Is it really the end of November?

I have been so busy with business that sometimes I have to make myself take time to enjoy what is truly important in life. My four year old granddaughter spent the day with me. It was through her eyes that I again saw why I made my first doll so may years ago.

She undressed and redressed my sample dolls, put them to bed, took them for stroller rides and just had a wonderful time. Every time she comes over she asks where are the babies? I allow her to pick out three to play with and it is interesting to me that she always picks the same three. She loves Paloma, Addison and the large ballerina. She wants her very own Paloma for Christmas, I told her I would talk to Santa.

By the way, have you seen my newest cloth doll pattern, Emmett the Elf? This is a wonderful and easy cloth

doll that you will enjoy making. I have him listed on my website http://dinkybaby.com/ and on eBay as a kit.

Make your little one an Emmett of his very own and start a holiday tradition.
Emmett is pattern #055 and requires just 1/3 yard of light pink craft velour for his body. He is fun to decorate and has the cutest face and elf ears. He requires little sculpting just on his face.

I have had so many ideas sent to me for new dolls and different ideas. Some of the things that will be coming soon are a monkey that is about 10 inches with a wardrobe of cloths, a new bunny for the spring, my version of the ever popular "Bitty Baby", a toddler and so much more. How about a wardrobe for Tommer and Chole? This and more will be released in the coming months. I love to design and I am having the time of my life. Thank you all for the great support in purchasing my cloth doll patterns. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see, please e-mail me at vicki@dinkybaby.com. Don' forget to join my e-mail list to receive updates and specials on new cloth doll patterns.

Building a Data Base

I was asked recently by one of my distributors about handing out business cards or brochures at craft shows. It seems that this distributor was getting lots of great comments on the cloth dolls she had made. People were spending time holding and talking about the dolls. They wanted to know if she could do this or add that. After spending time with these customers they would put the doll down and ask for a business card. She happily handed them a business card, but she never received a call or an order from those customers. She was getting quite discouraged. Why wasn’t she getting any call backs or orders from handing out those cards?

I realized that sometimes handing out cards is not a good idea unless someone actually asks for a card. Even then they may lose it or put it in their bag that is soon thrown away. There is nothing is more discouraging then to see your business card or brochure laying in the walkway of a show later. It almost feels as if someone has thrown you away. I am sure most of these people would have called, but they simply lost or misplaced your card.

I discovered I needed to take the control. I knew that people really did like my items, it might not have been the best time for them to purchase or perhaps they were short of cash that day, lots of reasons for someone not to purchase on the spot. This is what I discovered; I needed to be in control of getting back with that person. It was not the customer who needed to contact me. I needed to take this down a different route.

I wanted to create a data base. I needed to create a data base. Successful businesses pay big bucks to buy a data bases. If I am in business I needed a data base of people who would buy what I make. This is what a successful business has, they let this base of customers know about new products or promotions, sales and so much more. Most importantly they let this base of customers know who they are and that they are still in business and waiting to sell to them.

This is what led me to think about taking control when I do a craft show. This is how I started my very own data base. I offer a doll as a door prize at the show. This could be one that I can’t sell or one that I don’t like, any doll that you want to offer in perhaps a nice basket with a blanket. Have slips of paper for customers to sign up with, asking for name and e-mail address. Let them know this is how you will contact them about the winner. I would also tell everyone that there will be second place winners for everyone who gives this information. This could be a percentage or dollar amount off any special order or doll at future shows you may do. People are always looking for a bargain. If you give classes you could even have an area on the slip that might ask would you like to learn to make a doll for FREE. Now, you are collecting names and e-mail address, you are creating your very own data base. How easy is this? Now, something else remember those people who talked your arm off and then asked for a business card and never called, get their information. Ask them for their e-mail address. Tell them that you often run specials and you will keep them informed about upcoming shows or special offers. Most will give you this information, if they don’t how serious were they in the first place. Give them your card anyway and always be professional.

A data base can start with just a few e-mail addresses and build from there. Add people and ask them to refer others to you. Collect everyone’s e-mail address that you talk to and make sure that you send them a thank you email.

Send a bulk e-mail out to your customer list at least twice a month. Let them know that you are still in business and what you have to offer, if you have a website, refer them to it, if you sell on eBay let them know. The more you stay in front of your customers the more they will remember you and refer you. If you do not do this, they WILL buy from someone else.

Brand new from Dinky Baby

How would you like to make a cloth doll the fun and easy way? How you would like all the supplies you need included in the same kit?

This is what you get with our new 'Build-a-Baby". You will have success every time with this kit. The hard work has already been done, all you do is finish this 14 inch baby doll. This kit includes the doll head with face already drawn on for you and constructed body, thread, floss, needles, diaper, "Love Certificate" and a CD with instructions.

Visit www.dinkybaby.com to order your “Build-a-Baby”, making babies the easy way with Dinky Baby. Kit is just $25, priority shipping is $7.00