TWENTY YEARS AGO
Baldwin suggested decorative hardware as a profitable market. Louis George described various overlooked decorative hardware products. James Glazier offered ideas on aluminum door hardware repairs. A.J. Hoffman introduced the new Corbin-Russwin cylinder manual. A Ledger subscriber submitted an article on making the Kwikset Titan lock more secure. A Ledger article also featured Isuzu truck key fitting. A contributing writer also explained the Qualtec line of computer security lock products. Strattec introduced their 702767 GM pinning kit. A sidebar article provided 16 GM tryout keys which locksmiths could make. Hugh Curry installed a Secur-Mate lock by Anvillar. Where are they now? The 1994 ALOA convention was in Las Vegas, Nevada. Locksmith Jerry Robinson offered ideas on controlling the duplication of keys. Jerry Levine explained the Adams-Rite bounty hunter program. Schlage displayed examples of their extensive line of decorative hardware. Ed Hite suggested ways to electrify lock systems on aluminum doors. A notice the July, 1994 Ledger announced the merger of Assa and Abloy- twenty years ago. Steve Zulkie, Assa, provided retrofit specs for Assa high security locks. James Glazier listed options in the commercial lock field. Locksmith David Viamis criticized the California Licensing Law for locksmiths and alarm installers. Dave Davis opened safes made by Art Metal and Urban.
TEN YEARS AGO
Jerry Levine installed a Jackson 20-330 concealed overhead closer. Jet Hardware showed their new Smart Clone for PATS keys. Tim O'Leary looked at power supplies. Gale Johnson interviewed Bill Walsh at the CCL factory. Donald Dennis reviewed various lock by-pass tools. An anonymous writer discussed home security. Rod Oden explained the general operations of interchangeable core cylinders. Tom Gillespie wrote about the Institutional Locksmith Association and their CIL certification program. Claude Holyfield offered safe solutions for high rise buildings. A special report explained regulations regarding post office locks and keys. Tim O'Leary showed several methods for installing an access control system. Jerry Levine installed a Sargent Fire Guard closer. Bill Neff wrote a very informative article on programming the Toyota ECU computers. Stan Maziuk, Maziuk Wholesale Distributors, provided a sales viewpoint from the Security Hardware Distribution Association (SHDA). Tiny serviced a Mitsubishi Galant.
Trade Show Etiquette & Advice
It seemed fitting for Locksmith Ledger to publish these trade show attendee tips in our ALOA 2014 preview issue. Thanks to Joey Dalessio, Codelocks, for sharing this information.
When you are planning to attend an exposition, exhibition or trade show and will interact with the vendors in the booths, there are a few common courtesies you can bring to the table to improve the return on your investment of your time and money. It is your responsibility to be a good attendee as much as it is the responsibility of the vendors to offer you their very best effort.
1. Bring lots of business cards. If you want information or products sent to you, or just to generate a professional impression - have an up-to-date business card with ALL your contact information: Company Name, Your Name and Title, Shipping, Mailing, and eMail addresses, web and social media sites and telephone numbers.
2. Wear the correct name badge. There is no acceptable reason for misrepresenting who you are. Decrease confusion, increase integrity. Wear a badge with your name, your company name, city and state too if possible. Most show organizers have this covered, but just in case, insert your business card in the badge holder.
3. Keep account numbers handy. When you are attending distributor-sponsored events, have your account number handy to expedite the sales order process. Print out an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of 1” x 3” gummed labels with your company name and city, contact name, and account number. It’s a nice touch and will keep you moving through the aisles!
4. Listen well. When walking into the booth, greet the vendor, extend your hand and make a request such as: Please tell me what is new? Asking a question is a way to get the information most interesting to you. After asking the question, listen to the reply.
6. Follow-up on promises. You will stick out if you make a promise and follow through. Of course it works the other way too; hold the vendors accountable if they promise an action on your behalf.
7. Keep up with e-Mail. E-mail is the single most important communication tool of today. Share a business email you will open daily.
Why promote aol, yahoo, gmail, verizon, sbc, etc. with your business name? Are they paying you to advertise their brand? Buy your own domain and e-mail host for .99 to $5.99 per month with huge capacity. How? Just “google” the words domain name for my email and you will be amazed how little it costs to upgrade your image and how many vendors there are to choose from. My recommendation for your company eMail address? Keep it simple, such as [email protected]. Consumers like and trust personalized e-mail at companies, not departments.
Some say trade shows are losing their effectiveness, but hands-on interaction is still tough to beat. Get engaged, speak in person to vendors. Get a closeup view of products that will save you time or make you money. Communicate clearly to increase the effectiveness your show experience.
