No matter how much you want to or how hard you try at some point we all need a little help and that means depending on someone else to get the job done. Obviously not everyone is going to share your passion for the products or your desire to see sales soar through the roof, however there are a few traits to look for that can help when it comes to finding someone to represent your best interests at that next trade show event.
- Trust Worthy- Trust is the keystone of any relationship and it’s what everything else is built upon. I once worked for a company that regularly sent their drivers out to local neighborhoods to pass out flyers in hopes of drumming up business when things got slow. For some reason we never got any response from an area of the city that should have been a hot-spot. Turns out the same driver was in charge of passing out the literature to that same area every time. All it took was someone to go behind him to find the entire stack of flyers in a local dumpster. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and check them. If you are sending someone to a trade show in your place, call a few people you know will be there and ask them to casually drop by, then report back to you.
- Personable- Just like the custom displays you have invested in, a good employee is someone that is friendly, easy to talk to, and puts a good face to your company. A good employee can make or break a sale, will leave a lasting impression on the customer, and can often be the thing that tips the scales and sales in your favor. Good manners, a good attitude, and politeness goes a long way when dealing with the public.
- Well Dressed- This ties directly to being Personable. When it comes to selling anything packaging is extremely important. No matter how you dress it up, Fillet Mignon is still trash if it’s served out of a garbage can. A well dressed employee speaks volume about your company and things are handled.
- Able To Take Direction- Another thing all great employees have is the ability to take direction. The last thing you need is someone who thinks they know everything and listens to nothing. Not only do your employees need to be open to the needs of the customer, but to what you need from them as well.
- Good At Problem Solving- Along with the ability to take direction it’s also helpful if you can find someone who can make good decisions. If someone takes the time to stop by your booth then they are expressing interest in what you are offering. The person working your booth is then faced with the task of finding out what their concerns are and what is keeping them from purchasing your product. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering alternative methods of payment (credit card, cash, or check) or it could be more complex like answering their safety concerns.
Remember you are putting your trust in your employees to represent your company with the same respect, qualities, and passion that you yourself bring to each and every event. The best displays in the world won’t generate any kind of interest if they are being manned by an employee who appears dirty, clueless as to what it is he’s selling, and cannot relate to the customer’s needs.
Tags: customer service, marketing tips, trade show advice, trade shows
[...] The Right Person For The Job [...]
[...] week in a post titled “The Right Person For The Job” I talked about how something as tantalizing as Fillet Mignon would appear to be plain trash [...]