Do you ever represent your winery by pouring at off-site events? While you’re at these events do you ever notice that some wine tables/booths are busier than others? Do you want to attract more people to your table? Do you want to spread your brand to a wide audience? Here are ten tips to help you get customers excited about your winery:
- Smile, make eye contact, and look approachable.
- Stand tall; look ready for action.
- Build rapport immediately by asking questions and engaging the customer.
- Wear a name tag or winery logo wear (great visual for establishing credibility).
- Wave customers over (in a natural, friendly way). Sometimes a little nudge is all people need.
- Observe the details: Customer writing notes; customer wearing a winery logo cap; customer wearing a name tag. These are great conversation starters.
- Acknowledge customers who are waiting. Don’t fixate on one customer.
- If possible, come out from behind the table.
- Hand out business cards/promotional material.
- Enjoy yourself. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
Here are ten don’ts that turn people off:
- Bad body language: Avoid eye contact, stand with arms crossed, fuss with your hair.
- Don’t smile.
- Use your smart phone for personal use. (If you need to use it, walk away from the table.)
- Talk with your co-worker as you ignore the public.
- Sit down.
- Look down.
- Have your back to the crowd.
- Don’t ask questions.
- Give the information dump before you’ve asked questions.
- Pour wine and stand like a statue.
The next time you’re at an event, try these tips and avoid the don’ts. Get people excited about your winery! Make sure pouring at off-site events is time and money well spent!