So you are flying on a commercial airline and have more than one bag? For most, that means a backpack/purse and a rollerboard type suitcase. Normally, this means the smaller bag goes under your seat and the larger goes in the overhead, right?
But let's say you have a larger than normal bag in addition to your briefcase/computerbag? Here's a hint..
Bring all of your bags through TSA security and go to your gate. When it comes time to board, hold back until almost everyone else has boarded, then go to the ticket attendant.
In a sincere voice ask, "Is the flight full?". Most likely, the airline employee will say indeed, it is full.
Continue sincerely, "Would it be best if I gate check my bag?". Odds are the airline will jump at this to save room on the flight. They will tag your bag, hold it, and send it down to the tarmac to be loaded in the plane.
Cost to you? Nada. The gate agents are not set up to take payments, only to get people on the plane as quickly and comfortably as possible. Passengers who willingly offer up their bags for checking are seen as saviors, not hinderances.
I have done this more than a half dozen times in the past two years and have never been charged.
By the way, the airlines limit passengers to two carryons. You, the guy with the massive rollerboard, brief case, smaller traveling bag, overcoat and shopping bag of gifts for the family - check your stuff or bring less when traveling!
Tuesday
Trade Show Tips and Hints
Fall means trade show season and if you work in sales, marketing or business development, you will probably find yourself asked to attend an industry trade show event this fall.
In the past month, I have attended three trade shows in different cities. Since I am in sales, I had booth duty each day of the show and did more than my fair share of standing, shaking hands, passing out business cards and demonstrating my company's products.
Having been active at trade shows for over a decade, here are some hints and tips which may help you with your trade show activities.
Get there early - Most trade shows start in the morning with some having odd start times like 10:30 or 11AM. For best results, bite the bullet and fly in the night before. That way, you can get to the show early, set up and make sure all is well before the doors open. Fly the morning of the show and you may sleep late and miss your flight and that means being late for the show open.
Bring more business cards than you normally would carry - For two, three or more days, you will be handing out biz cards right and left so bring extra.
And be ready to collect and organize visitor's cards as well. I keep all the business cards I collect in a single box beneath our booth's counter. I also like to right a brief note on the back which describes the customer's interest like "needs collateral for EU usage".
Socializing is great, but don't forget you are there to work - Meeting others who work in your industry is great, but let's face it, your competitors are not going to buy your product! Make new friends, but concentrate on meeting new prospects and customers.
Drink plenty of water, eat properly, get lots of rest - Trade shows often include after show parties, cocktail receptions, client dinners and nightcaps with the gang. Take care to drink responsibly (or not at all) as one wild, "out of town, out on the town night" can ruin your career. Your best bet is to attend one function after the show, avoid alcohol or drink moderately and then head back to your hotel early.
And once back at the hotel, make your time count! Organize leads and prospects met at the trade show. Catch up on your email and voice mail. Call home and talk with the family. Get to bed early and plan on starting early the next day.
As always, get up early and take care of yourself. Go for a run or spend some time in the hotel fitness room. Eat a good breakfast. Press your clothing and shine shoes. Get your bag ready and clean out yesterday's work and only bring the minimum needed for your day on the show floor.
If you get some time away from the booth, have a plan before walking the show floor. Fine one or more prospect who might be interested in your product or services. Or find five people of interest and network. Don't waste time collecting freebies or checking out exhibits which have no benefit to your work or career.
Finally, respect other's time. Visitors to your booth deserve you full attention. Keep your presentation and explanation brief, but compelling. Make concrete plans to follow up with prospects by a certain date and keep your word.
Trade shows can be grueling, but they can also be great source for new customers and revenue. Use your time wisely and profit immensely!
In the past month, I have attended three trade shows in different cities. Since I am in sales, I had booth duty each day of the show and did more than my fair share of standing, shaking hands, passing out business cards and demonstrating my company's products.
Having been active at trade shows for over a decade, here are some hints and tips which may help you with your trade show activities.
Get there early - Most trade shows start in the morning with some having odd start times like 10:30 or 11AM. For best results, bite the bullet and fly in the night before. That way, you can get to the show early, set up and make sure all is well before the doors open. Fly the morning of the show and you may sleep late and miss your flight and that means being late for the show open.
Bring more business cards than you normally would carry - For two, three or more days, you will be handing out biz cards right and left so bring extra.
And be ready to collect and organize visitor's cards as well. I keep all the business cards I collect in a single box beneath our booth's counter. I also like to right a brief note on the back which describes the customer's interest like "needs collateral for EU usage".
Socializing is great, but don't forget you are there to work - Meeting others who work in your industry is great, but let's face it, your competitors are not going to buy your product! Make new friends, but concentrate on meeting new prospects and customers.
Drink plenty of water, eat properly, get lots of rest - Trade shows often include after show parties, cocktail receptions, client dinners and nightcaps with the gang. Take care to drink responsibly (or not at all) as one wild, "out of town, out on the town night" can ruin your career. Your best bet is to attend one function after the show, avoid alcohol or drink moderately and then head back to your hotel early.
And once back at the hotel, make your time count! Organize leads and prospects met at the trade show. Catch up on your email and voice mail. Call home and talk with the family. Get to bed early and plan on starting early the next day.
As always, get up early and take care of yourself. Go for a run or spend some time in the hotel fitness room. Eat a good breakfast. Press your clothing and shine shoes. Get your bag ready and clean out yesterday's work and only bring the minimum needed for your day on the show floor.
If you get some time away from the booth, have a plan before walking the show floor. Fine one or more prospect who might be interested in your product or services. Or find five people of interest and network. Don't waste time collecting freebies or checking out exhibits which have no benefit to your work or career.
Finally, respect other's time. Visitors to your booth deserve you full attention. Keep your presentation and explanation brief, but compelling. Make concrete plans to follow up with prospects by a certain date and keep your word.
Trade shows can be grueling, but they can also be great source for new customers and revenue. Use your time wisely and profit immensely!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/join_comm.php?ref_id=2007011113293225