3 March 2008 171 views No Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

If you want to start a business or you already have a business, efficient and consistent product sourcing is vital to long term growth. I wrote about online dropship directories before, but it can pay off to meet suppliers in person and pick up on the latest trends. Suppliers always display their hottest new products at trade shows. Attending these shows give you a great opportunity to network with suppliers, other retailers and service providers. I’m currently writing from my hotel room at the MGM grand in Vegas. A friend and I are in town for the ASD trade show. He attends every single show twice a year, but this is only the second time for me. After a day of walking a few miles, I’m taking today off to relax as I prepare for tomorrow’s fine jewelry show in my efforts to expand my businesses.

Benefits of attending

Although you have to pay for accommodations and you have to walk what is said to be 27 miles of isles, there are many benefits of attending. For one, you get to see the latest products in person. You can ask questions, place an order or just look. Suppliers, for the most part, what you to succeed so talking to them in person can give you ideas on starting or growing your business. In many product categories, including jewelry, there are many suppliers selling the same products so you’ll get to comparison shop right on the spot. By visiting the booths of suppliers outside of your product line, you can get ideas for starting a whole new business. My friend has already decided to launch a new company later this year and feature a hot new product that is destined to revolutionize the diamond industry. Overall, the networking opportunities, brainstorming and the feeling of being surrounded by new money making ideas make it all worth the expense. Plus, it’s Vegas baby!

How to register

ASD/AMD has shows throughout the year. Check out their website here for more information. If you’re thinking of starting a business, you would need to first register your business name and obtain a sales permit number before registering online. After that you receive your show badge in the mail and off you go. Of course, ASD/AMD is not the only game in town. There are many trade shows in various product categories throughout the world, so check the schedule at your local convention centers to see if there will be anything coming to town. Who knows, you may just find yourself starting a new business after attending. See you at the next show.

Thumbnail image by Christopher Chan