Image by David Griffiths on Unsplash
The phrase “everyman for himself” has been in use for a very long time.
It derives from something written six hundred years ago.
It conjures a picture of someone acting on their behalf to the exclusion of all others.
Perhaps to save themselves from danger or, more mundanely, to grab the last cake or sandwich on a buffet table.
Disaster movies and stories often include a weak or treacherous individual who tries to get ahead of everyone else as the ship sinks or the building burns.
However, I came across a very different description written by Jan Layton on Quora; Jan writes;
“Actually, the origin of the term “each man for himself” is in The Knight’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400). His meaning of the phrase was more akin to “If you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will.” It was not meant to be a selfish act.”
That’s a much more positive take from the Father of English Literature.
Self-reliance is very different to self-interest.
The synonyms of self-reliance include independent, assured, enterprising and capable.
I mention this in relation to exhibiting.
A show organiser’s job is to get significant numbers of the right people through the doors.
After that, it’s each man and woman for his or her self.
How big is your next event?
How many exhibitors are you competing with for buyer attention?
If you’d like to write your own successful Trade Show Marketing Talessometime in the future, take a look at The Trade Show Marketing Issue.
Its twenty-three pages will I’m sure boost your already high self-reliance values and expertise.
For details of what’s covered, see https://theexhibitionagency.com/trade-show-marketing-issue/
Very best,