Taking an online business offline

Over the weekend (8/9 – 8/10), I took my online businesses (Baybayin translation/art & clothing) into the real world at the Pistahan Filipino Festival. I had no delusions that I would make a killing. I knew going into the event that my stuff was pretty niche. With that self admission, I was able to make realistic goals. Those were:

• Education of the Baybayin script
• Awareness of my brands and services
• Have meaningful conversations
• Network with similar vendors for my upcoming fashion project

It’s been a while since I sold anything in public. I think the last time was when I was in high school selling baseball cards at hotels. While I like getting out and meeting people, online is much easier.

My big event at Pistahan

This weekend 8/9 & 8/10 is a pretty big day for my Baybayin project. I’ll have shirts, hats and prints for sale at the Pistahan Filipino Festival. Besides selling my goods, I’ll also be co-teaching the script at a workshop. While making my investment back is a goal, I’m more interested in the market feedback and networking.

I expect the shirts not to sell much because there are other shirt vendors out there that have flashy designs. I think my best shot would be the hats. The prints should do well because nobody other than my business partner is doing them.

I’m rushing to fixup BaybayinScript.com (online store for prints & translations) and the fashion site. I will probably only put up a splash for the fashion site as 1and1 messed up my domain registration – more on that later.

Pistahan.net