Today I'm answering a question from the www.mommymillionaire.com Message Board, from a reader who wants to know the best way to prepare for and attend her first tradeshow. To learn more, pick up my book MOMMY MILLIONAIRE http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Millionaire-Kitchen-Million-Dollars/dp/0312354576, where I discuss the tradeshow process in detail, including how to create the perfect booth display, how to get the most publicity, and how to create order forms.
Hey Kim,
I would like to go to a trade show and get the "lay of the land" so to speak. You must be a "business" to register as a guest. What is the easiest route to take for this? Should I get a business name and Tax ID #? Talked to a girl at AmericasMart and she said I could get a guest pass, just to email my business info and the names of myself and partner. Didn't want to look stupid and ask exactly what info she needed. If there is some way I'll need to register as an official business...I guess now may be a good time. Have a prototype, filing a provisional patent, in process of looking for a manufacturer. Also, Isn't there a website that lists all the trade shows, places held, venues etc... I'd like to go to one by the end of the year. Thanks for all you do sister!!!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
If you're thinking of starting a business and you're at a prototype process, I would recommend you go ahead and make the leap and get your State Tax ID number. This is very easy to get. Go to your state's website and click around until you find the Dept of Revenue, where you will no doubt find a link to filing this form online. (All states are slightly different.) Your State Tax Id--sometimes called a Reseller's Certificate--is like a Social Security number for your business, and the state will track your revenues and the amount of sales tax you will owe on those revenues with your State Tax ID, under which you will also file an annual or quarterly tax return. You will also be required to get a Federal Tax ID number as well, or EIN. (I would recommend you pick up my book MOMMY MILLIONAIRE to read in detail the requirements of taxes, local, state and federal registrations, and business entities.)
To attend AmericasMart—the nation’s largest tradeshow venue www.americasmart.com --as a Buyer, you typically need to provide a copy of your State Tax ID, a business card, and a copy of a check from your business's checking account. AmericasMart is the absolute best market to attend, so if you can make it there, do it. Otherwise visit http://www.tradeshowweek.com to find a listing of all tradeshows.
Good Luck & God Bless
Kim Lavine
Kim is the President and Founder of Green Daisy, Inc—a lifestyle brand focused on balancing life with love ™--and the best selling author of Mommy Millionaire. Kim has appeared on The Today Show, Rachel Ray, NBC & ABC news, CNN, CNBC's "The Big Idea" with Donny Deutsch, NPR, Oprah & Friends Radio Network, LifetimeTV.com, and has been featured in USA Today, Country Living, Guideposts, Women's World, and American Baby to name a few. Kim is on a mission to encourage women to follow their dreams, inspiring them with hope, honesty and faith. Kim’s book has been called by Publisher’s Weekly in a Starred Review: “A top-notch, how-to guide on launching a business. Lavine’s human and authoritative story make this one of the most engaging and useful resources available for readers hoping to convert their passion into a healthy company…a rare gem.” USA Today says ““Mommy Millionaire is loaded with resources for a fledgling business person…armed with a good idea and boundless energy.” Barbara De Angelis, PH.D.—#1 New York Times Bestselling Author says, “Mommy Millionaire is an inspiring gift and road map to success for anyone who’s ever had a dream.”
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