Progress or perish.Money's tight and the dollar's weak. You're you're Contraction of you are. you're you are you're be scrambling See scramble. to stay busy, and Lucky to be breaking even. So how can you justify spending hard-earned funds to attend trade shows and network with other manufacturers? Better question: How can you hot? In today's economic downturn Downturn The transition point between a rising, expanding economy to a falling, contracting one. downturn A decline in security prices or economic activity following a period of rising or stable prices or activity. , it is vital that you take the steps necessary for your company to progress--or run the risk of perishing per·ish v. per·ished, per·ish·ing, per·ish·es v.intr. 1. To die or be destroyed, especially in a violent or untimely manner: . Columnist columnist, the writer of an essay appearing regularly in a newspaper or periodical, usually under a constant heading. Although originally humorous, the column in many cases has supplanted the editorial for authoritative opinions on world problems. Tom Dossenbach likens this to survival of the fittest. In this month's column he writes, "Right now is the best time to make up your mind to fight back and do everything you can to strengthen your position in the marketplace--choose to be one of the survivors in hard times." Survival does not come about from sitting still and hoping that the situation will improve on its own. You must be proactive--and implement ways to improve your company's productivity and ultimately its profitability, whether through new technology acquisitions or ideas learned through networking with others. Staying in the Forefront One of the best ways to improve your company's worth is by learning about the new technologies available in the marketplace and networking with industry peers through trade shows and conferences. Trade shows, in particular, also provide a perfect opportunity to view and compare products and services, all in a single venue. Also, attending trade shows can stimulate creative thinking and give you the needed momentum to improve your business. Another reason to attend: It helps you maintain your presence in the marketplace. If you've attended shows in the past and suddenly stopped going, it sends a negative message about your business to your clients, your suppliers--and your competitors. Maximize Your Time & Effort Even if only for a day or two, the rime spent at an industry trade show is well worth the effort. Listed below are some tips to help you maximize your time and efforts: * Plan in advance. Every major trade show lists on its Web site the exhibitors, the products offered and contact information. Make appointments ahead of time to avoid walking aimlessly aim·less adj. Devoid of direction or purpose. aim  less·ly adv.aim and wasting valuable time. * In addition to business cards, bring a notebook and take lots of notes. Even if you can't afford that new CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) See numerical control. CNC - Collaborative Networked Communication machining center or finishing system now, plan for the future. * Take a moment and talk to finance companies, economic development agencies and associations, etc. Ask them what other companies in your field are doing to help get through these economic tough rimes. Also, ask for their perspective on the future. * Sign up for the seminars. Most shows have a conference track, featuring top industry experts. Make a point to meet the speakers and perhaps follow up with questions at a later date. Just remember, the knowledge gained at these events, and from meeting industry colleagues, will prove invaluable--to you and your company. UPCOMING SHOWS May 27-31 Xylexpo NEW FieraMilano Rho Fairgrounds n. pl. 1. same as fairground. Milan, Italy www.xylexpo.com Aug. 20-23 IWF IWF Interworking Function IWF Internet Watch Foundation IWF Independent Women's Forum IWF International Weightlifting Federation IWF Internationaler Währungsfond (German; IMF) IWF Independent Wrestling Federation 2008 Georgia World Congress Center The Georgia World Congress Center or GWCC is the major convention center in Atlanta. It is the fourth-largest convention center in the United States at 1.4 million ft2 (130,000 m2) and hosts more than a million visitors each year. Atlanta, GA www.iwfatlanta.com Oct. 23-25 SIBO SIBO Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth SIBO Sixteen Bit Organiser (Psion) SIBO Sanda Island Bird Observatory (Scotland) SIBO Sixteen Bit Organizers 2008 Place Forzani Laval, PQ Canada www.sibo.ca March 18-20, 2009 5th Annual Closets Conference & Expo Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center Schaumburg, IL www.closets-expo.com March 25-27, 2009 Texas Woodworking Show and National Cabinet Conference Renaissance Hotel (Conference) Dallas Market Center (Show) Dallas, TX www.texaswoodworkingshow.com For a complete list of upcoming trade shows & events, visit www.iswonline.com and click on the link for Industry Events. |
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