About a year ago I was honoured to win the prestigious SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award – a national contest put on by the wonderful online publication SavvyMom.ca. What an incredible year it has been!

I have learned so much, and have received such amazing exposure as a business person and for my event, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair.

Now that the 2010 contest is coming to a close this weekend, I want to be sure to once again thank all the amazing friends, clients, colleagues and supporters who helped me win this contest, and who have helped make the Vancouver Island Baby Fair a wonderful event celebrating the growing family.

I’d like to thank all the Vancouver Island Baby Fair exhibitors who supported me, asked their customers to vote for me, hosted events for me at their stores to campaign at and also those who participated at the Baby Fair.

Huge thanks to all my friends, family, Twitter and Facebook friends, and all of the wonderful community on Kids In Victoria. It is because you supported me & believed in me that I was able to win this award and benefit from all the wonderful prizes.

Extra big thanks to Sarah & Minnow at SavvyMom.ca and to all the incredible businesses who provided the prizing – Ann from Clear Concept, Jeanette at Limelite PR, Martha from Canadian Nanny and Veronica from Eighty8 Online. Your wisdom and generosity has benefitted me in such a huge way. I could never thank you enough.

Please take a few minutes to browse through the amazing mom entrepreneurs who are running to become the 2010 SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year, and show your support by voting! Voting closes at midnight (EST) on Sunday, Sept. 12.

I can’t wait to find out who wins – as the 2009 winner, I get to mentor the winner over the coming year!

I’d like to let small business owners know about a teleclass I am guest speaking at Tuesday April 13th at 1pm PST.
It is about exhibiting at events- How to choose the right one so that you are making the most of your time & advertising dollars and how to have success at the event.

Participating in a well run event can provide unique and extensive exposure for your business with a vast array of benefits

Here are some of the reasons businesses exhibit:

• To sell product

• Promote your business to your target demographic

• Collect contacts of qualified potential customers to follow up with after the fair

• Network with other business owners & exhibitors

• Reach your potential customers face to face, in real life.

• Survey & get feedback from those you are trying to reach

• Participate in any variety of pre or post fair opportunities

• Participate in any non-booth fair related opportunities for exposure

• Keep up with your competition

• Recruit reps for your business

• Benefit from the extensive marketing campaign of the event producer

• And the list goes on…

It can be a very cost effective way to spend your advertising dollars!

Once you have chosen a show that is right for your business, well advertised, well attended & organized- what do YOU need to do to achieve success for your business?
Join the teleclass to find out!

Sign up now with host Kim Page Gluckie of Mindset Marketing & Money!

I look forward to chatting with some of you!

Warmly,

Shirley Broback, Producer
Vancouver Island Baby Fair