304 – Online Craft Shows: Everything You Need to Know about Exhibiting with Robert Allen of At Home Event

The challenges of 2020 have brought some overlooked ideas to the forefront. One of those? Online craft shows. Today, we're diving into exactly what you need to know to be successful with virtual shows - because guess what? They're here to stay. Robert has emerged as one of the most sought after virtual event producers working today. With over 30 years of video production expertise, he helps companies pivot to take their event experiences online. For more than three decades, Robert was an award-winning event video journalist. He was inducted into the WEVA Hall of Fame in 2002, received the prestigious Bob LeBar Vision Award, a multi-year International Creative Excellence Award winner and for two years in a row was named to the Event DV 25 who are considered to be the most influential videographers in the field. In 2005 Robert advanced onto the new media landscape with the creation of Wedding Podcast Network which quickly became a leading authority in bridal media. Today, Robert develops and produces strategic internet marketing campaigns for a variety of for-profit and non-profit clients. Robert's latest endeavor is At Home Event producing interactive virtual event experiences with his partner Holli Ehrlich.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

• Understand that you are unique. Others can emulate what you do but they can’t exactly copy. Everything we do has our signature thumbprint on it.
• When you create a demand for yourself and your unique offering, people will not only want to work with you but will pay a premium to do so.
• You must have an online presence. Without a stronghold in the online space, you’re at a disadvantage in today's business world.
• Look at successful people and businesses. Look at their path to success and see what you can use for your own.
• Momentum is key. Now is not the time to sit back and wait. It's time to put things in action and move forward. Take action!
• Help, guidance, and mentoring from the right person can make a world of difference in your business.
• Gathering emails is vital. It’s something that nobody can take away from you. <-- Pro tip!
• Always be authentic. People buy from people they know, like, and trust.

Online Craft Shows - What You Need To Know

• Advantages of online craft shows:
  • Virtual shows allow you to connect with people who would never attend an in-person event.
  • The virtual space is a lean-forward environment. When people attend a virtual event, they are fully engaged. They want to get something out of it.
  • Reach a much wider audience than ever before - even worldwide - with today's technology.
  • You don't have to be a well-established business to take advantage of the virtual space. If you have the drive and the ability to implement constructive criticism, you can do well.
  
  
• Challenges of virtual shows:
  • There is a gap between a society that is ready to attend online events and business owners who don't know how to present virtually.
  • The experience is an evolving landscape as we learn what works best and what doesn't.
  
  
• Tips for online craft show success:
  • Your virtual space must look great on camera. Create a virtual "showroom."
  • Up your product photos game. Have photos on simple white...