Put on a happy face

I have been an exhibitor and an attendee at various "shows" - vendor, trade, craft, home, etc. Now I have the opportunity to represent both sides as a blogger for the Indiana Flower and Patio Finer Outdoor Living Show that will be held March 14-22 at the Indiana State Fair Grounds. I think from now on I'll call it the Indiana Flower and Patio Show.

We'll see many fresh ideas, fresh designs and fresh flowers. But about 6 days into these big shows, it isn't easy to find fresh faces! I am amazed at how many exhibitors - or "booth people" - lose their freshness.

Last year, I walked up to one booth, ready to be a customer, and was totally ignored by the 2 men representing this company that was my #1 choice. They were having a friendly conversation about their dinner the night before. After a few moments (I don't wait long, because there are plenty of vendors to serve me), I went on to choice #2. A woman was sitting on a stool, staring into space, obviously totally bored with her lot in life that day. She pretended she didn't see me. I believe she was pretending, because these booths aren't huge, and it's hard NOT to see someone standing in front of you. So, off to the booth who was my 3rd choice as a vendor. A very friendly, welcoming "Hello!" greeted me. Now, THIS is the vendor who wanted my business. Cha-ching! In hindsight, I wish I had called or written to the owner of that company, to let him know exactly why I became their customer.

On the flip side, please don't make me feel guilty about saying "No". Please, please, please let me leave without feeling that I'm being rude. I can't even count how many times I had to walk away while someone was still talking to me, trying to convince me that I needed this newest gadget, household item or service. Please understand that sometimes we are there just to look, get ideas, see what's new and decide who to call when we are ready to buy. The tactic of "I'm-going-to-talk-without-taking-a-breath-so-they-won't-leave-until-they-buy won't work with me. And it won't bring me back if I do choose to make a purchase. This, too, along with the boredom, seems to become more the norm as days go by. Maybe because they haven't met the sales goals the company established? Maybe because they haven't met their own goals? Whatever the reason, this technique only sends people on their way, hands empty and wallets full.

I know your back aches and your dogs are screaming at you for standing for 12 hours a day. But that's the pain that comes with the opportunities. Prepare for it. Suffer through it. But suffer with a smile on your face and a fresh, welcoming greeting when we approach your booth.

Treat each person as though they just might be your next customer. Or treat them so they become your competitor's next customer. Your choice; it all depends on you.

I can hear Tony Bennett singing "Put on a Happy Face" already ... see you there!