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Standing in line for an iPad 2 can create business leads Continue reading on Examiner.com: Standing in line for an iPad 2 can create business leads

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If you have been following my iPad 2 series, you will know I spent two days in line just to see if I could possibly be one of the few who were privileged to get an iPad 2 in the first weekend. I selected the Altamonte Mall as they seem to have less traffic and have been trying to become more upscale over the years. After over three hours in line at the Apple Store on Friday, I returned for more fun Saturday morning at 10:00. There was already a line that had been forming since the mall opened at 09:00. However, I was only about fifteenth in line as opposed to what seemed like a million compared to the previous day when people were lining up at 11:00!

Suprisingly, we learned that Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia had not sold out of iPad 2 models on Friday night.  Some people contemplated leaving the line to take their chances at those malls, but most of us agreed that we would run the risk of even longer lines at those malls, and by the time we drove over there, the iPads would have been gone. We were told a shipment was possible, but there was no guarantee. People of all ages were in line.  Some were smart enough to bring friends to take turns in line and walking around the mall, getting food and/or drinks. Sales were limited to two per person in line. Sure enough, persistence paid off. A shipment of approximately 20 more WiFi models arrived that morning.

Both days were sociological experiments for me. I observed people as they were patiently and impatiently awaiting their possible turns at claim tickets. It was the perfect networking opportunity to peddle my business cards and promote mymakeup artistry and photography to the parents who were in line to get iPads to appease their children. Business cards are very nifty marketing tools to spread the word about services you can provide to others. You never know when business opportunities will arise, so always be prepared!

I had a pleasant conversation with an older gentleman who was getting his first iPad for a business trip to Washington, D.C. He had lost his iPhone 3Gs and iPhone 4 to his family to keep his children occupied during long road trips. Nice! I remember during road trips, all I had was air to amuse myself. There were no fancy gadgets, and we were lucky to have an eight track player in the car. "Hello world there's a song that we're singing, com'on let's get happy. A whole lot of love is what we'll be bringing, to make you happy..." Sorry, I digress.

There was a young man in line who explained he was an IT tech, and everything in his house is wireless. From Apple TV to bluetooth to WiFi, everything was connected. He was awaiting two WiFi models.  There was another man who showed us photos of his 19 month old son and spoke very proudly of him. Out comes the business cards to market and promote myself. I tried a new service for mini business cards that allows up to 100 graphics - one for each card on the front! These cards are unique and tiny, so general feedback was that people were impressed.

Being prepared is general etiquette. It is a basic marker of who you are and how you conduct business. For more on etiquette in Orlando, please add the RSS feed to your reader.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Standing in line for an iPad 2 can create business leads - Orlando Etiquette | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/etiquette-in-orlando/standing-line-for-an-ipad-2-can-create-business-leads#ixzz1GcbJEcYB