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Convention Do’s and Don’ts
10:33 AM, Mar. 22, 2006
Convention season is here! Yesterday, Dena gave some great ideas on making the most of your time at homeschool conventions. Here are a few more convention tips. The Do’s and Don’ts of conventions: Do dress professionally—Make sure your dress is comfortable, yet professional. This doesn’t mean the men need to wear a suit and tie and the women dress slacks or skirts, but don’t wear an old worn t-shirt and jeans with holes. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Remember your audience and dress appropriately. You’ll be standing on your feet for hours at a time, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Do be courteous and polite—As convention attendees stop at your booth, ask if there is anything you can help them find. Engage them in conversation but don’t be pushy. If they feel comfortable, they’re more likely to take their time looking at your products and asking questions. Do listen to customer concerns—If a current customer voices a concern, be attentive. Listen carefully to their concerns, ask questions, and do everything you can to resolve the situation and keep the customer. Happy customers make repeat customers. Do make sure all staff assisting at your booth is knowledgeable about the products—If possible, it is a great idea to have a training session on your products and business for those that will be assisting at your booth. Training should include some role-playing so you and your staff are comfortable answering questions. Do have printed catalogs or brochures for prospects—On the first day of a homeschool convention, many moms and dads are just checking out the convention to see what’s available. They may not make a decision until the next day or even weeks down the road. Give them something they can take home or back to their hotel room. Let them take their time in reading information about your product so they can make the best buying decisions for their families. Don’t let body language ruin your sales—A friendly smile will draw people to your booth. Be open and inviting. Don’t cross your arms over your chest. This gives the impression that you don’t want to be bothered. When you’re talking to a customer, make eye contact. If you display confidence, they’re more likely to trust you and what you’re telling them about your product. Don’t eat at the booth—Most homeschool conventions have an area set up with tables for attendees and vendors to take a lunch or snack break. Use these areas. You don’t want a customer to catch you with your mouth full. Don’t sit in the corner of your booth—This goes back to be inviting and friendly. If at all possible spend most of the day on your feet engaging customers. If you must sit, sit up straight and be easily accessible to the customers. Don’t leave your booth unattended—This may be unavoidable if you are the only one attending your booth. If you must leave the booth, try to plan it for times when many convention attendees are in workshops or eating lunch. If there are two or more of you, take turns taking breaks so that someone is at the booth at all times. Oh, and the last Do…DO have fun!
Laura Fox Marketing Director The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Comments
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About This Blog The Homeschool Marketer is the place to gather all your tips about homeschool marketing and public relations! Whether you are considering marketing to home educators, are a homeschooler attempting to spread the word about your business efforts, or just want to know the news from the busy bees at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, this is the place to get the "buzz".
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