Antique Lamps – A Bat Printed Staffordshire Lamp

The invention of transfer printing on porcelain and pottery was, without doubt, one of the most important innovations in the development of the ceramic industry.

The honor of this development goes to the English engraver, Robert Hancock, born in Birmingham (1730-1817).  We first meet Robert, recorded as a copper plate engraver at York House, at Battersea’s enamel works in London.  Here, beautiful little copper boxes were made for the English 18th century luxury market and quite costly objects of vertu, the so-called bijouterie, scent bottles, little snuff boxes and practical wares, such as boxes to contain sewing implements, toothpicks, trays to hold pens, canisters for tea and sugar and even candlesticks, designed to imitated expensive silver pieces.

In 1756 the Battersea factory closed and we next find Robert at the Worcester porcelain factory in the same year. Robert Hancock had obviously taken his knowledge and expertise to the factory management, under the direction of Dr John Wall.

The management was highly impressed with the idea of this rapid decoration technique!  Since the opening of the factory in 1751, porcelain painting had been a laborious and expensive process, undertaken by painters with coloured powdered enamels, mixed with lavender oil and brushes.

Robert was able to teach his printing skills and the process was soon mastered with the first, famous, copper plate engraved, black transfer print being produced in 1757.  The subject being Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, ally and hero of the seven years war.

Transfer printing as developed at Battersea, began with the unique skill of the copper plate engraver, who deeply engraved, with a fine sharp steel, the desired design.  The design was engraved in reverse!, allowing the final print to appear “right way around”.  Pigment was then added, often mixed with oil and heated to allow the colour to run deeper into the copper plate engravings, the excess ink then wiped away with a palette knife.  The copper plate, after being cleaned off with a cloth was then covered with a sheet of tissue which was dampened and pressed onto the plate.  Next, the tissue was gently lifted from the plate and set carefully onto the shape to be printed. As the tissue was deftly lifted away, the design was left behind. This early printing style left the print on top of the glazed item, which was then fired to finally set the print onto the glazed surface.

As the 18th century turned into the early 19th century, new ceramic printing techniques were developed, to not only improve the technique, but make it faster, time is money!  The great name at this point is Josiah Spode who is credited with the introduction of under glaze blue transfer printing into Staffordshire, during 1781-84.

During the early 1800′s, the tissue was replaced by a sheet of paper, or sometimes fabric.  With a layer of glue applied, this could easily be cut and shaped to fit around curved objects such as dishes and teapots. This is known as the “bat” print and gives the process its alternative name “bat printing”.  The inked bat was then placed on the ceramic object and an impression left, leaving the print adhering to the shape. The item was then dipped into the glaze and returned to the kiln for the glost, or, low firing. The glue bats were reusable, plus they conformed better to curved surfaces.  Cobalt blue, under glaze transfer printing became a standard of the Staffordshire pottery industry.

Men like Josiah Spode, Wedgwood, Thomas Minton and others, were all entrepreneurial types and leading figures of the great Staffordshire ceramic industry.  While sharing amicable business relationships, each kept an eye on the market!   It was at this time that large export markets were opening or expanding in North America, Europe, and India where consumers sought elegant, matched sets of wares.

The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co illustrate a charming little English, Staffordshire, pottery Accent Lamp.  The lamp with a cream coloured glaze and very finely printed in sepia with two “named views”.  The front of the lamp with “Abbotsford, Selkirkshire, Scotland”, the reverse side printed with, “Chatsworth Derbyshire”.  The lamp with elaborately modelled, silver shaped handles.  The neck of the lamp delicately gilded with a formal motif. The rim and circular lamp base gilded, the gilding in very fine condition.  The lamp seated on a custom made, polished, maple wood base.  The custom-made lamp cap of gold plated bronze. 

Circa 1840       Overall height (including shade) 17″/43cm  

The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique table Lamp Lighting with an on line range of over 100 unique, antique and vintage Table Lamps on view.

Lamps are shipped ready wired for the U.S, the U.K and Australia.

For more information you are invited to visit their web site at:-

www.antiquelampshop.com

About the Author

Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co , has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery,with his commercial experience spaning a period of 40 years,including as a valuer to the Australian Government’s Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company’s site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.

Antique Bronze Decorative Fruit Bowl $60.00 This Fruit Bowl is classic style to put in your house. Add this stylish, unique and great item to your room to your home decor. Easy assembly instructions included….

Blue and White Asian Style Porcelain Bowl with Base Beautiful blue flowers pop against the pure white background of this pretty porcelain bowl. Based on traditional Asian designs, this round bowl will add a great look to any table. Round, black base is included. Porcelain construction. Blue floral painted glaze. 14″ wide. Includes black, round base….

Up – Limited Edition Luxo Jr. Collectible Lamp Pack [Blu-ray] $138.88 At a time when too many animated films consist of anthropomorphized animals cracking sitcom one-liners and flatulence jokes, the warmth, originality, humor, and unflagging imagination of Up feel as welcome as rain in a desert. Carl Fredericksen (voice by Ed Asner) ranks among the most unlikely heroes in recent animation history. A 78- year-old curmudgeon, he enjoyed his modest life as a balloon se…

Multi-Color E27 LED Light Bulb with Remote $4.00 Light-emitting diodes are darn cool and have found uses in so many places – traffic lights, standard lightbulb sockets and high-powered flashlights to name a few. The Multi-Color LED Lightbulb is a super bright LED bulb that can transition through dozens of color and rightness combinations and is compatible with a standard lightbulb socket. The included IR remote can select an individual color or …

12 pcs Halogen JC Type Light Bulb G4 Base 12V 20W Watt $2.00 Brand New 12pcs Halogen Bulbs. Features: * 20 watts * 12v * JC G4 * Clear BI-PIN * High Lumens * Long life * Perfect for home, office, restaurants & stores. * Use it for: ceiling lights, table lamps, outdoor lights, closet lights and more! You will receive a total of 12 bulbs (4-packs of 3). Sealed in original package….

Technorati Tags: bedroom, blue table lamp base, cindy, lighting, new_house_furniture

Tags: bedroom, blue table lamp base, cindy, lighting, new_house_furniture

How To Use Leather Lamp Shades For Southwestern Decorating

Try leather lamp shades for southwestern decorating and design style. The use of decorative rustic shades has become more prevalent in the past few years as interior designers have realized how easy it is to add western and Native style in any room, by simply using a leather lamp shade as part of the interior decorating.

The typical design you see throughout the southwestern states and in decorating magazines can be easily achieved by effortlessly replacing the shades on Lamps you already own, or by placing them on beautiful rustic lamps like wrought iron and antler lamps. Rustic lamp shades are available in a natural color and are also dyed in brown, wine, gold, red, green and black that look amazing and are simple for use with any color pallet.

The thing I like most about rustic shades is their adaptability and the way they enhance western decorating. These hand-stitched, rustic lamp shades are created from soft pigskin, suede leather that creates a nice glow when illuminated and has a unique finish because of the natural small hair follicle holes on the hide.

Perfect for channeling light both upward and outward, leather lamp shades are perfect when used on a variety of rustic lamp styles. It doesn’t matter if you wish to light a spacious room with Chandelier Lamps or other rustic lamps, or are simply trying to light an unlit corner with Table Lamps or rustic lamps, leather lamp shades provide the best lighting effect in lighting your home.

You will like the welcoming light of rustic Lamps Shades and the captivating warmth they give to your home when using them beside other western style design accessories like Native wall hangings and Indian hand crafts or with rustic furniture. Choosing where you will use the lamp shade is one thing to think about before buying. Big lamp shades that allow more light to come through are better for reading and brightening a big room, while smaller shades are great for accent lighting or illuminating a small area.

Leather lamp shades used on Desk Lamps or Bedside Lamps can make a huge transformation and bring authentic southwestern style to any room. Whether used with standard style lamps or on special western lamps, leather lamp shades are the best way to incorporate the rustic style that you love. The great adaptability of rustic leather lamp shades make them appropriate for using in bedrooms, living rooms, offices and in any area where you would like to incorporate rustic charm.

They also look beautiful in log homes and are the best way to enrich the natural beauty of its surroundings. Easily buy leather lamp shades online or find them in stores that sell western style decorating items. If you enjoy western design in home decor, and want to enhance southwest style in your home decorating, try using the unique beauty of designer leather lamp shades for your home decor.

About the Author

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and offers free tips online about buying leather lamp shades for rustic home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Southwest Table Lamp With Metal Base And Mica Shade By Collections Etc $26.97 Iron base with scrolling design & mica shade add personality. 40W bulb (not incl.). 60″L cord. Plastic, mica. 11 1/2″Dia. x 21″H….

Paprika Hide Shade Southwestern Table Lamp $179.91 Stylish table lamp with hints of a tribal design in the abstract geometric base patterns. Topped by a unique paprika hide shade with an attractive crackle design. Three-way socket offers more lighting control….

Ambience 10522, Southwest Tall Ceramic Table Lamp, 1 Light, 100 Total Watts, Sand $141.03 The Ambience10522 is a 31″ Table Lamp in the Desert Sand with Burnt Clay Finish. This light fixture is from the Tall Collection and is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Approved for Indoor Locations….

Dick Idol Southwestern Spirit Table Lamp in Maple 87-6091-80 Features: -Table lamp. Color/Finish: -Maple finish. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 34” H x 14” W x 14” D. Collection: -Dick Idol collection….

Cow Skull And Arrow Resin Table Lamp $49.98 This southwestern Indian table lamp is the perfect addition to your southwestern decor. Its base resembles a Cast resin constructed Indian drum while crossing arrows, complete with real feathers leaned against a cast resin bull skull. Includes a southwestern tanned lampshade. 30″ tall….

Technorati Tags: decor, lamps, lamps,southwest, southwest, southwestern, southwestern table lamps

Tags: decor, lamps, lamps,southwest, southwest, southwestern, southwestern table lamps

Add Elegance to Your Home With Decorative Lights & Stylish Light Fixtures

The minute that you first enter somebody else’s house, one of the first things that you will look at is the way that it was designed. How does the color scheme look against the décor? Is a particular room used to its maximum benefit, or could the space have been used more wisely? What about the placement of the furniture and the lights? When decorating your own home, these are the same things that you will naturally be looking at. Now, if you are thinking about revising your decorating scheme – the easiest way to add instant drama to any part of the house is with the help of decorative lights and stylish light fixtures.

Before delving deeper into the many ways that you can add style and contribute to the theme of a particular room in your house, here are a few basic tips when purchasing lights and light fixtures. First, make sure that the brand that you will purchase has long been in the lights manufacturing business. Second, make sure that the design and size of the lighting fixture that you will use is suitable for the area that you plan to install it in. For example, small Pendant Lights can be used to illuminate hallways, while Desk Lamps with a dimmer switch are more suitable for the bedroom. Third, see to it that the quality of the lighting fixture is good enough so that it can last you for a long time.

So how exactly can you use indoor lighting fixtures to up the ante in your decorating scheme? There actually is a wide array of lights and light fixtures that you can use to brighten up and accentuate each area in your house. Table Lamps are ideal for any part of the house that you want to brighten up, but it is particularly suitable for a part of the living room which can double up as your living area. Floor lamps and under cabinet lights can be used in the bedroom or in some parts of your living room.

For the main room in the house which is the living room, you need a more dramatic lighting effect so you can use chandeliers or a centerpiece which is a combination of a lamp and a ceiling fan. Another great way to use lights and light fixtures is to bring your home décor outside of your house. There is a wide array of lighting fixtures that you can use to light up your lawn, garden or landscaping. If you have a dining alcove outdoors, this is a great way to place some strategic lighting. Not only will outdoor lights and light fixtures add beauty to your home, but it can also serve as protection for the safety of your property and your family. All in all, lights and light fixtures are great decorating tools to use to instantly change the look of a room in your house, add elegance to your home and add style to your favorite room.

About the Author

All of your indoor and outdoor lighting fixture needs will be addressed, simply by visiting our site lights! We have a wide range of light fixture products that you can choose from, which will surely suit all your decorating needs light fixtures.

Technorati Tags: cherry blossom lamps lighting fixtures, design, furniture, home, lamps lighting fixtures, lighting, maitland smith lamps lighting fixtures chandeliers, shopping

Tags: cherry blossom lamps lighting fixtures, design, furniture, home, lamps lighting fixtures, lighting, maitland smith lamps lighting fixtures chandeliers, shopping

What To Know About Table Lamps

For those considering adding extra light or just any light to an interior or other room environment, what to know about table lamps can come in handy when the time has arrived to begin selecting the right kind of lamp for the particular environment. These handy little light-bringing items have been with us in one form or another for over 72, 000 years, which is a fact that might surprise many.

In those days, human innovation led people to take a shell or hollowed rock and then place some sort of flammable material such as dried moss that was soaked in animal fat. The tinder or kindling would be ignited and people would have a bit of light that could be cast and that serve to keep back the dark night. Lamps today, of course, have come quite a long way from their humble origins.

Lamps certainly have developed nicely and are very good at being the practical and convenient shedders of light that many people expect them to be. People use them in general and very specific ways in order to concentrate a pool of light onto just about any surface where a bit more illumination is required in order to perform just about any task, including reading or close detail work.

Nowadays, people can take their pick from among an endless supply of table lamps of just about every variety, type, shape and style. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a few moments to consider the particular environment into which the lamp is going to be placed if having lamps that match the decor is important. A lamp should be selected that generally matches up well, in other words.

When it comes to table lamps, it is still the case that the lamp that comes almost immediately to mind when considering timeless style and beauty is the lamp made by the early 20th century stained glass and lamp maker Louis Tiffany. Lamps in the Tiffany style are created today as a tribute to the work of this highly creative and artistic individual.

Typically, the Tiffany Lamp style will feature a lamp base that is bronze in color and either stylized or very spare. Where the Tiffany lamp really stands out is in the look and construction of its shade, which features many colored panels of glass. This class is held in place by a lattice that serves not only to give shape to the shade but also to hold a glass in place.

As far as room decors go, the Tiffany works best in an environment where there is little modern furniture. For those sorts of environments, be Contemporary Lamp — which is a very broad category of lamp — can work extremely well. In fact, there is no specific look for the contemporary lamp other than that it will not resemble anything that is antique or super futuristic.

Contemporary Table Lamps can be a good choice for any room environment where extra light is needed and where there are no antique elements or elements of furniture that suggest hyper modernism. When it comes to selecting lamps for just about every decor, take the time to gauge how much light will be shed and also how the general look of the lamp will blend into the existing or contemplated environment.

About the Author

Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is contemporary furniture, headboards and mattress sale

Technorati Tags: contemporary table lamp shades, lamps, lighting, shopping, table, tiffany

Tags: contemporary table lamp shades, lamps, lighting, shopping, table, tiffany

Elegant Hotels with Discounted Rates in Chicago

When looking for an affordable lodging but not compromising the comfort it brings, go to Chicago for some excellent hotel options that give discounted rates. One of these is the Hotel Indigo in North Dearborn Parkway Downtown Gold Coast of Chicago with over 165 fully furnished guestrooms and suites to choose from.

Hotel Indigo is located in the oldest and historical place of Chicago nearby downtown and other well known places like the Oak Street’s Boutique and the Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to spend the day for relaxing, shopping’s activities or even cosset the nightlife styles at Rush Street.

It is one of the finest and exceptionally designed hotels that attract guests with their affordable rates without sacrificing quality, comfort and fine amenities.  Its original style is based from the Inter Continental Hotels Group and their warmth and friendly skilled staff/ concierge waits at the lobby to give their full assistance and support to their guests.

All guest rooms are well accentuated and furnished with lavish beddings with high count  threading, pillows, individual Desk Lamps, working tables, high speed internet connection, personal safe, wide screen cabled television, dual line telephone, iron and board, hairdryer, coffeemakers and a bathrooms with complete set of toiletries.

The facilities are one of a kind. The lobby exudes a feeling of warmth and relaxing ambience. The expansive and cozy zone of Golden Bean Restaurants and Bar serves special and unique American cuisines with wide array of international wines and drinks.  

Hotel Indigo is also committed in providing good and accessible facilities for their guest with disabilities under the American Disabilities Act of United States and Canada. They also provide assistance and supplementary information regarding accessible facilities for their handicapped guests and other clientele.

Their 24 hours concierge and staff are available in the lobby area for more hotel information and discount rates upon arrival or upon placing the reservations prior to the stated date of stays and length of time.

Another excellent and leading hotel in Chicago is the Whitehall Hotel in East Delaware Place built in 1927. It is a multinational essence of world class hotel with an elegance and beauty that captures every guests desire to stay with big discount rates for a more affordable and pleasurable stay.

The Whitehall Hotel is also one of the finest works of art blended with classic touch of Chicago and European architectures.  This elegant and fascinating lodging is located near the exceptional museums of Chicago, Water Tower Place, Magnificent Mile, world class shopping entities, well-known sports figure auditorium, and the white sand seashore of Lake Michigan.

The hotel is a perfect place for intimate and more private hideaway. It is where the journeys end according to its guests and tourists that experience one of a kind and memorable stay.  Whitehall Hotel was given a tribute as one of the eight great small hotels in the United States.

It focuses on the convenience and good quality of services for their clients besides its intimate and very warm location. They provided other facilities and amenities that suit their clients’ needs whether for leisure or business plan with the help of well-rounded and multilingual staff.

They’re also giving a much lesser price or discount rate for early reservations. Upon arrival, all they have to do is ask the staff in the lobby for more information and enjoyable stay.

About the Author

For more information on Chicago Discount Hotels and Los Angeles Discount Hotelsplease visit our website.

Technorati Tags: art, crafts, design, handmade, shopping, touch lamps canada

Tags: art, crafts, design, handmade, shopping, touch lamps canada

Decorating Styles For A Nursery

Planning on a decorating scheme for your nursery. What kind of furniture and accents to get. How to get the best furniture.

Decorating a nursery is both fun and frustrating. You want the perfect room for your baby, but how much can you afford to spend? There are so many things for the young parents-to-be to buy, such as furniture, bedding, Lamps, wall decorations and curtains. The most important item is the baby furniture, and the largest part of the budget should be devoted to those items. Even if you are buying most items at discount to save money, make sure the crib is good quality and safe.

Scour garage sales or ask relatives and friends for decorating items. You may find a crib at a second hand store, but make sure it is sturdy and safe. A new crib is a safer bet, and you can find bargains at stores such as Walmart, or on line at sites such as http://overstock.com. You can usually find good bargains there. Graco, Century and Bassett baby furniture are usually higher priced, but if you shop their outlets, you can get good bargains. They often offer decorating ideas as well.

Baby Dream Furniture is an ideal choice for baby furniture on a budget. Their three hundred national stores offer a wide choice of good quality, reasonably priced furniture. If your budget is more liberal, you may want to consider Pali furniture. Classic and elegant baby furniture is available from this Italian manufacturer, but you may have to go on line to find a retailer near you. The Pali line specializes in classic designs such as Jenny Lind, which is very popular, but many other beautiful styles are available for a charming nursery.

Another popular brand for baby furniture is Delta. This line is known for combining good quality with practical form and function. Their products, which include bassinets, cribs, changing tables, toddler beds and carriages are meant to last years and years. Other good quality items that many parents like are the glider rockers, chairs and tables from the Jardine Baby Furniture company. They are value-priced, making them very popular.

After the important items such as furniture are chosen, you can start to pick the decorating items to coordinate with the furniture. Pick the basics such as crib, chest, changing Table and a chair or rocker for mom and then you’ll know what kind of bedding and accent pieces will go with them.

About the Author

Andrew Caxton is an online entrepreneur and writes for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about
decorating styles
at his website.

Technorati Tags: table lamps at walmart

Tags: table lamps at walmart

Using Old Techniques in Modern Bedrooms

Modern interior designs have taken aspects of the past such as four poster beds and used them to create wonderful havens of peace and relaxation in master bedrooms.

Having a four poster bed does not mean that you have to have out dated or period style interior. By using the right colour combination you can transform your bedroom into a light and airy space which is both comfortable and beautiful.

Opt for white as the main colour as you will then be able to use accent colours in hues and shades which suit your colour scheme. Duck egg blue used in combination with navy is a great way to a nautical style theme which is stunning and not ‘over the top’

Getting the balance of colours right is an important aspect of interior design. By choosing a pastel or natural colour is an ideal way to make rooms appear larger and sophisticated. If you wish for a deeper mood enhancing colours such as regal purples teamed with opulent gold it will be advantageous if you have large rooms, otherwise the design can become over powering.

By having neutral colours you provide a ‘canvas’ from which you can include subtle touches to add charm or chic style depending on the type of interior which suits both your family needs along with the style of your home.

Bed canopies and curtaining has become increasingly popular trend in modern bedrooms and whilst for the majority of the time they are purely used for aesthetic reasons, they are a striking feature which can really transform and lift a bedroom from the norm into a rooms which oozes chic style trends.

Whether you coordinate the fabric of the bed canopy or curtains along with the window dressing is to some extent a matter of personal preference. However, by having gorgeous sheer fabrics at the windows and medium weight bed curtains does enable you to have privacy in an old fashioned yet highly fashionable way!

Bedside cabinets are typically outside the parameters of a four poster bed, along with bedside Table Lamps of Wall Lighting. This enables you to leave the curtaining open whilst reading or watching TV and only closing them when sleep and privacy is required!

Of course if you include a ‘roof’ to your four poster bed it will help to prevent you being bitten if you live in hot countries which are plagued by mosquitoes! For people in the UK this is rarely a problem, however, to create an authentic look of sophistication having a ‘roof’ is essential.

Many of the modern four poster bed fabrics cannot actually be full closed, they are used solely for appearance. This is a great way to create affordable style without having to spend a fortune of fabric!

The manner in which you hold both your window treatment and your bed curtains open needs to be given careful consideration in order to create a stylish look. Modern homes may prefer beaded style hold backs, which can be used in coordinating or complimentary colours to add a unique twist. Whilst the more traditional style of tassel tie backs can be used to give a stunning chic look to the overall finish of the room.

About the Author

Terrys Fabrics offer a wide range of fabrics, curtains and
tie backs
to enhance the beauty of your home

Technorati Tags: bedside, fashion, furniture, home, lamps

Tags: bedside, fashion, furniture, home, lamps

Bedside Table Lamps – Function and Form

Not only are Bedside Table Lamps a great way to see at night, read at your bedside, or wake up to in the morning, they are also great for adding to the décor of a bedroom.  When you go to choose a Bedside Table Lamp, there are few things to consider first. For example, what will you use it for? Is it there for you to see when you get up in the mornings? Do you like to read by your bed at night before you go to sleep? Do you wake up early and journal to start your day before your partner gets up? What is the style of the room?  What you plan to use the Bedside Lamp for will help determine which one you choose and why. When it comes to décor, there are many things for which to look.

In terms of function,  you might want to consider how much light you need and what type of illumination you want. Maybe you want a lamp with adjustable light brightness so you can choose how much light you want at any given time. Maybe you want a reading light with an adjustable head so you can adjust it to where you’re sitting.  The lamp should be positioned so that it is not necessary to get out of bed to turn it off or on.

In terms of decor, when it comes to Bedside Lamps, matching lamps on both sides of the bed were once the norm. However, many people today are employing a more modern trend of using two different lamps on either side. This is especially popular in double beds where one partner may have one theme on their side of the bed and the other may have something slightly different on their side.  Although not always true, bedside table lamps are generally smaller than the table lamps used for a living room – bedrooms are generally smaller in size and a large table lamp could be overpowering to the space.

There are bedside table lamps made to go with any décor or theme such as Western style, modern, urban, country, contemporary, Oriental and more. With so many great options in lighting for the home today, it’s possible to find something to fit each and every need you may have.  If you’re concerned with the environment and saving electricity, there is also a wide array of eco-friendly table lamps that you can select from for your bedside. With so many different options, there’s no reason you can’t find the perfect lighting for your home today.

About the Author

Lisa Mason is a contributing editor to FineHomeLamps.com with a specialty in writing Internet Content and SEO Articles.

Frenchi Furniute Espresso Finish Wood 3 Pc Vanity Set $56.40 Espresso finish wood 3 pc bedroom vanity makeup set, This set includes the vanity table, bench and mirror. Vanity table measures 28″ x 16″ x 50″ H to the top of the mirror. bench measures 18″ x 14″ x 17″ H. Some assembly required….

Antique Silver Beaded Small Cake Stand $29.99 You’ll want to keep this gorgeous cake stand on display long after the cake has been eaten. Its antique silver finish and faux crystal beads and dangles make every day a special occasion. Made of all food safe materials….

Antique Silver Beaded Large Cake Stand $29.99 You’ll want to keep this tall and gorgeous cake stand on display long after the cake has been eaten. Its antique silver finish and clear faux crystal beads and dangles make every day a special cake stand occasion. A glistening faux crystal ball accent at the bottom of the base adds another point of interest. Made of all food safe materials….

Fulcrum Multi-Flex LED Task Light, Silver $6.99 The superb brightness provided by LEDs makes these lights great for many uses. Use them as book lights, task lights, craft lights and more. Lightweight and efficient, these lights are ideal for reading while traveling. Great for crafts, including sewing and needlework, as well. LED lights will virtually last forever, making these lamps a far better choice than a traditional reading light. These la…

Ikea Orgel Floor Lamp $29.99 Product materials: Shade: Paper Tube/ Base plate: Steel, Brush finish nickel-plated, Clear lacquer…

Technorati Tags: bedroom, design, furniture, home, lamp, table lamp bedroom

Tags: bedroom, design, furniture, home, lamp, table lamp bedroom

Are You Leaving Money On The Table?

I don’t have to tell you how important networking is to building your business.

I know you know the values of building relationships and how those connections can open up doors of opportunities that would not have otherwise been open.

But, are you are leaving money on the table?

You attend a variety of events to grow your business and to meet and network with new people, and that is great.

You have a bit of a conversation, get their card and chat about how it would be great to connect later.

Only to get back to your office, return to your hectic agenda and the cards end up getting set aside and later forgotten about. You may be able to send out a quick email reaching out, but that’s where it ends.

The value of connecting with new people is not what happens at that event; although, I know of some major business that has happened at live events. I have even had that happen for me, but it is not the norm.

It is what happens AFTER the initial contact that is most valuable.

What I witness all too often is most entrepreneurs fail to follow up or they don’t follow up enough.

Think about it. How many times have you attended an event, handed out your card and NO ONE connected with you afterwards? 

Unfortunately, it happens all the time – even when you have asked someone to call you because you were interested in what they had to offer.

Some time ago, I met a gentleman who sold insurance. I gave him my card and told him that I was looking for business insurance and wanted him to call me the next day so we can talk about getting me into a policy.

He NEVER called. 

There I was, ready to buy and he left the money on the table. So, my business went elsewhere.

What I want to give you are tips that you can use to make sure that you don’t leave valuable opportunities and money on the table.

As I say often, “Success is in the System.”

So, you need to create a follow-up system that you can consistently implement so that you don’t have things fall through the gap.

Jot down notes immediately –

This is what you do AT the event.

If you are like me, sometime after speaking to several people, the conversations get muddled up in your head and you forget who said what.

When you are speaking to the individual and you exchange cards, have a pen ready to write key words that will help you remember specifics of the conversation.

Then, when you have that follow-up connection, you can easily recall the conversation and start building the relationship.

Plan follow-up time after your event –
 
You must intentionally set time aside to follow up. When you get back to your busy and hectic schedule, it is easy to push the follow up aside.

I recommend pre-scheduling follow up time be within 24-48 hours after attending an event. That way you are less likely to have the follow up fall by the waste side.

Recently I had 4 speaking events in 8 days, which is unusually crazy for me. There was not a lot of time to schedule the follow up with everyone right away.

So, I planned ahead to connected with the “hot” leads within the 24-48 hours, and continued to follow up with the rest of the individuals after a few days.

Try, try and try again –

You get someone’s card. You even follow up with a call or an email.

And then…You stop.

So many people stop after the first try or two because they do not want to “bug” the other person.

I can see 20 or 30 times could be considered bugging, maybe even stalking, but one or two tries is NOT bugging them.

It sometimes takes a few, sometimes several, attempts to actually connect and have conversations with people you met at an event.

Keep in mind – we all live very busy lives. So, it takes time to get the paths to cross sometimes.

My rule of thumb is I attempt to connect about 4-5 times. Generally, most of my connections are made on the 3-4 try.

More often than not, the other person is very appreciative of my diligence to connect.
If after the 5th attempt, I do not receive any communication, I either send a final email or leave a final message stating that I have been attempting to connect and that I will be available to talk when it becomes convenient for them. I leave my information and wish them well.

I have received clients expectedly and unexpectedly, speaking engagements, joint ventures, interview requests, etc through the connections I make with my follow up.

The thing to remember is the value behind networking and connecting with people at events is not what happens AT the event, but more what happens AFTER the event.

Apply this to your online and offline relationship building and you will begin to be financially rewarded for your follow up.

© 2008-2010 The Business Of You, Inc.

About the Author

Jo Della Penna, CEO of The Business of YOU, Inc. is known as the Business Transformation Mentor. She is an inspiring and motivating speaker and author who helps women entrepreneurs build profitable businesses while balancing successful and rewarding family lives.

She has worked with hundreds of clients and is a sought after speaker in the areas of business and balance. Jo has grown a successful business working from home while raising her son and twins. She is a regular contributor to the San Francisco Examiner, Los Angeles divison, and is a member of many networking associations including the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of National Speakers Association (NSA/GLAC). She lives and works in Southern California.

Technorati Tags: table talk conversation cards

Tags: table talk conversation cards