The Importance of Being Genuine

May 24, 2014

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

You have probably heard that it is important in the event industry to be genuine.  And while that makes sense, many sales people hold back a bit. 

When it comes to your staff at your trade show booth, the need for a genuine interaction is vital.

Attendees are purchasing from you as well as the company.  This key point is oftentimes missed.  When an attendee comes into your booth, the staff on the show floor become the embodiment of the company.  So, the attendee is deciding to purchase based on the interaction of an individual sales person as a representative of the company.  And when they are purchasing from a person, they want to feel that connection.

Attendees want to buy from someone they can trust.  Attendees will trust the products and services of a company if they can trust the sales staff.  The quickest way to get to a trusting relationship is to have that genuine engagement they can feel good about.  If at any time they feel the engagement is fake or staged, it will undermine credibility.

Attendees are looking for a partner, not a salesperson.  With digital channels and the internet, prospects are no longer bound by location.  This means they have their pick of companies with whom they can do business, and they want someone who can be a partner for the long haul.  Genuine interactions provide the catalyst for that partnership.

Don’t miss the importance of being genuine when you interact with your trade show attendees. 

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
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.