I do computers. I am not a marketing guru. In fact, I have less creativity then your average rock. So, the Chamber’s Expoventure business shows have been a test of my capabilities as a business owner to say the least.

I was a bit apprehensive before signing up for the first Expoventure. I had never before attempted to market my company to the public at that point. No real marketing plan whatsoever. I wasn’t really sure what to do, how to act, or what to say. So I did what came naturally... I was just me. In spite of that, we had a VERY successful Expoventure and the 2006 Expoventure was even better for us. It has been a wonderful, rewarding experience and I recommend it to everyone. With that being said, here are a few tips and hints that have worked so well for us.

1. Have fun. LOTS of fun.
2. Get leads, not sales. We have never sold anything on the expo floor, nor am I trying to. I am there to meet people, make an impression and give them some knowledge about our company. This way I am not pushy, just comfortable. In case you didn’t know, most people don’t like pushy.
3. Do something different. Sure, everyone wants to have a different product, or seem like they are different, and we probably all are. But DO something different that catches their eyes. Both years we have done something that I think has been fantastically simplistic. Slippers. Bunny slippers, bear feet slippers, but something out of the ordinary. We have had more people stop to talk to us just to laugh at those slippers than I can count. And several are now our clients.
4. Have fun. LOTS of fun.
5. Talk to EVERYONE. If someone is walking by and they don’t stop, talk to them. Just say "Hi, how are you." You will be amazed at how many people who may have just walked on by will stop and talk to you.
6. Don’t leave early. I know, I know... every year we hear about how much business you miss out on if you leave early, yada, yada, yada. Well, I am here to tell you: THEY AIN’T LYIN’! We have gotten one new client at both Expoventures with less then 5 minutes left in the show.
7. Just in case you missed it: Have fun. LOTS of fun.

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