Optimism goes a long way: Trade Show Edition
Samantha Noble, Marketing Manager
Trade Show. Yes, I said it. Are you cringing yet? Better yet, are you getting nervous about all the preparation you still have to do before that big show next month? While I may be young and optimistic, I am not ignorant. I am aware of the pessimism surrounding trade shows.
My question to you is, why go then? Why, waste your valuable time and resources attending a (sorry, I have to say it again) trade show when you do not get any results? Instead, I challenge you to first and foremost, stop complaining. Seth Godin wrote a great piece on how far whining REALLY gets you, prepare to be amazed!
To those of you who have an optimistic view of trade shows already, I commend you. I can venture a guess that you have seen positive results with them in the past, or if not, you at least had clear goals written down for what you expected of the show. If your current goals are not garnishing the planned results; revise them! It is not rocket science, but rather persistence and constantly modifying your expectations.
As a wise man once said,
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle
Always start with optimism. It breeds excellence.
For those of you who can relate to my earlier comments, I am not writing to give you advice nor offer a magic solution to your frustration; there are industry experts for that! Plus, I am a rookie to the working world, what do I know anyway? However, I am aware of the larger issue most of us face, lack of time and informational resources. Similarly, I am aware that a large portion of valuable marketing dollars go to trade show promotion and advertising, and I KNOW neither of us want to waste those resources.
So here I will leave you with advice from one of those afore mentioned Trade Show experts:
From Seven Great Networking Tips for Trade Shows, Graham Greene suggests a number of ideas as simple as wearing your name tag to writing down everyone and everything. His blog is comprehensive and easy to understand. If you are a rookie to the trade show world, his tips are a great place to start. As a seasoned veteran, use his advice as a guideline to jog your memory before every show.
Establishing a compelling sales message, realizing event objectives, and setting a realistic budget are more tips from Trade- Show- Advisor.com.
Skyline Trade Show displays is another great resource. I attended a free seminar last month in which Skyline provided many useful tips and tools such as a trade show marketing idea kit, planning guide, and booth staffing guidebook. Check out their website and see what they have to offer, you will not be disappointed.
