Our colleague, Scott Cytron, and I recently were trading stories about trade show experiences. Scott comes from a different circle of shows than I do, but his experiences are very similar. He came up with this report talking about the four types of trade show reps:
“I’ve told this story quite a few times over the last few months – always to be met with some great laughter, so I thought I would share it here.
I think there are four types of trade show people – not the attendees, but the company reps who work the shows to gain leads for business:
- The Go-Getters. This group is the one that excels, always thinking ahead to the next stop-by attendee and truly putting his or her best foot forward. The Go-Getter often is in front of the booth instead of behind a table or behind a kiosk, welcoming each and every attendee and talking to any potential leads as possible. These are the ones you want working your booth.
- The Italian Suit Guys. These are the Mr. Slicks–the guys who are more concerned with their appearance than they are with selling a product or service. They are always on their cell phones, combing their hair and looking in the mirror to ensure they are all put together.
- The Sit-Down Laggards. ow many times have you been to a trade show in which the reps are sitting down, totally unconcerned with booth traffic and just about anything else. They are unconcerned and usually checking e-mail, and are not the ones you want on your team. Yuck.
- The Logo Shirts. Images of cheerleaders come to mind, although “energy” is not a bad thing; still, you do not want to be mowed over with corporate speak when it comes to trade show reps. These folk live and breathe the company mantra. OK – that’s not so bad either, but it’s often too deliberate and too in-your-face for my taste.
OK – now it’s your turn. Give Scott and me some feedback and some stories on your favorite or unlikeable trade show reps. Or other trade show stories.
Thanks, Scott.
TTSG
