I am so happy to report, that my first workshop is under my belt. It really was more of an ALSB demo and intro to CS but none the less I am happy with how it turned out. I got together with some wonderful folks, including my good CS buddy Ron and his friend Bridget, and can them a glimpse into what CS is all about. I did get some constructive criticism from one guest, my 2nd cousin, about the length, and all opinions are happily acknowledged. I did go on a little long, even with rehearsing it in my mind and to my DH over and over. But the excitement overwhelms me sometimes and I don't want to miss telling them about some thing cool about CS. So the next one will definitely be more streamlined and of course, this comes with experience and finding a rhythm.
I was happy, that people really loved how easy ALSB is and that showed in how many ALSB kits I sold. They all agreed the paper is so beautiful and high quality. But no one was ready to commit to a membership and I am okay with that right now. I know that once they have a chance to use the layouts and feel the paper, they will fall in love with it like I did.
I am hoping to do at least 2 workshops a month to start and hopefully have some new members to have a monthly ALSB workshop.
On March 16th, my local bank, where I have a checking acct for my business, offered me the chance to set up a little display for my business for free. They offer it to their small businesses! How cool is that. So I will be putting out some brochures about the club and some of my ALSB layouts and a couple of projects for folks to look at. You never now where a client is going to come from. And this will get me some of the local exposure I need.
I have a friend who suggested maybe a get together with the preteen girls and moms to put some pages together or maybe a mini book! I think this sounds like a great fun workshop to do all together. I know my DD would love it!
So lots of excitement on the horizon!
TTFN!
janetmojo
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... I just wanted to say I am so happy it went well! I'm following all of you newbies and still wanting to do it myself-just been a little crazy here at the beginning of the year with some unexpected medical stuff for DBF. Great news about the bank-I LOVE the small town bank we use for our business-they have been amazing to us! |
sdscrapper
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... Julie - thanks for sharing. I am interested in what you newbies are sharing with us. Nice to know what happens after you say 'yes'! Good luck. Sounds like you're off to a great start! |
jheyer
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... Thank you so much for saying that Janet and Mary! It is good to know it helps others too to hear our stories. I have so enjoyed following along with Marsha Petty and her road doing FFC! I appreciate all the support here so much  |
4hetty
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... Hello Julie, Congrats on your first great and succesful workshop. I am sure many will follow! You are a great hostess for CS!! How can anyone not like the ALSB and the wonderful papers. Go girl, GO! |
Connie Catlin
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... I too am glad you newbies are posting your experienes here - I've been following Marsha's journey too and it's very helpful as I agonize 'should I or shouldn't I?"...sounds like your first class went very well! Congratulations. |
dorth
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... Congrats Julie and hope things continue to go well! I also wanted to second that suggestion that someone gave you about doing a pre-teen mom and daughter mini book day. I've been to one of those before, and it was alot of fun. Depending how you feel about lots of giggling girls, preteen b-day parties is another idea! |
jheyer
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... Oh Dorothy, that is a great idea. I may have to suggest something like this for my 9 yr old nieces bday in September. Thanks to you also Connie! I would think you would love doing this too! It was very challenging to learn all the ins and outs as I had never been to a workshop before so I have nothing to go on. But now that I kind of feel a little more confident it will get easier from here on out! |
LynnMath
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... Excellent, Julie! First big milestone under your belt! I'm sure you feel great... What a cool bank! Wish I had one here like that... definitely take advantage!!! |
KnitterPam
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... Sounds like you were doing the right thing, Julie! I also tended to ramble a bit on the first few workshops, but I found out that you mention the basics, and if they are interested they will ask for more info. Also, you'll get better at gauging the crowd's interest - are they more stampers, more LO gals, more into cards, etc. You get better with every workshop you do, which is why they encourage you to do 4 workshops your first month - you're 4x as good within a 30-day span - AND much more confident! Good for you! |
dianelynn
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... YEAH Julie!!!! I'm so excited for you! You sound so enthusiastic, just in your writing about it - I'm sure it came thru in your workshop too. You're going to be GREAT at this! |
