Archive for February, 2011
Monday, February 28th, 2011
The day after what was another history making Oscar night featuring Hollywood’s best and regardless of whether you were pulling for The Social Network or The King’s Speech, what really mattered is who stole the show on the red carpet. While who won in each category is definitely something that will be remembered for years to come, at least for the short term it’s the fashion and glamour of the annual event that is receiving the most attention. There is just something undeniable about viewing the night of a thousand stars as they step out of their sleek black limousines, on to that long red carpet, and into that fever pitch cloud of eager photographers and screaming fans.
The red carpet treatment has been around for centuries and to this day has a way of making those that find themselves receiving the honor of having one rolled out for them feeling as if they were pure blooded royalty themselves. Honor, importance, power, respect, fame, and fortune all go hand in hand with a red carpet; feelings that should not just be set aside for those in tinsel town. In terms of small business owners who are always on the lookout for ways of showing their customers just how much they are are appreciated and honored, a red carpet is the perfect addition to any showroom or trade show exhibit.
At Godfrey we understand how important your customers are too you and that’s why we think everyone should receive the red carpet treatment. Available in several sizes sure to fit any trade show exhibit or showroom, we also offer a softside tote bag that will allow for easy transport but can also be shipped via UPS or FedEx!
If you’ve been looking for a way to show your customers how much you appreciate them, then what better way than to make them feel like royalty by rolling out the red carpet and letting them know just how special they are!
Tags: booth, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customers, Display Booths, Event Planners, marketing tips, oscar night, red carpet treatment
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Friday, February 25th, 2011
When discussing those affected by the most recent downturn in the economy, mall department stores have surely been among the hardest hit. So called anchor stores such as JcPenny, Dillards, Sears, and Belk are just a few of the big name retailers that before the downturn could be found in most malls all across America, yet now have left huge gaps in retail space as they were forced to make some unfortunate decisions regarding the number of stores they could maintain. Thankfully it appears that there very well may be some light at the end of the tunnel as one recent report suggests that shoppers are slowly but surely making their way back to the malls and bringing with them a much needed influx of cash. According to Fortune, anchor stores reached a milestone of sorts in 2010 by increasing their market share for the first time since the 80′s. President of Customer Growth Partners Craig Johnson explained that although the growth was small it was having a huge impact on the industry saying “Even though it was only a tenth of a share point, for department stores, that is a huge change. This is a real turn in the market. We’re optimistic that the momentum is just gathering.”
This recent upward tick doesn’t just represent a significant event for big name stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, consider that for every anchor store located in a mall there are typically 10-20 smaller business who have been experiencing the same economic issues but with much more dire consequences due to the lack of a larger corporation to help them stay afloat. If you are one of those mom and pop style small business owners who have somehow managed to make ends meet until the shoppers return, then now more than ever you need to make sure that when they walk through your doors they are hit with some of the most amazing designs they have ever seen.
From full scale portable showcases, to custom designed fixtures, to enticing window displays, Godfrey is here to help you answer the call off all those consumers who are finally making their way back to those very same malls that once cherished so dear. Don’t wait for those stores around you to do it first, get a jump on the competition and be ready to see you sales rise thanks to a little bit of redesigning from Godfrey.
Tags: anchor stores, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Exhibits, kiosk displays, marketing tips, showcases, showroom designs, showroom fixtures, window banners, window desgins
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Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
It’s been a horrible day. The 4 yr-old threw up all over you just as you were about to walk out the door. You were late to the office because you had to change clothes. The boss saw you sneak in and gave you grief. Bad luck seemed to be just over your shoulder all day as if you had a personal thunder cloud. On the way home, going over the day’s events, a sudden movement on the side of the road catches your eye. At first it’s lost among the billboards, traffic, and flashing neon signs, then you quickly lock in on it again. To others it may be nothing more than a sign for a cold beverage, but you it’s more a like a beacon from a guardian angel.
This may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, however in this case the truth isn’t too far from fiction when talking about the power of a flying banner. Anchored to a swiveled base that works similarly to a wind vane, a fly banner literally acts like a waving hand sending well wishes to all those that pass by. Think about all the traffic that passes in front of your store at any given time from sunrise to sunrise. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to personally give each person that passes by a wave that signifies how nice it is just to have them drive by? Something that says I understand you may not be able to stop right now, but maybe next time you are out this way you will get a moment to come in to see what we have to offer. A flying banner is exactly that; a friendly wave offering an opportunity to all those that go by.
Featuring tons of graphic impact completely customized to fit your company’s name and logo, plenty of room to get any message across, and the ability to literally wave with the slightest of breeze; a flying banner sign is more than just another banner it’s that friendly hello you’ve always wished you could give consumers driving by your store everyday.
Tags: Custom graphics, flying banners, marketing tips, outdoor displays, Promotional Ideas, small business ideas
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Monday, February 21st, 2011
What is it about this time of year that inspires us to want to begin a new? To strip down all that old wall paper, throw out that couch that is long past its prime, and inject some color back into our lives. There’s something about late winter and early spring that makes us want to get past all the garbage in life and get back to basics. Spring cleaning fever is a very real thing that affects us all in different ways. For some it may mean giving that house a scrubbing the likes of which it has never seen before. For others it may mean getting those weeds out of the garden, tilling up the soil, and planting the seeds for this year’s harvest. It could mean the end of a relationship that has simply run its course. In business terms though getting back to basics is more than an infuse of color or a change in your presentation. To the business minded getting back to basics means getting rid of the hype and getting back to what made them successful to begin with.
This isn’t to say that a trade show display with tons of flashing lights, video motors at every turn of the head, and custom logos is a bad thing (standing out is never a bad thing), but there’s definitely something to be said for a simple fold out table covered in a professionally designed table skirt featuring your company’s name and logo, and a table top display that gets to the facts of who you are. When looking to purchase a new product more than anything else today’s consumers want honesty. They want to be able to trust that what you are presenting them will do what is promised, will last as long as it should, and won’t leave them feeling as if they wasted their money the moment they exchange their hard earned money. While large scale displays and exhibits are sure to impress and are sure to be crowd pleasers, stripping away all the layers of hype and simply giving consumers an honest representation of who you are can also be an extremely satisfying approach to marketing your product.
If you feel that your approach to trade show marketing has gotten stale and are looking for a fresh new approach, maybe instead of more the answer is less. A custom designed table top display with table skirt combined with an honest heartfelt presentation could be the very thing that sends your sales skyrocketing!
Tags: Custom displays, Custom graphics, marketing tips, table skirts, table top displays
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Saturday, February 19th, 2011
Wednesday we talked about how the world is changing in terms of what is required to convince consumers that your product is worth spending their hard earned cash on. Gone are the days when a smile and a good slogan would earn the trust over millions of eager customers. Today’s consumers have done their research long before ever shaking your hand for the first time and if not then thanks to the invention of the smart phone all they need is a few minutes on the web to know all there is about your offer. Product demonstrations are definitely the way to go in terms of winning people over simply because they allow consumers to touch, taste, and feel what an item is all about. Demos take a product and put into the lives of those that will be using it and help them learn how it will make things easier for them on a day to day basis. While a good demonstration combined with a custom designed display will get you far, if presented by an individual that has a less than friendly personality or that chooses some very unbecoming tactics; all the demonstrating in the world is going to get you nowhere.
Sales Pitch Do’s and Don’ts
*Don’t be a shark- They see you long before you even know they are around. The moment a prospect steps foot into their turf, their instincts kick in as they begin to circle. By the time you realize they are there it’s already too late. Nobody wants to be the victim of a shark attack by an over eager salesperson. If you are the salesperson it’s okay to approach a potential customer, but be aware of their body cues and if they are giving off that don’t bother me look; don’t be afraid to back off. Let them know where they can find you should they have any questions and make sure you are available when they do.
*Don’t go for the throat- For every salesperson giving a demonstration at some point there comes a moment when it’s time to close the deal. With any close there is always the risk of coming on strong. Of course the worry is that not coming on strong enough will lose you just as many sales as well. That’s why it’s important to find the best mix of pushy yet subtle. Don’t be afraid to ask the customer if they are interested in purchasing today or what you can do to get them interested in buying
*Do know when to cut and run- Sometimes no matter how good your pitch is or how much the customer seems willing to purchase, the sale just isn’t going to happen. The fact is that there are some consumers that simply won’t buy right away. The result is hours wasted talking to somebody who very well may purchase your product weeks or months from now(if you’re lucky), but in the immediate future actually costs you sales which could be made to people who are there to purchase your product right away.
Tags: Custom displays, demonstration booths, demonstration ideas, demonstrations, demos, increased sales, marketing tips, sales pitch
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
We live in a society in which consumers are now learning what generations before us knew long ago; before you spend that hard earned buck some thought into what it will be buying is essential. For a couple decades there (mainly the 80′s and 90′s) quality seemed to take a back seat to how much cool factor an item brought with it. Now days before just handing over our check card and pressing that green enter button, consumers must be targeted using an entirely new set of rules. They want to touch, taste, feel, and find out what their friends think about a product and even then it’s a guessing game as to whether or not they will buy it. A custom designed sampling kiosk will definitely get you some attention, but all the multi-colored logos and flashy graphics in the world won’t earn you a dime if you’re not able to demonstrate your product successfully.
Tips on giving a good demonstration
*Be clear- Call it nerves, call it butterflies, for some it’s just the way they talk, but regardless anytime you are addressing a large group of people mumbling isn’t going to get you anywhere except standing by yourself. Watch all those um’s and ah’s and keep eye contact with the crowd.
*Invite Participation- Again nobody likes to stand on the sidelines and watch when they can get into the game themselves. When possible get a few volunteers to help you demonstrate how your product works. Not only will you win over a couple of customers directly, the rest of the onlookers will be able to see just how easy the item is to use. Plus it will help cement the thought that what you are offering is the next must have purchase they won’t be able to live without.
*Stick to the message- One of the easiest things to do during any conversation or demonstration is to get off track and lose focus from your original message. It may start as a simple question from someone in the audience or a quick thought that popped in your head and the next thing you know several minutes have passed without mentioning the reason why you there to start with. Don’t lose potential customer who don’t care about the weather or where you ate last night, stick with the message and get to the point.
*Don’t over sell- Demos are a great way to draw people in. Not only do they give them a feel for what your product is but also how it will change their lives. That being said though nobody wants to be beat up on by some overeager salesman who whether it’s true or not, comes across as more interested in scoring a dollar than earning a loyal customer. Learn to get your message across and close the deal, without badgering the customer for decision. Some people want to take their time and the more you press the less they will want to spend, no matter if they want your product or not.
Tags: Custom graphics, demonstration ideas, demonstrations, demos, marketing tips, sample kiosks, sample pedistals
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Monday, February 14th, 2011
Just as quickly as we posted last Friday about that stubborn Old Man Winter and how hard areas of the country were being hit this year by one winter storm after the next, Mother Nature heard our cries and delivered to the South one of the prettiest warmest weeks we’ve had in a very long time. We know this warming trend won’t last and that more than likely the last snowflake has yet to hit the ground, but at least a little bit of the claustrophobia that so many of us have been dealing with as we sit and watch foot after foot of the white stuff pile up in front of our windows has subsided. Still though that itch is there for warmer temps. For days spent on the back porch grilling steaks, tossing the football, and listening to tunes. Adventure is calling as families begin the ever important debate on where should they go this Spring and Summer.
For those vendors who make the majority of their money traveling from one outdoor festival to the next serving everything from deep fried Oreos to homemade freshly squeeze lemonade, the time to plan for the coming warm weather has also arrived. Outdoor kiosks need are unique in that they need to be sturdy enough to survive high winds, triple digit temps, and provide enough room to maneuver around in as you try to serve 50 salivating people all at the same time. Oh and it wouldn’t hurt if they remembered who you were once they got their steak on a stick and headed towards the main event.
The Dome Kiosk is everything an outdoor vendor needs and more. Its unique shape not only stands out in peoples mind but also provides you with tons of counter space, plenty of room for storage, enough shade to keep you cool, and the perfect amount of room to include all your custom logos and graphics. Available in two shapes round or octagonal and two sizes 6.5′ and the 9′ dome, printing options include:
*Top Canopy Printed Full Color
*Counter Wrap Printed Full Color
*Solid Color Pennant & Pole
*Pennant Imprint
Simple put the Dome is one of the best outdoor kiosks on the market today and is the perfect fit for any vendor who is looking to get noticed at that next fair, carnival, or outdoor market. Contact one of our personal project managers today!
Tags: Custom graphics, custom logos, dome kiosks, outdoor displays, outdoor events, outdoor kiosks
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Friday, February 11th, 2011
Here we are finally making it to Friday, all set to make every second of the coming weekend count and yet once again most of the country is faced with literally feet of snow ruining everything in its path. The past two months have been nothing but one winter storm after the other, a trend that doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down despite what that pesky Puxatony Phil says. According to a recent weather report from CNN just this week “Parts of Oklahoma had received up to 12 inches of snow, according to the state Department of Emergency Management. Wind chills were 10 to 30 degrees below zero in some areas, and authorities were urging people to stay off the roads. Some 80 people in Oklahoma had been injured as a result of the storm, the state Department of Health said Wednesday. That total included 63 falls, one carbon monoxide poisoning, 14 injuries in traffic accidents and two “cut/pierce injuries.”
Like it or not more than ever, this year winter is an unmovable force that must be dealt with. A force that demands to be reckoned with. That cannot be overlooked or dismissed with the wave of a hand. If you think about it this is exactly what you want from a trade show display; something that creates buzz around a conference center, makes people stand up and take notice of who you are, that hooks into them and refuses to let go until they check out exactly what you have to offer. A display that WOW’s the crowd and opens their wallets.
We’ve all been to those events where after one walk around the room, you’re left feeling like you’ve seen everything a thousand times before and really wouldn’t have missed anything had you decided to stay home. Godfrey isn’t in the business of creating these types of boring displays. Give us the chance and what you will soon discover is that we have the tools to create for you a custom built trade show exhibit that is guaranteed to stop consumers in their tracks and stand in line to find out what amazing things are being offered.
If you are in the market for a custom built trade show display take a cue from Old Man Winter and let Godfrey design for you a display that will leave the crowd breathless!
Tags: booth, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, hanging headers, inflatables, kiosk, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, outdoor displays, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customers, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
We throw several words and phrases around on this site quite regularly. Terms like custom built trade show displays, custom designed exhibits, unique trade show ideas, and custom graphics….honestly we could go on and on and at times we do. If we tend to throw the same phrases around on a daily basis it’s only because we are so amazed by what our designers and project managers are able to produce we just can’t help but sing their praises everyday of the week.
From the very moment you first come into contact with a member of the Godfrey team it should be evident that you are not just dealing with some ordinary display design company, rather you are opening the door to one of the best experiences of your business career with the help of some of the best designers on the market today.
It all starts with a simple phone call to 1-800-789-9394 or click on of the mouse over to our contact page. Next begins a series of communications that will literally change the way you do business and shape your future for years to come, with the help a personal project manager together ideas will be formed based on your needs, desires, and goals. These designs can be based on any number of exhibits from our extensive gallery or could be something unique only to you. Plus if you’re in the area, you can also visit our showroom and find out just what goes on behind the scenes at Godfrey.
Once everyone is agreement with what you want in a custom built trade show display, the fun really starts as our designers begin the fabrication process. With each step emails and photos are sent to you along the way so there’s no question as to what is taking place to ensure you are getting the design of your dreams.
While complete setup instructions are included upon delivery, Godfrey’s commitment to you doesn’t end there! In fact for highly customized displays we will send a project manager to your location to ensure proper installation so that you are sure to be a hit at that next big trade show event.
So the next time you hear the phrases custom built trade show display and unique trade show ideas, think of all that Godfrey can do your business and get on the path to success!
Tags: Add new tag, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, Display Booths, Display Company, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Event Planners, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibitors, fabric structures, hanging headers, inflatables, kiosk, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, outdoor displays, Overhead banners, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customers, trade show kiosk, trade shows, unique trade show display
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Monday, February 7th, 2011
In a lot of ways putting on a great trade show appearance is like producing a play. It may sound like a stretch but just think of the last trade show you attended and all the different things large and small that needed to be handled before the doors were opened signaling the beginning of the big event. Although the trade show will only last a few days the list of things that need to be done months in advance include:
*Locking in the date you will be attending
*Planning what you will be showing to the public.
*Making travel plans such as what flights to take and what hotels will offer the best rate
*Inventory needs to be stocked
*Potential customers in the area need to called on so they know where they can find you and what you will be offering.
*Employees to need be made aware of what will be expected
All of this and a ton of other decisions must be made before you even get to the conference center. Once there the production really kicks into high gear as all that planning pays off and a thousand more issues raise their ugly head. The event is going to last longer than originally thought, do you have enough product? The event planner stuck you in a spot where no one will be able to find you, is there a possibility to be moved? Where is the best place to put your additional signage such as posters or information displays? During those first hours of every trade show chaos rules and that’s why Godfrey prides itself on making sure that with all that is going on around you the last thing you have to worry about is your custom built display.
Regardless of if we are talking about an outdoor tent, an indoor grand format fabric structure, a custom built workstation, or an simple sampling kiosk, with the help of our designers and personal project managers the last thing you are going to have to worry about is how well your custom built trade show exhibit will stand up to the competition and how difficult it will be to install. So remember the next time you begin planning your schedule, get with Godfrey and enjoy the feeling of having one less thing to worry about.
Tags: booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Exhibitors, fabric structures, hanging headers, inflatables, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, outdoor displays, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, showroom, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
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