Oscars and trade shows

Wow what a great academy awards show last night! History was made not once but twice and there have not been 10 films nominated since the 40's. Of course we all know by now that the film "Hurt Locker" won best picture and beat out the big boys like Avatar and Inglorious Bastards which goes to show that quality and teamwork can pay off.

By now I am sure that you are thinking, what does this have to do with my exhibit? well let me share some thoughts.

Just like the film industry we all have different budgets. Some guys have unlimited resources and spend for one show more than some of us made all last year. Then there are companies that are in the middle with a good budget and a solid plan then there is us, the small exhibitor. But the one thing that we all have in common is just like movies we can all be seen in the same place.

The key for a small exhibitor is to study what the big guys do, plan your story that you are going to share and build a dedicated passionate team to help you succeed. remember the last three best picture winners have not been what Hollywood calls big budget epics but have been great stories created by talented people and executed by a passionate staff.

So next time you are at a show and you wonder if you belong think of all the great small films that have achieved and never think that you don't belong or can't perform.

It's called face to face for a reason

Ever been ignored in a store? Just makes you want to scream doesn't it. Well I can't tell you how many times I have seen attendees ignored on the trade show floor. Your company has spent major money to create an exhibit, buy a space, book travel and pay salaries just to go to the show but they always overlook training the staff.

To be successful at a trade show it takes a different selling skill than most selling techniques. Many companies will spend thousands on selling seminars and sales and marketing training programs but never consider training their trade show staff for some of the largest opportunities to develop leads and close sales all year.

If you are a trade show manager, corporate executive or business owner consider offering a training program before your next big show and then compare the results from previous years.

remember all great teams receive the proper coaching and training and if you want to make sure that your trade show investment is paying dividends then make sure your team is trained.

New year new time new commitment

I was watching a cardinal today and was amazed at how beautiful his red coat was against the background of a fresh layer of snow, and then I noticed that the female color is drab and not that undistinguished from sparrows and other average birds. This made me think about how so many exhibitors choose not to stand out on the show floor by picking colors or graphics that just blend in. Remember if you have a 10x10 exhibit and are located in a 500,000 square foot hall that's like a postage stamp laying on a parking lot. The main goal of an exhibit is to get you noticed so you can develop leads or sales.

Your display is only as good as your graphics!To make sure that you have attention getting graphics here are three things that they should do.

1)Who are you?

It is important to get your name and logo up where people can see it. Use simple visuals and esy to read fonts no need to get to fancy

2)What do you do?

Give a straightforward easy-to-read statement about your product or service. Attendees don't have time to play the guessing game.

3)Why should I do business with you

Stake your claim and get their attention that's why you're there.

Remember the word is simplicity, You don't want the exhibit to do your talking for you thats why it's called face to face marketing.

Welcome to the new Big hats consulting Blog. I will share trade show and face to face marketing tips and try and bring the latest and greatest ideas for the small to med size exhibitor.