Gearing Up for Busiest of Business Seasons

Like most Canadians, I enjoy our all too short summers, and experiencing the cooler night breezes, the shortened days, and the back to school sales at the malls, is a clear sign that it is coming to an end for another year. Fall heralds its return with vibrant colours and a renewed sense of excitement for getting back to business.

Networking events, workshops, and tradeshows are the flavour of the season. But don’t wait to the last minute to make sure you are ready. Tradeshows can be a great opportunity for showcasing your business and your products or services, if you have chosen the right ones to participate in. Do your homework. Not every show has the same value for every vendor. Make sure that the tradeshows you participate in are reaching your target market, provide lots of advertising, and are cost effective.

Research the upcoming shows well in advance and plan carefully, being sure to keep a calendar so you don’t miss any of those that will be important for you. Many booth spaces fill quickly at popular events and you don’t want to be disappointed. Once booked, make sure that you read through the information kits provided for exhibitors, noting information such as setup and take-down times, etc., that may be especially pertinent to you.

Now that the show is booked, your job is just beginning. Take your booth, and any mobile signage or banners out of the storage closet and inspect them thoroughly for any kind of damage. Doing this early means you have time to make any necessary repairs, purchase new items if need be, or upgrade logos or design. Fall is the busiest time of the year for printers and you will want to leave yourself time to test your booth setup, layout and design prior to the show. And don’t forget to check to see if you have lots of inventory and enough literature on hand well in advance of the show. Order extra quantities early.

Depending on what you will be doing at the show, i.e. product demonstrations, giveaways, sales, etc., you will want to make sure you have enough staff on hand, too. Scheduling sufficient help well in advance will ensure no last minute panic and a professional image at the event. Go over expectations of duties, dress and attitude prior to the show to avoid misunderstandings and errors.

Attending and participating in tradeshows and fall business events is one of my favourite things to do. People are relaxed, friendly, and eager to re-connect after the slower, summer season. Be approachable, not aggressive. Be friendly, not foolish; optimistic, not arrogant. Be yourself – your best self – well rested and well prepared. And enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the busiest of business seasons.

 Terri Plaxton Smith is the business consultant for the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre, 24 Maple Ave., downtown Barrie.  For information and assistance, call (705)720-2445.

Look for Terri Plaxton Smith's columns in the pages of Huronia Business Times.