How to Hit a Home Run at Every Event

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.

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.

Don't fall into that trap!  It's a set up!!!

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.

The movie quote goes:

I'm just happy to be here.  Hope I can help the ballclub.  I just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work out.

Watch the movie and learn what this means.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

So …when asked,  “And how are you doing?”  The answer is:

 "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."

Now … Play Ball!

Life Is Good.  Life is better when you hit home runs every time you step up to the plate.