PUBLICATION CENTER

Buying new equipment isn’t the only way to sharpen your competitive edge.  Staying on top of new approaches to sales, marketing, human resources and other facets of your business can also help you weather the difficult economy. Here are just a few of the timely topics that will be covered in workshops held in conjunction with ISA’s Sign Expo 2010, April 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

21st Century Sales Skills and Attitudes (Wednesday, April 7)

In this 4-hour pre-conference workshop, sales consultant Dave Fellman will explain why prospecting is both an art and a science. He says it’s an art because it requires some creativity. But it’s also a science because it can (and should be) measured, both by sales people and sales managers. Fellman will teach a step-by-step approach for finding prospects for signage and discuss how to overcome some of the challenges in converting prospects into customers.

Refuse to Lose: Thriving as a Sign Organization in This Crazy Economy (Thursday, April 8)

During this 2-hour session, consultant Kevin Dougherty will suggest ways you can enhance relationships with your customers and discourage them from taking their business elsewhere. He’ll talk about how to use standards to develop consistency and customer satisfaction, tactics for front-line relationships, and how to improve how your company is perceived in the market. Dougherty will also share ideas for turning customer complaints into opportunities, and making your customers look good. 

The Unlikely Marriage of Social Networking and Sign Companies (Saturday, April 10)

Tawyna Starr of SignPresence by Firespring will explain why it’s more important than ever for sign companies to make sense of social media and understand the impact it can have on your business. Starr will talk about how to use tools such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with prospects and strengthen your company’s brand.

Other topics include:

• 100 Ways to Make Money with Your Printer/Cutter
• How to Manage and Motivate the Millennial Generation
• Aligning Your Cost-Based Pricing to Your Strategy
• Professional Ethics: Simple Ethics Ideas That Will Build Your Bottom Line
• How to Build an Online Marketing Machine
• How to Create Your One-Page Strategic Plan

In addition to 60+ education sessions, Sign Expo 2010 will feature a massive exhibit hall, special networking events, a New Product Showcase competition, a Green Product Showcase, a vehicle wrap competition, and other events. For more information, or to register, visit www.signexpo.org