My 8 rules for promoting edible insects

Hello everyone!

This post will be in three parts, it’s gonna be a review of the feedbacks from the tasting experiences I made. It has no purpose to be considered as a “general opinion” ! It’s more like a qualitative study on small scale. I didn’t mentioned it until today, but the results are quite impressive and go beyond my expectations, but this will come in the next episode!

For this first part, let’s have a little bit of fun and motivation!

Since you started reading my blog and all the other interesting websites about edible insects, I’m sure that you too are convinced that entomophagy needs to be developed! So, today I’m giving you my secret :

Here are my 8 rules for promoting edible insects to an audience and make people want to taste some bugs.
(Wow, maybe one day it will become more epic than the 6 rules of success by Arnold Schwarzenegger, with all respects for my greatest idol : Arnold eats bugs)

promote entomophagy edible insects


Rule n°1 : Never introduce yourself as a “weird” person.

First, if you eat insects, you are not crazy, you are just a visionary who cares about his health and the environment! Second, you would like that your audience feels special and embraces the cause of entomophagy, not that they feel crazy because they will start eating some bugs! (A little bit of craziness is necessary, but not too much! For example : THIS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA)


Rule n°2 : Always have some dried insects or insects products in your pocket.

Never miss a chance of turning a discussion into a unexpected tasting experience. A big pocket is necessary because your insects will be victims of their success. (Thanks to Dave Gracer for this amazing technique !)
PS : Having some alive clothing moths doesn’t count.


Rule n°3 : Be patient.

Everybody is different and some people need more time to act even if they primary want to! They need to be reassured, to gain some trust, so you’ve got to find the right words and be patient!


Rule n°4 : Know your subject.

People are more and more concerned and informed about nutrition, environment and even entomology, in this case you might be in front of an experienced audience. So be prepared to face some very interesting questions!


Rule n°5 : Be enthusiastic and passioned.

Always keep in mind that, for the most part of your audience, it will be the first time they will eat insects (they even maybe never thought of it!) and this experience is very often memorable. Like they will remember their first time, everything must be perfect. More than sustainable, nutritious and delicious make insects eating fun, so smile and share your passion!


Rule n°6 : Play with the group effect.

The more enthusiast people of the group will be your best ally. If one person eat some insects, others will maybe follow. Moreover, there is often one courageous people hidden in recalcitrant group who will want to impress his (or her) friends!
PS : Challenging the cockiest person can be very effective!


Rule n°7 : Eat some insects!

For gaining the confidence of your audience, eat some insects with them and listen carefully to their feedbacks! In the meantime you are developing entomophagy, you are increasing your protein intake, well that’s two birds killed with one stone!
PS : If you want to stay in shape, I do not recommend this technique if you want to promote the marshmallowphagy.


Rule n°8 : Don’t waste too much of your time arguing.

There will always be some nay-sayers, you will waste your valuable time and energy arguing with them. Let them speak! There are so many people that are or could be interested. You need to focus on these persons, they are the ones that deserve all of your attention. So forget the doubters for the moment, they will certainly follow later! By doing this, you and your audience will both learn something and you will make some new EntoMover friends!


As you just see, developing entomophagy is a constant hard work but trust me it will be worthwhile!

Now that you know all of my secrets, nothing will stop you for promoting edible insects. In the next part, we will see together my results!

I want to thank all of you, my last post : “Oh yeah! Insects are full of proteins” were well shared through all the social networks. If you missed it, just click here!

I hope you had good time reading this post, if you did, share this page around you! While you are waiting for the next post, eat some bugs, spread the movement, take care and have fun!

Bye!

Flo

Formerly I'm an environmental engineer, personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist and "Entotarian". In the edible insects industry for five years, I've been consultant for an insect farm in France, free-lance writer and international speaker. After developing the world's first table-top farm, I'm now in Paris with Jimini's where we are developing and selling delicious insects. I would say that my life revolves around eating insects.

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3 Responses

  1. The Bug Chef says:

    Thanks for your 8 tips– very nicely stated. Let me know if you’re ever in Seattle. I’d enjoy visiting with you.

    • Flo says:

      You’ll be the first person I call when I’ll be in Seattle! I’m sure that we’ll meet some day.

  1. 05/12/2014

    […] Nice and sober Take very little space Efficient resealable packaging Mention about the traceability of the product (Fits in my pocket : following my rule n°2 for promoting edible insects) […]

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