My father Robert Zimmerman, who along with my mother Joan, founded Southern Shows Inc. in 1959, passed away in March at the age of 84.  As part of my remembrance of my father, I wrote down many of the things he taught me.  As I looked through them, I realized that many also apply to exhibiting, so I thought I would share a  few:

1. A smile will get you much further than a frown.
2. Be nice to people even when they don't deserve it.
3. Lead by example - do the things no one else wants to do.  If you're the boss, take the Friday night shift at the show that no one wants.
4. Encourage and believe in people, and they will believe in themselves.  Let your staff working the show know you have confidence in them.
5. If you are going to do something, do it well.  Make sure your exhibit represents the quality of your company..
6. It's the small details that make things special.  Most people don't realize they see them, but they do.  Do something in your exhibit that sets you apart from the others.
7. Small acts of kindness are what makes people happy.  Genuinely say or do something nice to a show guest, or their kids, and they will remember you when they make their decision.

Good exhibiting!
 
David J Zimmerman
Southern Shows Inc.