The exhibit industry is trying many things to transform itself and, in many ways, survive. The latest example I’ve seen is the 2012 FMI Show. While this show has been around a good many years, it has undergone a number of changes: change of venue, co-marketing and branding with other shows, an apparent focus to […]
Report from the Field: FMI 2012 Read More »
The most valuable thing you can do in a networking situation is pay attention. Not just to the people you are engaging, but to your surroundings. The short list of things that comprise this concept: Listening and hearing. Speaking carefully and sparingly. Focusing. Being aware of your time without being distracted. Listening and hearing are
It is both the simplest and most complex thing you can do all at the same time. Picking the date the truck leaves and arrives at a trade show. On the surface, this seems like a simple thing. However, you must know several things first: Are you going to the advanced freight warehouse? Are you
Picking a Ship Date Read More »
Networking can be sliced and diced any number of ways. There is no one way to network or reach out to your prospects, clients and colleagues. However, you can categorize the types or levels of outreach. For example, there are different types of people you want to reach: Direct connections. Influencers. Referral sources. Sources of
Levels of Networking Read More »
“Mad Men” has become a part of our American Sunday night TV culture. With it came the Roger Sterling character (played to the hilt by John Slattery), the jaded agency veteran living through the 1960s with his wit intact. Roger always has the right line at the right time, so it came as no surprise
Roger Sterling on Networking Read More »
Relationships: that connection, association or involvement with another person, business or group. You gotta have ’em in both your personal and business life, so how to you find and then build relationships? At a recent Networking Skills Workshop at the North Dallas Chamber, we covered this topic and gave some simple advice. First, there are
Developing and Maintaining Relationships Read More »
On my way out the door this morning, I paused at the mirror in the hallway and asked by significant other “Do I look okay?” “If you are going to a client meeting, no.” She was right: the shirt and pants didn’t reflect how I should present myself to my client and to the audience
Do you look the part? Read More »
No matter the size of your exhibit, the number and type of trade shows you go to or the industry you work in, the ingredients for a successful exhibit and show are the same. Recently I was asked to speak to a local chamber of commerce in advance of their annual business expo. As with
A Simple Formula for Exhibit Success Read More »
If you want to see the core of exhibitry at work, come to a show like the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) which just concluded its run today at Fort Worth’s Omni Hotel. It is a place where you will see the small exhibit shine. The TRWA is the meeting place for the people who
Report from the Field: TRWA Read More »
The other day I was in a meeting with a client who related a story about a conversation he had had with a prospect. My client works in a industry that includes brokers fronting for others doing the actual work. His prospect wanted to see the actual plant and meet the people who would be
Glass Boxes versus Black Boxes Read More »
