Yes that's right, Butterfly-Crafts is almost a year old, the big day is coming on March 26th (this Friday) and there will be cake to celebrate - if only you were nearby to share it and the pancakes I'll be having for my tea!

Anyway, to mark this special day I am going to be running an extra special sale! Usually when I have had sales I promote them here and on Twitter, Facebook etc but not this time! The sale will be exclusively for recipients of the Butterfly-Crafts Newsletter so if you want to be part of the sale you'll need to sign up to the newsletter which you can do HERE.

I send out a newsletter every four to six weeks and include details of new items, special offers, developments in the business you might find interesting and often share a fabulous handmade store I have stumbled across.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up before the 26th to receive the special offer!

Its always good to dream big and being a small business owner is no reason to reign in your dreams. If your big goal is to sell your products nationwide then a trade show is likely to become part of your annual calendar. There are many trade shows and each usually cater to a specific market i.e. jewellery, gifts, pets, eco-products. As a rule, trade shows are mostly wholesale for 'trade' only but there are some that will include a retail element - you will just have to do some super research.

A show can run from three to five days and a broad range of retailers are represented from the tiny independent shops to the much larger department stores who often attend purely for buyer research.

If you are interested in attending a trade show the first and most important question to ask is how much is the fee? The smallest booth may set you back £750 / $1000 as they are charged by the metre/foot. The fee should hopefully cover the minimum such as a table, chair, rubbish bags and lights and then you will organise curtains, table coverings and drayage (moving your freight from your vehicle to your booth) - but sometimes it might be the other way around. If the fee scares you and you approach a friend to share the booth, best check with the organisers first as there are likely to be guidelines.

Once you have signed up, you will be issued with a contract. Before you sign it, check where you will be on the floorplan and who you will be next too, as with housing, location is key!

Coming on the next business tips blog on Friday: Tradshows part 2.

Earlier this week we looked at the first stages of approaching shops for wholesale or consignment. Today we look at what to do once you have secured the appointment with the owner/buyer.

Ensure that you arrive on time and are dressed appropriately. Have your hair and nails done if it will boost your confidence and you can afford to have it done! Also bring order forms, samples, a catalogue, relevant business information, price list and the most important part.....a pen! I have some pens created on Vista Print that are branded with my business logo and colours, they were pretty cheap but look professional. As the buyer or owner looks at your items, sit up straight and pay attention. What feedback are you getting? Do they seem excited? Make sure you note anything down because a comment from a retail buyer is invaluable.

If the buyer decides to purchase, write up the order, discuss the terms and how long delivery will take. Once you have delivered the products, follow up with further literature so that the sales staff have an understanding. Also remember to visit the shop so that you can check out the display.

If you do not get an immediate sale, try not to get too discouraged. A buyer will need to consider the 'fit' of your product in their shop, what it may compete with, actual capacity of the shop, their customer base and your prices. Sometimes a non-purchase just comes down to bad timing in regard to the shops cash-flow, budget or simply being wary of a new seller. If you do get a 'no' for purchase, ask if they would consider a consignment, because for you, any presence in a retail shop is good business!

But, no matter if you have achieved an outright purchase or a consignment, be sure to follow up with the buyer to see how your products are selling and if they might need to reorder.

Coming in the next business tips blog: Tradeshows