Sportsman's Blog

There’s a certain tension in the air.   Indeed, the future holds lots of uncertainty for those of us with an affinity to the guns and shooting culture.   What, if anything, will be happening in Washington during coming weeks to put a noose on our Second Amendment rights.   Is change coming, or can we ride out the growing fervor calling for increased restrictions on what guns and accessories we can legally purchase or own.

As we enter this new year there are many more questions than there are answers as to where new gun legislation might take us—both federally and at the state/local levels.   If you’re like me, lately your e-mail is filled with warnings and pleas for money from various groups leading the pro-gun fight.

I can’t help but imagine how this year at SHOT Show® there will be an unusual vibe in the air because of this strange political climate.   Oh, sure, there was a sense of it back in 2009 when Barack Obama first took office, but that year our elected officials weren’t necessarily feeling empowered to take pot shots at our gun rights.   This year is much different.

When the doors to SHOT open I fully anticipate a great deal of discussion amongst the myriad of attendees.   Much like the FBI sting operation back in 2010 that netted some 22 people from various companies, that news spread like a wildfire at SHOT and often the story was stretched well beyond reality.

Now, I’m not saying or even predicting that anything that grandiose will occur at this year’s SHOT, but it’s hard to get 60,000+ people together in a small area and not feel the electricity in the air.   Part of that excitement comes in what I call “word on the show floor.”   That’s right, spend any amount of time at SHOT and you will hear the “buzz.”

This year, more so than other years, I expect there to be lots of chatter about gun control effects, product availability, sky-rocketing prices on certain products, to name but a few.   The challenge with hearing so-called “facts” by word of mouth is by the time they pass through your ears the truth may have already been distilled out of the rumor.   To put it another way, many times what is heard on the show floor may only have a hint of the truth remaining by the time you hear it.

Bottom line is not to repeat tidbits of information until they have been verified true.   Oh, don’t get me wrong…I enjoy listening to the attendee chatter that permeates all 630,000 square feet of SHOT.   It can be intriguing.   It can be surprising.   It most certainly is entertaining.

Yet, this year—especially with the highly charged emotional environment we live in—it might be wise to use some due diligence to properly verify what is being said before repeating it.   Remember, especially for those of us in the media, but certainly true for anyone who has a Twitter or Facebook account, the eyes and ears of the world will be on us next week at the SHOT Show.   Make sure that “breaking news” event you pass on to others has first passed the sniff test.

©2013 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

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Only twice during the past 25 years have I missed attending the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show®).   This industry only trade event brings together product manufacturers, dealers, media, PR professionals, and just about anybody related to activities involved in getting an outdoors product into the hands of the shooting and hunting consumer.

Recently, I’ve spent some time reflecting on what attending SHOT has taught me over all these years.   Here’s a few tidbits I’ve gleaned from my experiences:

• NICE LOOKING EXHIBITS ALONE DON’T MAKE THE SALE.  Staff at the booth needs to find creative ways to engage the customer and develop a product need with the show attendee.   It’s a rare product that can actually sell itself.
• DRESS IN NICE ATTIRE.   If you want to be treated like a professional, than it pays to look like a professional and not dress like a slob.   T-shirts may be comfortable, but they rarely speak “I’m someone important you should talk to.”  Many show attendees could benefit by heeding this advice.
• TIME IS MONEY…DON’T WASTE TIME.   This advice can be construed several different ways.   Most importantly is to gather your thoughts before approaching staff at a show booth.   Exhibitors have a fixed amount of time to discuss their product line with as many people as possible.   Be courteous by being well-prepared in your questioning.
• DON’T BE SHY.   Learn to strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger.   Within seconds you’ll learn if they are receptive or not.   So much can be learned just by chatting with fellow show attendees.  For instance, ask them what is the most intriguing item they’ve seen so far.    It might give a lead you wouldn’t ordinarily have known about.
• SET GOALS.   PLAN YOUR ATTACK.   Let’s face it, you can’t accomplish it all at SHOT.   By setting realistic goals and then outlining a solid plan to achieve them, you will make the best use of your precious little time.
  

  The fast-paced nature of the SHOT Show can wear down even the youngest bodies. If you’re attending next week make sure you’re completely prepared for 4 action-packed days of excitement.

• BRING A LARGE STACK OF BUSINESS CARDS.   Oh, sure, most booths have badge scanners…but nothing replaces the simplicity of exchanging a business card.   HINT: make sure your business card is blank on the reverse side as most people like to take some notes to jog their memory about who you are/what you need.
• PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FEET.   Don’t overdo it and wreck your feet the first day.   When the “dogs start barking” make sure you pay attention and get some rest.   Remember, while many areas of the show are carpeted, your feet are still walking on acres upon acres of hard, unforgiving concrete.   Ouch!
• KEEP TRACK OF TIME.   This can be a tough one for me.  The days always seem to go way too fast.   If you’ve made appointments to meet someone, make sure you’ve allowed ample time to navigate to where you need to go.
• HYDRATE THAT BODY.  Remember, you may be in Las Vegas but it’s still a desert.   Moreover, by adding alcohol to your system during the evenings this behavior will further dry you out.   To feel and perform your very best everyone needs to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.
• BRING A NOTEBOOK…TAKE NOTES.   SHOT is all about memory overload, so don’t rely on your mind to remember it all.   If you see something nifty in a booth…write it down along with the booth number.   This allows you to take the SHOT Show directory and make contact after the show, if necessary.
• SHARE A CAB RIDE.   Not only does it save money, but it also presents yet another opportunity to strike up a conversation with a stranger.   Some of my most fond cab rides have been with people I’ve just met.   Plus, you never know how the connection could end up benefiting you down the road.
• AVOID THE LAS VEGAS NIGHTLIFE.   When the doors at SHOT close go back to your room and order room service.   Then plan to turn in early for a refreshing start the next morning.   What?   You don’t like this suggestion?   Actually, I don’t either…that’s why I sometimes break even my own advice.

©2013 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

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