Building an efficient supply chain of vendors can save a small business time and money. That’s right, you don’t need to be huge in order to deal directly with many manufacturers. In fact, a lot of them are very small business and buyers’ coop friendly. Minimum orders shouldn’t be a hurdle, and you can kiss paying someone else’s overhead and cost of business good-bye.
Trade Show Networking Works
You should not skip the trade shows! Even if you’re a journeyman, or a small shop, you probably need to get out there and network more than the big players. For instance, you need adhesives. Your regular wholesaler is out of the one you need, so you have to wait for that item to be restocked, and then race to catch up with the work delayed by running out. At a trade show, you’re going to meet other woodworkers and shop owners, be able to attend demonstrations and symposiums, take classes and talk shop with hundreds of other people just like you. Learn how to control your inventory and build your own adhesives suppliers network, and never run out of a vital product again.
Open Your Eyes
Checking out the International Woodworkers Fair in 2016 might be the best decision you could make for your business. On the show floor, you’ll find every resource you need to make your shop a success, and build your own supply chains. Once you establish your own adhesives suppliers network and line up other vital supplies, you’ll see that the overall cost of doing business is much less than you’d think. You’ll have the opportunity to try and assess new products as they’re introduced, and see them demonstrated live instead of waiting for them to show up at your local woodworker’s supply. A trade show isn’t just a walkabout, it can be a learning experience that will help your business.
Make the Journey
Even if you’re just starting out as a professional, you can meet other woodworkers and learn new skills that will help you market yourself. The IWF could be one of the best investments you can make for your professional future. Anyone who says that trade shows are just for shop owners is missing a great opportunity to network and get their resume and portfolio in front of people who matter – other woodworking professionals!
