Archive for the ‘marketing tips’ Category
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
You don’t have to be a little kid to know the terms Kinect, Playstation Move, or Sing-a-ma-jig. These are just a few of the hottest video game consoles and toys on the market this holiday season. Long gone are the days when it was only children that kept up with the latest in toys. These days everyone from teenagers to retirees are addicted to such gaming systems as the Nintendo Wii. While every mom, pop, aunt, and uncle, are scrambling for this year’s must have gifts, it may not be a bad idea to think about picking up one or two yourself to use as a little extra incentive for consumers to visit you at that next trade show event.
Must have gifts make the perfect attention getters at any event. Imagine the following: a custom built trade show exhibit featuring full color overhead banners, fabric walls, enough shelving to hold tons of inventory, all of it covered in your company’s name and logo. An electronic information center sits near the entrance flashing a picture of this year’s got to have gaming system the Xbox Kinect the only system that does away with hand held controls and translates your movements into action on the screen and in large print “WIN YOUR VERY OWN XBOX KINECT!!!” A audio/video booth is set up to allow visitors to experience the thrill of the games first hand and in the back past all your merchandise is a small pedestal where guests can sign up to win by simply dropping their name and contact info into a fish bowl.
Promotions offering a chance for visitors to your exhibit a way to win big are great ways to get your company’s name out to the public and meet tons of people that might otherwise skip your booth. Essentially allowing that all important foot to get in the door, a prize such as this year’s hottest toy is a gateway to thousands of potential sales and in the long run may be the cheapest most profitable alternative to large marketing campaigns. Before you get ready to go to your next trade show event think about giving something back to the customer and thank about how Godfrey can turn help you turn any trade show into one for the record books!
Tags: booths, contests, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, Display Booths, Exhibits, fabric structures, give-a-ways, kiosk displays, marketing tips, must have gifts, nintendo wii, outdoor displays, Overhead banners, playstation move, portable trade show display, potential customers, promotions, sing-a-ma-jig, sweepstakes, Trade Show Booths, tradeshow display, unique trade show display, xbox kinect
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, Digital signage, marketing tips, Overhead banners, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Exhibits | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
It’s so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away and then we are only a hop, skip, and a jump to Christmas and New Years. Bring on the twinkling lights, the turkey leftovers, the gift cards to all my favorite retail stores! The only thing I can do without are the long lines at the airport ticket counter and crowded freeways. If those in charge of predicting such things are right, this year will be even worse than last year. According to a recent article on this year’s holiday travel plans “42.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. That would be an increase of more than 11% from last year, when 37.9 million people traveled during the 5-day holiday period…. This includes a projected increase of 3.5% in air travel “based on improvements in the airline industry and its recent increases in capacity.”
What this means is that for those of us who are working up to the holiday or immediately afterward, it’s going to be hard enough to get ourselves through the lines in one piece not to mention the problems transporting a large display would bring.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are responsible to give a presentation and are in need of an easy to assemble, easy to carry, high quality presentation system then maybe what you need is a Briefcase Presentation system from Godfrey. Check out these four distinct varieties!!!
*The Show Style Briefcase- Unfolds from a tiny 24″x12″ case to a large 48″x24″ presentation. Pictures, charts, graphs, whatever your needs are easily attached to the fabric panels
*Zip-up Desktop- More than a desk on the go, this is the perfect display for anyone that needs to deliver their message quickly without missing any details. Plus it folds into a convenient carrying case.
*SalesBrief Presenter – Featuring plenty of space to hold all of your visual aids plus extra room for literature storage this case is the display for anyone who needs to give a major presentation with little room.
*Sales Folder- Available in hinged panels of 2,3,4, or 12 this system is designed to give the simplest of presentations a quick and classy look with the help of a few visual aids.
Tags: briefcase presentations, customers, holiday sales, holiday travel, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers
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Monday, October 25th, 2010
Last week we gave you a post about how Apple had turned itself into a giant buzz machine constantly generating tons of attention through the use of special events each featuring an air of mystery behind them as millions of consumers around the world debated on just what the electronics giant may offer next. Today we want to touch on Apple again by talking about how one band has taken the Apple iPhone and made a name for themselves by giving the public something they have never seen before….a concert using nothing but iPhone apps as instruments.
The band’s name is Atomic Tom and according to rumors on the web is appears the group got the idea of using their iPhones as instruments after their own were stolen several weeks back. In hopes of showing off their skills to the world, Atomic Tom hopped on a New York City subway car and produced a video of their song “Take Me Out” which has now garnered them over 1 million hits since it hit the web. Essentially what Atomic Tom has done is taken something that each of us have in our possession at least some point of everyday the cellphone and found a way to make it new again by giving it a renew purpose.
The concept of changing the way people see everyday objects isn’t something new to Godfrey, since we’ve practically been doing that with trade show displays from the very start. Featuring state of the art custom graphics, ultra-light easy to transport materials and some of the most amazing designs to hit the marketplace in years, Godfrey is second to none in terms of what they can do for your next trade show exhibit. Just look at some of these amazing designs:
Video & Audio Displays-Large screen, small screen, plasma, LCD, or projection we have the perfect fit for your existing exhibit, retail environment, lobby, kiosk, information center, and showroom. Plus we offer stand alone components for those that want to start from scratch!
Fabric Display Structures- From pop ups to tensioned walls to montage displays to overhead banners, Godfrey is setting the standard for what can be done in terms of custom fabrics. Our Grand Fabric Structures can be sculpted in a wide variety of shapes including columns, enclosures, towers, and banners.
Forum Modular Display- The most versatile trade show display on the market today, featuring push button connectors which allow for the one-inch aluminum tube frame members to fold down in an easy to ship case.
Forget about those other displays that have gotten so ordinary that they practically blend into the background. The next time you get ready to attend a trade show, give Godfrey a call and find out how you too can become one of the few that changes the way people see things.
Tags: Apple Computers, Atomic Tom, booths, Custom displays, custom exihbits, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Exhibits, fabric structures, iPhone Apps, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customer, Trade Show Booths, tradeshow display, unique trade show designs, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas | No Comments »
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
Believe it or not the holidays are just about here and for retailers that depend on these last three months to make up for the loses experienced during the last nine, it’s now or never. While hopes may be high for big sales, according to some forecasters the reality is that the economy has simply made it too tough for consumers who otherwise spend loads of cash on gifts. In a recent report from CNBC “A record high 43 percent of American shoppers plan to spend less during the last quarter of the year than they did in 2009, while only 11.0 percent expect to spend more this Christmas” So what are smaller retailers supposed to do in order to get an edge this Christmas? Simply put they have to go where the consumers are.
This year Toys R Us who in years past have themselves filed bankruptcy will be opening up 600 express stores in malls and retail outlets all across the country. These temporary stores are projected to hire some 10,000 employees and if all goes well many stores may stick around long after the holidays are over. While the toy store giant may be larger than your average mom and pop store, the strategy they are employing is something that can be done by just about anyone.
Portable kiosks are easy to install, simple to transport, and could be the key to making this Christmas season the best yet. Godfrey has everything your company needs to get you to where the people are. Whether you prefer something elaborate such as a Grand Format Fabric Graphic Structure complete with fabric panels that are designed to define your space while reinforcing your brand or something more along the lines of an information display with optional video/audio features and custom pedestals, setting up a portable store front is easy. Featuring amazing graphics, custom logos, and a team of designers all focused on giving you the best display possible, Godfrey is your one stop shop for all your display needs. Plus don’t forget our display rental program which allows you to test out a display while saving you money!
Tags: booths, christmas promotions, Custom displays, Display Booths, Display Company, express stores, holiday sales, increased sales, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers, retail displays, Toys R "US", Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
Posted in marketing tips, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booth Rentals, Trade Show Booths, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
The great thing about Godfrey’s extensive variety of trade show displays and exhibits, is that no matter what you are in the market for we’ve got it covered. Whether it is a display that is quick and easy to assemble, an environmentally friendly exhibit, or something private such as a portable conference room, one look around our website and you’ll instantly see there’s no limit to the possibilities of what your next trade show exhibit could look like. But what if you already have a display that for the most part you are satisfied with? What if you purchased an exhibit before you heard about Godfrey and you haven’t gotten your money’s worth out of it yet? The color is still good, there’s no sign of any major wear or tare…basically it’s still a good display yet there are clearly a few extras missing that might help with the overall design. Thankfully Godfrey has the answers guaranteed to solve all the problems with your current display.
Counter Space and Storage Problems- Many are surprised at just what an extra pedestal or two will add to the overall layout of the exhibit. Not only do pedestals provide more counter space, but at a trade show where space is in high demand they can also be used to store extra inventory such as brochures or packaging. Plus they are perfect for helping to direct the flow of traffic into and around the exhibit.
Customized Headers and Banners- While we can’t do much about the lack of customization on an existing display, Godfrey does offer several styles of banners, signs, and hanging headers that can easily feature your company’s name and logo.
Additional Shelving- Information displays not only provide extra room to display brochures and other informational materials, they can also incorporate video and audio accessories which are sure to give your sales a boost.
Custom Flooring- A trade show exhibit should tie everything together. From the color of the walls to the use of graphics to what the company is trying to promote, all of these things should be reflected in the design of the exhibit. Flooring is just as important. Whether it be a red carpet, connecting, or even diamond plated tiles; a good looking floor cover is often the final piece of the puzzle in building a great looking exhibit.
Tags: booths, conventions, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, display add ons, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, Event Planners, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibits, fabric structures, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers
Posted in Eco-friendly displays, marketing tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, October 18th, 2010
Every couple of weeks the rumor mills gear up, the blogs begin posting their theories, and the 24-hr new sites can’t help but spread the buzz as word begins to spread of yet another major announcement by Apple. The latest event occurred less than a month ago and brought us the new iPod design along with a better version of Apple TV, both of which left half the planet salivating the moment the first designs hit the web. Now comes word that this Wednesday will be yet another historic day in terms of what the electronics giant has up its sleeve. Best guess as to what will be revealed include a new version of the Macbook Air “the world’s thinnest notebook”, a new operating system, or something as simple as a software upgrade. Regardless of what will be offered though, Apple succeeds repeatedly where others fail…they capture our attention by building up the mystery.
As a company that regularly makes the rounds on the trade show circuit, there are a few Apple inspired things you can do to help build a little mystery of your own. The first thing you need to do is come up with something people want. It could be a new line of products that you are waiting to revile, a lower price, or a even a new contest. Once you’ve come up with something people want to see, it’s time to spread the word. Reach out to every contact, every friend, every person that ever signed a visitor sheet at one of your exhibits. Tell them where you are going to be and promise them an announcement that they will just have to see to believe. Finally on the day of the trade show, cover the landscape in teaser ads that are designed to leave people with no choice but to see what all the fuss is about. Place posters outside the event center, electronic information displays inside the main entrance, or if possible a billboard sign similar to the Truss System all geared toward pointing people in your direction.
Everyone loves a good mystery the same way we all hate to be left out of the crowd. By building an air of mystery around your next trade show exhibit you create a feeling in the consumer that a major opportunity will be missed out on unless they visit your exhibit. If you need more proof that a little mystery can do wonders just tune in Wednesday when Apple makes their latest announcement…I know I will.
Tags: Apple announcement, Apple TV, booths, conventions, creating buzz, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Display Booths, iPod, iTunes, kiosk displays, marketing tips, mystery marketing, portable trade show display, potential customers, Trade Show Displays, unique trade show display
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Monday, October 11th, 2010
In a recent paper by Cheryl K. Olson of the Massachusetts General Hospital entitled “Children’s Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development” the subject of why we play games was addressed. According to Olsen the reason we play games is because they give us a connection to one another in that today’s games whether video or otherwise are geared toward being played by groups of people rather than alone. Games also feed our desire to compete with one another in hopes of proving our superiority.
As a company that fequently attends trade shows you might find these answers quite interesting especially if you are in the market for a new exhibit. Responses to the question “Why do you play video games?” included: “I like to compete with others”, “Helps me to forget my problems”, “I like the challenge of figuring things out” and clearly the most insightfull in terms of business “Helps me make new friends”. Now think about some of the games that are availble to be customized featuring your company’s name and logo and think about this last statement. Games like Plinko, Football Toss, Putt-Putt Golf, and even bowling each helping you to make that connection with your target market by telling them that you want to be their friend, you want to help them figure things out, and you’re there to help them forget or even solve their problems.
Now given this survey was geared toward finding out the motivations of minors, but honestly aren’t we all children at heart. As adult’s don’t we all want to show our boss we are the best at what we do? Show our friends that we’ve found the perfect device to solve our problems? That we’ve got a new friend that is helping us make our lives better? Games and props do more than just provide fun, they encourage people to spend some time with your company and learn what you are all about. They are the foot in the door of a lasting relationship. What more could you ask for then a line full of people at your next trade show event all standing around laugh, forgetting their problems, and getting to know your company?
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, Display Booths, kiosk displays, marketing tips, trade show games, trade show promotions, Trade Show Tips, unique trade show display
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Monday, September 27th, 2010
You may have missed it, but last week marked the official kickoff of the fall season. Although parts of California are still seeing record high temps, sooner or later those cooler days and nights will be driving us all inside. If you’re a business that depends on outdoor advertising to help spread word of mouth, the winter is definitely not your friend. During the summer it seems that every retail store and restaurant in the city has some mascot or college kid walking the streets passing menus as they try to win people over. There’s a reason why the Outdoor Advertising Association Of America claims that in 2009 alone advertisers spent close to $6 billion on outdoor advertising and the reason is that it works. A good outdoor advertising campaign always catches the eye, is unlimited in the number of people it reaches, and continuously delivers its message 24 hours a day 7 days a week at little cost.
If you’re a company that depends on their employees to walk the streets in order to generate sales, the winter months can often become very trying as the weather conditions simply make it impossible to stand outside holding a banner. Thankfully Godfrey has several outdoor banner stands uniquely designed to capture a person’s attention and get them into your store.
Large Format A-Frame- Available in either single or double sided this A-Frame is 8′h x 20′w, is filled with water to keep it anchored to the ground, and features full color dye fabric graphics
Banner Sail II- For indoor and outdoor use the best thing about this stand is its amazing 17 foot high frame that allows it to tower over the competition.
Economy A-Frame- The smaller version of the Large Format A-Frame, the economy size can fit a single or double sided banner and is 36″h x 96″w
Sidewalk Frame- A perfect size for sidewalks that get a lot of foot traffic, this frame comes with available graphic inserts or vinyl options
Flying Banners- As if waving you into the store itself, the Flying Banner begs for attention as it flaps in the slightest of breezes. With the ability to pivot and swing from side to side, this is one of the best types of outdoor signage on the market today.
PopOut TriTower- When it comes to outdoor advertising, three sides are definitely better than two and this especially holds true when talking about the TriTower. Weighting in at a minor 13lbs and able to be folded up for transport in seconds, this is the perfect sign for those companies that like to change things up on a regular basis.
Tags: Custom graphics, fabric structures, marketing campaigns, marketing tips, outdoor advertising, outdoor banners, outdoor displays, outdoor promotions, portable trade show display, sales tips
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Monday, September 20th, 2010
We’ve talked a lot about first impressions lately specifically how to execute the perfect handshake and the importance of remembering first names, both of which are extremely important when attempting to build a relationship with a customer. If you are salesman who travels all across the country bouncing from one meeting after another, then probably more than anyone else you know how important it is to be prepared when meeting a new client for the first time. A good salesman has to somehow find a way to put all that stress from the hours they were delayed at the airport, the horrible taxi cab ride over, not to mention the busted elevator, and present themselves with confidence to the customer.
The last thing a salesman has time for is to fiddle around with a display that requires a degree from M.I.T. to setup. Instead they need something that takes little effort and time, yet looks like it cost a million bucks. The ShowMax Table Top Display does all of this without sacrificing the quality that people have come to expect from Godfrey. What makes the ShowMax simply the best portable table top display on the market isn’t the fact that it gets one or two things right, but that it succeeds on several levels including:
- Portability- The ShowMax is extremely lightweight and features two in-line skate wheels allowing for easy transport. Plus it folds up into a convenient size complete with a handle at the top.
- Setup- Simply unfold the case, attach a custom designed header, a couple halogen lights at the top, and in seconds your presentation is ready to commence
- Quality- Like all of Godfrey’s displays and exhibits, the ShowMax is custom built to the customer specifications. This means that the customer decides just how much detail they want the display to have and which of the Velcro ready fabrics work best for their particular needs.
Available with optional transport bag, the ShowMax Table Top Display is the perfect display for anyone who finds themselves having to give presentations repeatedly and is in need of a quick and easy display made from the highest quality materials.
Tags: Custom graphics, customer service, customers, Displays, first impressions, marketing tips, potential customer, potential customers, tabletop displays, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom table throws and runners, marketing tips, Trade Show Displays | No Comments »
Friday, September 17th, 2010
As a vendor it’s your job to attract the customer’s attention any way you can. It’s not uncommon to see everything from scantily clad models to circus clowns making their way through an event in support of a company. And let’s face it most trade shows do have that circus atmosphere what with all the loud music, flashing lights, and costumed characters running around. While this type of guerilla marketing does attract attention, it tends to take the customer’s eye away from what the main focus should be and that’s what the vendor’s message is. The result of being the life of the party is that once the show is over, very few in attendance will remember less about who put on the event and more about the guys juggling the flaming chainsaws. Not that prop games such football toss or Plinko don’t have their place at a trade show. After all, the most important thing is getting that foot in the door. With that said though vendors need to remember that through all the glitz and glitter if the customer doesn’t walk away with the sponsor’s name on their tongue, all that shock and awe missed its target.
Believe it or not there are other qualities that customers appreciate in the company’s they do business with rather than providing them with a good time. Among those traits honesty is considered one of the highest. For some adverting and honesty may be on completely separate ends of the spectrum, but if you’re a consumer looking to spend a large sum of money in a time when our nation’s economy is leaving everyone counting pennies; being honest is a breath of fresh air. An example of this can be seen this week in a recent full page ad featuring the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves who continuously seem to be disappointing fans with one losing season after another. In the letter the team president tells fans “We now have more shooting, athleticism and depth at every position, which will make us a better team this season. So will we challenge for the NBA championship this year? Not likely. Ouch. This honesty thing is a bit painful. But the reality is, we still need that one dominant player…..We are confident, however, that this team will be exciting to watch. For the first time in years Wolves fans are going to feel like they’re missing out if they aren’t in the arena. So in addition to player development we’re working hard on fan development, starting with variable pricing and Flex Pack ticket packages that let you pick the games and seats that you want. The bottom line for fans is: We’re making it easier than ever for you to be part of our turnaround.”
Instead of fireworks and magicians, consider an approach similar to the Timberwolves: Custom built fabric walls, soft lighting behind a backdrop of hand selected images, a hanging banner overhead, a conference table to the side, a few chairs for visitors, and a video monitor providing constant information on how your product will change the lives of all who try it. All of this covered in eye catching colors and featuring your company’s name and logo emblazoned in multiple places. No tricks. Nothing to disguise who you are. Just an honest approach at presenting yourself to the customer.
Tags: booth, booths, communication, communication tips, Custom displays, customer service, Displays, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, Godfrey Group popups, hanging headers, honesty, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, sells tips, Trade Show Booths, trade show tactics, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom hanging headers, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »