Logan Small Business Expo Creating The Perfect Environment For Women In Business To Excel …And Sell
The word selling can strike fear into the hearts of many women in business. The discomfort of appearing to pushy or concern that people think they just want money is a barrier stopping many women in their tracks.
Knowing this, the Logan Small Business Expo on August 30 has created an environment to help more women in business.
Expo founder Paula Brand said after running the Small Business Expo series for the past six years, she has noticed how reluctant women who are in business are reluctant to put themselves out there.
“So many seek passive ways to sell, thinking sales is a dirty word but without sales, there is no business. I see a lot of women in business, struggling year after year, because of this lack of confidence and sales skills,” she said.
“Every year, we open up the expos to all people in business but find men embrace the face to face nature of events more readily. Men are not afraid to state what they are good at and why you should buy from them.
“When we talk to women about why they are not exhibiting at the expos, they tell us it is because they:
· Have a lack of confidence and sales skills
· Feel their businesses are not important enough
· lack networking skills
· Don’t see their role in the family business to be front and centre
· Are nervous about attending business networking events
· Would rather focus on social media marketing.”
Regardless of whether you are a man or woman in business, to grow and stay in business you must have a marketable product or service that people want and need. But if no one is purchasing, business will not be profitable. The Small Business Expos gives local business a platform to get belly-to-belly to generate leads and also provides training to help with the sales process.
Paula said she recognises the reasons why women are not coming. “We are doing everything we can to make it an environment that will help them prosper and grow,” she said.
“For the first time, this year, we have free childcare at the Logan and Surrounds Small Business Expo, so women could have a stand or just come and network with other businesses. Over the past 12 months, we have been building the TinaX Talks to give women in business information to help them learn.”
“At the Logan Small Business Expo, there will be child minding, free jumping castle and kids’ activities, sausage sizzle, free massages and brow waxing, and a free head shot hub.
“We want more women to come. Women are decision makers to for home and office products and services and the Small Business Expos put them in front of people who want what they have to offer and businesses that can help them.”
Another first for the Small Business Expos is the Start Up Hub. Paula said for the first time in the Small Business Expos history, the Start Up Hub has been created. “We recognise the costs to starting up a small business are many and the power in getting in front of people in real life is powerful,” she said.
“We are offering 20 local businesses space at a discounted price so they can showcase their products and services and we provide them with training before the expo so they can grow in confidence and prepare to ensure their success.
“These Expos are built around conversations and learning rather than swanky expensive exhibition stands - it is grass roots selling by local businesses in the community where they live and work.”
LOGAN EXPO
Fri, 30 Aug, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mount Warren Sports Centre
2 Milne St, Mount Warren Park QLD
QUESTIONS PAULA BRAND paulabrand@smallbusinessexpos.com.au 0475 411 793