So, I’m here in Dallas, Texas and it’s Africa hot. This year, the August heat came like gangbusters in June and doesn’t show any sign of
letting up. One of the most annoying things about this kind of 100+ degree heat everyday is that you can’t leave your balloons in the car. It gets so hot inside the vehicle that any balloons that are already inflated and twisted are going to pop, and any balloons in your apron not inflated are going to be compromised.
Don’t Leave Balloons in the Car
With all the heat I end up taking my balloon apron with me everywhere. When I’m in the car and the air conditioning is on there’s no problem, but if I park and go in to work, I’ve got to take it along with me. If I stop at the grocery store and take some time to shop I’m not willing to let the balloons and the apron just sit in the car getting hot then hotter and still hotter.
Balloon Apron Attracts Attention
The good part about taking the balloon apron to places I would not normally take it is that it attracts attention. As usual people are attracted to balloons. The shapes, the colors, and the unique skill it takes to twist balloon animals or characters is always very interesting to just about everyone. I was shopping yesterday, with my apron hanging on my shoulder and I had two kids come up and ask me if I could make balloon animals. Not willing to let the slightest marketing opportunity pass by, I quickly twisted two one balloon motorcycles for the little guys. They went off running and yelling for their parents to look what at what they had scored!
Grocery Story Marketing Surprise
I passed by the family of one of the boys a little later in the chip and soda aisle and after the boy identified me as the ‘balloon guy’, I talked to the parents for a few minutes about balloons and about hiring a balloon artist. It was a pretty normal conversation, but it would never have happened if I hadn’t been forced to take my apron into the store to protect the balloons, paint pens and other supplies from the heat of the car.
The opportunities to market your balloon business are endless. They present themselves even when you don’t expect it or maybe don’t even want it. I had gone into the store just to pick up some Cheetos (my favorite), some milk, a few other food items, and to just look around in the electronics area to see if I could score a five dollar movie or something else I really like but don’t need.
Keep you eyes open for opportunities coming your way from sources you may not expect. As we have mentioned before, never underestimate the power of the balloon.
