In fact a little off the topic when someone is in my garden and they are grumpy, I remind them that this is a peaceful place and no bad auras are allowed, it usually brings a smile to their face and things get much better. For them, but especially for me and my garden.

The booth becomes the exhibitor’s showroom — even home — for the duration. Why would any person who’s investing so much energy, hope and money be anything BUT friendly, welcoming, happy and do everything possible to win over customers?

A good nature is good business!

Get this, one of my colleagues told me of a phonecall he received from a customer whose company was exhibiting at that particular show, but who wasn’t present. Mid show he called to complain about the lack of sales that his staff had written. When my coworker visited the booth, he saw the two “sales people” playing cards and eating at a peak show hour. He actually took a photo and sent it to the customer that called…uh oh. He made his point!

Needless to say eating is about as
unwelcoming as folded arms and a scoul — unless of course you’re eating a piece of candy from the bowl at the front of your booth that you’re offering it up (wrapped candy is always a great giveaway, by the way).

All of the people that work in the booth should be upbeat and positive; you feed on each others’ energy and you project those great vibes to the customer. Nothing bad about that; in fact, it’s all good!

We editors/buyers are human and even if we really love your work, a bad attitude by the person manning the booth can ruin the whole brand and experience and cost you features and sales ( I know I have not featured designers whose work I’ve liked for this very reason).

Remember a brand is more than just products, it’s the whole feeling and world you create, so unless you’re Grumpy Girl, make like most of LA and fake it ’til you make it for a few days (and imbibe a bunch of sugary cupcakes if it helps!).