224 - Powerful Goal Setting using The DEB Method - with Deb Eckerling

224 - Powerful Goal Setting using The DEB Method - with Deb Eckerling

Author: Jim Cermak August 7, 2023 Duration: 33:20

Goal Setting is one of the Top things you can do for success at your next trade show or event -- IF you do it right!! Excited for this week's guest to give us a fresh perspective with her own method.

Goal strategist Debra Eckerling is on a mission to change goal culture in and out of the workplace. A speaker, corporate consultant, and workshop leader, she is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and founder of the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified. Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, SCORE LA, and more, and is host of #GoalChatLive, The DEB Show, and Taste Buds with Deb.

We Discuss:

  • What is Event Outcome Optimization?
  • What is The DEB Method?
  • Why is The DEB Method effective for Goal Setting?
  • How does it apply to Event Outcome Optimization?

Deb's Top Tips:

  • To get the most value out of any conference, start by creating a mission and motto for your business, as well as for attending the event
  • Create a plan for meeting people and choosing sessions, so you turn the time, money, and energy you spend into quality leads and valuable information that will grow your business
  • Schedule time to prep, as well as for following up and following through

Deb's Top Takeaways:

  • To get what you want you need to know what that is.
  • Setting goals for conferences, and aligning them with your business goals, will set you up for success.

Get Deb's Book - Your Goal Guide on Amazon

Connect with Debra Eckerling:


Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity

Create Amazing Memorable Events with Michael Green Food & Wine Experiences!

MICHAEL GREEN CREATES AND HOSTS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCES THAT BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND DRIVE SALES. FROM CONFERENCES TO OFFISTES, MICHAEL'S HIGH ENERGY PRESENTATIONS ARE INFORMATIVE, HIGHLY ENTERTAINING AND RESONATE FOR YEARS TO COME. Find out why CMO firm Chief Outsiders said… Michael does much more than develop events – he creates memorable experiences for his clients and their guests. His expertise spanned all elements from planning to execution. What made the events truly special and memorable were Michael’s knowledge, experience, contacts, and flair. He


Jim Cermak hosts Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events, a deep and practical resource for anyone whose business depends on connecting with an audience, whether on a convention floor or through a screen. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a working toolkit built from conversations with seasoned experts and Jim's own extensive experience. Each episode functions like a focused seminar, delivering actionable tips and training that exhibitors, marketers, and show planners can apply immediately to see a real difference in their engagement and return on investment. With a library spanning over 220 episodes, the podcast covers the full spectrum of modern event planning-from crafting a compelling virtual booth experience to mastering the logistics and psychology of a live trade show. You'll hear candid discussions on common pitfalls, innovative strategies that are working right now, and breakdowns of what truly moves the needle for businesses. Beyond the audio, the community around this podcast extends into consulting and collaborative training, emphasizing real-world application. For professionals tired of wasting time and budget on events that don't deliver, this series offers a clear path forward, turning every appearance into a measurable success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Podcast Episodes
219 - Use Voice of Customer to increase ROI - with Dave Loomis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:50
There's no better way to figure out your customer than to study them! Voice of Customer research (VOC) is a tremendous and powerful tool, and the specialty of our guest.Dave Loomis is the President of Loomis Marketing, L…
217 - How to get Dozens of Video Testimonials at One Show! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Across the board, businesses agree that they want to get more testimonials. They’re powerful. As businesses, we love them. And customers turn to them more than ever! Even better than a testimonial is a VIDEO testimonial.…
216 - Solving the Pain Points on the Show Floor - with Josh Rifkin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:54
If you have exhibited at least once at a trade show, you have experienced some pains and challenges. My guest is a professional exhibit designer and builder to help you solve those challenges!My guest Josh Rifkin is the…
215 - How Technology is shaping In-Person Events - with BJ Mazmanian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:39
Event Tech flourished throughout the pandemic as we all went virtual. How about now with Live In-Person events back to being the norm? My guest BJ Mazmanian is Sr. Director of Client Services and Live Events at Bluewater…
214 - Making Sense & ROI of Your Event Data - with Joe Colangelo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:31
Meet Joe Colangelo, a seasoned professional in the events industry who excels at helping others make sense of their event data to optimize their ROI. As CEO for Bear Analytics and the driving force behind their platform,…
213 - PRO TIP - Design your Booth like a Billboard, not a Brochure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:07
Time to get people to stop at your booth instead of just walking past. One of the main reasons attendees just walk past booths of companies they don’t know is because they don’t know why they should stop.Confusion is not…
211 - Training Done RIGHT can Double Your Leads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:03
You are Training your staff all Wrong!! In this episode, I will discuss how to Train your trade show booth staff the RIGHT way which will lead to better results and can DOUBLE your Leads!Most companies train on the Basic…
210 - Charity is Good Business - with Michael Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
Professional Auctioneer, Travel Consultant and Charity Consultant Michael Green of Michael Green Auctions joins Trade Show University today to discuss why having a charitable component to your business is Good Business!…