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~Convention Comrades~

Ah....it's convention time again! What an opportunity!

 

With Trigger Memory Sytems being such a new business, last year was our first to attend a homeschooling convention as vendor. Though I have attended many as a "customer" I'd never been on the other side of the booth and didn't really know what to expect. My two partners were even less insightful as they'd never been to a conference at all! It would be fair to say that we were a bit trepidacious regarding the whole experience. Fortunately, our fears were groundless and the trip was well worth the effort. In fact, we'll be heading off for the WHO convention again this June.

 

For those of you new to conventions I highly suggest taking time to meet and chat with as many other vendors as you can. This can be just as important, if not more so, than making actual sales. We were a bit shy last year and probably didn't take full advantage of that opportunity. However, the little interaction we did have was most beneficial.

 

One example is Kim Kautzer of Write Shop who was extremely encouraging and a veritable treasure trove of information. She filled us in on everything from where to find the least expensive (high quality!!) lodging to which companies to present with our product. Being able to put a face with a name made us comfortable in emailing her throughout the year, both sharing and asking for ideas and information. (Belonging to the same Christian Publishers Emailing Loop mentioned in a previous post helped, too!)

 

Also, as you meet other vedors and distributors, don't feel discouraged if you fail to receive an immediate response. One of the distributors we were most hoping to work with took our program and we never heard back. Until last month, that is, when they placed a good order to take with them to the upcoming conventions!  Here it is nine months later, and we are finally seeing that business contact pay off.

 

So...if you're heading off to your first convention DO take time to visit and get to know your fellow vendors and distributors. It's well worth your time. Plus, you'll get to meet some really nice folks!

 

Dena Wood

Trigger Memory Systems

 

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