’t even get much into the description of the product, but she did look at them online. And I didn’t describe the company much, but I did mention (when she commented on the cute logo) that they company had come to be because of my son. So, she tried to think of a way to work my stuff in, without having to do a booth. She tossed around the idea of giving some away, but maybe it wouldn’t provide enough hype. So, she came up with the idea of tying it to a charity, then they could promote it. She wants me to do a charity associated with Angelman Syndrome, since that is why the company began.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I just need to confirm with the charity that I can support them. (Can I give you money??? Haha). Then I’m going to do up order forms, which they will send home with the brides in their bags. And I’ll provide samples for them to look at. I can’t believe it. Wow. How great is that. I don’t have to pay $700 or more, I get to promote my son’s relatively rare disorder, and I get to then make a donation to them? And hopefully things will go well, so I can have a continued relationship with this wedding planner and maybe future bridal shows.