A discussion about sales, sales tips and advice, and about those who land the deal

Forgive me for the little rant a moment ago in talking about Seth and Michael's observations about trade shows.

But indulge me for a moment while I add a little bit of advice to the conversation when it comes to trade shows:

1. Trade shows are not for sitting down.  They are for talking to future customers.
2. Come out from behind the 8 foot folding table with the pretty little skirt around it.
3. Ditch the lame giveaways. 
4. If you're insisting on a giveaway, be creative for goodness sake.  Do something that you haven't seen before.  How about partnering with a local animal shelter and giveaway homeless pets?  That would be original.  An attention getter?  You bet.
5. Talk to every other vendor there and see if there are business synergy possibilities.
6. Have a witty response ready when people stroll by, make eye contact, and try to figure out what your company does.  Draw them in with a great opening line.

You get the idea.  The bottom line is that trade shows are for getting more business.  If that's not happening, you're wasting your time and your company's money.  Take it seriously.