What Game of Thrones teaches us about trade shows?
Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama mixing war, violence, love and strategy that takes place in an imaginary medieval environment. Yet, there is a lot to learn from it before participating in a trade show.
Here is what we can gain from Games of Throne characters.
Jon Snow – never give up!
You don’t always win. Being at a trade show booth can be difficult – you face lots of rejections and get your time wasted by people with big promises that never commit to anything.
Like Jon Snow coming back from the dead, get back on your feet ready to fight again!
Cercei Lannister – don’t waste your time!
Trade shows are the perfect place to waste time with unqualified visitors – competitors, visitors without any buying potential, people selling their own products…
Like Cercei Lannister, be clear about what you want and (politely) get rid of people wasting your time to focus on your true objectives!
Daenerys Targaryen – appearance doesn’t count
Suits, ties, high heels… all these “business codes” are not necessary at trade shows! It doesn’t mean you should come with shorts and slippers, but the most important thing is your comfort: you will be standing and talking in an either too cold or too hot environment, so make yourself comfortable.
Like Daenerys Targaryen convinced macho armies of her abilities and leadership, trust your speech more than your appearance .
Khal Drogo – speak the right language
International events can be important to target new markets, but even if your products are without borders, your language skills might be an obstacle to future business.
Unlike Khal Drogo, unable to speak the common language, arm yourself with interprets if you want to reach a market’s which language you don’t master.
Tyrion Lannister – keep negotiating
If you were not born a sales person, you could learn a lot from Tyrion Lannister!At trade shows you sell your products, repeat the same sentences, over and over again, make demos, convince people.
Learn from Tyrion and work on your ability to negotiate and talk your way out of any complicated situation!
Jaime Lannister – keep your promises

Melisandre – use the right tools

Ned Stark – lead your team

Brienne of Tarth – be responsive!
Stannis Baratheon – don’t rush unprepared!

High Sparrow – monitor your progress

Grey Worm – look welcoming
You want people to visit your booth and engage in a fruitful discussion with them. To achieve that you will need to grab their attention and what better way than a big smile?
Unlike Grey Worm, show some warmth and make welcome! After all, what’s a trade show if not a giant speed dating for business? Put on your biggest smile, hide your sword and make eye contact with your future customers!

Lord Varys – Keep yourself up-to-date
Information is power. Lord Varys knows that and you certainly know it too!
Like Lord Varys with his little birds, keep yourself up-to-date and learn about the market.
Have your people walk the aisles during their off-time and report to you what’s going on at other booths.
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