Trade Show Preparation (attendee)

Trade shows and conferences provide opportunities to learn and meet new people, who may be in need of your product or service.

Here are 5 Things I remind myself before attending a trade show like the upcoming Trade Brooklyn on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

1. Have a goal of how many people you want to meet.
2. Practice describing, in one sentence, what your company does and how it helps businesses / people (*Alternate Escalator Pitch).
3. Don’t just throw a business card into someone’s hand the moment you meet him / her and keep moving (drive by networking).
4. Don’t spend too much time talking to one person and spend even less time talking to someone you already know. You can catch up with someone you know after the event. Remember, you already have a relationship.
5. After someone gives you their business card, write interesting things about their business and any follow-up reminders on the back of the card.

* An “Alternate Escalator Pitch” is a pitch you can say in the amount of time it takes two people to pass each other on escalators traveling in opposite directions (without yelling ).

Closing Store Option

A Pathmark Supermarket is closing soon in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY. Local government representatives are attempting to attract a new supermarket to the soon to be vacant location.  This got me thinking, what would be other options for the neighborhood if a supermarket did not step up to take over the building?

• An online grocery home delivery company could service the area (a free call-in option could be included for elderly members).
• The building could be turned into a grocery pick-up location shared by not so nearby supermarkets. Customers could call in orders to the various markets and pick-up the groceries at the nearby building.  (this one may not be very cost effective with today’s rents )

I'm wondering if anyone else might have any other ideas. In the end, more than one option should be put on the table. Shoppers shouldn't have to put all their eggs in one basket.

Super Bowl Ad Picks

I visited the CNN Money site to check out "Sneak peek at this year's Super Bowl ads" and decide to present my top picks (“Sales Hit List”). The site provided a picture and very brief description of 20 ads. I choose ads that could contribute to increasing sales.

Careerbuilder (Jobs Site) – Come on, aren’t you the only human in your office. Well this advertiser offers you an escape from the rambunctious chimps that surround you.

Home Away (Vacation Rental Homes) – Not everyone has been doing the staycation the past few years. The company’s offer of more space and greater affordability speaks to the insatiable traveler on a budget.

I decided to mention the strongest car ad since there will be a few of them televised. None of the car ads actually made the “Sales Hit List”.

Kia Motors America – If people across space and time attempted to steal your car wouldn’t you think it was something of value? Let’s just hope people who actually by this car don’t have to worry about copy cat thieves and higher car insurance costs.

Much success to all Super Bowl XLV advertisers that didn’t make this “Sales Hit List” and the fans who love them. Am I going to pick a team to win the game? The team with the most entertaining uniform For Sales Sake.