tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11262318403329122392024-02-18T19:55:34.051-08:00Branded for LifeJennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-85830752770022151652016-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:002016-01-28T14:29:10.332-08:00How To Get To Work at Super Bowl City On Time...<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;">Those of us who live in San Francisco are already
experiencing the traffic jams and construction delays created to accommodate <a href="http://www.sfbaysuperbowl.com/super-bowl-city#BBXW4ve3hijJuo6L.97" target="_blank">Super Bowl City</a>.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;"> </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;">We're used to huge
conventions and events clogging the streets and we know how to adjust our commutes accordingly.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;"> The</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;"> Super Bowl is
expecting well over a million people to come to town, and most of them will want to visit the few square blocks where you will be working.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Unless you have a client paying $1000/night for you to stay close or have a good
friend's couch to crash on, you will be commuting to work using something other
than your feet. For those of you
traveling in for SB50 and staying more than three miles from your footprint, you
might want to take some notes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Getting There:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Traffic will be at a
standstill from early in the morning to well after dark. Downtown is already gridlocked all day, and it's only January.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Your commute time
will quadruple. It doesn't matter what
<a href="http://511.org/" target="_blank">511.org</a> says, a 15 minute bus ride is going to take an hour when the event
opens. MUNI, BART and Caltrain are
notorious for being late and I expect them to live up to their reputations over
the next two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">---<a href="https://www.sfmta.com/" target="_blank">MUNI</a> will be
jammed. It might take several buses passing you that are full before one stops
to let you on. Have correct change ready
for the bus as the driver does not carry any money. Consider purchasing a week pass if you plan
to use MUNI exclusively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--MUNI does not go
into the event itself, all lines down Market Street have been rerouted. You will have to get out and walk the last few blocks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--<a href="http://bart.gov/" target="_blank">BART</a> is extending
service and train length, but the cars will still be packed. Check to see if the trains are even running
when you are working. They do NOT run
24-hours. You don't want to miss the
last train home, or have call time an hour before the first train runs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--<a href="http://www.caltrain.com/" target="_blank">Caltrain</a> is
wonderful to get up and down The Peninsula, but if one train goes down, you're
stuck. This happens weekly. They only run once an hour during non-peak
times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-- Fare police will be
at all major stops to check for proof of purchase. The City just spent $5M on this event, I'm
sure they will want recoup some of this money issuing tickets to fare jumpers
$75 at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Planning to drive
in? Don't. All the lots will be full by 8 AM, and if you do find a lot, it's
going to be at triple the rate. Parking for the World Series was $100 a day,
eight blocks away from the ballpark. BART parking lots are full by 7 AM, so if
you plan to drive to BART, get there before dawn or take an Uber to the
station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Speaking of Uber...Thinking
of taking an Uber into work? Nope. You will be stuck in a traffic jam for
hours, and Uber will be surge pricing. Your Agency isn't going to accept a $117
Uber ride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Once you actually get
TO Super Bowl City, you aren't in the clear...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--There will be
security screening EVERYWHERE. This will add time to get to your footprint.
Metal detectors, bag searches, dogs sniffing, etc. will be checking everyone who comes in the area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Know what you can
and cannot bring into secure areas.
Unless you have specific credentials, leave everything possible at
home. Check </span><a href="http://www.sfbaysuperbowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/SBCity_Screening-Process.pdf" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;"> to see what cannot be
brought into Super Bowl City.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 10.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--There will be lines.
Long lines. Lines for everything. The
lines for the bathroom will be legendary.
Plan ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-- You might want to
bring a lunch because I don't really see you wanting to spend 35 minutes of
your 30 minute lunch break standing in line for a $10 piece of pizza. Find
somewhere to sit down so you can enjoy every minute of your breaks and get back
on time. Your Agency and coworkers will thank you. So will your feet and back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think you have it all
figured out? Good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>
BUT WAIT!! There's MORE!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Along with the
absolute nightmare that will be your commute to work the Super Bowl events,
there are huge protests scheduled over the entire ten days. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We protest here in San Francisco. It's what we do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The City is furious at its officials about
certain issues and tens of thousands of people will be taking to the streets,
right outside Super Bowl City and surrounding areas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daily. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring the camera. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Watch the First
Amendment in action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And when the protests
start, they will likely shut down any road you think you can get on to get to
work via your own car, bus, or train. The last protest shut down the Bay Bridge
for hours during Rush Hour. I wouldn't be surprised if they did it again. Most are organized and announced well in
advance, but others pop up unexpectedly. </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Local legend <a href="http://brokeassstuart.com/" target="_blank">Broke-Ass Stuart</a> and the <a href="http://www.cohsf.org/" target="_blank">Coalition On Homelessness</a> are organizing their protest to be right outside Super Bowl City. Find out more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/955997417814447/" target="_blank">here</a>. And you might as well follow BAS for more announcements about other events--including free or cheap things to do while you are in town!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not trying to be
negative and discourage anyone, but it would certainly suck if you were
released from your job because you couldn't get to work on time and your backup
was there and took your place. That would be really horrible if you are from
out of town and couldn't pick up something for the 10 days you are here. Plan ahead. Make tons of money. Be safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Above all, have
FUN!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life Is Good. Life is better when you get paid to work an amazing event in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.</span></div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-73255654247797218762015-08-27T10:18:00.000-07:002015-08-27T10:18:21.258-07:00How to Hit a Home Run at Every Event<div class="MsoNormal">
Baseball Season is in full swing across the country, so it's
time to revisit of one of my favorite movies, "Bull Durham," and
apply its wisdom to Fall Trade Show Season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often a client will ask a Brand Ambassador, Trade Show
Model, or other hired staff how she is doing and how the event is going. Too often the employee makes the fatal
mistake of telling the truth and giving an honest answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't fall into that trap!
It's a set up!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Client does not care that the hours are long, that you
are hungry, that your feet hurt, that you are cold, that you have to pee, or
that you haven't slept for three days because you have been onsite 20+ hours a
day. The Client wants to hear that you
are thrilled to be there, that everything is running smoothly with your team and
that you couldn't be more pleased with this opportunity. Really.
That's the correct answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The movie quote goes:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I'm just happy to be here. Hope I can help the ballclub. <span style="background: white;">I
just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Watch the movie
and learn what this means.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Be happy. Be part of the team. Be optimistic that this will be a great event. And by no means complain to the client about anything. EVER.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">You have channels
to go through if there is something wrong, or you feel something could be
improved. Never, ever tell your client
that you haven't had a break or ask when you will get one. If you need a break, talk to your Team
Lead. If you feel that your Team Lead is
being unfair, then power through the day and call your Agency Representative or
Account Manager after your shift and explain the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">The client does
not really care that you are cold and your feet hurt. You are supposed to be experienced in your position,
you should be prepared for long days in less than perfect weather
conditions. If you are cold, everyone is
cold, and telling the client this really does not create sympathy for you, it
only makes you sound like one more person complaining about the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Here's the tricky
one: If the client asks you how you
would improve or change the current execution of the event, be very, VERY
careful of your answer. Hopefully, you
can defer to your Team Lead or Account Manager for suggestions. But, if you are put on the spot, respond
with a positive answer and small tip.
Sure, it was probably a dumb idea to have five girls stand outdoors for
14 hours in the freezing cold in nothing but a tank top and shorts, but telling
your client how stupid it was will not earn you any points. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Instead, suggest
something positive. For example,
"Well, I noticed that there are large groups of people over there by the
heat lamps. Perhaps a few of us could
take turns approaching the crowd and telling them about our product ." You have proposed a solution that compliments
what the client already has in place, and doesn't make you sound like a whiner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">So …when
asked, “And how are you doing?” The answer is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"> "I am thrilled to be working for you,
love that I am part of the Team, and hope I am making a positive contribution
to your event."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Now … Play Ball!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Life Is Good. Life is better when you hit home runs every time you step up to the plate.</span></div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-34473655766227861992014-02-15T15:13:00.002-08:002014-02-15T15:13:35.880-08:00The Importance of Being Loyal to Your Agencies...<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's say that I own an Agency.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have two clients who need one girl each to work a Trade Show. I hire Mary for one booth and Susan for the
other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both girls are fantastic and get rave reviews for their
work. Both girls are approached by other,
separate, Booth Managers on the Show Floor and asked if they are available for
their own upcoming shows. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary takes the business card of the respective Booth
Manager, and hands her one for my Agency, with her name written on the back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Susan also takes a business card, but instead of handing her
one of mine, she gives her one of her own and says she would like to work
direct.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Susan has just violated her contract with my Agency...more
on that later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary scans the business card and emails the lead to me. I follow up with the client, and find that
they do several shows a year, but only one in Mary's location. Because of my Agency's generous commission
for lead referrals, I book those shows in different locations, giving Mary
First Right of Refusal to work the shows if she is available, along with a cash
bonus for her referral.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary is now in excellent standing with my Agency and is at
the top of my list for any upcoming shows.
As she continues to work together with my Agency and our clients, including
those she has brought in on her own, I begin to push our clients to have her
flight and hotel covered for their other shows across the country, as she has
proven herself to be a loyal asset to all of us. Mary is now working regularly, making
thousands of dollars a month.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Susan pursues her lead on her own. She secures a show and works it. Because Susan has many friends in the Trade
Show Industry, she talks about how she got this position and it gets back to me. I then take her to court to recover my
financial losses, as is written in the contract that she originally
signed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it doesn't stop there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some reason, Susan is having problems getting paid from her client. Because she doesn't have a legal contract
from my Agency to protect her, even if she has drafted one of her own, she now
must take the client to court--while at the same time she is in court with
me--to collect her payment. The costs
associated with these legal actions are more than what Susan would have made at
the show if she had passed the lead to me.
Actually, she made "negative money" by the time her attorneys
take their fees. And while she is in
court, she isn't working shows, so she is losing even more money.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you think it stops there, I'm afraid I have more bad news
for Susan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know just as many people in the Industry as Susan, and
have a close relationship with many other Agency Owners. I contact those owners and tell them the
whole story, and now they don't want to hire her either as she is a risk to
their profits too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a year later, the same show is in town, and my original
two clients are hiring. I book Mary
again for her original position. My
other client asks if Susan is available and I say no. Instead, I staff someone else who has proven
trust and loyalty to me. Both clients
are happy, and the show goes on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Susan cannot find work with any of the other Agencies who
hire for that show either, as they know of her reputation and will not book her. So while Mary is working inside comfortably
for a repeat client at $250 min./day, paid within 30 days, the only work Susan
can find is distributing flyers outside the Convention Center for $20/hr. with
a no-name Agency where she has to fight for 90+ days to get her check.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary can now plan her schedule in advance for the next full
year with shows, as she knows that I will book her for every show that she has
worked for me as well as all of her other Agencies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Susan is applying every day for anything that
comes her way, her work schedule is not secure, and she can't plan anything
more than a month or two in advance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to put the icing on the proverbial cake, let's flash
forward 10 years...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary is ready to make a career change. Because she has been such a good employee, I
offer her a full-time position as an Account Manager with my Agency--benefits,
401K, generous commission, and the choice to work whatever shows she wants. She works from home, travels when she wants
on my dime, has a family, and is financially secure. She has earned it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And where is Susan?
Still handing out flyers, maybe managing a few teams here and there, and
complaining that no one will hire her. She
is struggling to pay her bills, has to buy her own insurance and wonders how
she is going to feed her kids. Yes, she
has earned that, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have a moral, ethical, and legal obligation to the
Agencies who book you to take the High Road and honor the relationship you have
built with each other. Do this, and you
will succeed. Don't, and you will find
yourself outside in the cold, looking in at those who are successful and
wishing you were there too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good. Life is
better when we all remain professional.</div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-72451774764281914982013-09-16T15:51:00.002-07:002013-09-16T15:51:44.743-07:00So You Want to be A Trade Show Model Part III...The Team Lead...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oracle Open World is coming in a week. Oracle is the second-largest Convention in San Francisco, and one of the largest Trade Shows of the year. Thousands of Support Staff will be hired for this show, and chances are, you will have an opportunity to be a Team Lead or Booth Manager. Whether you are new to Management or a seasoned pro, below is a general description of how I view being the Lead, and how I have managed some of the most successful teams at this, and other Trade Shows.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Main Job Responsibility:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
Juggler and Mom.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Job Description:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
At a Trade Show Booth, you can be responsible for 2-20 Team Members. <span class="Apple-style-span">Many people I have worked for just view a
Manager spot as someone who checks people in and out each shift, sends people on breaks, and sits
behind the scenes or at the desk, delegating duties and jobs that they don’t want to do to someone else lower on the Totem Pole.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>The common misconception is that the staff is working at the show for you. Nope. Once those doors open, you must realize that you are working for THEM.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a Team Lead is like being a Juggler. You have to keep all the balls in the air and going. If you have ever watched a really good juggler work, it is fascinating. Watch his eyes. He never looks at one individual ball, it is a synchronized system...everything is seen at once. If he spends too much time concentrating on one ball, he loses sight of the others and the whole set comes crashing down. It's all about making sure every ball gets equal attention, and about seeing the whole picture and system. Now imagine a Juggler who can keep a bowling ball, tennis ball, golf ball and a few other sized objects going successfully while walking up stairs. Now you have an idea of what management is like on a Trade Show Floor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You must do absolutely everything in your power to give your Team the opportunity for THEM look good. If they don't look good, guess who's fault it is? YOURS. Don't let that happen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to be a Good Team Lead:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
Just like the Juggler who has different sized objects to juggle, each of your staff is different and needs to be treated differently. It is your job to figure out what the individual personalities and skill sets of your Team are and make sure only the strongest qualities are displayed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And how do you do that? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Become a Mom. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Team Members become part of your family. You teach them how to do their tasks better. You reassure them that they are doing great. You comfort them when they are upset. You correct them when they err. And sometimes you have to discipline them when they misbehave. Because, just like kids, your staff will try and get away with anything they can until you put your foot down. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to be fair to each one of your Team Members equally. No favorites. No one gets special privileges. A good Mom does not love one of her kids more than the rest and neither should you. This is especially difficult when you have friendships with some of your Team Members outside of work, as I do. When a new person joins your team, that person needs to know that just because you were the Maid-of-Honor in Ashley's wedding, that Ashley won't get an extra break and a pass on her turn at emptying the wastebasket. Favoritism can cause morale to crash quickly and you will have a Mutiny on your hands in no time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Encourage Individual Personalities and Strengths.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each one of us has a Gift. It is your job to figure out what this Gift is in each of your Team Members and essentially, exploit the heck out of it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like the Juggler, you are keeping different objects in play. One person on your team might be a better Crowd Gatherer than the others, while another might be a better Product Specialist. One person might have the energy level of an A.D.D. Third-Grader on a sugar high, and another might be more reserved. A good Team Lead, just like a Mom, will let the staff express these skills naturally and then reward them for shining through. Use those strengths to the Team's advantage. Put the high-energy person out front to greet everyone <i>en masse</i> and herd the Attendees towards the booth. Station the Crowd Gatherer at the entrance of the Theater area to make people sit down for the Presentation and scan badges. Have the Product Specialist qualify Leads and introduce Attendees to the Sales Staff. And have the mellower person in charge of premium distribution and the overall cleanliness of the booth.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly, make sure you take part in doing each of these jobs yourself. Never ask a Team Member to do something that you aren't seen doing regularly. It is good to delegate, but make sure you participate. Your Team needs to know that you are in the trenches with them too, not just in the back of the booth drinking coffee and chatting with the Client.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Designate a Right-Hand.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Juggler is not perfect. Every now and then a ball comes out of play and rolls off. Instead of stopping all the rest of the balls to retrieve the one that got away, a Juggler will ask someone to retrieve the ball and gently toss it back into play. The person you can trust to toss that ball back in is your Right-Hand. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have more than four people on your staff, you are going to need a Right-Hand. This is the person who will be your go-to when you are unavailable, and someone you implicitly trust. If you are tied up with the Client or Show Management and a Team Member needs an emergency trip to the bathroom, your Right-Hand will be the person to check in and out with. That way when you become available and notice Sally is nowhere to be seen, your Right-Hand knows where she is. This person will also cover your duties when you leave the booth for your break, or will retrieve lunch or coffee for you if you can't get away. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Client</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that our Juggler has all the balls going in the air and everything is running smoothly, The Client will inevitably come in and change things around. You didn't think I forgot about the Juggler walking up the stairs, did you?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Trade Show Floor is a dynamic and fluid environment. It matters not how well you prepare sometimes. When those doors open, everything can change in a moment, and you had better be able to adapt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the time, it isn't the Client's fault that things have to change. Show Management regularly visits my booth to throw the proverbial wrench in the well-oiled machine we have running. Neighboring booths complain that the staff is too far in the aisles gathering crowds and scanning badges and that no one is visiting their own booths. As if it's <i>my</i> fault that I have such a strong and talented team and they don't? No. Can't say that. So you pull the Team back into the booth and regularly patrol the area making sure that no one goes out of bounds and gets a $20,000 fine slapped on the bill.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes your Client will come by during the busiest part of the show and "borrow" one of your staff to assist her in another area of the booth for a few hours. Yup, she just snatched a ball out of the Juggler's hand, and he had better keep the flow going. Shorthanded now? Tough. Deal with it and remember to keep your Team looking good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And sometimes, the Client will need you to do something on top of everything else that is going on. Coordinate a 1500 person meeting that is taking place in 10 minutes on the other side of the Convention Center? Absolutely! Throw a chain saw into the mass of different sized balls, our Juggler won't blink. You catch the eye of your Right-Hand from 30 feet away, and after a five second Pitcher-Catcher type exchange of hand signals, you are out the door on the heels of your Client.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have given your staff encouragement, preparation, and a healthy dose self-esteem to make them know that they can be the best for the next three days. And when those doors open and the Attendees rush in, you hold your breath and watch them go, just like a Mom watching her child climb the stairs of the school bus. All you can do now is support, support, support.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Management can be fun and rewarding...but the thing to remember is that you are nothing, NOTHING without your Team. Build a good one, and you will advance as they do. Together. And that's really what being part of a Team is all about, isn't it? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is Good. Life is better when you are a part of something greater than yourself.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-9024546135050365842013-06-17T17:39:00.000-07:002013-06-17T17:39:26.907-07:00Evolution and the Booth Babe...<div class="MsoNormal">
I just finished Presenting at DAC for one of my favorite Clients. Great show, well attended, my
booth was packed, and my Client was thrilled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As someone who is used to the usual Trade Show routine and
sights—iPad giveaways, boring PowerPoint Presentations, Attendees stuffing
their bags full of useless swag—one thing was noticeably absent…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where were the Booth Babes?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It never fails that one attends any Trade Show without
seeing groups of women dressed—by their CLIENT—in an outfit that I would never,
ever, wear in public unless I was being handsomely paid. Some Clients still think that to get the most
number of people in their booth, they have to have women show as much skin as
possible. OK, sex sells. They are right…somewhat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the show prepared to open, I watched the Usual
Suspects—women I work shows with regularly—take their positions dressed in a
company polo and black slacks, or a business suit, or business casual clothes
in the Client’s colors. No skin
showing? Really? No micro-mini tank dress wearing woman in 7”
stilettos teetering down the aisle with her butt hanging out of her dress and
her breasts bursting out of the front? Nowhere. Hmmm… Could I be working in a
Booth Babe-Free Zone? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there she was…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In true Booth Babe style, a pretty young lady stepped into
the front of her booth, dressed in a halter top and “skirt” that was animal
print fabric and tied together to give her a Cavewoman appearance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Token Booth Babe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The show started and I didn’t get a chance to see what kind
of crowd was gathering around her booth, as mine was constantly packed with
Attendees and Speakers, and all I was wearing was a Black Power Suit and green
blouse. Hmmm….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the day progressed, many Attendees made comments about
the BB, asking if I saw her, what did I think, etc. They made jokes about her outfit and
commented that she, unlike me, was obviously not a real part of the company,
that she was hired just for this show. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Really? I was hired
just for this show. And yet, everyone
thinks I’m part of the company. Hmmm…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in the ladies’ room on the second day when the young
BB came in to fix her costume and I struck up a conversation with her. She was exhausted and frowning, and we talked
for about 10 minutes about various Trade Shows we have worked, favorite
Clients, etc., and her current gig as a Cavewoman.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was absolutely mortified about her outfit. Apparently, she was hired by her Agency to do
the usual gig—smile, greet Attendees, scan badges. It wasn’t until the evening before the show
that she found out that she was wearing the costume. Since she had already signed the contract and
it was less than 24 hours to the show open, she couldn’t refuse without
damaging her reputation. So she did what
most of us do and showed up with a smile on her face and did her job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One particular thing that she said really stood out:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I am being treated so poorly by the
Attendees. I approach them and try to
pitch the product and they say to me, “Oh, honey, you are too pretty to be an
Engineer, what would you be able to tell me about the product dressed like
THAT. Where’s your boss? I have some questions that he can answer.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She continued to vent to me that she is in her last semester
of college, graduating with Honors from a 4-year University. She works part time as a Trade Show Model to
pay her tuition and get some experience within her field of study. She was mortified that she not only was
wearing this cheap costume, but that she was the ONLY woman at the show dressed
inappropriately.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gave her a hug and told her that it was only another day
and to just think of the paycheck and of graduation on the horizon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of the show, many Attendees and Exhibitors
continued to make snarky remarks about her.
I reminded each of them that she is a student putting herself through
college and that the CLIENT dressed her like that, it was not her choice. I also suggested that they go over to the
booth and voice their opinion to the company employees themselves that the
choice of clothing for their Trade Show Support Staff was inappropriate. And they did!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, my Client sits on the Board of Directors for
DAC. It seems that when this woman
arrived at her booth, it caused an even bigger stir than we had heard. The company was strongly reprimanded for
their choice of wardrobe for their Support Staff, and was almost kicked out of
the show. It took some serious
negotiating on their part to not be thrown out, and they now have it in their
contract to NOT provide attire like this for next year’s show.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there you have it.
No Booth Babes at DAC next year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this a good thing?
Are we women finally getting some respect for what we do week after week
in the Trade Show Industry?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe…depends who you are asking and what kind of Trade Show
it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no problem with young
women making money by dressing in a costume and parading around a Client’s
booth—when it is an appropriate show to do so.
NACS is a show that is known for having more skin showing than a Vegas
nightclub. The Gaming Conventions have
women dressed up as characters from the latest video games. No problem here! Thigh-high boots and glitter to sell RockStar
Energy Drinks at a consumer retail show?
Sure. Make that money, girl! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have even been known to dress up in a Cigarette Girl
costume and hand out samples at a show or two, and had a great time doing it. But certainly not at a Tech Show for a Power
Client.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we are learning, there are certain shows where this type
of marketing is just not welcomed, and severely frowned upon. The Technology Industry is very conservative,
and it just isn’t necessary to have a girl in a bikini trying to sell you the
latest in Big Data Storage. Think of all
the attention the booth would get with that combination, and all the inappropriate jokes that can be
made. Yet, the Big
Names in the Tech Industry simply won’t take that kind of approach to their
Trade Show Marketing. You aren’t going
to see Power Clients such as EMC, HP, Cisco, Intel and Brocade pushing a sexy
agenda. They just don’t need to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a time and place for everything, and for every type of
marketing. I’m happy to see women making
money on the Trade Show Floor in all types of environments. And I am particularly thrilled that women are
beginning to be taken seriously for what we are: Presenters, Lead Generators, Product
Specialists, and Trade Show Support Staff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Woo Hoo!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now if we can just do something about that Size XL men’s
polo shirt I have to wear next week…
Sigh…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good. Life is
better when your Industry evolves.</div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-5467026085104186382013-04-22T06:47:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:47:52.908-07:00So You Want to be a Trade Show Model? Part II...The Crowd Gatherer...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Over the next few blogs I will break down the job responsibilities and expectations of each Trade Show Model position from my point of view and experience. I'll try to give tips and tricks to help you become successful in each. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Keep in mind that you might also be wearing multiple hats at one show, which is completely normal.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Crowd Gatherer:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a Crowd Gatherer is perhaps the hardest of all the
Trade Show Model positions. Not everyone
is cut out to be a TS Model, and of that small number, only about 10% can be a
good Crowd Gatherer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also happens to be my favorite of all the positions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Main Job
Responsibility:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We call it, “Butts in Seats.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Job Description:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most important part of your job is to fill a theater for
your Presenter so that when he or she steps up on stage to Present, there is a
full crowd. Not a half-filled theater,
not people milling about and stopping for a few moments to watch, but
FULL. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a particular mindset that you have to get yourself into
to be able to check your ego at the door and not take it personally when 95% of
the crowd says no. You need to be able
to convince them that yes, indeed, they do want to hear what your Presenter has
to say. With a smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You typically have less than five minutes every half hour or
hour to take an empty theater (5-30 seats) and fill it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Butts in seats. Butts
in seats. Butts in seats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when the Presenter starts, your job doesn’t stop, you
keep going, having people join in and watch the show in progress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scan badge, sit them down, next. Scan badge, sit them down, next. Seats are full, keep gathering, have them
stand and watch. Your goal is a Standing Room Only crowd, every show, every
day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And don’t forget to smile.
Always. Attendees don’t respond
well to frumpy faces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Presenter:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Presenter is hired for one purpose—to deliver the
Client’s Message. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve worked for some of the best, from magicians and
jugglers and other Specialty Entertainers to straight verbal Presenters. And I’ve worked for some pretty awful ones
too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good ones will help you gather when they can, making
small talk once you get the first few Attendees to sit down to help hold the
crowd, or do little magic tricks on the side before starting the official
show. Some will even go out into the
aisles with you and help call Attendees into the booth. They are in effect doing double duty and
deserve all of your respect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Presenter is the reason you have a job, and once you get
comfortable with that idea, the rest is easy.
Coordinate your lunch with the Presenter. If there are two CG’s you can actually take a
full lunch, separately, of course. If
not, you go to lunch five minutes after your Presenter is done with the show,
and get back five minutes before the next one starts. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are you to leave your
Presenter to gather a crowd or Present a show alone. Sometimes this means you only get a couple of
twenty minute breaks on a nine hour show day.
That’s the way it goes. Don’t
like it? Well….tough. Maybe Crowd Gathering isn’t for you. It’s rare that this happens, but it can, so
be prepared for it if it does.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How to be a good
Crowd Gatherer:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting the First Attendee to sit down is always the
hardest. An experienced CG will learn
how to spot the Easy Marks—the ones who will probably say yes because you are
giving them swag, and focus on them first.
It’s almost an animal-like instinct you have to develop…Hunter and
Prey. Pick the weakest ones off first,
work on the harder ones later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A good CG can learn how to pick off three or four Attendees
at a time, making the job a little easier and the theater fuller faster. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will probably have some sort of bribe to get them into
the booth: Swag such as t-shirts or
other trinkets, prizes at the end of the show or day, free drink tickets,
whatever. Your swag is your weapon. Use it wisely. Don’t run out of swag halfway through Day Two
or you will be screwed trying to get a crowd on Day Three. A good CG can monitor the swag levels to make
sure it never runs out until she wants it to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never <i>ask</i>
Attendees if they would like to watch a presentation. <i>Tell</i>
them to watch it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Hi! Come watch our
Five Minute Presentation! Have a
seat. Here’s a shirt."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep it simple and they will do what you tell them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learn to walk backwards in heels as you guide them into the
booth. A good CG never stands in
place—she is out in the aisles, herding Attendees into the booth with open,
waving arms and a huge, welcoming smile.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do what you have to do to get them to sit down. Stand in front of them and block their path
down the aisle. There are no rules here,
do whatever it takes short of promising them a million dollars and dinner with
you. I never consider a show a success
unless Show Management pops into my booth to tell me that I’m being too loud or
going too far into the aisle to get Butts in Seats. Push the limits as far as you can without
getting in serious trouble. Smile at Show Management when they scold you and apologize. Then go back to what you were doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Five Minute
Presentation:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Presentation is always Five Minutes. Always.
I don’t care if the Presenter is going to talk for twenty, NEVER tell
them anything other than it is Five Minutes.
They won’t sit down for twenty minutes, but everyone has five minutes to
spare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, LIE! They will
forgive you once you give them their swag.
Just make sure you smile when you do it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want proof of the Five Minute rule? Watch Leslie Chambers crowd gather for one of
her presentations. She is the Best in
the business, and I learned from her.
One of the biggest compliments I have received was from a different
Presenter who knew I was exhausted and on my last show of the day. I knew I couldn’t let this theater only fill
up half-way, so I reached into my Bingo Fuel Tank and kept going. My Presenter said, “Wow. You sound just like Leslie right now.” Now THAT means you are doing it right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Down Time:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no Down Time.
Once the theater empties and everyone has their prizes and their badges
are all scanned, you have other duties.
Set the chairs straight. Pick up
the leaflets and any trash on the floor.
Check in with your Presenter to see if everything is OK. Bring the Attendees deeper into the booth and
introduce them to the Sales Staff. Stock
swag for the next show. Make sure your
client is happy and has water, coffee, a drink, or whatever else might be
needed. Go and get what is needed. Make sure your shirt is still tucked in and
your hair is still straight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a swig of water and fix your lipgloss. Pop a breath mint in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breathe. Smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go do everything again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lather, rinse, repeat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you aren’t completely exhausted at the end of the day,
you haven’t worked hard enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the shows are only once an hour or so, you will fill your
time between Presentations assisting the Booth Manager with whatever is needed,
typically filling a Booth Hostess role. That
description is next time…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good. Life is
better when you have Butts in Seats!</div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-71144712646564280742013-04-17T09:29:00.000-07:002013-04-17T09:29:17.152-07:00So You Want to be a Trade Show Model? (Part I)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part I: Getting In…</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you want to be a Trade Show Model, do you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you sure?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of my female friends have been asking what I do and how
to cross over from the Promo/Brand Ambassador side of the Events Industry and
into the Wonderful World of Trade Shows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They think this job is all about standing in a booth,
looking pretty and scanning badges.
Many think that making $300/day is way over what we should be getting
paid and that anyone can do it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing could be further from the truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This job is not all about looking cute and giggling, though
that does help. This job is WORK, and
hard work at that. And after some shows
I do, $300/day doesn't even begin to cover what we go through on the Show Floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how do you start?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. Resume</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Landing that first job is like a Catch-22. You have to have a resume to get the good
jobs, but how do you get the resume without getting the jobs? Simple.
Invest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have all seen my blogs about not working for less than
you are worth. I still stand by my
thoughts on this. You have to start at
the bottom in the Trade Show Industry, just like any other career--unless
you have someone willing to put her reputation on the line and refer you in, which many established TS Models won't do.
Staffing agencies like CSS and a slew of others regularly staff Conventions,
especially the big ones in <st1:city w:st="on">San Francisco</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on">Las Vegas</st1:city>. While the pay is low—generally $11/hr, it’s a
great place to start. The job is
easy: Stand in one place, hold a sign,
smile, and direct traffic. You won’t be
on the Trade Show Floor itself, but it still technically counts as working a
Convention. The hours are long, so in
the end you can clear several hundred dollars and you get to put a big name on
your resume. This also usually gets you
a badge onto the Trade Show Floor so you can see if you really want to enter
this World. Do it. Look.
Listen. Observe. Take notes.
Hang out with us after the show closes and hear us “Empty our Laundry
Baskets…” And then decide if you really
want to make the leap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Work a few Conventions and you start building some big name
shows on your resume. Work hard, and
eventually, the bigger agencies will take notice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to start right away on the Show Floor,
again, you are going to have to take a bit of a pay cut. I started at the Winter Fancy Food Show several
years ago making $20/hr and so can you. Work
a few Expos, Gift Fairs and Car Shows and you can get even more experience on
your resume quickly. A few agencies will
staff Trade Shows for $17-$20/hr, but you are really going to piss off the
experienced TS Models if you agree to work those rates. Don’t.
You are worth more. Once you get
your feet wet and have proven that you CAN move up the ladder, then do so and
don’t look back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you build a resume, keep it simple. One page.
Everyone knows the responsibilities of a Crowd Gatherer, Product
Specialist, etc. so don’t waste room writing the description. Just list the show, position, and
Client. KISS principle here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. Pictures</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Invest in a good head shot and full length, business
style. Smile, look pretty (or handsome)
and keep the picture simple. No one
wants to see anything high-fashion with crazy hair, purple eye shadow, or that
model pout that is popular. If you are
going to be hired to smile and get people in the booth, then present yourself
to your prospective clients in that manner.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Absolutely NO cheesecake, nude, implied nude or overly sexy
shots!! EVER!! Unless you are applying to be a bikini model
at a car show, then don’t send bikini pics!
True, you may have a rockin' body, but there are many conservative
clients out there, especially in the tech and medical field, and they all have
stereotypes about what “Booth Babes” are like.
Don’t present yourself as one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some agencies ask for a candid shot. This does not mean you and your four closest
promo friends in a picture handing out soda samples. This means you posed by your booth with a
warm and inviting smile on your face. It
would really suck if you sent a candid picture in with a whole bunch of people,
and the Client hired your friend, wouldn't it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Wardrobe</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have a standard wardrobe for Trade Shows just like
Promos. Black pencil skirt with matching
blazer. White blouses. Black dress pants. And the most important wardrobe
piece—comfortable shoes!!! I’m NOT
kidding!! Your feet will ache from Day
One, and there is no relief in sight, even on your lunch or break. Bring a pair of black flats to change into
for lunch, breaks, to and from work. I
buy my Trade Show Shoes ½ size bigger than I wear and stuff them full of shoe pads. If your feet hurt, it will show in your face,
and Attendees can smell a miserable Trade Show Model an aisle away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Always have a manicure.
You are going to be shaking hands, scanning badges and touching
iPads. Your hands are your
business. Conservative polish or French
Manicure only. Your nail length should
be just over the tips of your fingers, not glamorous!! If you break a nail at work, put a band-aid
on it, don’t just leave one naked little finger sitting there all stubbly while
the others are lovely. Learn to be
ambidextrous and use the other hand until you can get to Walgreens and get a
spare press-on or get to the salon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some companies will supply the Gawd-awful polo shirt. Be prepared to tuck it in, and if it’s a
man’s shirt and you are small, it’s going to be a challenge to cram all that
material into your pants or skirt and not look four months pregnant. I always wear pantyhose, tights, or some sort
of spanx to not only give my legs and butt some support, but to tuck all the
extra shirt-length in and compress it against my body so I can still try to
look slim.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are allowed to wear your own outfit, make sure to
coordinate your clothes with the colors of the booth. Don’t show up wearing the competitor’s
colors! Bad move!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for god’s sake—dye your roots!! Three inches of black hair underneath
platinum blonde ends just looks trashy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4. Market, market,
market!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apply for EVERYTHING!!
Be prepared to travel and not have your expenses covered. Crowd Gatherers and Booth Hostesses are a
dime a dozen for most Clients, and only some of the best will have their
expenses covered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might have to take a “wash” on your first show or two
just to get the Client’s name on your resume.
By wash, I mean make no money after expenses (which you write off of
your income on your taxes). Plan a
vacation around it. Have you always
wanted to visit <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>? Well then book three-day show there, stay for
five and know that you just got a huge show for a Fortune 100 Client on your
resume. That matters. I took a few big hits in the beginning, and
because I was willing to travel on my own, work my butt off, and prove myself
to my Clients, some of my travel is now covered and my calendar is usually full
months out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many people will try to make the transition into this world
and fail. It definitely is not for
everyone. The hours are long and
grueling, the Clients can be unappreciative, and the Sales Staff can be
annoying, demoralizing, and downright rude.
It happens. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, if you are able to get your foot in the door,
working as a Trade Show Model can be one of the most rewarding and exciting
careers anyone can have. I feed off of
the energy of the show and love the diversity of the Clients and the Product. I know some of my Clients personally, and they are some of the warmest and caring people I have ever met. And you just can’t beat setting your own
hours and travel plans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t imagine working in any other field.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good.
Especially when you have found your calling. </div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-77733043872520612572013-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:002013-02-08T07:40:26.309-08:00On Being Nice and Feeling Special...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><i>(Note: I apologize for all the hyperlink ads. I'm trying to figure out how to remove them. Sorry!!)</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone is talking about “Random Acts of Kindness” and “Pay
It Forward” these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that we
have forgotten how to just be nice to people and do the right thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working in the Promo and Trade Show Industry, we shouldn’t
have to be reminded to be nice to people or to do something that makes someone
feel special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being nice is our
JOB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making each person we see at an
event feel special is the most important part of our job description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day I have to be reminded to be nice to
people is the day I need to hang up my 7” stilettos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week I worked for a fantastic client, The New York Times,
at MacWorld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our booth was crazy busy,
as we were doing free “word portraits” where we snap a picture and through the
miracle of computer technology, it turns the portrait into a series of words
from the headlines that The New York Times has in their massive
database.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can click <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/videos/tech/2013/02/01/1884637/" target="_blank">A Word Cloud Portrait</a> for the
story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-bU-Wt-Sdl-Rp6B5nXW1S4BC4OQXtaXZolGB_C4PYz9AdF0f8IzeXqge81kxwXXTRlJmZhlVwKkqAjKjkc_h5OMZu_BwMUUI-KOCN5KQB9COg_aK1QGVMsM_ZDX6qnAa50is3ksxkr0F/s1600/Scan0008a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-bU-Wt-Sdl-Rp6B5nXW1S4BC4OQXtaXZolGB_C4PYz9AdF0f8IzeXqge81kxwXXTRlJmZhlVwKkqAjKjkc_h5OMZu_BwMUUI-KOCN5KQB9COg_aK1QGVMsM_ZDX6qnAa50is3ksxkr0F/s320/Scan0008a.jpg" width="266" /></a>It was the end of the first day and we were closing up
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of three people came up to
me and asked if I would do one more print.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two women smiled that kind of smile that says, “I know you are
closed, but please, please, please, make an exception for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the young man next to them and
knew I had to say yes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One look at the young man, and I could tell that he fit in
the “special needs” category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t go
into the details except to say that my heart opened up and I immediately made
the decision to do the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon
as I motioned the three of them to get in the remainder of the line, the women
said, “No, just him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know you are
closing for the day and don’t want to get you in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone else was so mean to us today in all
the other booths, and it is so nice of you to let him get his picture done, we
can’t ask for any more of your time than is minimally necessary.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Minimally necessary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To do something so small to take one minute of my time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That won’t do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This young man is
getting every last little bit of time that I have, because making him smile is
now the Number One priority for my last ten minutes on-shift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I snapped the picture and asked the women from what sections
of The New York Times I should generate the Word Cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said Sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still learning the software and hadn’t
had some time to really play around with it, so I figured that now was a good
as any time to dive right in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What kind of sports?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any particular team?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He loves basketball, particularly professional,” they
responded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I typed it in,
pushed the enter button and let the iPad do its magic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The software generated his picture with all kinds of various
NBA teams, players, and coaches, and we decided to put the words in his
favorite color, blue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two minutes later, the portrait printed, I handed it over,
thanked them again for coming by the booth and got ready to start packing up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ladies gave the portrait to the young man, and he lit up
like the New Years Eve Ball dropping in Times Square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to recognize himself and the names
on his portrait and started clapping and grinning ear to ear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
YAY!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woo-hoo!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinking that I was done for the day, I packed up my things
and grabbed my coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was leaving
the booth, an older woman came over to me, grabbed my hand and nearly in a
whisper said, “That picture you just took was for my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I couldn’t make it over here to do
the picture with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has Downs
Syndrome and the only thing that he can really recognize and focus on is
basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves basketball!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you so much for making our day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really made us feel special!!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She gave me a little squeeze and went back over to her son.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Definitely worth it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought about it for a few days, and wondered if I had
really done anything special to deserve such a big Thank You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did what I love to do, which is smile at
everyone I see and make each person who visits my client’s booth feel
special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling special is not just for
those I think are deserving, or who are extra polite, or who beg me with three
“please, please, pleases” so that I say yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t take the time to make some people feel special because you
identify that they have a disability, need extra time, look like they had a bad
day…whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You try your best to make
EACH person you come in contact with feel special, well, because each person IS
special.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
But what really got to me was me wondering why everyone else
was so mean to these people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it
so difficult to see that each person needs to be respected and treated like an
individual, a human being, and yes—special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, each of us is unique in our own little ways, and each of us
likes to feel special, so why has it become so hard for us to recognize that need
and act accordingly? Do we not remember The Golden Rule?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly saddens me sometimes to see how far
we have strayed from being truly genuine to each other and treat those around
us like we would like to be treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Doing the right thing or doing something nice for someone
else isn’t something that you should have to be reminded to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should just happen naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in my business, as the all-too-important
First Impression of a company, it is your JOB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>EVERY person who walks by the booth is special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVERY person deserves a smile, a nod, and
your respect.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I think we have lost what it means to be human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sigh…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you to The New York Times for giving me the
opportunity to not only have a blast at work making money at a really cool gig,
but thank you for the opportunity to make someone’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because at the end of the day when the lights
are turned off, the carpet is rolled up, the boxes are packed and shipped…at
the end of the day, all that really matters is that I made someone smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, boy did he ever!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget that day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is
better when being nice just happens…</div>
<br />Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-87798945418512531202013-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:002013-01-05T11:18:03.472-08:00Happy 2013!! Are you ready for it?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s hear it for 2013!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The year of the Trade Show!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, the New Year starts with the biggest Trade Show of the
year, CES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 120,000 people will be
descending on Las Vegas
in the next day or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lines will be
long for shuttles, taxis, restaurants and even the bathroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This show will test you in ways you can’t
imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be as prepared as you can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the vets in the business will be at CES and judging from
the Facebook Groups, a lot of newbies are making their debut too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone will be there—and everyone will be
watching to see how you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure
you do your absolute best and set the stage for a fantastic year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some tips and tricks to think about as you pack
today:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things to pack:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Every
kind of pill you can think of—Advil, Motrin, Vitamins, Water Pills,
Allergy and Cold Pills, Beano, Airborne, Imodium, Gas X, Rolaids and Tums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You aren’t going to be on your normal
eating and drinking schedule so keep your insides prepared for Travel Food
and the Travel Bellyaches that follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know your feet are going to hurt in those heels after Day Two. Since the show itself is four days plus a few rehearsal days, bring lots
of Advil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I throw a week’s worth of
pills in one little bottle and keep them in my purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, if you can rescue your client’s
hung-over body on Day Three, you’re a hero. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget grabbing a snack at LVCC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not paying $2.50 for a bag of chips
and another $3.00 for a soda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
are terrible for you and your wallet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will spend your entire break time standing in line instead of
resting and eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pack a box of
something healthy in your suitcase and each day throw one in your purse to
nosh on while you take your break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars can all be purchased in advance
and kept in baggies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add a
protein shake or a piece of turkey jerky and an apple, and you have an economical
and healthy lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That beats
standing in line for 25 minutes for a $6.00 piece of crappy pizza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Change
of shoes and socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your feet will
hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the seasoned pros will
have aches and pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NEVER wear your
floor shoes to and from work. Instead, change into sneakers or flats for
the hike from your hotel room to your booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guarantee that you will walk at least
a mile each day to and from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spare
your feet and bring something comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It doesn’t hurt to bring a spare pair of heels to switch in and out
during the day, provided there is room to store them in the booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tuck a heel in each pocket of my
coat, and the travel flats slide into the inside pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget shoe inserts too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That extra ¼ inch of padding is well
worth the $6.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things to do—or not to do:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Keep
your alcohol consumption to a minimum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeah, right, it’s VEGAS you say!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, you aren’t here for a vacation or Bachelorette party, you are
here to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alcohol will make
your 8-hour Day Three feel like a 16-hour Day Seven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will show on your face if you have
been drinking, as your eyes will be bloodshot, your face will be puffy and
those dark circles will stand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A glass or two of wine with
dinner or in your room is fine, but shots of tequila at the bar with the
Client is an absolute no-no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Drink
as much water as you can. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
in the desert where the humidity levels are rarely over 4%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coffee, soda, and alcohol will dehydrate
you even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Convention and
restaurant food contain lots of salt, which will make you thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring your own water container and drink
as much as you can throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keeping yourself hydrated can also help you from losing your voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are staying in a hotel and have
to pay those absurd Resort Fees, then go to their Fitness Center
and sit in the steam room for 15 minutes to rehydrate your eyes, sinuses
and skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You already paid for it,
so use it.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Leave
early…for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plan
ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, there are an extra 120,000
people in town this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel
times will triple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fifteen minute
walk from The Strip to the LVCC will now take at least 40 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider walking to work and then taking
the shuttle home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know the route in
advance so you can plan your travel time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Study the maps to know where everything is—from the shuttle route
to the Expo floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know where the
restrooms are so you can go quickly and have time to stand in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change into your flats when you go on
break or lunch, because it’s likely a five minute walk to anything, and
you can be comfortable and quick when you are in flat shoes.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CES can be intimidating and almost overwhelming to the
unprepared or inexperienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a
little advanced and smart planning, you can easily navigate your way through
the crowds and lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to shine
for your client and your agency—don’t forget to smile!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
prepared and it is even better!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-7182802020326420432012-12-20T06:48:00.000-08:002012-12-20T06:55:56.741-08:00WHO Did You Just Send Your Resume To? Are You Sure??<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emily Lewis is a genuine Trade Show Model who wants to get
you great deals on designer shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ummm….no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crystal Jennings is a
working Hollywood Actress who can guarantee you work if you buy her online
training classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paula Sharp lost 75 pounds in one month by
taking a diet pill which you can get for ¼ the price if you send your credit
card info right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calling BS on that
one too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why do you believe Jenna Johnston when she says she has a
great job for you at CES for $400 a day??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you KNOW Jenna Johnston?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Probably as much as you know Emily, Crystal or Paula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can see those three are scamming you,
why can you not see through Jenna’s bologna?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not one of my usual blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is hardcore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this may save your job, ass, or even your
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pay attention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you know what email harvesting is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Companies pay a good sum of money for a
grouping of thousands of new emails, especially within a specific
demographic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a Facebook page with
thousands of members who all want to work, it’s like shooting fish in a
barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All someone has to do is pretend
to be a recruiter, post some great job and rate that no one can resist, and
wait for the emails and resumes to come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Next thing you know, you are getting ten times the spam that you are
used to, and why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because you sent your
information to someone when you didn’t know who was on the other end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to make a few extra hundred
bucks in the slow seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All you need
is a Facebook page or five, some sappy get-rich-quick story, and people will
hand you money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and don’t click on
that link that Jenna the Recruiter sent you or you will get a virus or get
hacked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this was a dating site and not a job page, would you send
your personal info to some potential mate that you could not find a little
background information on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he refused
to tell you where he lived, or where he worked, but said he was a really nice
guy, would you just say, “Well, he said he is nice, so let me just send him
everything about myself anyways…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NO!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would delete him from whatever files you
had and tell all your girlfriends that he was a psycho. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why do you do it here on Facebook?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you so desperate for work that you are
willing to sacrifice your own safety sending out personal and sensitive
information to complete strangers—all for the CHANCE to get a gig?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the hell is your common sense?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
send your information to some Yahoo or Gmail address, who are you sending it
to, and what are you sending??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your full
name, location, pictures, physical description, and job history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your address is on your resume, get if OFF
of there right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop reading this
blog, and go fix your resume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
dangerous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, then the “recruiter” might write you back and ask how
old you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you give up your
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she didn’t get your address
before, she might send you a generic form, asking you for your address,
birthday, Social Security, signature…etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, and since many of the young BA’s and TS Models aren’t married yet,
your emergency contact is usually your mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pretty easy to find her maiden name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bingo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just got your identity
stolen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you had better hope that the only thing the person on
the other end of that Gmail wanted to do was steal your identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because now he or she knows where you live,
work, your Social Media habits—because you probably added Jenna as a “friend”
on Facebook without knowing if she was even a real person—so he or she knows
your everyday habits like who you hang out with, where you work out, where you
shop, where your family lives, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jenna might have something else in mind to take from you than your
credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenna might meet you outside
your house one night and take your life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is worst case scenario, but one that you need to be
aware of and have drilled into your head on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t been watching the news lately,
there are some seriously crazy people out there who will do horrible things to
each other for no apparent reason and involve YOU whether you asked for it or
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So STOP doing things to set
yourself up!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been in the middle of one
psycho shooting this month, I’m pretty much done for…well…the rest of my life,
thankyouverymuch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OK, the “Mom” part of me is done with the lecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now let’s move to Business Jen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let’s say that these people who you are sending your
personal information to aren’t psycho killers, identity stealers, crazed exes
looking for revenge, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s say they
really do work in the Promo Industry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for whom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone who refuses to state who he or she works for has an
agenda—one that does not have your best interest at heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, you may get a job, you may make some money, but who was this person really who got your information?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call them Resume Pimps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pose as Recruiters, tell you that they
are helping a friend staff a show, or work for an agency, but never tell you who
they really work for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because they are getting a cut of your money,
just like a pimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> These Resume Pimps package the
girls together and sell it to an agency for a fee—a fee that gets taken out of
your pay should you get booked. If they weren't taking a cut, they would gladly release the name of their employer so that you could verify employment. Yup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a pimp. Of course, they might be a real
agency trying to land a contract and say that you have worked for them on jobs
in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they can present 25+ of
the top talent in the country as their own, chances are they will catch a Client’s
eye and possibly get the gig—event though NONE of those 25 have ever worked for
the agency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Doesn't seem fair, does it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to know where your money goes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s do the math…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say an agency bills a client $400-$500/day for a Crowd
Gatherer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a pretty fair
rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a true agency will take their
20-25% or so cut and you get $300-$400 depending on how much effort that agency
had to put into securing the gig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is totally fair, and you should expect to pay that much to a good agency who
has you working constantly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now let’s say that there are several hands in the cookie
jar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the larger corporations out
there will hire a “Experiential Marketing” conglomeration to produce their
entire event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They still get billed the
$500 per Crowd Gatherer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EXCEPT…that EM
company then hires a Staffing Agency to find CGs for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subtract another 25% because the Staffing
Agency has to make their cut right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
down to $280 and change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, Jenna the
Pimp—I mean Recruiter—is out there “helping a friend find girls for a gig” who is
also going to take another 25% off of your pay for a commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’re looking at $210.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s round it off to $200, because it’s a
nice, even number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s 60% of the
money that the Client paid for you gone already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more fingers that touch your resume, the more money will
be taken out of your pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And YOU are
the one doing the work, while they sit there on their computers and farm out
your resume.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, then let’s throw in my favorite:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, you are new with our agency, so we
start our new employees at $200/day, and after a few shows, you can be making
$250!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend is doing the exact same gig as I
am, has only done five shows total, but me, with 100 shows on my resume is
making less?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same Client.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep getting
flashbacks of fighting for Women’s Rights in the Corporate World and the whole getting paid 72% of
what a man makes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the same hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell me how this is justified again?? And we women are doing it to each other?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are OK with 60% of your money going to other people,
then by all means, send your resume out to everyone and anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you aren’t, then play it smart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do some research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look up that person’s Facebook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are their “friends” people you know personally, or just other
agencies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do have mutual friends,
write them and ask for a reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
no one that you know personally can verify of this person’s existence, then DO
NOT SEND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION to that person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I mean really KNOW, not just are Facebook
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From recent personal
experience, some of these people are completely psycho and have multiple
Facebook accounts even though it is the same person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes Glenn Close from Fatal Attraction
look appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I expose one
of these frauds, I expect to come home from Vegas and find a bunny on my stove.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google the agency’s website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look for Client Testimonials, not just a page of shows or big
names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Browse through their talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have been in the Trade Show business
for a few years and don’t know anyone on their pages, chances are that company
is a fake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even I can design a halfway
decent website and capture some pictures of good looking people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do know one or two people, write them
and ask for a reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make no
secret of what agencies are out there that I like working for, and anyone who
wants to know what I think just has to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this blog has been a little harsh, but it is so easy
to get caught up in Cyberworld and the presumed safety that you are among
nothing but friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish that was
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people out there who do not have
your best interests in mind, and on one level or another, they will take
advantage of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, you can take
precautions to protect yourself, and it starts with knowing exactly who is at the
other end of an email you send when looking for a job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be smart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be safe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
the most out of it.</div>
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-31714884637913533042012-08-27T08:18:00.001-07:002012-08-27T08:18:40.296-07:00It's Trade Show Season....What's in YOUR Wallet?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s Monday morning in San
Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another Trade Show Season is upon us with the opening of VM World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of us, it’s steady work for the next
six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those who are really
good, it’s insane, non-stop work until after Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference is in how you prepare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are good at what you do, but how are you incorporating
your Client’s needs into your full presentation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to be the nurturing, care-giving,
flat-out ass-saving Knight in Shining Armor whenever and however your Client
needs you to be. You need to prove to your Client that you aren't just a "Booth Babe" but an integral part of the Trade Show Support Staff. In other words, you have to be able to pick up the ball, should the Client drop it, by foreseeing anything that could be missing or go wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soooo….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s in your wallet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A good friend and occasional work associate of mine, <a href="http://magnetproductions.com/" target="_blank">Ken Newman</a>
wrote a blog about keeping an <a href="http://magnetproductions.com/blog/index.php/2012/07/19/did-you-pack-your-trade-show-tool-kit/" target="_blank">Emergency Trade Show Tool Kit</a> with you for
each show you work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone who has
been a Professional Presenter as well as Producer for umpteen years, he knows
his stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there are women who do this kind of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to take anything away from Ken, but let
me list what I have in my bag when I go to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guarantee that each item on this list I
have needed at least once, and on several occasions I have saved the show
because for some reason, I magically produced spot cleaner out of my purse, or a 4G
thumb drive, or even a small can of WD-40.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I have with me when I go to work…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple Cosmetic Stuff:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Eyelashes,
Eyelash glue and Eyelash comb</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tweezers</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tampons</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Toothpaste,
Toothbrush, Dental Floss and Dental Pics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bring extra clean Dental Pics for the client because they always
munch on snacks when doing booth duty and never check their teeth.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Small
Hand Mirror to make sure that you NEVER have anything in your teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you have a mint, check your
teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider taping a small
locker mirror to the inside of the storage door so you can check yourself
throughout the day.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Band-Aids</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Nail glue and nail tips. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Nail file, polish, and polish remover. NEVER have a bad manicure at a booth. That is grounds for dismissal. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Deodorant</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Washcloth
for deodorant—the first day you will probably have to change into a
branded shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chances are you will
get deodorant on the shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paper
towels will leave all kinds of white noodles on your shirt, where a
washcloth or small gym towel will not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Plastic
baggie for the wet washcloth.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Clean
panties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have to ask…</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Contacts,
contact lens solution and drops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s dry as hell on the TS Floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need to be able to see your leads and read their badges from
miles away.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Anti-bac
lotion and spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4192047&cm_sp=LN-_-PocketBac-_-Sanitizing+Lotion+&cp=12587004.12936139" target="_blank">Bath & Body Works</a> has great Anti-bac to keep you moisturized and germ free. Spray can be found as swag. Use it on your booth's horizontal surfaces. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Baby
powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can get hot as hell on
the TS Floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat rash isn’t
pretty and itches.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Q-Tips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you presenting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well you need to clean your ear before
you stick in your earpiece. And Q-Tips are great for make-up touches in a pinch.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Alcohol
wipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the ear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, just in case you need to swap
something with a fellow presenter, it had better be sterile!!</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Extra
batteries for your ear, extra earpiece just in case, and why not throw the
surgical tape in there too so you can keep it in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a CG and are able to whip out
materials for your presenter that he/she might have forgotten, you are now
not only a hero, you are next to god.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cellulite
cream—shrinks the arm flab.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Prep-H—while
you might think it is for the Client, it takes the bags out from
underneath the eyes, especially when you have to work the Client Party as
well as the show.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Hair
essentials like hair spray, brush, bobby pins, ponytail holder are
given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have hair extensions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring an extra clip because if you
don’t, yours will break.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Humid
outside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try BIOSILK to calm the
frizz and pack a mini-flat iron. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that you have yourself prepared, let’s stock your wallet
for the things that the Client needs:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Airborne,
cough drops, throat lozenges, and any other throat medication that will
not make you sound like Kathleen Turner by Day Two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clients always forget this too, so have
plenty in fruity flavors.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Chapsticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neutral flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have about four new and sealed ones in
your bag, as your Client will need one because it is so dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be a savior and offer a fresh one, as
you know you will pick up five or six more as swag as you are walking
around.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Scissors</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Lighter
and/or matches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You better not
smoke, but your Client might.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Universal
tool kit—you can’t carry a Swiss Army Knife on a plane, but little
keychain tool kits are TSA friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have a regular and Phillips Screwdriver as well as a few other
tips that make booths go together without having to spend precious time
looking for a Freeman Representative.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Two
jump drives, at least 2G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
Client will inevitably forget something like all the literature for you to
distribute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save the day by jumping
in and transferring files to your drive and running to FedEx/Kinko’s to
print it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other jump drive
has your resume, headshots, and demo reel on it for the booth next door
that sees how spectacular you are and wants to hire you for their next
show.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pocket
spot stain remover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eating in the
booth is a no-no, but when your Client does it and drips mustard on his
white business shirt, you are a hero.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spork
or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, your Client will
want to eat in the booth and have a yogurt, and forget the utensils.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">A list
of phone numbers for your favorite local restaurants in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure you can Google it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s easier if you just hand over a
list and let the Client pick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
make the reservation because you know the staff and get free drinks for
your referrals.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Corkscrew and bottle opener. Somehow beer will show up in your booth. Your Client doesn't have time to find catering to open an import. Luckily, you have that taken care of. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Multiple electrical outlet adapter. There are never enough electrical outlets for all the phones, laptops, etc. Turn one plug into four with ease and you will stop pecking-order from establishing in the booth to charge cell phones.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think you are packed yet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a few more:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will get hungry and not have time to
get lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://corazonas.com/" target="_blank">Corazonas Oatmeal Squares</a> can fit in your bag, are healthy and tasty, and have a long shelf life. Oh, and they are cheaper than Cliff Bars and other filler snacks.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Business
cards—both yours and your agency's card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Know when to hand out each one.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Three
pairs of shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One pair to walk to
work in, the others are to rotate throughout the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will break the heel in your Jimmy
Choo’s half way through your first presentation, so have a back-up.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Two
umbrellas and disposable ponchos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During hurricane season your Client probably forgot to pack an
umbrella.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pack
of tissues or emergency TP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will run to the bathroom on your three minute break in between shows and
use the stall that has run out of TP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Murphy’s Law of Trade Shows.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Benadryl</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Safety
Pins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broken bra straps aren’t fun.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Backup
pair of earrings.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Long sleeved, unbranded black or white t-shirt. Convention halls are freezing on the first day in the winter, and you need to be warm and happy! </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Extra socks. Change them throughout the show. The dirty ones go in your Ziplock bag.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">The usual assortment of medications: Advil, Tylenol, Tums, Pepto, Immodium, Midol, Vitamin C, etc. Have enough for everyone.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pens in all colors, highlighters, paper clips, and a few stamps.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Phone chargers for both iPhones and Androids. Your Client will forget his in the hotel room, and you will kill your battery using your phone as a hot-spot for the internet for the booth.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Any adapters that will convert from PC to Mac and back again. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">AA and AAA batteries. If you have a presenter, you may just have saved his butt too if his back-up died.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Dollar bills and quarters for vending machines, tips for errands, etc. No one ever has smaller than a $20 when the show starts, and someone needs a buck for a soda.</li>
</ul>
<br />I'm sure the list will get longer as Trade Show Season continues, but I thought I would share some simple essentials that will help YOU be a hero at your booth. A few saves for your Client, and you have gone from a simple "Booth Babe" to an invaluable part of the Trade Show Support Staff. You are prepared and you are irreplaceable. And you have a contract for next year waiting.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous Trade Show Season everyone! And remember...<br />
<br />
<br />
Life is Good.<br />
Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-2512207406409617952012-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:002012-07-11T07:55:19.703-07:00Why should I pay you $300 a day when your friend will work for $15/hr?It's the same old argument, Trade Show after Trade Show. And I'm finally bent enough to blog about it.<br />
<br />
Dear Fellow Co-Workers:<br />
<br />
Please STOP doing MY job for $15/hr. My minimum rate is $300/day to be a Crowd Gatherer, which is approximately $40/hr. That you are willing to lower not only my standards, but the rest of the Industry's standards to work the SAME job as I do for just over minimum wage is insulting.<br />
<br />
True, you might not have the same experience as I do--yet--so you may need to take a job paying $250/day just to get your name out there enough to demand the same pay as I get, but $250/day is three times more than what you are accepting now. Have some dignity.<br />
<br />
Stop it. <br />
<br />
Do you realize how much your booking agency takes from you when you agree to work for $15/hr? Do the math. I get $40, you said yes to $15. They are charging the client the SAME rate. Do you think you should be the one laughing because you are working and I am not? NO. The hiring agency and the client are laughing at YOU because they just got your services for basically nothing. And now you have to work three times as many days to equal my salary. So while you are working seven days a week trying to pay your bills, I work three and am putting money in the bank.<br />
<br />
You deserve better. Especially those of you who I refer into this business.<br />
<br />
And please don't use the excuse, "I would rather be working for below market rate than not working." Bullshit. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Would you date a man who beats you or cheats on you just because you don't want to be lonely and dating an abuser is better than not dating? No. You would tell that man to get out of your life and come back when he has learned some respect.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If a waiter brought your dinner to you in a nice restaurant and it had bugs and hair in it, would you just sit there and eat it? No. You would send it back and demand the meal that you are paying for.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When you are shoe shopping and like a pair of shoes, do you buy the size 6 that doesn't fit because the store is sold out of your size? No. You walk out of the store and go to another that might have the perfect fit. </li>
</ul>
<br />
So please tell me WHY YOU TAKE JOBS THAT DO NOT RESPECT YOU???<br />
<br />
Let's quickly go over some myths in the business:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>It's the slow season, so any work is better than nothing. No. There is no "slow season" in marketing. I am just as busy in January as June. Be flexible in the jobs you work, and you will always be working. Note I said the JOBS, not the pay!! <br /></li>
<li>I'm new in the business so I have to start somewhere. Wrong. Would you accept a "regular job" for below minimum wage because you are new? Nope. Then don't do it in this business. <br /></li>
<li>I can work for less than I normally do because they pay in cash right after the gig and it's close to my house. This one kills me. A gig is ALWAYS close to SOMEONE'S house, so why are you so special? And the reason you are paid in cash is so that the company does not have to make a paper trail and report your earnings to the government--saving THEM time and money. Again, they win and you lose.<br /></li>
</ol>
You deserve better. You deserve respect. And you deserve pay equivalent to your talent. When you take a job for $15/hr, you tell the world that you have little talent, no respect for yourself, and don't deserve better than what you are getting.<br /><br /><br />
And when it comes time for me to hire you, do you think that I'm going to offer you $300/day when I know I can get you for $15/hr? Nope. I might give you $20/hr just so that you feel good about yourself, but I'm still going to be pocketing an extra $100 a day off of your hard work. And if I can get you to do my job of looking for two other people to work the gig too (because you won't charge me a referral fee), I'll be able to stay home and watch Dr. Phil on TV all day, because you and your friends are making my $300/day rate for me, and I don't have to do a thing.<br />
<br />
Think about it.<br />
<br />
Here is another good article about why you should just say NO to bad pay: <a href="http://www.stopdreadingmondays.com/self-employment/how-to-get-paid-what-you-are-worth-as-a-freelancer/" target="_blank">How To Get Paid What You Are Worth</a><br />
<br />
Life is Good. At least for me, because I respect myself. So should you.Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-92129058530347949622012-06-18T21:08:00.000-07:002012-06-18T21:08:26.299-07:00Another GREAT resource for the San Francisco Workforce!!Hello everyone! I hope you have all been working just as hard as I have!<br />
<br />
I would like to share another valuable resource for all of us based in the Bay Area, and those who travel here for work and pleasure.<br />
<br />
I stumbled upon this store today totally by accident. After two hours of trying on clothes, I left the store with over $2000 of clothing--for less than $300!! <br />
<br />
The store is called <a href="http://www.aminermiracle.org/" target="_blank">A Miner Miracle</a> and is located at 441 Sutter St, between Stockton and Powell.<br />
<br />
This store sells designer clothing (think Michael Kors, Via Spiga, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, London Fog, etc.) for <i>ridiculously</i> low prices. Everything is new--either used as runway clothing, samples, or photo shoot props. I even landed a pair of $100 pants that had been slightly altered exactly where I needed them to be--for $10!!!!!!!! <br />
<br />
OK, I bought four pairs of pants and a few skirts. And some shorts and casual pants. And a London Fog raincoat. But who's counting??<br />
<br />
But selling me great clothes at great prices isn't all this store does. As a non-profit organization: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The purpose of the program is to help disadvantaged people enter the
workplace by educating them to present themselves well and with pride.
The program -- from providing work-appropriate clothing and grooming
services to enhancing presentation skills -- not only improves
employment potential but helps build self-esteem."</blockquote>
<br />
As far as I'm concerned, this is a win-win. I am so tired of people looking down upon the disadvantaged and unemployed of my community and neighborhood, shouting the typical, "Get a job, you bum!" when it is obvious that these people would love to work if only they had some job training and a fresh set of clothes to wear to an interview. <br />
<br />
So here is your chance to help. Buy some clothes at 80% off, and the proceeds help to <i>employ</i> people in the community. <br />
<br />
Give a man a fish, he eats for a day...teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. Same goes for employment. Give a man a fresh set of clothing to wear to a new job, and he goes off the unemployment line. And you also get a fresh set of clothing to wear to your next gig!!<br />
<br />
A new delivery of Michael Kors clothing is expected in the next 10 days. I'll be there in two Mondays looking to score some new tops for the Trade Show Floor.<br />
<br />
I hope to see you too.<br />
<br />
Life is Good. Especially when you do Good. <br />
<br />Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-91089993506901922902012-06-04T19:48:00.000-07:002012-06-04T20:01:08.074-07:00Three shows in three cities...Hello everyone!<br />
<br />
Well, it's time for three shows in three different cities. Wahooooo!<br />
<br />
Three days at DAC in SF.<br />
<br />
After the close of show, go straight to the airport.<br />
<br />
Get on a plane for Orlando at 8PM.<br />
<br />
Arrive in Orlando at 7AM and head straight for the Convention Hall.<br />
<br />
Work all day. Meet a friend for dinner. Sleep.<br />
<br />
Work two more days.<br />
<br />
At the close of show, go immediately to the airport and fly to San Diego.<br />
<br />
Next day begins Cisco Live! working for one of my favorite clients and agencies. <br />
<br />
Fly home on the 15th.<br />
<br />
SLEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ever wonder how I find all the shows? I plan WAY in advance. You can too!<br />
<br />
I found this Trade Show Calendar online and use it to see what shows are where for the next year or two. Cross reference it with a few BA agencies in my favorite cities and I'm constantly working.<br />
<br />
Go ahead... start planning a working vacation! Maybe we can travel together!<br />
<br />
Life is Good!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thetradeshowcalendar.com/option2/" target="_blank">Trade Show Calendar</a>Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-22046613223120475792012-05-29T09:01:00.000-07:002012-05-30T08:03:37.200-07:00The Not So "Big Easy" (A New Orleans Trade Show Saga)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Question</b>: What do you do when you show up on Day One of
a trade show, and discover that …<br />
<br />
1. The product literature didn’t make it to the show.<br />
2. The show entrance and your booth are at opposite ends of the
building.<br />
3. There are no dedicated trade show hours ??<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Answer</b>: Whatever you HAVE TO DO!!<br />
<br />
You may have been brought in as a "Crowd Gatherer" or "Booth
Hostess," but when it comes down to it, you are part of the Marketing
Team. This means you do whatever you
have to do to make your show a success, whether you think it's in your job
description or not.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
So …</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What happens when the Client unpacks the shipping boxes an hour before
showtime and realizes that THERE IS NO LITERATURE TO HAND OUT??<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Easy!</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
You ask them to put whatever files they can find on a thumb
drive. You change into your comfy
shoes. You Google the nearest FedEx
Kinko’s. You take their Corporate Credit Card and off you go. Thirty minutes later you’re back with bags
full of pamphlets and flyers. You put on
your heels. You’re a hero. <b>Miracle #1. </b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Then …</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What do you do when your booth is in the far corner of the convention hall
and no one is coming to visit?<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
You work your magic !</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's hard to be a Crowd Gatherer for a Presenter when he has no one to PRESENT
to. He may be great at sleight of hand, but without anyone to watch him …
who cares? So you grab an extra deck of
cards and go out into the main hallways and tell every attendee you see to
"Pick a Card! Any card! Take that Magic Card to Booth 1617 and
turn it in for a prize!" Next thing you know, the booth is full of
attendees watching the Presentation! AND, since all the attendees are
turning in playing cards for prizes, your client has a pretty good idea who it
was that pulled in the crowds. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Miracle
#2.</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
And as if THAT wasn’t enough …</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What do you do when the only time the attendees are in the Expo Hall hall is
for meals? To make matters worse, the Caterers, in their infinite wisdom,
put a giant curtain in front of your booth, so no one sees you or your
presenter.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
Step out from
behind the curtain.</div>
That booth in the corner is now part of the dining entertainment.
Visit the tables during lunch and welcome the attendees. Invite them over
to your booth for some lunchtime magic.
Tell them that your presenter will teach them a trick and give them a
special gift to take home with them. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Miracle #3</b>.<br />
<br />
And after this third miracle, you are officially a New Orleans Saint (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Tricks like this (pun intended) will get your booth full of prospects, and
get your client to see the value that you bring to their trade show marketing
effort. If your client doesn't get good leads, they’re not likely
to come back to this show. And if they
don’t come back to the show … you’re not working for them.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
So …</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You step up. You help wherever you can. You do things that might not
be part of your job description. You
make problems disappear. Then, the
morning after the show, you get an email thanking you for the great job you did
along with a contract for their next three shows.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Life
is Good.</b></div>Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-76718136662383139322012-05-14T11:53:00.000-07:002012-05-14T12:57:27.266-07:00How To Be A Better Manager...Part II<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Welcome to another Monday! As you go forth and conquer the Wonderful
World of Events and Promotions, be sure and read this week’s tips:</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>How To Be A Better Manager … Part II</u></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4.
Make sure everyone on your team has taken a break or had lunch before YOU do.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
There is no better way to lose your
staff’s respect than to get everyone in place for the event, push through the
first few hours, tweak, tune, and occasionally terrify your staff and then be
the first one to break for lunch. No. Don't do this. If you
need a few minutes to use the restroom and glug down an energy drink, tell your
staff that you will return in five minutes and then lunches will begin.
And get back in three. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The following story may help illustrate
this point. (The name has been changed
to protect the guilty.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Several years ago, I worked a promotion for
Ralph K. The call time was 7AM. Ralph
showed up at 7:10. Strike One. At noon, Ralph decided he was going to take
‘an hour’ for lunch. Strike Two. By the time he got back and remembered to start
breaking his staff, it was 2:30. Strike Three. How much respect do you think Ralph earned
that day? What do you think the chances are that I will work for him
again? And more to the point, what do you think the chances are that I
will HIRE him, now that I happen to be running this campaign? </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Cranky
employees do not make for a pleasant event. Try to keep your staff from
getting cranky--especially at you!</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5.
Do not eat with your staff.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Seriously. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Yes, we all know each
other and are probably friends outside the business, but give them a break and
don't join them at the lunch table. They need to be able to relax and get
away from you. They need to talk on the phone, chew gum, smoke, swear, and
bitch. Bitch about the client. Bitch about how much their feet hurt. Bitch about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look</i> you gave them when they rolled in barely on time. It's
called a lunch BREAK for a reason, and part of that break is getting away from YOU. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Unless lunch is being served for the whole staff in a tiny room with one table,
you should make arrangements to let them have their space. And if you
must all eat together, don't talk about work. Nurture them. Care
for them. Ask them about their families or the next job they have lined
up or where they went on vacation. But NO shop talk!! </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.
Have an emergency supply kit.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is one of those things that a new
manager might not be able to have, but over time, you will learn what to
collect and what to have on hand at all times. You know you are always
bringing home leftover product from events, so put it all in a box and use it
to keep your staff happy. You never know when a granola bar is going to
save someone's attitude--and your day! </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Sometimes, you can even ask the client
ahead of time for a small amount of petty cash to supply these items.
More times than not they will say yes. Happy staff = Happy client =
Successful campaign = More work.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Some things to keep in your stash are:
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Food Items: Granola bars, power bars, apples, carrots,
juice boxes, flavored water, 5-hour Energy drinks, breath mints,
chocolate, cheese sticks, cookies and anything else that you have
collected from various promotions over the past few months. Don't
tell me you don't have a small arsenal of Nesquick floating around in your
stash somewhere! Festival season is a prime time to stock up!! </li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Non-Food Items: Band-aids, pain medication
(non-prescription, please), Pepto, Tums or Rolaids, disposable ponchos,
extra socks, beanies and gloves, tampons, dental floss, anti-bacterial
sanitizer, toilet paper, napkins, chap-stick, sunscreen, and hand
lotion. Again, most of these items can be collected from past
events, but some you can supply yourself.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Again, a story will illustrate how important this
can be:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Last year, I was managing Team Awesome at
an outdoor auto drive test event. Anyone
who has ever worked one of these knows exactly how grueling it can be. I
really needed my staff to step up and knock it out of the park. This was a big client and I didn’t want this
to be the first, and LAST time we worked together.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
So I had a little meeting with my staff,
and I laid it out for them.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We have two options to make this event
the best campaign ever and get rehired. I can be a complete terror and
micro-manage you into doing what I need you to do …. or I can bribe
you." </blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
With that, I opened up my stash of goodies
and watched their eyes open as wide as children on Christmas morning. Suffice
it to say, Team Awesome kicked ass!</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
And all it cost me was $5.65. (Which I wrote off on my taxes.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
That’s all for this week … Tune in next
Monday for Part III in an ever-growing series.
Feel free to add your own comments or suggestions. You never know what might show up on my next blog!</div>Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126231840332912239.post-71122607554945874942012-05-07T06:33:00.000-07:002012-05-07T07:16:05.801-07:00How to be a Better Manager<link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CNEWUSE%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p
{mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:113327754;
mso-list-template-ids:-574963124;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Over the past several years that I have
worked in promotions, I have probably read no less than 50 manuals, orientation
letters, training guides, and blogs, written by agencies and staffing
companies. They all seemed to focus on
one thing: How to be a better
employee. While I appreciate the advice, I believe that a good team is as
much the responsibility of the manager as it is the staff. Good
leadership is reflected in good employees. And I’m sorry to say, the
opposite is also true. With that, I present this …</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18pt;">How To Be A Better
Manager</span></u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">***Part One in a Series of Three...or
Four...or however many I feel like writing.
After all, this is MY blog...<b>***</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Set rules and enforce them.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My rules are very simple, easy to
understand, and never change. People who work for me can recite them ...
in their sleep:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Be on Time<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Be in Uniform<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Never, EVER be on your Cell Phone. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Simple, right? Easy to follow?
You would be amazed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have something of a reputation. I tend to fire someone on the first day of a
promotion. Why? Well, usually because one or more of the above
rules were not followed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a manager, you have to draw your line
in the sand. Define what it takes to keep the job. Define what it
takes to lose it. And don’t be afraid to fire someone who doesn't follow those
rules. Believe me, the rest of the staff will pay attention. You will
have their respect -- and the respect of your client.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is a job not a party. Those who
are here to work should not have to tolerate people who are not. Show up
late, dress sloppily, spend your time yapping on the phone or
Facebooking? Buh-Bye.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last year, I managed the Docents program
at Cisco Live! On the first day of the
assignment, my employer (and mentor) Dan Smith, was conducting a facilities
tour. A young woman directly in front of
me was on her smartphone. I happened to
glance at the screen and when I discovered what she was up to, I politely
suggested that perhaps she not be on Craigslist, looking for other jobs while
working this one. She looked at me as if I had just asked her to turn off
her mother's life support system! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">She did not make it through the program.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">OK, we got the nasty one out of the
way. The rest are easy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. Beat your staff to work, dress
better than your staff, and never, ever be seen on your cell phone.</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What, you think the rules you set for your
team don't apply to you? Not only must you do as you say, you must do it
BETTER than anyone on your staff. Give them an example to strive for.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I work conventions on the Event Staff
side, I am at work at least 30 minutes before my staff. Sometimes this
means I'm in at 5:15 AM. I get to have my coffee, relax, assess what
challenges I might have for the day and deal with them. I have plenty of
time to pow-wow with my boss (who is usually at work 30 minutes before I am)
and get ready to receive my staff with a well-prepared agenda and a
smile. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Too much of our business is done
on-the-fly and at the last possible minute. Why not avoid adding to this
stressful situation by being early and prepared. I learned this lesson by
watching <a href="http://www.conventionstaffingsolutions.com/">Susan Sperry of CSS</a> run her shows. For starters, she is ALWAYS there before I am
and ready to prep me for the day. (I
actually think she sleeps at the convention hall. I kept looking for her
little Japanese roll-away mat, but then just decided that she probably doesn’t
sleep at all.) Susan is a woman I have never seen thrown off guard or
unprepared for anything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Always make sure you are the last of your
staff to leave the event. You are accountable for your staff's actions as
well as any material lent to them by the client, so make sure your staff gets out the
door or off-site before you go home. You don't want staff lingering and
getting into trouble. And trust me, you don't want an iPad going missing
on your watch.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you don't dress better than your staff,
then how can you ask them to improve the way they present themselves?
Tuck in your shirt and wear a belt. Have clean shoes, smooth hair,
polished make-up and conservative jewelry. Tuck a small mirror in your
bag to discretely check if you have food in your teeth. And under <i>no
circumstances</i> have a bad manicure with partially chipped nail-polish!
That's just icky. It shows that you don’t care about yourself. If you
don't care about your appearance, then how can you possibly care enough about
your staff to make <i>them</i> successful? Image is <i>EVERYTHING</i> in
this business.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you must be on your phone for work, let
your staff know this during the Pre-Event Meeting or training. When you
were a BA, did you watch your manager text and Facebook continuously? How
did that make you feel after you were told NOT to? If constant
communication is a necessity for your job, consider Nextel radios or a separate
business phone provided by the client. Trust me, it helps!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>3. Be respectful of your staff.</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I can't stress this enough. We are
people. You don't like to be treated like shit by your boss, do
you? Well your staff does not like to be treated like shit by you. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are all individuals with different
needs, different morals and values and different personalities. Respect
that. Anticipate your staff's needs before they do, and let them know
that you care.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'll give you an example of what I say in
my Pre-Event Meeting (That's the second time I've mentioned a Pre-Event Meeting,
think it's important??):<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I know we all have separate lives
outside this particular job. Some of us have families, some of us have
kids, some of us have pets, and some of us have other things that we need to
pay attention to because they are important. I will make a promise to you
right here and right now that I will do my best to respect you and your values
and do whatever is in my power to make sure you get your needs met. But I
cannot meet your needs unless you communicate them to me in advance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you have a family that you need to
check in with every day at 3:00, let me know in the morning, and I will make
every effort to get you off the floor to check in. If you have dietary
restrictions such as Diabetes or Hypoglycemia and have to have a shot or a pill
or a snack, let me know and I will find someone to cover you so you can attend
to your medical needs. If you have a religious or culturally specific
task that you must perform, let me know and I will do my best to accommodate
you. It might not happen right away, but I promise you that if you work
with me and you trust me, I will do my best to make it happen. But that
involves us all respecting each other and being honest with each other.
If you don't work with me on your needs and I see you sneaking off every few
minutes to talk on the phone, check your email, sneak a snack or whatever it is
you feel you need to do, I will assume that you don't care about your position
and will find a permanent replacement."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I make that promise and I stick to
it. I've had staff come to me in the morning and ask me if it is OK for
them to make a call at 3:15 to have a five-minute interview. Of
course. I've had staff ask me if they can take their lunch at a certain
time so they can be on a training call for another promo. Of
course. I've had staff ask me if they can take a quick break so that they
can say hello to their kids who are stopping by the Convention Center in a half
hour. Duh!! Of course. Those who show me this kind of respect
are those who are on my speed dial for future work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Be honest with your staff, communicate openly
with them, and you will be a much better manager. Why? Because
your staff will TRUST you. Then,
when your client walks up to you in a panic and asks, "Where is Dave?
I thought he was stationed at the front door?" You can calmly reply,
"Dave is on a scheduled break right now and will be back in exactly ten
minutes. Until then, Diane is staffing the position." Suddenly, your client is happy. And happy with YOU. They are free to go away and put out someone
else’s fire. You have proven to your client
and to your staff that you know what you are doing. You are in control.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is good.<o:p></o:p></span>Jennifer Canalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16823627792547902113noreply@blogger.com5