15 October 2010

Freak Out

Nothing exciting is going on with me this week. With the exception of my usual neuroses surrounding my job discontent, nothing to report.

However, I am getting quite anxious for this craft show tomorrow. Some of my fears:

{} what if my set-up looks like crap?
Can't worry too much about this one since I didn't put much time into actualizing a scheme, like this.

{} what if my products look like crap?
J's sister, B, gave some words of encouragement by reminding me that my always-exposure to them probably dampens my impression of them. Sweet, but not sure I buy it.

{} what if I'm a total goob, staring at my potential customers (if I have any), making them feel uncomfortable?
I can see myself doing this. This is the absolute number one reason why I did not want to do a craft fair. It's always so awkward, as the potential customer, checking out someone's table. So why wouldn't it be uncomfortable from the other end, too?

{} what if I'm horrible at networking?
Definitely not my strong suit. But because this is an event filled with etsians from my etsy team, I should introduce myself. Get out there. Be friendly. This is where my social awkwardness could become a problem.

{} what if I'm awkwardly dressed?
Okay, so obviously I should wear one of my pieces. Not that it matters because I'll be at my booth all day. Really, what's the chance of someone seeing the piece I'm wearing while I'm NOT at my booth and saying, "oh, I love that!", allowing for an intro about my shop? Slim to none.
Also, I'd like to wear a dress, tights, and boots, but what if the other crafters are bumming it? Too many decisions.

{} what if I get totally bored after an hour and a half, with four and a half to go?
I've read that you should bring your craft, if possible, to work on. It's also a great conversation-starter, apparently. Nice idea. Not sure I'll be into that. I think I'll be on such high-alert, freak-out mode that I won't be able to focus.

And there's the potential to make zero dollars from all this stress? What did I get myself into?


Oh well. Happy weekend!

3 comments:

April said...

Can you possibly work on a piece while you are at the fair? Sometimes that lessens the awkwardness as your customers are looking at the goods. I just visited your etsy site and everything looks amazing. If I had any extra money, I would be buying several things!

Bethany said...

Thanks so much! What an unexpected and so nice comment.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I think it'll definitely help. I don't like being gawking at me when I visit a craft fair, so I think working on a piece while i have visitors is best.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Angie said...

no you're gonna be awesome!!!

and we'll be there to show our support!