096: How To Launch a Consumer Product at Trade Shows
Jim Cermak, founder of Trade Show University, advises hardware startups on selecting and executing trade shows like CES and the National Hardware Show to secure buyer interest. He emphasizes the importance of defining specific metrics, such as qualified leads or scheduled demos, rather than just collecting business cards, and stresses the need for proactive staff engagement to capture attention in crowded exhibit halls. Cermak also highlights the value of competitive research by observing rival booths and tailoring messaging to focus on customer benefits, such as cost savings, rather than technical specifications.