2010 Small Business Person of the Year
At La Noche Encantada, AHCC’s annual gala, DJ Heckes was recognized as Small Business Person of the Year. The owner of EXHIB-IT! is an inspiring businesswoman and we are proud to call her a member.
DJ is truly a leader in the New Mexico business community and was named a Top Performing CEO in the Small Business category in November 2009. She has received many local and national awards over the years, which she attributes to building a strong company foundation to support her. She was recognized in two large national publications in 2009 (Exhibitor Magazine and Exhibit City News).
DJ learned early on the importance of being a visionary and her company is a resource for networking event information and statewide tradeshow information. “Undoubtedly, one of the most critical tasks in today’s business world is determining how to merge traditional, digital and social media marketing,” says DJ. “Some business owners are even saying ‘innovate or die!’ Marketing has changed and the way to reach your target audience is changing.” The demand for constructive change and the speed of change in today’s world is unprecedented. But innovating successfully is not easy, especially when marketing that innovation. DJ discusses this in Full BRAIN Marketing for Small Business, her recently published book. Her methods have served her well at EXHIB-IT!
DJ attributes staying power in New Mexico business with, among other key elements, understanding the unique needs of New Mexican consumers. Thanks to her exemplary leadership EXHIB-IT!, DJ’s company, has kept innovating and growing.
DJ is a shining example of the resourcefulness and ingenuity that New Mexico’s small business community fosters. We are honored to celebrate her success and eager to assist her as she continues to grow her business and enhance our economy.
For more information about EXHIB-IT!, please visit their website at www.exhib-it.com. Full BRAIN Marketing for Small Business is available at www.fullBRAINmarketing.com.
About EXHIB-IT!
EXHIB-IT! thrives on its ability to provide customers with new ways of presenting their message that sets their company apart and drives traffic to their booth when they exhibit at a show. Innovation is a staple in the company that has been present from its founding. EXHIB-IT! has created new ways of doing business in their industry, having pioneered “Show Partnership” relationships with managers of trade shows, to donate trade show marketing expertise in the form of training, promoting and consulting in exchange for booth space and sponsorship. EXHIB-IT! also created “Collaborative Partnerships” to train customers on venues where the customer has a display presence designed for advertisement. Another form of vendor partnership exists with hotel and event centers. “The staff of EXHIB-IT! has a primary focus to educate our clients,” says D.J. “We don’t just sell them a display. We train our clients to be their very best. We want them to understand and be able to implement their full tradeshow marketing strategy so that they will achieve the highest level of return on their investment. This is what has allowed EXHIB-IT! to continue its growth, not only in acquiring new clients, both in and out of state, but also with 69.7% repeat and referral business.”
EXHIB-IT! is known for giving back and helping others. For example, the annual EXHIB-IT! B2B Networking Expo in June is a valuable opportunity to showcase your business and network with the ‘who’s who’ in New Mexico. The event attracts over 400 attendees and the next one is scheduled for June 3, 2010. In addition, if you are a nonprofit, you can be spotlighted in EXHIB-IT!’s monthly newsletter. Each month EXHIB-IT! highlights a nonprofit, both on their web site and in the newsletter, which is distributed to over 10,000 recipients. EXHIB-IT! also offers free Monthly Marketing Seminars on the first Tuesday of each month. These seminars are open to the community and feature a variety of qualified presenters. This program is called the Education Station and is dedicated to educating businesses in the community about how to effectively market themselves.
EXHIB-IT! is a great supporter of AHCC! They have been attending and hosting events since 1997, including the recent Biz Gratis in November 2009. According to DJ Heckes, “AHCC listens to the small business community and delivers what it promises.” We are proud to have DJ’s approval, and excited to hold EXHIB-IT! up as an example of what is possible with hard work, great networking and a supportive community.