As you head to Las Vegas for this week’s epic Retail Shippers Expo, please remember a few things:
- Keep an open mind. What you plan to learn at Expo might not be what you need to learn. You’ll see and hear things that will make you go, “Ah-ha!” If you keep receptive, you’ll return home with a bright new outlook, and make your staff’s heads spin as you tell them all of the new, exciting changes that you’ll be making.
- Take notes. Write down anything you hear that’s new, different, out of the box, or even something you’ve heard over and over before but still feel a lack in.
- Review your notes. At the end of the day, on the flight home, and again when you get back to your store, read over what you’ve written. Reinforce what you learned by repeating it to yourself. Then vet and explore what you’ve learned by discussing things with your staff. File your notes and reference them in a few months, and again in a year, and check your progress.
- Make an action plan. Identify a few keys items that you need to act on immediately, and then some more longer-term goals. Set deadlines, and hold yourself accountable.
- Pick up swag. Exhibitors and attendees are all packing business cards, freebies, brochures, and more. Gather as much as you can. Not only will you be able to reference them in the future, but you’ll likely get some great design inspiration for your own swag.
- Participate in social time. Despite all of the excellent classes, breakouts, talks, training, and trade show exhibits, one of the most valuable resources at Expo is the chance to network. Take full advantage of every opportunity to talk to your peers and solve problems together. Get their contact information, and add as much value as you can to your circle of industry contacts.
- Have fun. We work hard. We need a break. And, while Expo is intense, we have a great time there too. So enjoy every minute, laugh as much as you can, and realize what a great privilege you have as an entrepreneur–your own boss–with such an helpful network in a very unique industry. Smile, and the world will smile back.
I’m so incredibly excited for this event. It’s going to be the best Expo yet! See you in a day or two!
Source: AMBC Blog