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

“A Lannister always pays his debts”, so should you.

Don’t over-promise things you can’t deliver, do not say you will send samples or prices within 24h if you can’t do it.

Like Jamie Lannister, honor your word and keep your promises – this is your company image you are playing with!

Melisandre – use the right tools

There are times where words suffice, others where you need a sword, and others where only magic can bring victory.

Like Melisandre using magic defeat her ennemis, use the right tools and know when it is time to use technology to make your success more accessible!

Ned Stark – lead your team

An efficient booth is a booth with a united team. Pep talks, training, involvement in the organization, clear targets are some of tje tools a good leader must use to motivate his team!

When he still had a head, Ned Stark knew very well how to lead his large family and be a respected clan, there might be some inspiration there!

Brienne of Tarth – be responsive!

You can’t win a war arriving after the battle. You can’t sign a deal if you follow-up after your prospect has signed with someone else.

Like Brienne of who always arrive in time to save the day, be fast, follow-up quickly and win your battles with speed and responsiveness!

Stannis Baratheon – don’t rush unprepared!

Those who win wars are not always those with the largest armies or the strongest weapons. They are those with the best strategies and thought-through plans.

Unlike Stannis running towards his unfortunate destiny because of a lack of planning, organize your booth early enough, promote your booth, train your team, setup your tools and come fully prepared to the (booth) battlefield.

High Sparrow – monitor your progress

In a society where everything goes fast, people seldom take the time to reflect on themselves and review their progress.

The High Sparrow is known for reviewing everyone’s actions, judge them and make decisions based on facts. Without becoming a fanatic, you should too monitor your progress, analyze your results and make data-driven decisions!

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.

What is your favorite character of Game of Thrones? Which one represents best your “trade-show-personality”?