Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Indomitable Sara Aho Lukkonen

Our last installment of Trade Show Series with Guests: Pat Riesenburger, Kate McKinnon, Andrew Thornton, Wendy Baker, Yvonne Irvin, Michael Burns, Marianne Kasparian, Nikia Angel and Marsha Hedrick.

First, I would like to thank Tamara Allison of The Vanishing Pearl for her help (well, she wrote them all? so help is not a very good description?) and Stephanie Haussler of Pixybug Designs for her suggestions. . . without them, we would not and could not have done this series.

Secondly, thank you to all of our guests – even with the wonderful questions and suggestions by Wendy and Tamara, without the answers of the guests – there wouldn’t have been anything to read? They took time out of their extremely busy schedules to try and shed some much needed light on the bead trade industry – we got answers – we got hope – we got humor and we’re done!

So here is our last guest – Sara Aho Lukkonen of C-Koop Beads!

The Sara I know. . . 

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

Always greet your customers.  Not only does this start a sale but it also helps make them aware that you are watching them. I always try to have new products at each of the major shows.  It brings the regulars back to see what is new.  I don’t want them walking by because they have seen everything before. 

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I wholesale to stores.  It gets my product out there to the everyday beaders.  I started my business by going to stores and getting my products out there.  I think that it really made a big difference for me because then people recognized my products when they come to shows.  Also I have been really blessed by the designers submitting their designs to the magazines.

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

I pretty much set up the same way every time.  The returned buyers recognize the display and they always think something is new. It is also an easy set up and take down.  It is all about getting out of the show in a timely manner!   I try to be efficient because my time is worth something too!

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

There might be something new out there you just have to have.  Going to shows can bee inspiring!

12. OPTIONAL: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

Some sows are going to better than others.  If I continue to make money at a show then I am going to come back.  But mostly I attend shows to get the new accounts.  Stores are going to buy at the show and continue to buy through the year. Getting new accounts at a show makes it a success.

13. OPTIONAL: If you hire outside help, how do you find them - any info would be appreciated.

I do most of the shows by myself.  But when I am at some of the bigger shows I bring my Mom.  In fact she is the reason I go to the shows out west.  Other vendors look for her at the shows….she is the best Mom in the world and I feel blessed that she wants to spend time with me too. Also the show promoters or someone in the staff that knows you may have a list of people that want to work.

14. Additional comments:

Keep true to yourself.  Don’t let other people tell you how to run your business.  Believe me they will try. Try to stay one step ahead of the designers. Make things that they don’t know they want yet. Smile and have fun!

And with those words of wisdom - we end our series on Trade Shows. Thank you again - to all our guests and Tamara Allison and Stephanie Haussler. 

Find Sara and all her wonderful gadgets at C-Koop Beads.

Stay tuned. We're working on another series and we've got some FUN in store - like prizes and trivia and more! 

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Trade Show Series - Guest - Indomitable Sara Aho Lukkonen

Recently, I’ve been seeing articles, interviews and features on Sara’s work in almost every issue of every bead magazine published. It’d be easy to assume that her secret is out – but as a designer – I’ve loved Sara’s work for ages, I’m sure you have too. If you’ve ever thought you could read a person from what they create – it certainly holds true with Sara.

Her creations are quirky (Sara’s quirky) – colorful (Sara is more so) – ever changing (Sara’s a variable cornucopia of fun, swift wit and drive) – her creations scream “talent” and once you use any of her tiny, enameled treasures – you’re hooked! Just like when you meet Sara – hooked, line and sinker! She’s last in our Trade Show Series but she’s certainly not least! Meet the Indomitable force -Sara Aho Lukkonen . . . 

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:

I fall under Artisan, business owner & manufacturer.  I don’t think of myself as an artist -  I think of my self as a chemist, but that would not be a category for jewelry business.

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I like the bead society shows the best.  But I do ~8 national shows a year and a handful of the society shows.  I also teach in stores and have trunks shows at the same time and then there are the absentee trunk shows.  So, with all of those types of shows probably ~40 shows a year.

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

Inventory is ongoing.  It can be quite the challenge having enough inventories for the Absentee trunk shows and enough for the trade show.  I don’t advertise for shows I will list them on my website, but I don’t always keep up with that. I pretty much stay in the same hotel chain for shows.  I just tell my husband the dates and he makes the reservations.  One less thing for me to do!

Squish Beads

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

In 2010 I decided to blast the magazines with advertising.  I advertised in most of the trade magazines out there.  I don’t think that it made a huge difference in sales.  But I did not track it either.  The best advertising for me is to be published by the editors and other designers and get in the product listing.  Also being at the shows is probably the best advertising because they can touch & see the product.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

I know that at every show something will get stolen.  I have quite a bit of small components. I am usually the only one at the booth so I do the best I can.  If people need to play that game it will catch up to them someday.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

It is part of doing business.  I just have to make sure that I file accordingly with each state.  I like the states that have the license at the show and you either pay for it there or send it in within 30 days of the show.  Most of the taxes are due on the 20^th of the month so set the calendar alarm!

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshal specifications:

Everyone has a different idea on presentation of products.  I found what works best for me and continue to set up pretty much the same way.  Paying attention to the fire marshal rules is important because you could have to tear down your whole booth and start over!

Like what you see of Sara's answers to our Trade Show Questions - tune in September 20th for the remainder of her answers and the LAST part of our series on Trade Shows and the artists - vendors who attend them. . .

You can find Sara and her work at C-Koop Beads

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Trade Show Series -Guest cont... Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

We suggest you take a gander at Andrews' blog - it's fabulous . . . The Writing of Andrew Thornton.

Concluding our three-part Andrew Thornton questions on TRADE Shows with the final installment posted below. As expected, Andrews’ answers to our questions were in-depth, frank and honest. So we decided to give him more air time. . . so to speak. Here are Andrews’ final questions and answers:

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

We have a standard setup, but no show is exactly alike. So you've got to be willing to make adjustments. Sometimes a pylon will be in the middle of your booth or your electricity hookup is six feet away or the tables are too wide or too narrow or they give you multiple tables to put together. Really, there are a lot of different variables and possible scenarios. It's best to stay flexible and to work it out visually. If you've started with enough time, you can always reconfigure things if you're not happy with it. Also, I like to work in my space a little first before I settle on anything. Just being there, behind the booth will inform you if you have to move a trash can or move things closer to you to be able to work without too much bending and lifting and shifting.

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

Shows are a great way to meet other people in the community and make most excellent networking possibilities. They also are a lot of fun and it's always nice to see old friends. But also, it will provide lots of information. Whether you're curious about new displays or what's going to be the biggest thing next season, trade shows are an invaluable resource.

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

All of the above! And I think that trade shows are a unique opportunity to interact with customers in a relatively relaxed environment that is outside of your usual perimeters. When you're selling things online, it can be easy o lose that human element.

Andrew has many plans for his future - a new brick/mortar shop - teaching - organizing artists and art for his new shop Allegory Gallery. With all he's got going on - we're lucky to have him participate in anything - let alone a questionnaire.

Find Andrew and his work here Andrews' Blog

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Trade Show Series -(cont.) Guest - Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

Resuming our Trade Show series blog with Andrew Thornton’s responses to questions posed by Tamara Allison of Vanishing Pearl and Stephanie Haussler of Pixybug Designs. If you missed the beginning – catch up now!

I often think of the quote from Maya Angelou when I think of Andrew Thornton:

People will forget what you said,

People will forget what you did,

But people will never forget

how you made them feel.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

You can't watch your table every second of the day. There will come a time where you have to get something out from under the table or behind the booth and in that fraction of an instant, someone can come by and steal your work. This shouldn't be too off putting, because generally our community is made up of really honest and caring people. However, to reduce those moments of temptation, I usually put the most inexpensive stuff at the corners of the tables and keep the more pricey items closer to me. If something is really pricey, I'll tape or wire it down to the table. Vendors usually stick together and will flag each other if a known shoplifter comes in.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

I try to do as little paperwork as possible! I don't usually do much of the tax work. I will say, for the limited amount of stuff that I do end up doing, that each State usually has a information available online to help keep things straight and a good old fashioned large calendar, where you can write in it and add Post-It Notes is invaluable!

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire Marshall specifications:

When thinking of displays, I try to think of pieces that will be lightweight, durable, work as storage and protect other pieces from damage during transit. Having decorative travel cases is nice, because they meet all my criteria and can be moved, stacked and changed easily to accommodate any space AND it gives it a sort of ambiance!

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

I actually try not to think about this too much. I know that when one is attending a trade show as a seller, one of course wants to sell things and make a living off of what they are doing, but the best sales are usually made through a genuine connection. We don't sell things that we don't believe in and on that fundamental level, I can be an advocate for what I'm doing and trying to sell. We put a lot of ourselves into the work, so it's not so much a question of selling as it is of sharing these parts of us with the world.

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I think you sort of have to create a way for your customers to connect with you outside of the shows. So "marketing" is definitely something that has to happen consistently and constantly.

Like what you've read? Tune in September 13th for the conclusion of Andrews' answers to our Trade show questions.

In the meantime - find Andrew at Andrews' Blog

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Trade Show Series -Guest - Renaissance Man Andrew Thornton

I’ve already written about Andrew in July, 2010. If you care to see what I wrote originally, check it out: My Friend Andrew Thornton.

It’s a rainy dreary day in Bartlesville, the perfect time to write about Andrew. At the end of Pat's blog, I intro'd Andrew as a "man who changed my life."  How, you ask – can one man, met so infrequently – change your life?  Andrew came into my life at a very tough time – just losing my grandmother, my dog, my cat. . . I was full of grief. Broken.

 Andrew in a way only Andrew can (if you’ve met him, you’ll know) –and just being Andrew – pulled me in with his sharp wit, dry sense of humor and tale telling. I have to say, I looked for excuses to pass his booth, linger over his Green Girl treasures, hoping he’d exchange mindless banter with me. Talking Twinkies and Twilight gave me something else to dwell on and look forward to – rather than the screeching of my broken heart.

Thank you Andrew, for helping heal my invisible wounds and thank you for selflessly participating in our blog series. . . part one of Andrew Thornton, starts here:

I love this smile - he has like 20 more different smiles - but this is one of my favorites

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:

I'm in an interesting position, where I fall under all of the various titles. I feel like I've had to wear a lot of hats to keep this creative castle afloat. I have a Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, work with my family at Green Girl Studios, have my own online Shop, and will be opening a physical location soon!

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I primarily attend bead shows and craft shows. At the height, I was going to about 26 shows a year – pretty much every other weekend.

One of Andrews' artworks

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

For the larger shows, we generally start right after the previous one ends. It allows us to stay innovative and creative and do all the business work that needs to happen. I will say that, just because of the very nature of the shows and companies, a lot of times we have to wait until the last minute to get the best deals. Also, advertising is best done in increments with a concentration the week before the show.

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

Green Girl Studios does a lot of different kinds of advertising. One of the biggest, most solid examples is that we advertise in many of the jewelry-making magazines. But we also keep our blogs and social media pages going, and rely a lot on word of mouth.

Like what you've read so far, tune in 9/9/2011 for more Andrew.

Find Andrew here - Andrew's Blog  Shop with Andrew   Shop Green Girl

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Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Sparkling Pat Riesenburger

A continuation of Pat's sparkling personality shining through in her answers to our Trade Show Series on how to become a large venue trade show.

Pat made this shirt!

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

I have had good luck with packaging special product mixes that offer customers a broad selection for one low price.  Additionally, I like to have an expansive range of price points so as to take advantage of any and all impulse purchases.   I always advertise a big giveaway so as to grow my email list.  While this does not impact show sales, a large email list sure does impact my “after show” sales.   I also endeavor to be a walking billboard for my product line-----killer jewelry is always a must!  Finally, I like to do demonstrations…they attract attention and interest while giving me something –other than the weather or some other inane topic---to talk about!  Someone who might have simply walked by the booth will be inclined to stop—and buy--- if I am teaching a technique or two.

9.Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

Blogging is a big part of it, as are free tutorials and videos.  I try to stay active on social media---it is so important! I am diligent about sending out customer E-newsletters---I couldn’t stay in business without them!

One of Pat's adoptee's - Cooper!

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

I haven’t done enough shows to have a standard set up yet!

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

Trend watch!!!!

Stunning Fiber work! 

12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

Shows have not been big money makers for me if I look only at the show receipts.  I do them for the exposure…there is a heck of a lot of residual.  It gives me an opportunity to build my e-mail list, enables me to touch base with other vendors (who often become good friends), and keeps me abreast of the industry.  Trade shows are CRITICAL!

Like what you’ve read? Find Pat’s blog The Crafty Retailer

Our next guest – a man who changed my life – Andrew Thornton.

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Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Sparkling Pat Riesenburger

I've never "met" Pat. We've chatted, e-mailed and Facebook'd for years. I feel like I know her but I've never actually met her. And if you put a gun to my head, I'd be hard pressed to find a ONE single word that describes her - she's a mother, an innovator, an entrepreneur, a wife, a newly crowned Swarovski Ambassador, a crafter, a thrifter, a comic, an animal devotee, a gardener, foodie, home decorator (running out of breath) and a friend...one of those real friends - you know you can count on - that you know is listening, no - hearing you when you talk and one of the few who accepts you for who you are...not who they need you to be. . . 
And even though I've not met Pat, she's actually created two of the most memorable moments of my life. I'm so very proud to include her in my very intimate circle of people I "tag" as friends and I thank her for the valuable lessons I've learned in the short time I've known her. And here she is - Pat Riesenburger:

Yep, It's really Pat Ain't she cute?? 

1. What brand do you fall under (if any):

Artist, Teacher, Business Owner

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

My show experience has been somewhat limited as I have not been inclined to spend time away from my kids.  I have been a vendor at To Bead True Blue (Tucson) and TNNA . I am hoping to expand my horizons in 2012.  My nest is will soon be empty as my youngest is heading off to college.  I imagine that I will be more free to travel at that point!

Pat's jewelry

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

About 8 months before a show I start to “noodle it around” by loosely contemplating product, display ideas etc.  Things start to get a bit more serious at the six month point, which is when I must commit to product if it is to be available for the show.

4.What type of advertising do you use, if any:

I rely on the promoters for most of the advertising and have been pleased with their efforts.  I also promote the event on my blog and on my website, as well as through e-newsletters.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

I am probably too cavalier with respect to loss prevention.  I tend to adopt a “your karma is on YOU” attitude and assume that folks will behave responsibly.  I am not one of those who ties down display samples.  There is always some degree of …ahem…attrition….but I chalk it up to a cost of doing business.

Pat's Thrift finds

6.Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

Ummm….Errrr…[I am blushing here…..]….basically I show up at the venue and wait for all of the tax people to track me down.  They always do!

7.What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire Marshall specifications:

It is always a challenge to STAND OUT in a sea of color and glitz.  I am the queen of “decorating on a dime” and one of my favorite tricks is to hunt for large framed pictures at thrift stores, never spending more than a dollar or two. I throw away the paintings and keep the frames, which I spray paint black.  I then staple black chicken wire to the back of the frame and VOILA!  I have the perfect display for my hand dyed fibers!  I simply weave the wool in and out of the chicken wire and hang the “artwork” in my booth.  It is cheap, easy, and attracts a whole lot of attention.

If you love what you read - find Pat at the links below:
Urban Stitch Studio - retail
Aussie Threads and Fibers -wholesale only
The Crafty Retailer - blog


See the rest of Pat's answers September 2nd, 2011


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Trade Show Series - Guest - Unflappable Kate McKinnon

Admittedly, to this day - I've still not had a conversation with Kate that lasted more than five sentences - I'm such a fan of her work that I freeze up just trying to form a sentence (I tend to sound more like a female version of Lennie Small – “tell me about the rabbits, George”). I do know that I admire her prolific artworks, her writing style and her energy is out of this world. And I've always wanted to say "Here's Kate - Kate McKinnon that is...

Kate McKinnon

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshall specifications:

Just be sure to have visible signage, preferably hung high. That's the most important thing for being found. Display isn't my strong point, but I know that I love booths best that have good ones. Display superstars in my world include ZoaArt, Gail Crosman Moore, JC Herrell, Susan Lenart Kazmer, Beyond Beadery, and Cathy Collister of Glass Garden. They are all genius at showing what they sell.

One of Kate's artworks

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

Make what you love, and then pay attention to the people who show you the courtesy of looking at it. I deeply dislike buying from people who are there simply to sell me as much as possible. I buy little to nothing from people like that. I spend my money at the booths of people who are there because being there is a function of making the work that they love. I buy from people I like, people who seem real, people who seem like they are actually seeing me as a human being. People whose work strikes me as real. And when it comes to buying from shops- I can get seed beads or fixins anywhere. I buy from the actual people I love and want to support. It's all about the quality of life experience for me. I would never buy from a person or a shop that I didn't like.

My friend Cynthia von Buhler has a quote on her website that I think is really great- "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I am very active online. I write in my blog every day. I use Facebook to connect with people, not to sell things. But being there helps people remember me and find my blog, my shop, and the other people I admire and want to support. If I would remember to sign all of my work, that would be a wonderful thing for marketing as well.

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

I have a few good pieces, like an Abstracta frame display, a collapsible earring rack, and a few slotted wooden trays, and I take them everywhere. I like halogen desk lamps for my lighting- tracks and poles are a huge hassle to fly with. But if I drove to shows, I would have that too. I always wish I was better at display. My favorite setups are those I can do at home or close to home- antique wooden vanity boxes with mirrors, vintage lamps with delicate shades, statues of Godzilla.

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:  The reasons to attend a show are always the same, to see what's out there, and hopefully buy at a discount. 

Groovy Cuff

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12. Optional: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

The only thing that keeps me going to shows is to spend quality time with fellow artists and clients. It's exhausting, expensive, uncertain, and takes a huge amount of time to do a show. I can always make as much money online, with a web sale, as I can at a show. But if I don't go to shows, I don't see my peers, my friends, I don't get to meet the people personally who choose my work. For me, the circle of making isn't complete until the piece has found its person. I like to be there for that moment, and that's what shows are all about.

Like what you’ve read – find Kate and buy her one-of-a-kind pieces here

Next up – Pat Riesenburger of Urban Stitch,(retail) Aussie Threads and Fibers (wholesale only) and The Crafty Retailer (blog)

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Trade Show Series - Guest - Unflappable Kate McKinnon

If you're just tuning in The Hole Bead Shoppe is running a not-so mini series on what it takes to become an efficient trade show vendor. Spurred by queries of Tamara Allison of The Vanishing Pearl and Stephanie Haussler of Pixybug Designs, we decided to ask our vendor peers to answer questions that might be helpful to budding entrepreneurs, designers and artists looking to expand their commercial base to larger venue shows.
Next in our lineup, self-proclaimed Lover, Fighter, Dreamer Kate McKinnon, probably won't remember the first time we met, it wasn't her, but me - who wasn't really memorable? She sharing a booth in Tucson with Anne Mitchell when I stalked, opps...spotted her. 
I had recently contacted her about a Breast Cancer charity. She (without knowing me at all) donated one of her handmade clasps to my charity auction. Kate probably didn't realize or have any way of knowing how the seemingly small action - forever won me over. At the time, I was already a fan of Kate's blog and her work, but the selfless act clinched my admiration. And now I'm babbling - so - here she is - Kate McKinnon!

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:  Independent artisan, writer, and teacher.

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

I've cut it down to no more than one or two a year. I've given up teaching at the big shows, because they are so focused on profits and number of bodies that I think that they aren't giving students a good enough classroom experience, and I don't want to be a part of that. Shows have kilns firing in classrooms, and they teach silly things like torch firing metal clay, carving and burning plastic, painting with and burning epoxy resin, and using dangerous microwave kilns. Also, there are often sketchy vendors- people who sell knockoffs of artisan work, cheesy unannealed lampwork, badly sourced pearls and stones. I just can't stand it, and I can't stop it, so I just stopped going.

A Shag Carpet of Pearls

As a vendor, my favorite shows are Bead Society bazaars. Low costs, enthusiastic audiences, smaller scenes. Shorter hours. And fabulous vendors! Some of my favorite artists and artisans only do small shows now, usually ones that are fairly local. And the big seed bead vendors always show up, so I can see all of the colours in person. Even people who order wholesale need to SEE the selection. Gotta see a big vendor for that. I prowl Jane's Fiber and Beads and Beyond Beadery for what's new in the world of seeds.

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

Hotels, as early as possible, and I check online a few times after I reserve to see if rates go down. If they do, I call up and get the new rate. Some travel sites have fare watching, which is fantastic. I fly Southwest Air so I can change my ticket with no fee, or, even better, if the fares go on sale, I go online, and change to the new lower fare. Southwest drops the savings in my travel account.

One of the reasons I love Kate...

Advertising- I like the show guides. Almost all shows, small or large, put together a directory, and almost everyone at the show will have one. Taking ads in them not only helps support the show, it helps you in real time. Some guides (like Bead and Button) are sent out early, and people mark them and plan to see the vendors whose ads entice them. I don't really think that advertising in the mags is worth it any more. Too expensive for too little return.

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any:

Only show guides, and my own social media activities. I don't like it when people use Facebook or Twitter to try to sell me things, but I do like it when they remind me of their existence, and make it easy for me to find their blogs, sites, and shops. Social media, used well, is the future. Print media- I think it's already over.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

It's not something I think about. Theft happens, but I don't want to be the kind of person who is always protecting myself. I hope that most people don't steal, and the ones who do are usually pros, which means that they are good at it and hard to stop. Keep what you can't bear to lose in a case, and keep an open heart otherwise, that's my advice. The more real you are, I think, the more respect people will treat you with.

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

Honestly, it's a nightmare. The tax and the reporting burden (and the fear of making a costly mistake) is why I have given up on doing shows in multiple states. It's really difficult to keep up with these things unless you do them immediately. I try to get the permit and the form I need to file online before I arrive. Sometimes a tax officer walks the show, and I find that hugely helpful, because you can not only get forms you are missing, but ask them questions about their state rules.

Like what  you've read - find Kate and more of her work, here

More of Kate's interview Friday August 26th, 2011.

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