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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: RMAF06 Show Report
Post Subject: Re: A good offense makes a good defensePosted by hagtech on: 10/31/2006
 smith wrote:
What a ridiculous waste of money!


I completely disagree.  Let's be honest here, the majority of audiophiles are atypical people (wierd, anal, eccentric, driven, insecure, etc.) and plenty of them require handholding, comforting, and assurance.  Unfortunately, as manufacturers, we not only supply audio equipment, but we are also expected to fill these emotional needs.  Those making the most money in this industry have focused on that fact and exploit it for gain.  The shows help to answer this call.

You would not believe some of the insecure personalities that hide behind customer faces.  Some are morbidly afraid to make a commitment.  Others practically expect you to decide for them.  How about the guy who just wants to hang out because he has no real friends? 

Fortunately there are also plenty of normal folk. 

CES is different from the other shows as it is mainly for dealers.  It's more business oriented.  The other shows cater to the high-end expensive stuff.  In my opinion, the more interesting shows are the smaller ones that make room for the innovators, the fringe, the small and/or new companies.  That would be the local area fests, the VTV, ETF, and RMAF.  They are more personal and a better setting if you actually want to sample equipment. 

So anyway, the shows are not a waste of money.  They are indeed required marketing.  Just like sales in any business, you have to be out there, you have to meet the customer face-to-face.  You have to schmooze.  You have to be seen.  Without a splash, you get forgotten quickly.  Look, I am one of those manufacturers.  I don't want to have to do shows.  But you have to decide, if you want to be successful you have to play the game.  Most of this is simple college course SALES-101.  It applies to any line of work.

jh

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