One Spark Creator Interview: Dana Edmonds, Yes I Did! Booth 20156

We will be interviewing our Creator clients before, during and after One Spark. Up first is Dana Edmonds who is the creator of Yes I Did!. Her concept will be at the Wells Fargo building along with a number of other EdSpark creators. Dana's booth (20156) is not to be missed...

What is Yes I Did!?

Yes I Did! is a philosophy, brand and apparel company. It's mission is to encourage people to share inspiring life stories of accomplishments and overcoming negativity. It encourages individuals to celebrate their overcoming to encourage others. It's about spreading positivity.

What inspired you to take on this initiative?

My inspiration began from a dream I had telling me to speak to people. It is inspired by my present profession as the owner of the Tutoring Club. Yes I Did! is my daily philosophy with my students. It is a taught philosophy of everyday positivity.

Why One Spark?

One Spark offers such a great opportunity for exposure of a variety of ideas and products. It is local and allows me to involve family and friends to keep cost down while getting the Yes I Did! name out in a big way!

What about after One Spark?

After One Spark, we plan on continuing to speak in schools and expand our speaking venue in other areas including our "YES" talks. Since One Spark will be the launch of our clothing line, we will work to refine and add other products to our line and continue focusing on our Yes I Did! action plan.

Was the SBDC helpful?

SBDC has been extremely helpful. It has offered me insight, knowledge and courage to work to fulfill my dream of Yes I Did! It has started me on a strong foundation. I feel it has given me the tools I need to have a successful, thriving business!

Last year's One Spark winner, Rethreaded's Kristin Keen standing with her winnings, along with Dana Edmonds, founder of Yes I Did! Dana is hoping to follow Kristin's footsteps in One Spark 2014! 

The Booth Truth - 7 Tips for One Spark Booths

Scrambling for what to do with your One Spark booth?  We've got some suggestions for stellar booths, and would love to hear your ideas too.

1. Interactive is King

Remember going to the zoo as a kid?  The best part of the trip was always feeding and petting the animals.  Your parents had to pull you away kicking and screaming to get ice cream afterwards.  All these years later, little has changed.  If you want to form a line to view your creation, this is a sure fire way to get that attention.

2. Eye Level

After walking around all day looking at projects, the last display anyone wants to see is one at waist level.  Just thinking about bending down to view your creation can cause terror in the backs of the masses.  You get a pass on this requirement if your target audience is kids.

3. Show Your Number

Let's face it, as a people our patience level is growing thin.  If I have to wait on a website to load for 5 seconds one more time I think I'm going to lose it!  And if I can't find your number easily, you're not getting my vote.

4. Have a Prize for Your Voters

Who doesn't like to win?  Reward your voters with a little something to show your appreciation.  Think flashy company stickers, a raffle, or candy.

5. Bring Back Up

Tired after a full day of shopping or working on your feet?  Try 5 days for around 12 hours each day.  One Spark can feel like running a marathon on your legs at times.  Plan to have some friends and family entertain booth visitors at key times during the week so you can give your feet a rest.  Take some of this time to visit other creators, see pitches and speeches, and even grab a nap.

6. Don't Get Stuck

You just met the visitor of your dreams!  They've got the money, connections, experience, and _____ (add your greatest need here) to take your dream to the next level.  The only problem is that you've been talking with this person for 45 minutes while ignoring everyone else.  Come prepared for this situation with business cards and an email list for people to join on the spot.  Let these VIPs know that you will definitely be in touch.  And if you have others helping you with your booth, you should take the conversation off to the side to avoid distractions.

7. Invite Your Target Audience

Don't expect the people you want to meet to accidentally stumble upon your booth.  With over 500 creators at this year's One Spark, you don't want to be just another face in the crowd.  Find out who you would like to visit your booth before the festivities begin, and send those people an email or tweet with an personal invitation to your creation.  This is your weekend, flex your networking muscles to make the most of it.