I've done 3 wedding expos since I launched in late 2015 - and I've always found the big shows to be a challenging environment to connect with a prospect. Yesterday I had a chance to be on the other side of the table as a customer and verified that it is a truly overwhelming experience for shoppers. I attended a home and garden expo yesterday, and came out of the building borderline shell shocked.
My wife and I bought a new home in November. And so far... we've either completed or gotten the ball rolling on several projects. We've have a popcorn ceiling removed. The entire interior was painted. We have replaced lighting fixtures, the fixtures in a powder room, and gutted and replaced the guest bath. Right now our master bath and closet have been taken down to the studs since we moved walls... hopefully we'll wrap that up in 2-3 weeks. We have new windows on the way as well. And in the meantime... we had to have racoons removed which required remediation and new insulation. In short... we have been spending copious amounts of money, and we're pretty comfortable dealing with home contractors at this point.
Walking through these rows... I found myself be subjected to all of the pitches I hear talked about:
Every typical bullsh*t line that you could expect. One guy actually told me he didn't have any business cards - but that I should come see him at the next show because he'd be there. I honestly thought he was kidding - it was unbelievable. This guy SPENT HIS MONEY to stand there and have a booth, and didn't think it was important to have at the very least a business card to take away?
Now... on my home, my siding (which is wood) is in need of some TLC and paint... or being replaced. My back yard has poor drainage. We ultimately want to have a patio or deck built to create better outdoor living. We want a much more robust garden. I'm sure at some point we'll need tree services. And we'd also like to do some landscape lighting at some point. -- I am in need of lots of services that were represented at this show.
When I told companies that did siding that I might need some attention for mine... they immediately went into hard pitch mode. None of them asked about the home or the neighborhood. Or learned that all the houses around us are wood as well. If we're going to do a vinyl or fibre cement product... it needs to simulate wood or we'll look ridiculous.
The companies that stood out were friendly, but not pushy. They taught us something without immediately trying to ask for our information. They had materials that were branded well and looked quality. If they had a giveaway it was of a decent quality (I threw away several POS pens, but put a landscaping company's chip clip right on my fridge).
The companies that pushed too hard went into a "sh*t list pile" when we got home of people we don't want to do any business with.
In reflection of the experience I can say that even as a buyer needing services - it is a BRUTAL experience to try to shop at a show like this. Every company basically says the same crap. They all have the best product. They all have the best prices supposedly. All you really have to judge them on in their presentation and whether they seem like genuine people that you want to deal with. It reinforced that I don't want to be part of that noise for brides. If I'll do a show it will be boutique and small where there is maybe 1 or 2 DJs represented. And that educating a bride is much more valuable than trying to quick close on a meeting or contract.
My wife and I bought a new home in November. And so far... we've either completed or gotten the ball rolling on several projects. We've have a popcorn ceiling removed. The entire interior was painted. We have replaced lighting fixtures, the fixtures in a powder room, and gutted and replaced the guest bath. Right now our master bath and closet have been taken down to the studs since we moved walls... hopefully we'll wrap that up in 2-3 weeks. We have new windows on the way as well. And in the meantime... we had to have racoons removed which required remediation and new insulation. In short... we have been spending copious amounts of money, and we're pretty comfortable dealing with home contractors at this point.
Walking through these rows... I found myself be subjected to all of the pitches I hear talked about:
- Give us your e-mail and phone number now to secure a show-only discount.
- Let's book your consultation right now.
- Play a game in our booth to win a prize
- Busy season starts March 15th, but if we get you scheduled now...
Every typical bullsh*t line that you could expect. One guy actually told me he didn't have any business cards - but that I should come see him at the next show because he'd be there. I honestly thought he was kidding - it was unbelievable. This guy SPENT HIS MONEY to stand there and have a booth, and didn't think it was important to have at the very least a business card to take away?
Now... on my home, my siding (which is wood) is in need of some TLC and paint... or being replaced. My back yard has poor drainage. We ultimately want to have a patio or deck built to create better outdoor living. We want a much more robust garden. I'm sure at some point we'll need tree services. And we'd also like to do some landscape lighting at some point. -- I am in need of lots of services that were represented at this show.
When I told companies that did siding that I might need some attention for mine... they immediately went into hard pitch mode. None of them asked about the home or the neighborhood. Or learned that all the houses around us are wood as well. If we're going to do a vinyl or fibre cement product... it needs to simulate wood or we'll look ridiculous.
The companies that stood out were friendly, but not pushy. They taught us something without immediately trying to ask for our information. They had materials that were branded well and looked quality. If they had a giveaway it was of a decent quality (I threw away several POS pens, but put a landscaping company's chip clip right on my fridge).
The companies that pushed too hard went into a "sh*t list pile" when we got home of people we don't want to do any business with.
In reflection of the experience I can say that even as a buyer needing services - it is a BRUTAL experience to try to shop at a show like this. Every company basically says the same crap. They all have the best product. They all have the best prices supposedly. All you really have to judge them on in their presentation and whether they seem like genuine people that you want to deal with. It reinforced that I don't want to be part of that noise for brides. If I'll do a show it will be boutique and small where there is maybe 1 or 2 DJs represented. And that educating a bride is much more valuable than trying to quick close on a meeting or contract.
