A $50 Booth and 50 Opportunities
Fifty dollars, fifty chances to CONNECT
This weekend I had a booth at our local trade show, WOBE, with my son, Andrew of Than Photography & Videography, set up right beside me. It cost $50. In return, I got about 50 opportunities to connect with real people.
Fifty chances to build credibility with new and existing clients. To share stories, serve people, and support local initiatives. To give advice and receive it. To see how other businesses do things. And to cheer on the home-grown businesses that make this community what it is.
That is a pretty good return on fifty bucks.
Home-grown and growing
This isn't a laundry list of vendors. But a few stories stopped me in my tracks because they show what local business can become.
Walker's Water Systems started in a garage. Today they have 40 employees serving those who need water treatment services - like back on my family farm! Baba D's 100% Gluten-free Bake Shop has grown to five employees serving the gluten-free community, so if you're looking for gluten-free options, she's your person.
Marlene from the YWCA is running PowerUp, a program that supports women starting small businesses. Ariana at Prairie Hope Wellness supports people when they need it most. Warman Physiotherapy keeps our bodies moving forward, and Jessica Braun supports pediatric nutrition and digestive health.
There was practical, prairie-tough help too. SnirtStoppers has garage door sealing solutions, and RFNOW brings internet to rural homes. And Amity Trust helps people with wills and trusts. A friend of mine used to work there, which made that connection extra special.
Every one of these businesses was doing the same thing I was: showing up in person.
Marketing is not just posting on social media
Here's the real point of this newsletter: marketing is so much more than social media. In fact, social media is only a small part of it.
On Think Bigger Friday this week, I hosted Aya Kikimova, a marketing expert. She tackled the biggest misconception she sees: that posting on social media is the best thing you can do. Her answer? No. It's only one piece of the pie.
Marketing is being seen at the trade show. It's the billboard on the highway. It's helping at the bottle drive. Our 45-minute talk barely scratched the surface.
Now, don't feel overwhelmed. This just means the opportunities are everywhere, not only on a computer screen.
Aya also pointed out that the odds of going viral are low. We're better off running targeted ads, which have higher conversion rates. The goal is to reach the people who are already looking for us and need our product or service.
So stop being mad at social media for not converting. It's only one part. There are so many other parts to work on too.
Make it all about them, then follow up
Before the WOBE trade show, on my second Friday call with my business coach team, I asked what I should do at the trade show. Rhett Holaway's answer was simple: make it all about them. Learn about the person in front of you, make a connection, then stay in touch.
So that's what I did. I had so much fun meeting everyone, reconnecting with old friends, and building rapport with new ones. My son captured the moments with his camera, and I followed up the very same day.
That follow-up is the great secret. It's how you nurture relationships that turn into sales.
So here's my challenge to you this week: look beyond the screen. Where can you show up in person? And who do you need to follow up with today?
— Penny
Nilsen Business Coaching & ConsultingClarity. Strategy. Results.
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