Why not?
Show season is HERE and there are a few more great ones to choose from. Next stop for me is the wonderful IECSC in Ft. Lauderdale. If you haven’t gone in a while or never gone, perhaps now’s the time. Think about it and start to make some plans for it for a profitable and fabulous 2011 for your career and beauty business. If you are hungry for inspiration, education, and new ideas to get you going…Go to a show! You’ll be inspired. As a business owner, spa management team or professional…You CAN’T afford not to go to a show.
Here is a list on how you can see a show with new eyes:
Words of wisdom: Try not to do the same old thing as you have done before…spice it up. Go to an advanced education class. See and learn what’s new. Consider and attend all the shows at a show and as many classes as you can attend. Just because you do hair doesn’t mean you can’t learn some makeup tricks. Just because you are an esthetician doesn’t mean you can’t partake of a hair and makeup trend class. It’s all about learning something new and keeping up to date. Your loyal and new clients deserve it!
Don’t they?
- Ladies and gentlemen… This isn’t a time for trendy uncomfortable or sexy shoes. Bring an extra pair if you must and enjoy them when commuting and walking the show floor. Your feet will hurt. There is so much to see, do, attend and enjoy!
- Bring a sweater, jacket or a long scarf. If the classrooms are too cold, you have a wrap to put on.
- Bring a tote or roomy briefcase you will collect material, free samples and anything else you may buy.
- Carry a bottle of water with you, crackers, apples or bananas. They will keep you hydrated and help you to snack until you have a real sit down meal.
- Be sure to have a notepad for quick notes. A pencil or pen too.
- I like to research on the internet and see what classes and vendors will be there. Sign up early and you will save money on classes and admission tickets.
How to walk a show floor:
Have a beauty grocery list handy with the booth numbers you want to see first. If they are your regular vendor. This is helpful to get them out of the way.
- Next, walk the other booths and stop at the booths that interest you.
- Always ask if they have show specials. Examples: Free shipping, discounts of your entire order or gift with purchase. If you get lucky sometimes, they have all four.
- Ask for a free sample.
- Always look at booths you are remotely interested in and get their business cards or brochures. You never know whom you would like to do business with later. Create a file of future possibilities.
- Buy something new for you…treat yourself to something fun~!
- Buy a new addition of merchandise and bring back to your clients. Show and tell and you will sell. If you do not you, have nothing to share with your clients other than techniques and information. Clients will buy it elsewhere…if you do not have it they cannot buy it. New or just arrived merchandise is exciting!
- Be on the lookout for specials and closeouts that can be perfect Holiday or thank you for your business gifts for your clients.
A few words on speakers and classes:
Most speakers donate their time to educate unless they work for a manufacture or are doing a special paid workshop.( It depends upon the show.) Each speaker has his or her own style! Each has something special and wonderful to offer you and your business. Some will be very clinical and serious some and some educators are fun, think outside the box, and are very creative and spur your imagination. Sometimes their personalities will not mesh with yours. However, they all bring something to the table and deserve your respect and appreciation. They are devoted to educating you and are some of the beauty industries best.
Non-manufacture classes entail generic education, tips, tricks and techniques.
Manufacture classes keep you informed on their products and perhaps news in technology. They often have giveaways and specials. They are selling a brand.I love these classes too! YOU may find your next fabulous brand to retail or a new product for your facial and body treatment protocol.
Shows cross over and many classes are free with admission. Take advantage of this. There are some great and interesting classes awaiting you.
Advanced or hands on classes are classes you pay for and are usually in three hour formats.
Want to attend a paid lecture but need to learn more? Simply ask the conference office if you may e-mail or speak to the speaker direct.
Be open and you’ll get inspired, pumped, learn more, earn more and be the best you can be!
It is a combination of business, networking and pleasurable fun. Bring your business cards; you never know who might meet. You may even get a freelance job from it. (I have) Make new friends and visit with old ones. It will rock your business and world. I promise.
See you at a show!