Posts Tagged ‘demonstration ideas’

Tips For A Better Trade Show Presentation

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

Trade shows can be stressful for the most seasoned of professionals to say the least. For those just starting out they can be a downright nightmare. You want to be prepared before you arrive so you immediately start doing your homework; the demographics of those attending the event, what they will be looking for, the best way to present your product to them. In terms of exhibit design, you’ve worked for months with a designer and have created a custom built trade show display that is sure to be a home run. Featuring your company’s unique logo and complete with tons of counter space, room to demo products, and a place to pass out brochures; from a design standpoint everything is just how you imagined it. The big day shows up, the doors open, people begin to flood the convention center…and…and suddenly you freeze. Your mind goes blank, the color drops out of your face, and you’re as lifeless as a cardboard cutout.

Everyone lets their nerves get the better of them at times and stage fright happens to everyone at some point. The trick is to know how to shake yourself out of it and turn a terrifying situation into a successful trade show.

Tips For Shaking Stage Fright

  • 1) Know it when you see it- It’s easy to fall into a trance and continue stammering along in some type of shock. The hard part is knowing when you are losing control, accept what is happening, and quickly regain that confidence that got you to where you are.
  • 2) Don’t imagine the worst- Focus on the moment, take a few deep breaths, and lean on what you know. Nobody knows your product better then you do, so fall back on all that knowledge and tell those customer why you are about to change their world
  • 3) Relax- Sure it seems impossible when you are there in the deep end, but by taking a step back and gaining some composure, in no time you’ll start to have some fun. Don’t get so caught up in the pressure associated with the event being a success and just let things happen. In no time your personality will start showing through and people will be lining up to see what you have to offer.

So many times we put these tremendous levels of pressure on our backs and expect the world to change overnight. Remember to relax, take a step back if you need to, stay focused on what you know, and don’t forget that success isn’t always instantaneous.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Sales Pitch Do’s And Don’ts

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: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Tips On Giving A Good Demonstration!

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: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »