Walking a crowded tradeshow floor can be a stressful experience: Some vendors you know, some you don’t. How can you tell who might be able to help you and your organization?

The MemberClicks blog offers up nine questions you should ask vendors the next time you’re at a big conference.

If a vendor product catches your eye, ask the representative how long the company has been in business to gauge whether their product has endured. Also, ask what makes the company different from its competitors.

“While this answer will vary from company to company, ideally you’re looking to hear something about their mission, values, and beliefs when it comes to their team and their product,” writes Krissy Conant.

You can also learn a lot about a company by knowing its customer-support hours. “This answer will let you know how easy it is going to be for you and your team to get the help you need when you need it,” says Conant.

Career Evolution

Ask These 3 Questions To Learn Something New At Any Career Stage #AssnChat #FridayFeeling #ASAE #NonProfits https://t.co/YCkrtebuYd

— ESSAE (@EmpireStateSAE) May 4, 2018

If your daily work tasks feel repetitive and boring, you may be stuck in a career rut.

“Picking up new skills and knowledge can help you shake things up and eventually move forward,” writes Faisal Hoque in a new post for Fast Company. “But first you’ve got to just switch up your routine.”

Hoque suggests breaking out of the drudgery by taking on a passion project, setting new goals for yourself, and making new personal and professional contacts.

Other Links of Note

Your website should be generating donations for your organization. Network for Good offers some tips from the e-commerce world.

Friday is a good day for learning. Deirdre Reed shares life lessons and free webinars for association pros.

Infographic of the day. Learn all about Google Ad Grants for nonprofits with this helpful breakdown provided by SocialFish.

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