I spent this past week at the NYIGF, and in speaking with many of the vendors it was a really good show.  For GHC it was all about networking, and for me personally that meant seeing old friends – vendors and retailers alike.  The GHC team interviewed some industry experts, walked the show floor looking for new, exciting product, got a pulse for what is happening out there in our industry and spread the word about the Gift and Home Channel.  That is what is so great about trade shows.  Whether you are walking the Show floor, sitting in the cafeteria, standing in the shuttle bus line or at an event, like the REA’s(Retailer Excellence Awards), you get the opportunity to connect with your peers and discuss the good, the bad and the ugly.

Speaking of the ugly, talk of the economy is still high on everyone’s discussion list; however, the wonderful thing about our industry is that there are a lot of optimistic people who recognize that giving will never go out of fashion.  Even with the news, speaking of the luxury market taking a bit of a hit, http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/15/lifestyle/luxe_in_flux_Gumbel.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008082008, many vendors said that retailers’ were at the Show shopping!

The GHC team connected with some wonderful retailers and in fact, worked the GHTA (Gift and Home Trade Association) Hospitality Room.  Retailers who made their way to the GHTA room were looking for advice on owning and operating a retail store.  Hopefully we helped them and will soon be interacting with them here on the Gift and Home Channel.  The importance of networking is so integral to all aspects of our lives http://www.ehow.com/how_1382_network-effectively.html  it amazes me the opportunities for success that abound from each and every connection.

Nik, a vendor/friend that I had the opportunity of getting to know while working at GLM, gave me reason for trudging forward, and by stopping by to say hi to her, I had the occasion to network with retailers in her booth.  In regards to trudging forward, when she found out that I was working for the Gift and Home Channel, she told me how much she LOVES the Gift and Home Channel.  She then went on to tell me that they had opened a retail store back in October, and in searching for ideas to help them with this new endeavor they happened upon the channel and found lots of wonderful, implementable ideas. Well that is what we are all about, helping you the retailer succeed.  In terms of networking, she introduced me to retailers in her booth, and told them that they should become members.  She basically sold GHC for me!  How awesome is that?!

 So let’s network, let me know how the summer shows were for you, did you find that next pet rock, I know, I’m dating myself and while you’re at, send me some input, I LOVE CONSTRUCTIVE INPUT.  So even if we haven’t had the opportunity to meet face to face YET, don’t be shy, I would love to get to know you, so that the next time we’re walking a show floor somewhere, and we catch site of each other’s badges, we can stop and chat like old friends.  Until then, use the site for that networking opportunity.  Spread the word, Nik told me she has, and let’s take charge of our destiny together!