Tips to Become a Better Salesperson at Your Tradeshow Booth

October 18, 2014

You’re a trade show exhibitor, but surely you have occasion to be a trade show visitor. As an attendee, you probably don’t care to be ignored by an exhibitor that has products in which you have an interest. At the other extreme, you don’t want an exhibitor to be all over you, particularly if his product line is of no interest to you.

Keep this in mind when the tables are turned. If someone passing your booth makes it clear that he or she has no need for your product, give them the courtesy of allowing them to proceed unhindered to the exhibits in which they have an interest. Unless you have a very unusual product, it isn’t likely that every attendee will have an interest.

Those that approach your exhibit with a degree of interest should be treated as you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes. In all probability, you would like be able to describe to the exhibitor the problem you want to solve. Then, you would want to know how their product addresses your need.

What you would not want is someone who tells you, rather than asks you, someone who tells you how great their company is. Someone who tells you about all of the whiz-bang features of his product (whether or not these “features” address any of your needs), someone who promises to send you the information you want (but never does).

You may have visitors that are curious about your product, although currently they don’t have a need for it, or don’t think they have. With some skillful questioning, you may uncover a potential application.

As exhibitors, we are taught to be prepared with answers. Equally important, be prepared with questions that will give your visitors the opportunity to tell you about the problems they need to solve.

Discover the do’s & don’ts of trade show selling and become a better salesperson at your booth with our step-by-step guide, The New Rules of Tradeshow Sales, download it instantly here.

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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.