I need catchy business name.....and some advice...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Satori	22 Sep 2004
This Saturday I am the last minute pinch hitter for a Whole Health expo. I will be the only tarot reader and I don't have business cards or a name for my biz or any idea how to do this if I get swamped. So I'll do a reading for whoever comes up with a great 'name' for my business, or at least give you a big hug if you don't want the reading! And, I've read tip threads before, so my main concerns are, 1. what to do with a flood of people (optimistic here) and, 2. how to stay grounded when doing reading after reading after reading..... Thanks in advance for your support! My name is Claudia for those of you who don't know me.... I'm sharing a booth with a lady and her sound table!

Alissa	22 Sep 2004
Don't worry about a business name. You're marketing yourself. You can market your own name, for now, until your faboo business name comes to you. Crowd control. If you are working your area alone (no assistants of your own) you may wish to print some signs to tape down to your table. Include your price information. This will be the #1 question you're asked all day. Next will be, "what can I ask you about?" and/or "how long does it last?" Make a separate "About the Reader" sheet for people to look at, and tape it to your table too. If you can find another to work the event with you, do so. It helps when you're bored to have someone there to talk to, and it helps when you're busy to have someone there to answer questions and organize money while you focus on reading. Have a signup sheet. Absolutely necessary, esp. with no assistant. At the top of the sheet, specify the expected wait so people don't ask you that all day. ("Most readings take 10-15 minutes. Please be present when your name is called" will suffice). Expolit others' senses to get crowd attention. If you are permitted (fire codes), and it doesn't offend your vendor neighbors, light some incense and/or burn some glass-enclosed candles for smell. Have a candy dish on your table (taste). A boombox playing soft "reading" music can be very nice for sound. Hang some pretty scarves up for drapery or "environment" if you can (catches the eye). If you have anything portable and "groovy" (crystals, brass figurines of Gods/Goddesses, anything exotic looking) then tastefully place them around your area too. Try to keep someone at your area at all times. If you have a small crowd, great! If you don't, consider "stretching" the reading you're doing (talk slower, take your time, just slow down but don't drag it out!). It always draws the crowd's eye when they see others at your area. When you're sitting there on your lonesome, it kinda sucks. ;) And folks' eyes will gaze right over and past you. Drink water. Lots and lots. All day. Don't be like me and forget to eat for 7 hours straight. Bring snacks that are easy to munch between readings and don't give you bad breath. Make something to give people if you don't have any business cards. Use your WordPerfect program (and use text boxes if you like) with your name and contact information. I advise against giving out your home number, but that's just me. Even having 4x5" slips of paper with your name on it, and your email contact info with a kind pharse ("Offering exclusive Tarot readings" is totally generic and sounds nice) gives them something to hold on to, and will increase your chance of repeat business. Best of luck to you!!! :D Don't forget to rake it in..... ;) Oh... and this is up to you, but this is a henna-booth trick I use sometimes when it's totally dead.... Grease the Universe's wheels and give a reading for free. Let the person know this is special... "I sometimes like to give the first reading/henna for free... want one?" This makes folks feel very good and smiley :D which feels good to you. And, it draws more attention to your area because people are at your booth and increases your chance at making some profits. Also, I believe the Universe has often rewarded me on days that I gift the Tarot faery and Henna faery with freebies, but that's just me. ;)

Alissa	22 Sep 2004
And, I also thought to add, the method of bartering with other vendors for goods I mentioned in the other thread is another great way to get someone at your table and start generating crowd interest too! :D Don't be afraid to offer a reading if you see something you like "Would you be interested in trading for a reading?" works fine and leaves them the opportunity to politely decline if they don't wish to be read. A graceful exit then can be: "Oh I understand. If I do well enough today, I may be back later for this ok?" Leaves everyone's options open ;) including yours. Chat your potential customers up if they seem "iffy." Example: "Have you ever had a Tarot reading before?" is a great icebreaker. And, as I remember Umbrae once saying, be prepared to smile from your eyes all day. :D

sagitarian	22 Sep 2004
hmm...thinks my sister said it all. Smiles. yeah, about that water drinking and snacking, that's VERY important, and drinking water is a easy way to help you ground all day long. That's about all I have to add. You may want to think about bringing an assistant. Sagitarian

MeeWah	22 Sep 2004
What about "Claudia's Cosmic Cards" or "Claudia's Card Readings"? Simple, but clear. Alissa seems to have covered the crowd control part & then some :) As for staying grounded: Keep hydrated. Water best. Portable snacks to include protein: cheese with/without crackers; celery sticks with peanut butter; carrot sticks; raisins; protein bars. In between readings, wash hands &/or face. This acts as a metaphoric cleansing or letting go of any prior readings & also refreshes. Move away from your "station" from time to time. Get up, stretch, walk around, check out other participants.

Fulgour	22 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by MeeWah What about "Claudia's Cosmic Cards" or "Claudia's Card Readings"? Simple, but clear. I thought of this right away, and can't get it out of my head... Eye Claudia No disrespect~ and I can even envision your sign. ;)

floracove	22 Sep 2004
Claudia's Candescent Cards Claudia is one of my great grandmother's name's. (good name)

Kath	22 Sep 2004
I think most of your questions have already been answered. :) If you’re printing up information sheets and business cards, go to a paper shop and get some nice paper. It doesn’t have to be super expensive, just something a little different to the boring old white office paper. You can also buy business card sheets that are perforated so you can make up business cards really easily in an inkjet printer. To stay grounded, you could take a minute or two between readings to meditate or visualise and cleanse and ground yourself. I’m sure there are also certain essential oils that are good for concentration and grounding (but I have no idea what they are, as I don’t know much about oils. I do have a small vial of ‘study blend’ oil that’s peppermint and orange, it’s very refreshing.). If you’re getting scented candles or incense, don’t get ones that are too sweet, it may start getting a bit sickly after a few hours. As for a business name, like Alissa said, you’re marketing yourself, so something simple as ‘Claudia – Tarot Reader’ is enough. Don’t get too ‘cutesy’, you want to maintain your professionalism and be taken seriously. :) Oh, take some wet wipes to clean your hands, if they get a bit sweaty or oily. And if you’re like me, you’ll need a tube of hand cream because your hands will feel a bit dry after handling the cards all day :)

Satori	22 Sep 2004
thanks everyone, excellent tips. fulgour, what is my sign? I'm thinking of the comedian, what's his name, Bill Engvall I think who does the ..... Here's your sign.....comedy. I settled on: Intuitive Tarot Readings By Claudia Holiday Parties*Birthday Parties*Corporate Events and my cell phone # Sound good?

Fulgour	22 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by elf fulgour, what is my sign? Gemini, with a Full Moon in Capricorn Intuitive Tarot Readings by Claudia resonates splendidly! Best Wishes! :)

Moongold	23 Sep 2004
Claudia ~ You may like some pithy quotes from Paul Foster case: The Tarot is a symbolic wheel of human life The Tarot is a book disguised as a pack of cards The most important use of Tarot is to evoke thought These phrases might help you explain the Tarot to newcomers

Satori	23 Sep 2004
Excellent ideas moongold. Thank you. And Fulgour, that is a great sign! Gemini, with a Full Moon in Capricorn. Has a nice ring! ;)

smleite	23 Sep 2004
How exciting, Claudia! You’ve had great advices from professionals… I would just try to find a way to rest after a certain number of readings, like making an interval to be away from people’s sight. And, keeping in mind what Alissa said about people gazing at you when you are alone, I would also bring something nice to present on your table, like depictions of several kinds of Tarot cards. Maybe you can’t use copyrighted pictures, but some Marseilles, RWS, etc., are surely public domain. A poster made for you, with illustrations and basic explanations, would be wonderful (and another concern on your head, so better forget it…). I also like the idea of a very simple and “clean” business name, but that’s me – many people are attracted by more elaborate or cute styles. Anyway, I think "Intuitive Tarot Readings" is a perfect compromisse. GOOD LUCK! Silvia

Satori	23 Sep 2004
For those who are interested, my brother-in-law is a professional artist and I coerced him into making up some business cards on his computer for me. He uses card stock then cuts the cards himself. here's the link to the first card idea: Business Card 1 Personally, I like everything about the design except I think the font is harsh.

Shade	23 Sep 2004
Just had my ad copy class last night so here's some concepting: Tarot by Claudia Tarot with Claudia Forward Thinking Beyond Sight Inquire Within It's in the Cards Seeking Light Seeking Dark Gnothi Seuton Know Thyself Practical Sibyl Paths to Center Lady Claudia's Kittens and Puppies (the old adage is that when you don't know what to with a product feature it with kittens and puppies) Any Card At the Gates of Wisdom Within and Without Questions and Answers Frequently Un-Asked Questions Truth Seeking At the Well of Knowledge Hey you.. yes you... no not the guy behind you... you.. come here Many Paths Madame Claudia's Finding Center Cards by Candlelight

Satori	23 Sep 2004
Wow shade! Incredible ideas...I like several alot. Will be mulling these over... Thanks!

lunar_rabbit	23 Sep 2004
You sure have some great ideas to work with! I am a graphic designer myself, and I like your card designs a lot! Which ever font you decide on, my suggestion would be to use the light blue-ish color. I think it makes the whole thing mesh nicely. I have a suggestion for grounding, too. Along with food and water, one thing you might want to do is to have a slightly smaller than palm sized smooth stone on your table with you. Whatever feels comfortable in your hand. Rocks are naturally grounding, and you can infuse it with some calm, grounding energy beforehand if you'd like. Between readings, or if you are feeling over-energized from a client, then you can hold the rock in your hand (or both hands) to re-ground yourself. The rock itself will help with this, and so will it to do a small ritual to remind yourself that you need grounding. It can be a rock from your driveway, or something special. It really doesn't matter. The other thing that is also very cleansing is to wash your hands. You could carry a box of baby wipes or something, and wash your hands between clients. Best of luck! Be sure to let us know how it goes!

Flavio	23 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by elf Personally, I like everything about the design except I think the font is harsh. As you said the font is harsh... what about a combination of the upper left corner card but using the text: Offering services for Holidays, Birthdays and Corporate Events... that sounds much more profesional in my opinion.

Ace	23 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by elf thanks everyone, excellent tips. fulgour, what is my sign? I'm thinking of the comedian, what's his name, Bill Engvall I think who does the ..... Here's your sign.....comedy. It was Foxworthy who does that bit. Quote: Originally posted by elf I settled on: Intuitive Tarot Readings By Claudia Holiday Parties*Birthday Parties*Corporate Events and my cell phone # Sound good? As for your cards, I like the Moon C logo a LOT. Make the font very clear and readable. I like the upper right choice, myself. Otherwise: Pace yourself. Lots of water. A TIMER (if you say, 10 minute reading or whatever MEAN IT: wrap up at nine minutes and done at 10. Remember, it takes a minute or two for them to get into and out of the chair. When I get a 5 minute per reading sign up sheet, I blank out about 1 reading an hour for catch up time-and maybe a few more every other hour for breaks!

rota	24 Sep 2004
I hope you'll please let us know how this goes. So many people here are on the edge of becoming a paid professional consultant, and the news would be so helpful and informative. (As for the cards, my choice would be the top left. Bottom left is too fanciful and unserious; the two choices on the right read as 'Clandia' to me.)

Satori	24 Sep 2004
I chose the upper left card. I went with the blue lettering rather than the green. I also got to meet Chronata and Simone last night and had a quick reading from Chronata. It was quite special. First she used crystals that she laid out ona small square of black suede with a pentagram sewn onto it. She had me choose three and then she told me about myself based on my choices. It was so delightful. I then chose a card from a deck that was long-ish and had words printed on it. I chose Air. She talked about that card and that choice. Then using her Mini-Hanson Roberts deck she read for me, a general reading that was very very nice. She really gave me some lovely ideas for the next expo. Tomorrow I will read the cards while holding my favorite smooth stone found on Schoodic Point in Maine, Acadia Natl Park to be exact. Thanks for all of the great posts.

lunar_rabbit	24 Sep 2004
Good luck! Be sure to tell us how it goes.

The I need catchy business name.....and some advice... thread was originally posted on 22 Sep 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.