Apr

30

Ready to Try a Trade Show?

Filed Under Marketing Materials, TRADE SHOWS | 2 Comments

Today’s mail just arrived. It includes an invitation to show your gift baskets at an upcoming regional business show and promises to be visited by local firms, from temp agency reps to landscapers.

This may be a great opportunity to show your gift baskets to hundreds of potential corporate clients. Will you exhibit? Here’s what to consider before signing up.

1. Get the facts. Ask the show producers about last year’s attendance numbers. Also request last year’s show directory so you can call random exhibitors for their feedback on the past event.

2. Choose your marketing materials. Flyers, catalog sheets, and a giveaway drawing that lets you collect business cards for post-event contact are the norm. If you have no literature to distribute, don’t exhibit at this show.

Do you recall the brochure samples I shared with you?
Brochure Flyer
Trifold Brochure
Standard Catalog
Four Page Catalog

3. Create your database. Your post-show strategy includes entering prospects’ names and addresses into a database (or hiring an outsourcing company to complete the project), and calling as many of them as possible to sell them on your baskets for general appreciation and upcoming occasions.

Trade show exhibiting connects you with prospects whom you normally have no access to, and it’s a fantastic way to increase your sales throughout the year.

Learn more on how to create a simple Web site contact page for prospects to ask questions before ordering.

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Jan

6

Valentine’s Day, Instant Chat Services

Filed Under Customers, TRADE SHOWS, Valentine's Day | Comments Off

TRADE SHOW TIPS
I just (and I do mean just) arrived in the office from attending the Philadelphia Gift Show, where most buyers’ foot apparel is the sneaker. It’s mandatory to wear comfortable shoes while at trade shows. Wednesday’s newsletter gives you the lowdown on what else is required to make your show time pay off.

PINK IS THE COLOR OF PROFIT
Here’s what will happen if you start buying Valentine’s Day inventory now: 1) better product selection, 2) early sales, 3) higher profits than last year. Sound like a plan? Use this article as a primer to jumpstart your February 14th revenue.

COLLECT MORE CASH THROUGH CUSTOMER CHATS
If you install an instant chat service on your Web site, online conversations between you and site visitors may encourage more of them to buy. It’s worth a shot, especially when some chat services are free of charge. Review this article at Solo Business Marketing, and consider the benefits.

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Jan

2

Trade Shows, Are You Ready?

Filed Under TRADE SHOWS | Comments Off

Can’t wait to attend the first trade shows of the season? Let me remind you of the tips that are very important for a positive show experience.

1. Wear comfy shoes, but don’t wear yourself out. The best-cushioned shoes will hurt if you stay on your feet for hours.

2. Create a buying list before you get there. You’ll walk aimlessly up and down aisles if you don’t have a plan. How many baskets are required and in how many styles and shapes? Which chocolates and snacks do customers prefer?

3. Review your budget. It’s smart to know ahead of time how you’ll spend your money, whether you’re working with $100 or $10,000.

4. Attend seminars that broaden your knowledge and bank account. Look at the show’s course roster to see if the topics are of interest. In some cases, there’s a nominal charge, but consider such fees an investment in your success.

Web Sites for Retailers contains a complete list of trade shows throughout the United States. My apologies to those of you outside of the U.S. Hopefully, you can find and attend a show in your country.

If you’re at the Philadelphia Gift Show on January 6 or the California Gift Show on January 20, come up and say “hi.” I’ll be at both shows speaking about gift baskets and retail wrapping.

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