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Moving from I Can To I Will Being an entrepreneur is quite exhilarating. We want to achieve grand accomplishments, make lots of money, and make our dreams come true. Well, at least in theory. Being in business for yourself can quite simply be an extraordinary challenge. The execution of those grand plans can seem overwhelming at times. It’s not even “I can’t” most of the time. It’s more like (insert long whining sound) – “well…I’ll tryyyy”. As a coach, it honestly makes me cringe!! Not because I don’t sympathize with the fact that dreams can seem daunting when it’s time to actually transform plans into action … because I KNOW my clients are capable of anything. They just need to BELIEVE, and then…well, it sounds cliché, but “Just Do It!” I know, I know…it’s easier said then done. What is it that keeps us from just saying, “yes, that is what I need to do, I will do it TODAY,” and then doing it? So often, it’s an internal Doubter that is trying to throw curve balls your way. The key to moving forward is to shut down that internal Doubter. We’re going to call your Internal Doubter “ED” (id is just too Freudian!) for the rest of this article. ED likes to say things like, “But what if….. I’m wrong? It’s hard? I fail? I lose money? No one wants what I have to offer? Someone I respect thinks it’s stupid? My customers hate it? My conversion rate goes down? Google dings me?” And so it goes. I’m sure you can think of hundreds of more things ED says to you on a daily basis! Usually it’s the same old story: ED knows what your hot buttons are, and he likes to push them. What you need to do is figure out how to silence ED, so you can move forward with your dream. The first step is to identify your dream. What is it? We’ve talked a lot on our StomperNet Business Building Groups about setting goals. I really want you to go beyond that, to your dreams. If NOTHING were to stand in your way, what would you love to accomplish? Remember, there are no obstacles…not money, not time, not knowledge. Take the time to get away from your house, away from your work environment, and just dream. I encourage you to go to a place that is inspiring to you and allows you to really be creative in your thinking. Now, after you have really dreamed, WRITE IT DOWN!!! This is your ultimate dream…what you should be working towards each and every day. Everything you do should be getting you CLOSER to this dream. Ask yourself each day, “Is what I’m doing getting me closer to my dream?” Your goals will be steps to get you closer to your dream. Ahhhh…but what about ED? The secret to getting ED to be quiet is to fully acknowledge him. Don’t pretend like he doesn’t exist. In fact, what I would encourage you to do is acknowledge him, head on, with an interview. Ask ED these questions: 1) “How do you like to disrupt my dream?” The answer may be something like: The way I like to disrupt your dream, John, is to tell you that you are not smart enough to have your own ecommerce business, so you’ll want to quit. 2) “If you could run my life, what would it look like” The answer may be something like: Well John, I would keep you so disorganized you would constantly be thinking that you really aren’t good at running your own business. 3) “What would make you afraid of me?” The answer may be something like: Oh, John, if you have full confidence and an unwavering belief, I’d leave and find someone else to plant my seeds of doubt in. What you’re doing is trying to really find insight as to what ED wants you to believe, and how you can quiet him down. Identify the obstacles so you can work on ways to overcome them. Some obstacles are merely imagined, or beliefs. These include fears and concerns. These obstacles require changing your beliefs. You see beliefs aren’t neutral! You either believe something is TRUE or you believe it is FALSE. It’s a simple choice. Acknowledging, “I think I will fail” is a belief. And then change it to, “I will succeed.” We said in one of our last Business Building Groups that PASSION trumps EXCUSES. It can also be said that BELIEF trumps DOUBT. Other obstacles are real, such as lack of money or knowledge. BUT, they simply require a strategy. Acknowledge that, “I don’t know how,” requires a strategy. Make a plan to acquire the knowledge that you need. Here’s a quick, true story for you. About two weeks ago, my new stepdaughter was lamenting about going to work at her job in retail. I asked her, “Mila, if you could do ANYTHING you wanted to do, what would it be?” (Mind you, she is still in college, so options are somewhat limited in time)! Mila surprised me by saying, “I’d teach clarinet lessons.” She is a very accomplished musician. She plays in a woodwind orchestra, and in the college marching band. I said, “Great! That sounds like you’d enjoy it much more then trudging off to your job. You’d be living your passion, while finishing school.” Mila’s ED took over, and she said, “But it’s really hard (belief). I don’t know how to get students (strategy), and I don’t know how much I would need to make rent (strategy).” Now, mind you, my family probably gets really tired of having a life coach as a mom, but I launched in to full coaching mode. I asked her if there was NOTHING that could get in her way, is that what she would like to do? Yes, was her answer. So we set upon the plan. I asked her how much most teachers charged, and how many students it would take, per week, for her to pay rent and have some money left over. It was only seven students a week. We talked about how her life could be very different, not having to commute the ½ hour back and forth to work, and doing what she enjoyed. This helped her overcome the BELIEF that it would be hard. She replaced it with a belief that it would be FUN. We then started a strategy of what we could do for a website, and how we could market her lessons in the suburbs vs. the downtown area, where she would have a lot of competition with other graduate student musicians, which took care of the “how to get students” strategy. Thirty minutes later, Mila was happy and excited about her future…her dream! We were able to quiet ED down, and she went from, “I can’t” to “I will!” So, here are the steps for you: 1.Take the time to fully visualize and write down your dream. Remember, there is no time or space for the “ifs.” There are no obstacles in your perfect world. What would you like to accomplish??? 2.Interview your ED – find out how ED keeps you from reaching your dreams. 3.Acknowledge each of the obstacles ED puts in your way as either a belief or a strategy. 4.Decide how you will either a) change your belief and/or b) make a plan to implement a new strategy 5.Set your goal – without ED – to make your dreams a reality 6.Take “I Can’t” and “I’ll Try” out of your vocabulary, and replace it with “I Will”. Focus each and every day on the things you WILL do, and make sure that you are thinking every step of the way, “Will this get me closer to my dream

Party On and Learn in Vegas Las Vegas isn’t just a gambling capital in the last quarter of 2006 as the city will be flooded with trade shows. Las Vegas trade shows and events happening in the last few days of this month include Supply Side West projected to be the most important event for everyone involved in the health ingredients industry which would kick off at The Venetian and The Sands Expo on 18-20 October. Additionally, Las Vegas trade shows and events for this month would include the International Tile and Stone Show from October 19-21, 2006. This show is regarded as the fastest growing trade show in the United States for machinery, tools, stone, ceramic, cement and glass tile. The entire spectrum of allied products and services would also be featured in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Interbev Expo is one of the Las Vegas trade shows and events that would surely have a diverse assemblage of manufacturers, retailers, and especially consumers because the expo is dedicated to the entire beverage industry (name the beverage you want and it will be showcased in this event), Venue is also at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on Oct. 23-25, 2006. If you’re into automotives, the Sema Show is the expo for you. Happening on Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2006, this four-day event is expected to draw the industry’s brightest minds and the latest products to a single place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. On Nov. 14-16, 2006, the Global Gaming Expo (the world’s premier gaming event) will provide and entertain you with the most in-depth source of the hottest products, ideas and education on Earth. G2E makes sure that the 700 plus exhibitors convenes each fall to bring in pavilions for amenities, bingo, design and décor, I-gaming, security surveillance and technology, and 100 plus conference sessions. Special events are also designed to entertain as well as educate the general public who will pay a visit. December is certainly going to be a month for FOREX traders in Las Vegas trade shows and events. From December 9-10, 2006, the Las Vegas Currency Trading Expo will teach traders on Technical analysis, signal services, tax advice, system trading, black boxes charting, FX options, FX news and analysis, and trading hardware/software. Dozens of exhibitors will be there including 25 currency superstars, and 75 free workshops. These Las Vegas trade shows and events definitely are going to be some of the reasons why you’d want to extend your vacation in the gambling capital of the world.

Putting Games for Trade Shows Who would ever say no to a gift freely given? Anybody will surely accept it without thinking twice especially when it has been handed down as a prize. This is particularly true when putting games for trade shows. You can just imagine how boring it is when all you can see are plain booths lined up in the corner of a venue showcasing different products from varied companies. Even in the absence of putting games for trade shows, you can just walk around the vicinity and you will go home with a bag full of free stuff. It comes in form of sachets while there are even some that are contained in bottles. Depending actually on how it is packed but it all boils down to one sole purpose which is to promote the existence of one’s business in the market. It is one aspect of advertising that does not totally demand a lot from the pocket. Putting games for trade shows are usually done in order to create interest on the part of the attendees. You see, organizers usually hold it in public venues, commonly in malls, so it may not really be difficult to pull a number of crowd. The influx of audience is critical in determining the success of the occasion each year. They are also regarded as the cream of the crop because they are the very ones whom the exhibitors are chasing after. Albeit, there are those that are so well established that their reason for registering in is for expansion. Setting a goal in putting games for trade shows is very necessary predominantly when it is a premium object. Examples of which are palm pilots, mobile phones, satellite televisions, personal computers and much more. Ask yourself on what is that you are trying to achieve. It should always be planted to escalate the firm’s level of recognition as well as to motivate action on the end of the buyer. The message is also as important but if there is no impact then it was a failure. Even if the piece will cost how many thousands of bucks but it will not speak something to the individual, it is tantamount to nothing. You are like throwing away pearls into the swine. One of the objectives that you can set as an entrepreneur is having it as a form of gratitude. When such is the manner of extending your thank you, it will replete the case.

Las Vegas The Mecca For Trade Show Display Rentals Close and Personal! That’s what Las Vegas is all about. Even though technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 50 years technology advancement will never compensate a face to face meeting or a personal handshake. That personal interaction can never be replaced. The Venetian and the Sands Expo in addition to the Palazzo with Las Vegas’ master-planned development hold the distinction of being the largest ‘green’ building on the planet, and with all these top of the line accommodations there is no reason to settle for video conferencing as your company’s major business tool. Also, with rental trade show displays as tradeshow provider companies no longer have to worry about heavy cumbersome display booths, transportation, drayage, etc. All your exhibiting needs are met with respect to furnishing custom looks or by tying in fabrics into existing wall systems, and/or modify already existing components. One of Rental Trade Show Displays forte is providing walls that seem seamless by printing large graphics via vinyl appliqués over its panels, thus making the system pop, giving a monolithic like finish. Want that? Got It! On budget! On time! Hybrid solutions… call that a mixture of panel elements with octonorm and/or other skeletal systems and fabrics. Customizing to meet client’s needs is Las Vegas trade show display rentals main objectives. Concepts mingling with creativity and leveraging different materials can resonate in an amazingly stunning display of beauty and satisfaction both to the client and to Rental Tradeshow Display. Not forgetting the greening of our environment materials used to facilitate these wonderful end results are environmentally friendly; materials like bamboo flooring, reclaimed/salvaged and environmentally safe reusable panels while affording good value for your money. Get the facts: according to The Travel Destination Image Attributes Las Vegas ranks Number #1 as venue for meetings and tradeshows. Why? Inexpensive to travel to Good value for your money Moderate food and lodging costs Good hotels While Las Vegas is definitely a fun place to visit, it is also a place where business happens.

Offering the perfect product – Selling at trade shows Are trade shows effective? This has got to be the first thing that comes to mind to trade shows attendees. The important fact is that organizers themselves know the statistics. Organizing trade shows entails careful planning to achieve the desired marketing strategies. Selling at trade shows is another thing. For one, trade shows organizers’ concern is to invite and fill the venue with consumers and industry professionals. Companies selling at trade shows, however, need to get back (in triples if possible) their investments in the whole duration of trade shows. The Center for Exhibit Industry Research reported that around 90% of attendees are planning a purchase within the following 12 months. In addition, about 80% of attendees who represent their companies are the decision-makers. Additionally, 30% of trade shows attendees have a strong positive outlook toward your product. The 75% attendees of trade shows are looking for prospect suppliers and purchase a product or more. Lastly, 26% of trade shows attendees actually purchase products in the fair. If you’re a prospect attendee in a trade show, selling at trade shows will be the stepping-stones to your success. Hundreds of companies, manufacturers, and retailers participate in trade shows. Attractive booths are one aspect of effectively selling at trade shows, but most of all you need to catch the interest of the consumers and be straightforward. Attention spans in trade shows are short so it’s important to explain immediately how your product or service will benefit customers. Next, trade shows attendees expect to find something worthwhile like the latest innovations of a particular industry. Greeting a customer formally and if possible call them by their names (if they have name badges). This establishes a friendly but business-like approach to selling at trade shows. Although it’s nice to be friendly with every consumer who passes by your booth, it’s more important to qualify your prospects, in selling at trade shows, immediately to avoid spending too much time on a customer who isn’t responsible for or capable in purchasing your product/service. This can be possible by asking probing questions to a customer – the kind that requires them to answer more than a yes/no. This will help you determine their problem/concerns, thus, allowing you to offer a solution when you’re selling at trade shows. In addition, after knowing “who” your customers are, make sure that future contacts are established. Trade shows only serve as product samplings – the real things and in-bulk purchases should ensue after the fair. Giving out perks during trade shows is common such as free-shipping (or what have you), although, make sure these are only effective during the trade show to avoid shouldering a huge amount on freight for bulk orders. Local and international trade shows are happening every month so that there is a big opportunity for any company to engage business in a broad market of consumers. But the most important thing is to make profits by offering infallible solutions to the various needs of consumers.

The After Hour Call I Almost Never Answered-Some Clients Can Surprise You I ordinarily do not blog about items that are specific to client but in this instance I have to. You see I have been in the trade show business for in excess of 30 years, and in my 30 years I have never seen anything so like this before. We have a client whom we just made a stand for 3 months ago. The event went over very well the client was happy, as they are a returning client for quite a few years… In this case I will not divulge this client or the individual person name, out of respect… I was working after hour one night more or less 3 months after the exhibition for this particular client, when outside nowhere I pick up a phone call. Clearly, this have got to be an urgent situation as it is after hour, so I answered the telephone call. It was this particular customer, He asked for me directly and in return I ask what I can do for you. The customer therefore replied, Dexter, we have a problem. We have not received a invoice from you for the additional objects we requested in our booth 3 months past… Needless to say I was a little surprise not so much that he did not receive a demand for payment but just the fact that he would call and ask to be billed. I replied and said I will check it out and see what happened. I also mention to him that no one had ever requested such an items form us more than ever after 3 months. Most people would have just ignored the circumstance strangely enough. He replied that we have continually done a splendid job for him and his association and that he wishes to have us get paid for all our production. Sometimes some great things occur outside of just business, but this one was a carryover from someone’s personal background that reflects so totally into the not so friendly business environment. This was dream to receive such a phone call and although this was not a great deal of funds it proved to me why we do what we do for our clients. After all I was working after hours on a different project for a different customer. For more information on trade show displays, trade show displays rentals and Trade show display rental Las Vegas please feel free to contact ELDS, Inc at (626) 969-3399

Tips for Successful Vendor’s Trade Shows Vendor’s trade shows are one of the best marketing techniques for vendors to get in front of customers and prospective buyers in a moderately short time. It gives them the ‘face-to-face’ time they need to deliver their products features directly to buyers and describe their services as well. Vendor’s trade shows if done correctly can create lasting product impressions with customers and favorably position ones business in the market, thus giving that competitive edge and constructive business growth. So how does a vendor do it the right way? Here are some tips for successful vendors trade shows, which will make all the effort and expenses worth it: Have plans and arrangements well in advance. To save problems and hassles at the show, vendors can take advantage of ‘early-bird’ discounts, and call to verify arrangements and coming of deliveries a week ahead to guarantee a smooth exhibition. Obtain lead retrieval services. If offered from the show organizer and contract agencies, get lead retrieval systems, they can come in the form of card readers that can be used to collect essential company data about visitors to a vendor’s booth. Provide an exclusive promotional item. The promotional product should generally be personalized with the company logo and name. A functional item that can be used by prospective customers or something edible is a good idea so that they would not have much to carry. Prior to the show, get a list of pre-registered attendees. Using the list, mail the prospects a letter or direct mail piece to tell them about the company’s products and services, including the booth site and number. Booth arrangement should be easily accessible for customers and prospects. Generally, visitors would want a booth that allows them to easily browse through the products, a table counter in façade usually put off a lot of booth passage. The best company representatives should man the booth. The staff should be energetic and on their feet all day, greeting, talking, smiling, and selling, so expert and skilled representatives with ample product knowledge and enthusiasm are an excellent choice. Be ready with on-hand product literature. Prospects with limited time have the opportunity to get detailed information of the company and read in detail later when they’ll have the time. After the show, vendors should follow-up prospects. Thanking the prospect for stopping by the booth through a letter and company brochure is brilliant, followed by a sale representative calling them and discussing their possible needs. Vendor’s trade shows are only successful if the vendor’s approach towards the shows is appropriate, realistic, and carefully planned. The shows can open the doors for gaining more new customers and sales, as well as tools for business growth.