The Best Salesperson I Know ナ Winning Skills for Great Tradeshow Success

September 21, 2013

Adam Schaffer

Adam Schaffer is Vice President, Tradeshows and Exhibitions for HelmsBriscoe and a member of the IAEE Senior Executives Programming Task Force.

Sales are the lifeblood of our industry.  Whether it’s selling booths and sponsorships, or selling the value of the show to attendees, we are always selling or being sold to.  I started my career in sales, have hired and managed many salespeople and, always with deep regret, have had to let a few go on to other opportunities.    Today, I am still selling -- and loving it.  Most of you are doing the same in some form or another.

I have a dear friend in the business who I realized is simply the best salesperson I know.  Here's why... 

She always (and I mean always) is:

·         A consummate professional

·         Ready and eager for the challenges of the day

·         Focused with a GREAT attitude 

·         Dressed for success

·         100% client focused

·         Very willing to ask the hard questions

·         Completely knowledgeable about every feature and benefit of her products

·         Fluent in the key elements of her competition to sell against

·         Hating weekends (because its harder to sell something on Saturday or Sunday)

·         Very capable speaking with CEO’s, VP’s, managers and assistants with confidence and courtesy

·         Fearless

·         Asking for the sale at just the right moment

Add these all up and it’s a winning package.   Most important, with all of these great skills and attributes (and sales numbers that would stun you), she doesn’t take herself too seriously.   She is an inspiration to me … and I hope all of you.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.