TRADE SHOW TIPS FROM OLD SCHOOL PROS!

Yes, it is the day of texting, LinkedIn, reaching out and touching someone, but only electronically.

According to some of the greatest sales pros in the franchise community, there is still no replacing the good old trade show.  MFV Expositions, the producers of International Franchise Expos all over the world, are hosting yet another one at the Javits Center in New York City June 18-20th.  Here are tips from some of the top trade show veterans in franchising:

  • Tom Wood-President of Floor Coverings International-Booth 715.  "There is no substitute for the value of trade shows and meeting someone face to face. A handshake and a person-to-person discussion beats an email every time."  www.flooring-franchise.com/
  •  Peter Barkman-Vice President of Franchise Development for CertPro Painters-Booth 106. "We are looking for executive level business professionals. It's best to vet those people in person than over phone or email."  www.ownacertapro.com
  • Michael Peterson-Director of Franchise Development at Liquid Capital-Booth 1005. "These shows work if you work them! They are truly the only place where you can get face time with 15,000 or more entrepreneurs." www.lcfranchise.com
  • Brian Wieters-Vice President of Franchise Recruitment for Pillar To Post Home Inspectors-Booth 540. "The face to face interaction has taken on more of a key role in our technologically driven world. It builds the trust necessary to be a successful franchise recruiter."
  • Nick Bruckner-Senior Vice President of Sales for Signarama, Booth 632, a 900-unit chain that is the linchpin of giant United Franchise Group, known as the Trade Show Kings, sums it up pretty well.  He will be present and helping with UFG brands such as EmbroidMe-Booth 932, SuperGreen Solutions Booth 231, Transworld Business Advisors, Booth 769 and new powerhouse Experimac, Booth 833. Says Bruckner, "People buy from people they like. You can't know if you like a person you have never met."