Sue Bowler: The Balloon Expert

I have just had the pleasure of working as part of the Green Balloon Campaign team, at the first of many (we hope) public Balloon Art Festivals. This is the first time I have ever really spent time talking to the public about our industry. Their reactions and comments regarding the balloon sculptures were amazing, everyone from the very young to the not so very young absolutely loved them! I suppose that I should not be so surprised, but it was great hearing their comments! Sue, Amber & Claire talking to families about the Green Balloon Campaign "Wow" ... "I did not realise that you could make such fantastic things from balloons"? "are they really balloons"? are just a few of many questions we were asked. Comments such as "this is such a beautiful art form" , "I have never seen anything like it" and "you really would not know that they were balloons"! Dolphin sculpture created by Jodie Norris But wha...

Every small business could use a lift in this down economy. But, how do you get your business to thrive and not just survive?  The Qualatex Event 2011 Professional training and continued education have become an essential component of successful small businesses. “In the balloon industry, we know for sure that the most successful businesses we work with are the ones that continue to invest in education,” says Michelle Comerford, European sales manager of Pioneer® Europe Limited. One great option for those in the balloon industry looking for quality education and professional training is the upcoming Qualatex Event in England. The event will take place 3-5 Nov, 2011 in Heythrop Park, near Oxford England. It is the first major balloon education event in Europe since 2005. The Qualatex Event-England is designed to provide beneficial, business-building information and design ideas.  Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire, England “I make every effort to attend all Qual...

After publishing yesterdays blog ' Benefits of Business Cards as a Marketing Tool', I have received some great business cards and comments from you! There are some truly great suggestions and idea's. I have learned so much about business cards in the past few days and how very important they are as a business marketing tool. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the contributors to this article. David Taylor from New South Wales, Australia , says "Just wanted to add my two cents if that is OK. 1) also make sure that you have a decent quality, thick cardstock for your card. It is more expensive, but again, it adds to the professional image of your business. 2) like you I do not have any balloons on my business card. I have squares."     Aaron here from Singapore. From you blog, I decides to share my name card with fellowmate ...   All namecard are design by myself as I want my name card to be out st...

This weeks tip is for both retail and home-based business's. Benefits of Business Cards as a  Marketing Tool In our highly competitive world, we need to find different ways to promote our products and services, this week we are looking at business cards. A well designed business card can be a very effective way of marketing. They are easy to make, there are many online websites that offer an easy step-by step process to designing your own cards, giving you professional results. The great thing about business cards is that people do actually look at them, probably longer than printed literature such as fliers and brochures. They are easy to carry and store, making it easy for someone to contact you when they need your services. So what makes the perfect business card? Professional looking, unlike like my first business card that I designed and printed myself on coloured card! Sadly, an industry friend reminded me of that only a few months ago and proudly ...

I recently posted a blog 'Adding value... 'The Very Best Way to stand out from our competitors'! Here is a short DVD clip that show's you how to make one of the designs that I made. It's quick and simple, and with just a few additional balloons it really does add value to the Bubble balloon.

Welcome to the Very Best Balloon Store!   I would like to share with you on a weekly basis some retail sales tips and idea's that you may find useful and effective within your own stores, try them out and let me know if they worked for you? How about sharing some of your best sales tips too, I would love to feature them and credit you for your idea's! As a retailer we need to find different ways to ensure that we have made the best possible sales opportunity with each and every customer who enters our stores: I would like to start with two very simple sales tips, if you do not already do this have a go today and train your staff to do the same. 1. Each and every time someone purchases an item, the person serving should ask "Did you find everything that you were looking for today?"   Quick, simple and polite. Let's face it, we all from time to time forget what we actually went in a store for, or we just cannot see the item/s that we are l...

Who's 7' tall, round, has a passion for balloons and of course is very handsome... it's Mr Q!  This week sees the official launch of this adorable Qualatex Mascot, this chap is so important he has his very own email address and Facebook page - mr.q@qualatex.com & www.facebook.com/qualatexmascot  I am sure that he would love you to become his friend or email him from time to time! Mr Q has actually been around since 2009 (when the Qualatex logo was revamped). He told me “Back then, I was laying low and preparing for my on-screen debut in the video many of you saw before the Plant Tour at the World Balloon Convention 2010. Remember, the charming little fella who taught you all those interesting facts about latex balloons?  I’m looking forward to seeing you again (in person!) at the WBC 2012 – but until then, keep an eye out because you never know where I might pop up next… After all, I love a good party!” Mr Q will be a great ambassador for Qualatex, represe...