Archive for the ‘marketing tips’ Category
Friday, March 25th, 2011
This past Sunday March 20th was special for many reasons (my son’s 5th birthday) but among those certainly one of the most important was the official beginning of spring 2011. Winter 2010 was one of the worst since such things were tracked and you can almost feel the entire country breathe out a sigh of relief and take in the smell of nature coming alive once again. For trade show vendors who spend their weeks bouncing from one outdoor festival to another, some of the most anticipate months of the year are now here. Before hitting the road though, it might be a good idea to set that tent up now otherwise you may be in for some unwelcome and costly surprises if you wait till the day of the event.
Tips for cleaning and storing outdoor tents
*Before taking that outdoor tent out for the first trip of the season, go ahead and set it up back at the store. Not only will this allow you to see if there’s been any damage since you last used it, but it will also give the tent a chance to air out. In fact airing it out may not be a bad idea after every trip.
*Beware of using any types of detergents or cleaners to remove spots on the tent. First try a sponge and some warm water. If that doesn’t do the trick go to the camping section of your nearest retail store and ask if they have any type of cleaner that won’t damage the material or ruin the design.
*Once the tent has been cleaned, don’t be so quick to put it in storage. Anytime the tent gets wet, it’s best to make sure it is completely dry before folding up in order to avoid problems with mildew and rusting on the poles.
*Store the tent out of the sunlight. Nothing will hurt a tent like constant exposure to the elements and this includes that sun that is beating down on it all day. When looking for a place to store the tent until it’s needed look for a dry place out of direct sunlight which doesn’t see much in terms of drastic changes in temperature.
Unfortunately constant exposure to the elements will eventually take its toll on any type of outdoor display no matter how well taken care of. When that time comes and you find yourself in need of a quality outdoor event tent or outdoor kiosk, Godfrey is here and willing to help.
Tags: Custom graphics, marketing tips, outdoor displays, outdoor tents, portable trade show display, tent care, tent cleaning tips, tent storage
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Thursday, March 24th, 2011
For small business owners it seems that the challenges in this current economy never cease to end. The cost of health insurance, employees asking for more money, inventory expenses going through the roof, consumers becoming even more frugal than ever before….the hits never end and the pressure isf ever increasing. Now comes word from one real estate consulting firm that in less than five years rental expenses will see a significant upswing and might climb as high as 35%.
According to Lesley Deutch of John Burns Real-estate Consulting the average renter is about to see a major change in how much they pay every month. With expectations anywhere from a 25%-31% increase by 2015, we will all be forced to find even more room in our already overcrowded budgets. For retailers this means that unless they find a way to increase sales, some very hard choices will also be in their near future. One of the best ways to increase sales is to stay fresh on the mind of the consumer by presenting them with something the likes of which they have never seen before. Something like one of the many showroom and retail environments from the experts at Godfrey.
Whether custom designed to meet your individual specifications or chosen from our extensive gallery of designs, Godfrey offers retailers a wide variety of options including: both hard and soft surfaces, light box fixtures, audio and video components, and even the ability to literally shift the design to create new looks within minutes.
As a small business owner you understand that there is no limit when it comes to what problems may happen next. Unless you have a steady cash flow budgeting can be a nightmare. Thankfully Godfrey is here to help with our line of amazing looking showroom interiors that are sure to help keep the customers flowing through the door.
Tags: budgeting tips, Custom displays, Custom graphics, increase sales, marketing tips, potential customers, rent expenses, showroom design, showroom interiors, small business concerns, small business tips
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
In a post we recently brought you concerning the rising cost of gas and how it is sure to effect how much you are going to be able to get out of that travel budget during the coming year, we mentioned that one great way to save on travel expenses was to choose a type of trade show display such as a table top or tension wall that is made of ultra-lightweight materials and consequently less expensive to transport from one location to the next. If you think about it though that when it comes down to it while using a lighter display is definitely one sure way to save cash, it’s certainly not the only way. One might also consider the use of an information display as a way to limit the number of people that you have working the show.
Certainly there’s no substituting what two people can accomplish at a trade show, however in drastic times drastic measure become necessary. Consider what it costs to send one employee to an event: there’s the cost of an extra bed or room, salary and wages, and of course that one thing that literally eats up the entire budget i.e. food and snacks. Again it helps to have an extra employee to simply ensure that there is always somebody at the booth, but what if you could find a way to cut back on costs by only sending one person without sacrificing too much in the way of customer coverage. An information display featuring optional audio/video mounts can be so effective it’s like having that extra employee working the booth at a fraction of the cost.
Regardless of whether you prefer an info kiosk, a star rotator info board, a portable workstation, or unique Post-n-Panel; each offers the ability to allow for a wide variety of brochures and information packets to be passed out to all those that would like to know more about what you have to offer. Plus imagine how much money can be saved by sending an information display that doesn’t require food and lodging like a real person!
If you are feeling the pinch of the latest economic downturn and are looking for a way to save some cash, information booths from Godfrey are the key to some major savings.
Tags: booths, budgeting, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Display Booths, expenses, information displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers, Trade Show Booths, trade show design, trade show support, travel expenses
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Friday, March 11th, 2011
After months of negotiating it was announced late this afternoon that NFL labor talks had broken down and a lockout was imminent. With the owners claiming they want to come to terms and the players stating that such issues as an 18 game season and better retirement benefits are just not something they are going to concede on, it looks as if the work stoppage may last all summer long. For fans this means that once the NFL draft scheduled for April 28-30 has passed, NFL will be a No Fun League until both sides agree to meet in the middle somewhere.
Now you may be asking yourself why you are reading about this on a website clearly devoted to trade show display design where we regularly preach about the limitless possibilities of a custom designed trade show exhibit from The Godfrey Group. The answer to this question is simple; people want to have a good time. After the day is over, the tie has been yanked off from around their necks, and the boss has left the building people simply want to kick back with their favorite sport. No sport is bigger in this country than pro football and with the coming season looking like a pipe dream, they are going to be looking for ways to enjoy the game however possible. This is where you step in with the help of one of our football toss trade show games!!
Guaranteed to not only be a crowd pleaser, but to also help all those desperate football fans get their minds off how much they miss the pros, each display will come featuring your company name and logo so by the time they have worn their arm out they will be sure to remember who was responsible for supplying all that fun!
Tags: custom trade show design, NFL games, NFL labor dispute, NFL lockout, Trade Show Displays, trade show games
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2011
The next time you find yourself at a trade show event do yourself a favor and step back. After all the merchandise is placed just like you like it and the crowd starts making their way through the conference center, step back for a moment and look at the overall presentation you have laid out. As you scan over the display ask yourself these questions:
Is the setup exactly what you had in mind for the event?
Is there enough space for people to look around and see all that you are offering?
Does it encourage conversation?
How does it compare to the other displays at the trade show?
Does it look the same?
Does it stand out?
Too many times we get in our minds what a trade show display should look like and more often than not that image is based on what we have seen others do or what is considered to be the current norm. A fear of looking like everyone else is a problem all companies must deal with. While it’s extremely important to present the consumer something they are familiar with, there’s a very real danger of becoming so much like your competition that any differences that could help you stand out become background noise.
So the real question is how do you stand out from the rest of the pack while at the same time keeping that connection with your target market? The answer is by being rebellious without going to extremes simply for the sake of looking different. Think about your current display again and ask yourself what would make a customer choose your booth over all the other vendors in attendance. Don’t be afraid to take chances and mix things up a bit. Focus in on those things that make you different and bring them to the forefront. Give your target market something to get excited about, something that will create a buzz among the crowd.
If you are tired of your trade show display looking like everyone else’s and are ready to stretch the boundaries of what is considered the norm, then maybe it’s time you spoke with one of our personal project managers. Experts in trade show design, we believe that no idea is too wild and no suggestion is too small. Dare to be a rebel!
Tags: custom designs, Custom displays, marketing advice, trade show advice, trade show design, trade show experts
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Monday, March 7th, 2011
That cold snap that came through the last couple of nights really did a number on your pipes. You got up to take a shower this morning an you immediately noticed the change in water pressure. As that sick feeling began to take over, you slowly made the march towards the basement already aware of what you would find waiting for you at the bottom of those dark stairs….moments later phone in hand you do what must be done and that’s call a plumber for help with the 5 inches of water that is quickly rising.
All that running a around trying to get the plumbing fixed left you exposed to the elements which in turn made you a prime target for the flu. Within days you’re running a fever of a 105, can’t hold anything down, and can’t afford to use any more sick days. As much as you hate it, the only choice is to call the family doctor and get back on the path to good health.
Meanwhile the water that was filling the basement went from 5 inches to 10 by the time the plumber finally made it. The result left a crack in your foundation which won’t easily be fixed. A call to your home insurance agent gets a time setup to meet and a promise that it’s not as bad as you think. As he hangs up the phone the agent promises you that things will be back to normal in no time and the claim should go smoothly.
Just like in the scenarios above, at some point a problem gets so out of hand that we all must seek help from the professionals. For small business owners trying desperately to see the light at the end of that long economic tunnel, The Godfrey Group is here to help when you need us the most. From our expert design team who go out to their way to ensure your satisfaction to our display rental program which makes it easier than ever to try new ideas to our extensive library of designs with tons of concepts to choose from, we understand how tough the market is these days and we’re here to help. Whether it be an outdoor tent covered in your own personal logo, an information display with tons of room for pamphlets and brochures, or an easy to transport simple to install popup display; regardless of what your needs are if you are having trouble creating sales than it’s time to call the professionals and let Godfrey save the day!
Tags: Custom displays, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Event Planners, expert advice, fabric structures, inflatables, information display, kiosk, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, outdoor displays, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, trade shows, unique trade show display
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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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Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
Recently my family and I had the opportunity to visit the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Al. The three story building which is tucked away among banks, brokerage firms, and other offices downtown, is one of the many hidden gems in the city. For my four year old it was a dream come true. Unlike other museums which encourage silence and strolling from one exhibit to the next, the McWane Center has only one rule and that’s nothing is off limits in terms of what you can touch, pull, push, or throw. The completely interactive museum is everything that you would expect from what is essentially a business trying to get people in the door. Like the McWane Science Center in order to grow and encourage consumers to spend their hard earned money, today’s business must put aside the old ways of simply describing what their product does and instead give them complete access to experience the item firsthand.
It used to be the case not too long ago that in order to convince consumers that a product would change their lives, all a company would need to do is invest in a pedestal, an information booth to hold a few brochures, and a good pitchman. Times have changed though and with them trade shows are no longer filled with well suited guys spreading the charm and instead feature full scale putt putt golf courses, interactive audio video displays, not to mention chances to win big with such guaranteed crowd pleasers such as cash closets or spin to win games. In order to win a potential customer over they need to be able to touch, taste, and test the product so they know that what they are looking at is the latest thing that they can’t live without. Consumers want a chance to get on Facebook or Twitter to find out what others have to say about your product. They need to Google the latest news and reviews before they dish out the cash.
If you are a small business owner or trade show vendor looking to make a stronger impression while increasing sales, then the time has come to give your customers what they want with a fully customized interactive trade show display from Godfrey featuring the hottest designs on the market today!
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Exhibitors, fabric structures, interactive displays, kiosk displays, marketing tips, small business advice, trade show booth, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, tradeshow display, unique trade show display
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Monday, January 17th, 2011
Last week Anaheim Convention Center in always sunny Anaheim, California was the home of the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show. The event which is unfortunately not open to the public drew a crowd of over 90,000 and caught some headlines thanks to a one of a kind music set that is has everyone across the country talking. It all went down Wednesday when former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and rumored 2012 Republican presidential candidate got the chance of a lifetime to pick up a guitar and play a couple songs with legendary Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Huckabee was at the trade show in support of their commitment to keep music education in schools. The former Governor turned Fox New talk show host described this year’s NAMM trade show as “musician’s heaven”
Soon after the jam session took place the video went viral and within seconds millions all around the world that had never heard of the trade show event were suddenly checking out the NAMM video. As one can imagine this kind of advertising is priceless, yet isn’t anything that can’t be done by any other trade show vendor on the circuit today. The trick is giving the people something they have never seen before such as a one of a kind display that is sure to knock them off their socks. Imagine the type of response you could receive by letting Godfrey help you design a custom built display such as a submarine complete with a periscope, portholes, video monitors, and computer kiosks that are specifically designed to engage the customer. How about an eco-friendly trade show display with a center tower topped with fire and surrounded by monitors showing off your hottest products.
Sure it helps to have a movie star or legend of rock handy, but when one of those isn’t waiting in the wings a quality built custom designed trade show display from Godfrey is sure to get people talking!
Tags: booths, computer kiosks, computer stations, custom built designs, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, fabric structures, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
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