I promise everyone I'll get to the four-part posts on marketing and have them for you next week in the E-News. I'm jumping track here and going to write about my trip to Surfaces. I must say it's an interesting world at Surfaces and the event is so full of education and vendors that I got pretty overwhelmed. It was my first time there, so I figured I'd share my take, but let me qualify a few things: I'm not a Vegas guy. I don't gamble, and cigarette smoke gives me a headache. So I won't have a story about big winnings or losses.
I promise everyone I'll get to the four-part posts on marketing and have them for you next week in the E-News. I'm jumping track here and going to write about my trip to Surfaces. I must say it's an interesting world at Surfaces and the event is so full of education and vendors that I got pretty overwhelmed. It was my first time there, so I figured I'd share my take, but let me qualify a few things: I'm not a Vegas guy. I don't gamble, and cigarette smoke gives me a headache. So I won't have a story about big winnings or losses.
I was at Surfaces because I had been asked to present on how to avoid wood floor installation failures. I want to take a minute and let people know if they attended the seminar I hope I did at least a reasonable job presenting the information. I've since realized that my mental engine doesn't really wind up until about 10 a.m., so presenting at 8 a.m. made me say a few things some people didn't quite like. I deeply apologize for anything I stated that seemed negative in tone. I found it difficult going into the seminar to know exactly who the audience would be and how much they know. It turns out that it was a bright group of people, and we ended up with good questions at the end.
Once I cleared the sweat from my brow after the seminar, I was glad to go see my friends. When you go to an event like Surfaces it makes you think about the possibilities for education and product niches. The booths were all so beautiful, and there were very informative technical demos. If you need any quirky product or cool tool, I bet you'll find it there. With the help of Chris Zizza, I was able to locate a replacement part for my butane heating torch for wax repairs. A $25 part has solved a nagging need I've had for over a year.
A big deal about Surfaces is that it is well-funded and has a more business-like feel. That part isn't quite my style, so I ended up talking a lot with the folks at the NWFA pavilion about where NWFA is going and the talent we have in our crew. We may not be flush with cash, but in the genius category we have the ability to make up a lot of ground that was lost over the past few years of economic hardship. The value we really provide to members goes beyond the logo on your card-it's more in the people.
I'm very glad I went to Surfaces this year, but my style is more in the NWFA Expo. It feels like home to me when I am there. I want to take that and bring about a challenge to those who are reading. Could I ask for your feedback on how you want to help or get involved? Are you a master at some skill that you want to share? Please email me or post here, because we want your help. It doesn't mean you have to drop a lot of money and show us at the Expo. If the budget is tight, then let's talk via Skype or Facetime and see what you have to share. I'm so fascinated by meeting a cool new person at events like Surfaces and Expo, but I'm tired of waiting for a year to go by to make new friends and colleagues. It gives me adrenaline to go do my job when I get home.
Let's talk really soon and make 2013 a huge year for everyone with what YOU know. The NWFA is always recruiting for brilliance and good attitude. Are you that person we are looking to know?
