Are you a small business struggling to compete at large expos and looking for a way to get your product or service to market? Today, you will learn how to cultivate leads and leverage your attention so you never miss an opportunity at  your next expo. Even in today’s competitive online world, in person  vending and retail are still optimal for connecting with your customers. Aisha Taylor Issah is the founder of the Sistahs in Business Expo, the first and only multi-city small business trade show, in America! Her approach will help you create a profitable booth that attracts clients so you can maximize your return on investment at your next trade show.
 
Most people have ideas but few people turn their ideas into profitable businesses. Aisha started out with just $500 and an idea but even after you are established, you need to be willing to pivot.  She shares her experience creating her retail space, The Sistah Shop, when the pandemic shut down her main source of income. She breaks down everything you need to know to transition into retail spaces and how you can use her store to expose your products to a larger market. 
 
If you are ready to level up your business and increase sales then listen now!
 
 
Want to keep up with Aisaha Taylor? Find details here:
 
► Website:https://www.sistahsinbusinessexpo.com/
 
► shop: https://www.thesistahshop.com/
 
► Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sibexpo/?hl=en



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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
[00:00:00] Show intro 
[00:02:10] The surge of Black female entrepreneurs in 2017 
[00:02:40] Creating a platform for women of color to promote their business
[00:03:30] In person interaction helps you understand your customers 
[00:04:30] Vending is still the best tool for growing a new business
[00:05:10] Turning $500 into a successful business
[00:06:50] Growing into larger vending spaces
[00:07:20] Piloting her first 2 day experience in New Jersey 
[00:09:00] Intentionally staying with your vendors
[00:10:25] The biggest mistakes a vendor can make at a trade show
[00:12:30] Being engaged can be more valuable than expensive marketing
[00:14:10] Including service based businesses at her expos
[00:16:10] Getting a return on your investment
[00:17:00] Be on time and bring a second set of hands
[00:19:00] The best ways to capture leads
[00:22:25] Differentiating your brand from the competition
[00:23:12] Turning your booth into an experience
[00:25:00] Opening up retail stores during the pandemic
[00:28:20] Finding a new platform for women of color to showcase their products
[00:29:10] Unexpected expenses that come with a retail space
[00:32:40] The benefits and disadvantages of a mall location
[00:35:00] Being in a store is special
[00:36:10] Giving vendors the opportunity to get their foot in the door
[00:36:45] Always be hiring!
[00:37:30] Creatively cutting your expenses without cutting quality
[00:38:30] Money spent on decor can be better utilized on inventory
[00:39:30] Owning a brick and mortar business is possible!
[00:41:18] Design a business that you want
[00:42:10] Create boundaries and trust between you and your employees