This episode is all about trade shows: which ones to exhibit at, how to put a stand together, what you need to take, what you should be prepping, and how to make the most of the opportunities there.
Who better to have on the podcast to talk us through all things trade shows than Therese Ørtenblad?
Therese is the founder of Small Business Collaborative, and works with product-based business founders who sell to retail stores. She shows them how to price their products for profit, teaches them how to sell in a way that doesn’t feel icky and shows them how to build a strategy with limited time so they can grow their sales and profits through wholesale without feeling alone and overwhelmed.
Therese had to learn how to sell as an introvert and has 14 years of experience heading up sales teams in the home and gift industry. She sits on the National Committee for The Giftware Association, and she’s the host of Let’s Talk Shop, a seasonal business podcast sharing stories and business advice.
I asked you what you wanted to know about trade shows, and Therese had answered all your questions and then some. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced seller there will be something useful for you in this podcast.
Listen in to hear Therese share:
- An introduction to herself and her business (01:29)
- What a trade show actually is (03:12)
- The benefits of selling at a trade show (04:29)
- When is the right time in your business to exhibit at a trade show (05:46)
- Useful things to have on your stand, from knowing your prices to having a catalogue (07:51)
- How to make yourself memorable to buyers (10:46)
- How to choose which trade show to attend (12:16)
- How much to budget for attending a show and fitting out your stand (19:04)
- The logistics of setting up your stand (20:47)
- Top tips for displaying your product (24:57)
- The most important thing people forget to do - get confident with selling (28:20)
- Should you include your prices on the stand? (31:27)
- Is it good to take another person or a friend with you to a trade show? (33:06)
- Legal and insurance legislation to be aware of (34:49)
- His number one piece of advice for anyone considering exhibiting at a trade show (36:50)
USEFUL RESOURCES:
Small Business Collaborative Website
Small Business Collaborative Instagram
Small Business Collaborative Twitter
Small Business Collaborative Facebook
Lets Talk Wholesale Facebook Group
Small Business Collaborative Tik Tok
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