Companies still do it. They hire “booth babes” to work the stand, attract punters and scan badges. They are paid per scan. Yes it is still that shallow. Here are 3 reasons why this is a bad idea, and 1 reason probably it isn’t.
NO: Qualified leads, not any lead
Every time you scan someone it is another lead in a database to be qualified. The best time to qualify the lead is when they are standing in front of you. Not 1 weeks after the event by email or constant chasing them by phone. Use staff who understand your products and your customers on the stand.
NO: Attracting the wrong people clogs up the stand
If you have hordes of people wanting to talk to / oogle / be seen next to the booth babe then it is stopping genuine potential customers get to your stand to register their interest or get more information.
NO: Wrong image of your company
Is this really supporting the brand values of the company? If it is, like GoDaddy or Wheels and Heals magazine then fine. But for 99% of you it probably isn’t. It doesn’t help you recruit customers, partners or employees.
YES: Brand awareness through selfies
If you want to shamelessly get your brand out there. Cash in on men’s weakness to be seen with attractive women plus the trend for selfies. Set up the booth babe taking selfies with punters where the company branding is very visible in the selfie, either on the model’s skimpy clothing or the background. BUT only if it supports your brand values.
The image is from the “Wheels and Heels magazine” stand – so probably on-brand.
