5 Ideas That Will Make You Rethink Vendor Events That Sucked

Have you ever set up a table at a vendor event that no one showed up to? I’m talking a big ol’ hall full of vendors and maybe 6 people walked through the door. To fill the time, you have three choices: sit behind your table playing with filters on snapchat, text friends to make post-sucky-event plans that include wine, or work that room and hustle like the Visionista you are. Rethink all those vendor events that no one showed up to and use these ideas to generate sales, leads and parties.

1. Influence your team: Your example is a powerful tool to influence your direct sales team. Be willing to get in the trenches and do what you want your team to be doing, which includes vendor events. Post the details on your team page and see who wants to come along for training. At the very least you can use the time to mentor a consultant and show ‘em the ropes, including how to set up a vendor table, follow up with leads and turn a no-show into a biz opportunity. Might want to save this blog in your favorites as a reference.
2. Get to know your vendor buds: The vendor sitting next to you or across the way could very well be your ideal client. Get out from behind your table and introduce yourself. While you’re getting to know each other, find out if your new vendor bud might be an ideal client by asking a lead qualifying question. For example, if you sell candles or melts say, “What’s your favorite fragrance?” and hand them a fave fragrance sample to smell. That gets the convo going. Or, if their answer is,”I have asthma and can’t use candle or melts,” then change the convo to asking for referrals – they are not your ideal client. Ask your leader if you need help creating a qualifying question or post a question in the comments. Happy to help.
3. Use Facebook Live: Most vendor events create an event page on Facebook so you can share your offers and promote your products. Go live the day of the event and broadcast right on the event page so anyone who couldn’t attend can still shop…virtually. With Facebook Live you can broadcast every event you do to the world. Don’t forget to broadcast in your customer VIP group too. Say hi, let them know what you’re up to and encourage local customers to stop by.
4. Find out where the best events are: While you’re chatting with the other vendors, be the one who puts a positive spin on the day and offer to see how you can help each other. Ask if they can recommend any really great vendor events and share a resource or tip to a successful event you landed.
5. Use a virtual door prize slip: You’re probably thinking about packing it in early, but before you head out the door share a virtual door prize slip on the event page that you were live-streaming on earlier. You might pick up more leads, or even a new customer. I use Google forms to create mine.

If you’re wondering if these ideas really work, watch this live-stream broadcast about an actual vendor event I did that inspired this blog. Even though no one showed up, I managed to book a party, generate over $100 in sales and found out about an awesome vendor event for the Fall. And I used the experience to influence and train my team. Huzzah.

Related article: The Complete Guide To Vendor Event Success for Direct Sellers

Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?