I recently was invited to set up an herbal farm table at a neighboring town's fairgrounds. The only problem was, I had just finished up my local farmers market, and was out of many of my products. Instead of turning down a great opportunity for lack of filler for the space, I decided to get creative and think of it as a marketing tool for my overall business.

I think you will agree, at least I didn't LOOK like I was out of inventory! Notice the front area, I printed off more weekly newsletters, and added a campy-looking sign up sheet. I also offered free soap samples, and low prices on produce. In the back, you can see some herbal infused oils, with small jars of *touchable* oils, so my regular stock didn't have anyone sticking their fingers into the jars.

Although tiring physically, marketing is a mentally invigorating part of expanding an herbal business. I hope to attend at least one function a month to get the word out about what our farm has to offer. So far, it has been a great experience.

Herb question of the day:Would sampling a product make you more apt to buy it?