My home for 8 hours on Monday.
I spent most of the day on Monday at Wisconsin’s Biggest Baby Shower in Appleton at The Building for Kids. It’s massive event that brings together tons of businesses and professionals that serve new and expectant parents: doctors, toy stores, chiropractors, scrapbookers, doulas, you name it. It’s like Mom and Pop Place’s Pregnancy Fair on steroids. Mom and Pop Place hosted a booth to let people know about the products and services we offer. It was great fun, but exhausting. I loved talking to all the parents and professionals there but, after the 6th hour on my feet, I may have been going a little loopy. I apologize to anyone who had to talk to me after about 5PM.
Last year, I brought Laureen (my cafe manager) with me to help out. We had a blast but, it turns out, it was not really a 2-woman job. This year, it was just me. I set up my goodies, grabbed a stack of flyers, and got ready to schmooze. It’s really a great chance to get the word out about Mom and Pop Place. So many people said “Hey, I heard about that place.” I hope that seeing us at the Baby Shower will give them the nudge to actually come check us out. We don’t do any really formal advertising (like radio commercials or magazine ads). Word of Mouth is such a powerful force in the new parent community. Our customers really help us spread the word. Nurses and Lactation Consultants have given us great publicity as well. They know that we offer the things they recommend to their patients: discussion groups, well-fitted nursing bras, breastfeeding supplies.
So, it was fun to meet so many new and expectant parents at the Baby Shower! If you were one of the people I met, I hope you come and say “Hi” to us next time you’re in Neenah.
