Posts Tagged ‘trade shows’

Giving That Trade Show Display A Voice!

Monday, April 4th, 2011

We’ve said it so many times and we will say it again, a custom designed trade show display will do amazing things for your sales. With a look that is the perfect match for your business, there is no limit to what can be accomplished thanks to some help from Godfrey’s amazing design team. While our displays will definitely get people in to see what you are all about, what happens next is up to you. This week we are going to focus on ways to better ensure that every customer is a success by reviewing some different techniques anyone in sales should know. 

Today we are going to focus on the voice; after that custom design display has wowed them and the customer is ready to hear your pitch, the way you speak and use your words can lead to the beginning of a beautiful friendship or to a quick not interested.

Tone- Anyone that has ever had a significant other in their life knows that an incorrect tone can change a discussion into an argument at the drop of a hat. So many times sales people mess up by not choosing how they say their words properly.  If you’ve been told before that you have a bad tone or need some advice, ask a friend that is willing to be honest with you and take their advice on how to change.

The pitch- Have you ever tried to learn something from someone that ums and uhs the whole time? Um today I would like to uhhh tell you um about uhhh this new product that ummm will save you money. The pitch is everything in sales and it needs to be practiced continuously until it can be delivered without a bunch of ums and uhhhs getting in the way. Be careful though all that practice might make you sound like you are reading from a script and that could cause you to fail to make a connection with the customer.

Emphasize and be energized- I’m a loud talker. I can’t help but shout everywhere I go. For some people this can be a big problem as nobody wants to get the sense they are being yelled at. Pay attention to the overall sound in the room and adjust your voice to fit that environment. At the same time remember to emphasize and stress those words that are meant to have an impact. The last thing you want it to bore someone away from your booth because you mumbled and spoke in a monotone voice.

Time To Call The Trade Show Professionals

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!

A Recipe For A Winning Trade Show!

Friday, March 4th, 2011

I’m not a huge fan of reality shows, but I must admit finding myself addicted to such cooking competitions as Top Chief, Chopped, and Iron Chief. There’s something about making the perfect meal that keeps me striving with every dinner to do better than the last. For the most part my love of cooking isn’t about the taste (though it’s no secret that all chiefs love to eat) but instead at least for me it’s all about the flavors. There’s something about the way basic ingredients have a way of coming together to create a unique dish. A dash of salt, a touch of thyme, pinch of dill….added at just the right time without forcing it; as the ingredients begin to come together they form something greater than the sum of their parts.

If you think about it a successful tradeshow is a lot like a one of a kind meal. Just as a cook must begin by pulling together the basics of the recipe such as garlic, flour, chicken; so too does an event planner as they prepare for what types of materials to take, the size and shape of the display they will need, what  type of approach to take that will ensure they get people’s attention. A successful trade show isn’t put together overnight no more than a seven course meal is done within minutes. What designs will get you the most attention? Should you go with the custom designed fabric structure or will a kiosk suit your needs more?

If you are getting ready to hit the trade show circuit, maybe you’ve been asking yourself lately as to what ingredients you will need to get the job done? Thankfully Godfrey is here to help and we’ve got just what you need to cook up a successful tradeshow. With tons of designs to choose from and a design team eager to help, it’s time you took the next step in the process and let us help make your next event a success.

Custom Built Trade Show Displays From The Experts!

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!

Pop-up Displays! The Cure For A Bad Case Of Jet Lag!

Monday, January 24th, 2011

While the concept of jet lag may seem like a fairy tale created by those trying to let what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas, in truth it is a very real and all too frustrating occurrence.  According to most doctors the effects of jet lag can take days to run their course and can cause some serious health issues. Otherwise known as desynchronosis, jet lag is the condition in which the body has a hard time adjusting to sudden shifts in time zones as is the case when traveling from the U.S. to locations abroad. The consequence of all that time zone hopping can be anything from insomnia, nausea, fatigue, headaches, confusion, as well as problems focusing on a specific task.  For business owners who fly the friendly skies on a regular basis as they make their way from one trade show event to another, each of these symptoms alone could cause major problems and together have the potential to combine to create the perfect storm destined to ruin an entire weekend of profits.

Always here to lend a helping hand, Godfrey has the perfect cure for all your jet lag woes thanks to our out of this world SpaceStation pop-up exhibits! Featuring tons of custom modification options, a lifetime frame and hardware warranty, fabric panel wrapped edges, and a choice of over 75 colors to choose from, our trade show pop-up exhibits help fight the effects of jet lag by springing to life in a matter of seconds! Can’t concentrate? Not a problem. Didn’t get any sleep the night before cause your body is still on New York time? We’ve got you covered. Our pop-up displays prove the big things come in small packages with their lightweight construction and easy to assemble directions will are guaranteed to have you up and running in no time! Plus all those ultralight materials mean you’ll also save money on shipping and transporting.

Don’t get to that next trade show feeling run down, run over, and running behind. Contact us today and learn more about how our custom designed pop-up displays can help you get into the thick of the action at your next big trade show event!

Don’t Miss Another Opportunity To See The Big Game!

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Wednesday we indulged ourselves a bit by talking about the BCS National Championship game and how to transform everyone’s love of sports into higher profits through the use of game props such as putt-putt, Plinko, and football toss. We also mentioned the nation as a whole was in a fever pitch which will continue building until it reaches its climax with the Super Bowl on February 6th. Doesn’t it always seem like the biggest events are held on the days where you simply can’t be two places at one time? You missed the Red Sox win the World Series because of your cousins wedding. Game 7 of the NBA finals got taken out by month end reports being due at work. Tiger Woods put on that green jacket while your Grandmother (who has never owned a TV) passed the gravy boat at the annual must attend or be kicked out of the family reunion.

Now comes word that the next great moment in sports history is taking place on February 6th and you’ve got a trade show planned for that very night. While Godfrey can’t make it where you are two places at once, we can bring the game to you and to the hundreds of visitors that are sure to stop by thanks to our amazing audio & video trade show exhibits!

Whether it be for trade show or retail use, Godfrey is ready at the drop of a hat to provide you with some of the most amazing audio video displays you have ever seen. Need a new way to show off that new commercial? Looking for a giant sized billboard to tower over your display so everyone in attendance can watch the big game? How about an easier way for visitors to contact people inside your company? Our helpful staff can provide you with options to fit all of these needs and more!

Don’t miss that next great moment in sports history because you didn’t plan ahead and don’t miss out on the chance be the go to stop at your next trade show event. Help is just a click away!!

The Power Of The Proper Handshake

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

According to some historians the handshake dates all the way back to the days of Camelot when kings and knights would shake a person’s hand in order to make sure no weapons were being concealed.  Today the handshake is a sign of respect, a gesture indicating that a deal is done, and for some it’s just as much an indication of who a person is as anything that is being said by them. A proper handshake takes practice and isn’t something you do half heartedly, it takes a commitment to the action and a lack thereof could lead to a major miscommunication.

Types Of Common Handshake Errors

  • Make sure you get in there- When shaking hands you want to make sure you complete the motion so that the hands are pressing together in equal proportions. If you don’t commit, the person you are introducing yourself to may get a handful of fingers and it could appear that you are not interested in meeting them.
  • Avoid sweaty palms- There’s nothing worse than to stick your hand out only to be met with a cold sweaty hand. Sweaty palms could indicate that the person is nervous or lacks confidence. One good trick for avoiding this is to keep a tissue in your pocket at all times and occasionally stick your hand inside to keep them dry.
  • The shake is not a test of strength- While you definitely don’t want to extend a limp wrist to a person you are introducing yourself too, trying to break their hand won’t do you any favors either. The trick is to be firm without squeezing in such away to cause any type of discomfort. A firm handshake exudes confidence, will power, strength, and a bit of attitude. Remember that it’s important to not over due it without appearing weak at the same time.

A good handshake has the ability to make every first impression a good one similar to the way that a custom designed trade show exhibit can also make a person feel an immediate connection with a company. Whether your company is in the market for something portable and easy to put up, an exhibit for outdoor use, or want to show how much they care about the planet by purchasing an environmentally friendly trade show display; Godfrey has just the thing you need to turn that all important first impression into the start of a beautiful friendship.

The Trade Show Packet: An Idea That Just Might Change The Way You Do Business

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

With the state of the market these days if you are company that makes their living off of the leads gathered from trade shows, then you need to be sure that you treat each event as a learning experience. Regardless of whether or not you’ve been to only a couple of shows or two hundred, everyone has something to learn and every vendor has something to teach. To this end today we are going to discuss the importance of a trade show packet and some of the things you can do at your next event that might help you down the road.

Simply put a trade show packet is a series of observations that require you to pay attention to not only how you did, but how other vendors faired. Before you can get started though make sure that you’ve got away to keep the notes so that you can review them from time to time; the last thing you want is to be stuck jotting a bunch of random thoughts down on a bunch of scrap paper.

What worked for you?  To say that a trade show can be hectic at times is definitely an understatement. We all know what it’s like when you are slammed and how things can turn around at the drop of a hat. Once you have a moment to catch your breath though, look around your booth and see what all the fuss was about. Did you sell out of anything? Was there a specific style you ran out of first or that people were asking about? Was your display set up to handle traffic accordingly or could you have setup a different way. Did you get any compliments on your exhibit?

What didn’t work for you? Every presentation has its flaws. Even the most customized of displays can miss if the way you present it is wrong. Delivery is just as important as any popup display, portable signage, or custom logo you surround yourself with. If you come across as rude, arrogant, or uncaring all that attention that your exhibit brought will quickly go the other way. In the same respect if you’re not clear and to the point as to what it is you are offering, those that visit your booth may not stick around to find out. A custom display will bring the crowd to you, but it’s your job to keep them there.

What did other vendors do? You shouldn’t have to look too far to see what other vendors at the show are doing. Take a walk and make a few mental notes as to what others are doing. Is anyone using games such as a money booth, Frisbee toss, or Plinko that are attracting a lot of attention? Maybe someone is getting a good response from a photo prop. Whatever the other guys are doing compare that to your own display and see who you think comes out on top. Maybe there are things that other vendors did well that may fit in nicely with your style or maybe you will see some things you are doing also which could be turning customers away.

A trade show packet is kind of like an exit interview you conduct with yourself. Take some time to really think about what happened during your trip, what your impressions were of the event as a whole, and what you might do differently your next time out.

Table Topper Trade Show Stopper

Monday, August 9th, 2010

We talk a lot here about grand exhibits, large fabric walls, and eco-friendly displays, but not all trade show displays are what they seem. In fact you might be surprised at what can be accomplished with the use of a simple folding table. Whether you bring your own or rely on the event organizer to provide one, a folding table combined with a few simple touches from Godfrey might just be the thing you’ve been looking for to turn you next show into something special.

The first thing you need to do is answer the question, when is a folding table not a folding table? Have you seen one these tables after they’ve been shipped, stored, and slid all over the place? They are dirty. They quickly start to show every dent, ding, and scuff. Soon they become so unappealing that you just can’t be expected to give a worthwhile presentation. Not to mention they limit your display space and feature nothing in the realm of customized graphics. So when is a folding table not a folding table? When it’s covered up by a brightly colored table throw. Covering all sides of the table and featuring a customized logo made to your specifications, a wrinkle-resistant table throw covers all those unpleasant looking blemishes and gives your table a professional appearance.

As great as a table throw can be though, it’s basically just the foundation for what could be an even greater sales experience. What you need next is a structure that easily folds out, provides tons of shelf space, and literally takes that Plain Jane table to the next level. One great thing about table top displays are that there are a ton of different styles to choose from. From the simple fold out variety, to the Space Station Popup, to the Roll N’ Go, to the Brief Case style; table top displays are portable, light weight, fully customizable, and are sure to give you a show room quality display perfect for large events or one-on-one customer meetings.

The next time you are looking for a quick and easy display that is full of options and can be customized to feature your company logo, remember that simple folding table and just what can be accomplished with a bit of creativity.

Avoid Getting Lost In A Sea Of Exhibits

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

When getting ready for a trade show there are a ton of things you can do in advance to make sure that you have a successful event. Of course you can make sure you have the best custom exhibit possible. You can find out who’s going to be there and what they will be interested is seeing. You can make sure who you have working the booth is up on all the facts and are able to answer any questions about your product that may arise. You can even create an elaborate demonstration of how your product works. The one thing you can’t control though is where you are located once you get to the conference center. Yes you can suggest or recommend to the event organizer where you would like to be, but ultimately it’s their decision as to where you are to setup and unfortunately not everyone can have the best seat in the house. So what do you do when you get to a trade show only to find that your setup location is far less than desirable? 

Take a walk. After you have everything setup and ready to go, leave the display with your help for a while and start shaking hands. Make sure you are wearing something that contains your brand name. If you know somebody there stop by and say hello. Tell them where you are and ask them to send people your way. Just by walking around and greeting as many people as possible you are creating buzz for your display.

Make people look for you. If you didn’t bring any with you, draw up a few signs on poster board advertising that you are there and where you can be found. If you own a truck or van with your name and logo on it, make sure you park it near the main entrance where people can see it as they enter the building.

Speak to the organizer. You make think they understand what you need, but in fact the organizer of the event may not have any idea that they have setup up somewhere that is unfavorable. While you are out meeting and greeting scout out a couple new locations and don’t be afraid to approach the person in charge with your ideas about where you might be best suited. The thing here to remember is that those hosting the event get a percentage of all sales, therefore the more people walking past your display means higher sales for you and a higher profit for them.

You have the most best custom display in the world but when it comes to being put in a bad location with zero traffic, you have to take matters in your own hands and make the people come to you. By making your presence known among the visitors, asking for a few favors from friends who might be able to send people your way, putting up some extra signage, and reminding the host of the event that you are there to make them money, you just might be able to turn a bad spot into a great opportunity.