Be Led by Examples

If you have the type of company that does something different for each client – landscaper, plastic surgeon, interior decorator, closet company – then you’ve no doubt encountered the show guest who knows what they want (or at least thinks they do) but cannot translate their wishes into English you can understand.

That’s where you need photographs of your work, and lots of them.  This is so  these potential customers can use your past work to show you what they want.  One of the best examples of this was by remodeler Wood Wise Design & Remodeling in the Southern Ideal Home Show in Raleigh.  He put together booklets of different jobs they have completed, named them after the client, and created a library of ideas.  “So, you’re interested in building out your attic?  Let me show you what we did with the Henderson’s attic.”

Before and after photos work best.  If you’re not doing it already, start taking those photos.

David J Zimmerman
Southern Shows Inc.

Show Manager's Lament

Rising Above the Clatter

Shows, and the whole business world, for that matter, are competitive places.  You’re often going head-to-head with your best competition.  So how do you stand out from the clatter?

Get creative.  Figure out how to hog the publicity.  Do something memorable.  That’s how.

Case in point is remodeling contractor Eddie Casanave, owner of Distinctive Remodeling in Raleigh.  Like all good remodelers, Eddie knows that kitchens are high-margin jobs, so he set his sights on attracting show guests looking to rework their kitchen.  His solution was to become the Kitchen Casanova, the remodeler/chef who understands how to create a real cook’s kitchen.  And once your new kitchen is finished, will prepare your first meal there.

He created a kitchen stage, conducted cooking classes throughout the show, and drew a lot of attention.  As the show producer, we embraced his effort and helped him promote what he did at the show.  It was a win-win, and it worked.

David J Zimmerman
Southern Shows Inc.