Smartalyx Computer Musings

So there was an announcement over the last couple of days that Apple was pulling out the MacWorld Expo. Apple PR and that started some conversation- are trade shows worth the expense and effort anymore?

Being a small business owner myself I can say they do hold some value for me. I cannot get to every one nor do I try. But there are some specific ones that I do look for and for specific reasons. CES I try to get to just to see some of the ideas and technologies that are out there. I also get a decent feel for some of the companies based on how they are presenting themselves. CES also gives me a chance to touch and feel some products I would otherwise need to rely on others’ feedback and reporting.  I would also like to think it gives yet one more pathway into a company that may prove useful for my business. Am I a multi-million dollar retailer that would get the companies drooling- not yet. But with the economy the way it is, I would imagine that even a small business owner now has a good shot at getting some conversation from the attending companies.

This year CES is also providing me a chance to meet some from the social media circle. I have been following some great people- Robert Scoble , Gary Vaynerchuk and Chris Brogan to name just a few- and now I actually get a chance to meet up with them. Ten minutes with any of them pretty much pays for the whole trip in my mind.  Finally it gets me out of the day to day running of my company, allowing me to look at it from a refreshed perspective. Unfortunately, whether I get in is up the whims of fate- since I still am only a small business. Calls still being made and communications being sent out even as I write this.

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