Peterkin made a welcome return to us recently after taking a break from exhibiting.  Their brief for the London Toy Fair was simple – To make an impact, promote their exclusive partnership with the Early Learning Centre and focus on the launch of their new products.

Here’s what Nigel Seary, Managing Director had to say -

“I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic job that you and your team did on our stand at Toy Fair!  The design looked superb and worked really well.  We had a great return to Toy Fair and shall certainly be returning next year.  Whilst all of the ranges on show had a great reaction – our new  ELC range proved to be the real ‘ star ’ of the show, causing the greatest amount of excitement, interest and reaction.  Thanks again.”

Now that’s what I call a very happy customer.

P x

Lead generation is not an automatic result or God given right just because you have attended an event or exhibition.  You’re required to be pro active.  It’s no good sitting back waiting for those hot leads to fall into your lap.  This may mean stepping out of your comfort zone a little and making the first move.  But dishing out business cards to anyone and everyone will not have you leaving a lasting, positive impression either.  Networking is two way street and one of mutual gain.  Spend more time listening than talking and see ‘giving’ as key.

Of course, it takes time to develop strong relationships and truly understand the requirements of others.  Be sure to follow up your contacts after an event and maintain communication.  Be patient and you could be rewarded when you least expect it.  After all, one of the most effective forms of lead generation is building long term relationships through word of mouth.

Go spread the networking love!

P x

Shows and exhibitions provide ideal networking opportunities

Lead generation:  Ah yes, those magical words that mean so much to us sales and marketing types.  Exhibiting puts you in front of some of the most influential decision makers you could wish to meet, all in one place.  Generally speaking, visitors at exhibitions are there because they want to be.  Well, ok there is the odd exception.  Like the guy who looks like he has lost the will to live and only went for the day out as well as the ‘freebies’…  Just how many stress balls and pens can one person need?   Anyway, you are pretty much guaranteed to meet buyers with every intention of purchasing, if not on the day, then in the near future.

Build relationships:  We are all keen to meet new and potential clients but let’s not forget our existing customers.  This is the perfect opportunity to keep in touch or possibly meet in person for the first time. This is also the ideal time to demonstrate new products or services.  Or even to buy your customer a coffee and have a natter.

Brand building:  Be mindful of choosing the right event and you and your company can be sure of brand exposure to the type of people interested in your product or service; the very same people who may or may not visit your competitors stand.  In short, exhibiting increases brand awareness.  Your company will be perceived as a market leader; you will build confidence in your brand and in turn increase business opportunities.

Checking out the competition:  This is an ideal opportunity to learn from your competitors and see firsthand what they are up to.  There may be things you are doing as a company that your competitors are not and this could be significant in your marketing message.

Team building:  Theres nothing like an exhibition to get your sales team revved up and raring to go.  It’s the ideal occasion to get everyone networking with each other and sharing ideas, not to mention the odd beer or two.  You can often spot the hard core ‘networker’ the following morning clutching coffee in one hand and water and paracetamol in the other…

Market research: You could also save money on market research.  After all, most of the players in your market are going to be under one roof.  Events and exhibitions are also ideal for keeping up with industry developments.

So there you have it.  What I believe to be some very good reasons for exhibiting and why it should appear in your company marketing strategy.

What do you think?

P x

Our new client Norbrook with their new look

We recently completed a brand new bespoke interior for an independent travel agents, located at the heart of Leicester town centre.  The brief was simple – To create an interior that was innovative and would set them apart from the competition.

The result is a unique environment that stimulates the visitor and boosts the sales process.  A very happy client tells us “staff are buzzing… we now have a great working environment with huge potential to increase sales.”

Small businesses are feeling the pinch in these challenging times and therefore we believe it makes perfect sense to bring together regional expertise.  Once again K&H have proven that great design doesn’t have to cost the earth and is an invaluable form of enhancing brand awareness.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

P x

Recently here in Leicestershire, thousands put their best feet (and paws) forward to take part in the Race for Life at Prestwold Hall and we at Kuzmicz Henderson were no exception.  It was a scorcher of a day with women of all ages wearing various shades of pink in various guises – Feather boas and cowboy hats are practically compulsory.  As always, the atmosphere was buzzing and filled with excitement.  I couldn’t help but feel inspired.  There were women celebrating surviving cancer as well as those running in memory of loved ones.  But we all shared one common goal – to raise money for Cancer Research UK in a bid to beat cancer.  The feeling of complete unity was almost overwhelming and we were no longer a team of four but of thousands.

Then ‘that’ Heather Small song is played.  Goose bumps bump, eyes well up, adrenaline kicks in and away we go.

What have YOU done today to make you feel proud?

P x

Only recently I was at Grand Designs Live with a client discussing their stand.  I joked with colleagues about how nice it would be to meet with the man himself and share our passion for great design.   Well, I did meet Kevin and what a wonderful and clever man.  Very charming.  But isn’t it funny how some things don’t transpire quite the way you imagine?

I had spotted ‘Kevin the Crush’ in the Grand Theatre and spent some time at the side deliberating and sweating as to whether I should introduce myself.   Did my hair look flat?  Did I have salad in my teeth?  I finally found the courage and throwing women and children behind me I made my way towards him. I had planned to ask “can I tweet you?” but it managed to sound like “can I touch you?”  Not sure who was more horrified.  Kevin, his PA or me.   Still, all’s well that ends well and we cleared up the small misunderstanding of a restraining order.

So the moral of the story?  Don’t be afraid to make the most of opportunities that come your way.  After all, you may not get another one.  Be prepared to make mistakes but learn from them.  And finally, if you have something to say, be sure to say it well…

P x

When I felt it was time to polish up on my sales and marketing skills nothing could prepare me for what I was about to become part of.  It was at a workshop with Fiona Hudson-Kelly that I entered the world of Social Media Marketing.  There I sat wide eyed and confused, trying to make sense of it all. What was a Meta tag? And what on earth was a back link?  What does SEO, RSS and HTML stand for and why so many letters and abbreviations?  So, like a sponge I soaked it up and pestered the young chap next to me with countless questions.  He would politely respond to my queries and always with the same expression.  One of pity and ‘please go away..’  So I did.  I left with more enthusiasm than I had felt for anything in ages.  

I want the world to know just how fabulous we are and how proud I am to be part of such a clever and creative team.  And I now know how I’m going to do it.  We shall no longer remain a hidden gem but out in the open leading the way in exhibition stand design (she shouts punching her fist in the air).

As I reach this point of our first blog I am starting to feel a little like an overwhelmed Gwyneth Paltrow and feel I should thank all those who made it possible.  So a big thanks to my Twitter friends for their support and shared knowledge.  To ‘Uncle’ Jim Connolly and Popdance who inspire me immensely.  And of course team K&H for trusting me and my madness.

So here we are.  Embracing change and ‘moving with the times’ as my auntie Jeanie would say.  Is the World Wide Web ready for K&H?  Only time will tell.

Let the blogging begin!

P x

PS – Computer Cloud anyone?!