ore News “ Ausadrsa Manht 2 nat RD RED eo Tel: (604) 980-8613" Fax! (604) 980-8662" : 1529 Lonsdale Avenue “North Vancouver, B.C. Clear Advice. Ea Canada trust Clear Choices. Clear Direction. Now with 5 branches on the North Shore to serve you better, including our new Park & Tilford location. Brench hours: 8-8 Monday to Friday, 9-3 on Saturdays 1-800-668-8888 www.canadatrust.com | SERVICE «Income tax preparation *Money back guarantee © Refund within 24 hrs*— * FREE electronic filing * Convenient hours *Senior discount 15% * Year round service 232 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouv 890-7707 * Available with Tax Refund/Discounting Service at participating locations (Tax Refund less « prescribed government fee) How To Grow From HERE To HERE, Success li has been my experience that many companies give up on trade shews too soon. Some businesses rely too heavily on immediate results, overlook- ing the benefus that long- term contact can bring, The new — Additien to the Vonenmver Trade and (oomvedlionh Cent. cae dence of the demand thai trade shows are currently eliciting. So if demand really does exceed supply, how is it that some businesses walk away from the trade show industry without really giving ita chance? Getting the most out of your trade show experience takes more than a fancy booth. It takes pre-show planning, good boothmanship, identifica- tion of goals and objectives. qualifying, and networking. As wich anything, tt takes sohd preparation. There are no secrets, no hidden formulas, no magic tricks. All it takes to perform successfully at an exhibition is a few powers that are really just common sense. Before the show, identify your goals and objectives. These need to be specific, mea- surable, realistic, atid time-framed. For example, one goal might be to gain clients, or to gather qualified leads for future busi- ness. You might want to know how to bet- ter position your company in the market piace, or you might want to recruit dealers or educate customers. You also need to choose the right staffers of the booth - this does not necessarily mean crowding the display area with all your top salespeople. Balance the personality styles of the staffers, if you can. During the show, be prepared to make a lasting impression on your attendecs. Dana Gain Understand beforehand the demographic place- ment of these potent. customer Are the mostly retired, are they primar- ilv in the Rett ul their “TS, or do they consist. of a cross-secuon of the entire population? Knowing the answers 10 these ques- tions is the key to effec- tively omecung — their needs And this is, after all, what you are there to do. You alsu need to qual- ify your atendecs prop- ly, during the show. T requires more than you have. So you must be bnef and con- cise. Make sure you are ng to the decision tr. Ask open-ended questions, and spe most of your time really listening to what the attendee has to say. The information that comes out of these conversations is valuable - treat it that way. Finally, do not underestimate the power of appeaiance. Smile a lot. Be well groomed. Know the show. Be polite. Remember that there is no second chance to make a good first impression. This is especially true in a trade show setting our members Wrruout STANDING AROUND For 100 Years. Te to BDC. We offer unconventional financing, a wide range of management sojutions and tailor-made business consulting to help your business grow and grow and grow. Contact Carol Tennessy at 666-6007 / www.bdc.ca Business Development Bank of Canada WE°RE A DIFFERENT KIND OF BANK* LEARNING 2 CENTRE Reading, Writing & Math Programs Study Skills & College Prep. 8 Personalized Instruction Motivation & Confidence Building Certified Teachers Year Round Flexible Hours WEST VAN, ests at annual open house. Past Chair Doug Smith, VP of North Shore Credit Union celebrates NSCU's WO years as members of the Chamber. Experienced Senior Consultants Cruise Specialists Travel Insurance Instant Airline Tickets BUSINESS & VACATION TRAVEL Ashmore TravelPlus Services Ltd. — Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre 230-5313 Headland Drive, West Vancouver, B.C, V7W 3€5. Phone (604) 926-5566 * Fax (604) 926-5502 email: ashmore_tiavelplus @idmail.com ; www. be-biz.com/ashmoretravel North Vancouver & West Vancouver Chambers of Commerce | Business After Business Wednesday, February 17, 3-8 pm 100 Capilano Read (cnr. of Capilano Rd. & Welch} Squamish Nation Recreation Centre For more Info cali 0.V. Camber & W.V. Chanter 987-4488 926-8634 where you do not have much time to qual- ify your attendee. Make the most of your -trade show experience by getting enthusi- astic about your product, and really Jisten- ing. You will find that working the show like a pro is easier than you thought. Contributing writer Dana Gain Affordable Display Products ae oes = Luisa Mirenda, Peggy Rasmus and Denise Mi toast to the year ahead.