Writers: That long slow period – writing tips
We’ve all been there: we’re at the Con or the show or some event and for whatever reason things are just going slow. Perhaps we’ve talked to a number of people, maybe not. However, we just aren’t making the sales numbers we want.
When that happens, my advice is: Stay Positive!
It happens. Every show or event has ebbs and flows. People start the day looking around, perhaps they are waiting to make their purchases because they don’t want to carry things all day. Perhaps the bulk of the crowd is hearing an excellent panel and so the floor is nearly empty. You see that group you know will be interested, but something else catches their attention just before they reach your table and now they are heading the other way. You have something to say and you know people will want to hear it, if only they will stop and listen!
The key is to not let it bother you. Don’t take it personally. Doing that can be hard; sometimes very hard. You’re putting in a lot of time and energy and it is natural to want everything to go well the whole time. But I want to warn you that the last thing you want to do is broadcast a negative vibe. Once that happens, you will just compound your problem. People come to the shows to have fun. They want to interact with fun and exciting people. They do not want to stand and hear sales pitches from unhappy artists and creators.
If you give the people time, they will come back around, and while you wait, other people may stop by. Be there. Be willing to talk. And continue to have fun, even when you want to hang your head and cry. Because, if you can, your chances of having an enjoyable and productive experience will be all the more likely. If you let despair take you, not only will you have a terrible time, but likely, you’ll lose some sales you otherwise would not have.
Overall, I would say everyone in my aisle a KC Comic Con this last weekend appeared to stay positive and upbeat, which was great, as it helps make the Con an enjoyable experience for everyone. However, I have seen it before at other shows and could easily see the results. Don’t let the slow periods drag you down. Keep upbeat and be observant. If someone else is doing well and you’ve got nothing going on, watch them and see if they are doing something different that might also work for you.
