How to Get More From Trade Shows
If you attend out of state to trade shows or conferences, you can easily spend over a thousand dollars. If you go to several trade shows a year or reserve a booth for display, it can easily be tens of thousands. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most from the Trade Shows you attend.
Seem obvious, but make sure you have enough business cards. Depending on the size of the show, you could need over a hundred cards. Pack them in your luggage so they’re not forgotten. You don’t need to give business cards to everyone, you’ll have them if requested and you’ll want them for strategic people you meet.
Always have a pen and little notebook in your pocket. When you exchange a business car, jot down a note or two on the back of the card to help you remember this contact and what action you should take. Do this while your talking to them, they’ll appreciate your sincerity and your listening skills. You might really impress them when you send them what they asked for. When you get back to your hotel or have a break during the day, send them the information discussed. If you wait until you return to your hotel at night, process these right away that night and use the notes to remind you of the conversation.
Always follow-up the same day if you can, it will set you apart from others at the trade show. With today’s technology, you could almost respond instantly to your customer’s request. If you wait, your procrastination will get the best of your new leads and you may never send the requested follow-up.
Your paying good money to be at this trade show so pull out that notebook and take notes at the seminars you attend or advice you may hear from others at the trade show. Taking notes, requires you to pay more attention which will help you get more from trade shows.
Meet new people and network. Loose your friends and explore new contacts, potential business associates and maybe even new customers. You’ve got plenty of time to hang out with your friends back home. Go to different meetings, sit at different tables, eat with others… remember your at the trade who to grow yourself and your business.
Focus on make a few great new contacts. Your goal isn’t to talk to everyone at the trade show, you want to focus on new contacts who can help your small business the most. This will make your time more worthwhile and help you pay for the expense of attending the trade show.
Be able to clearly and concisely communicate what you do and what your looking for others to do for you. Don’t be a jack of all trades, or others will be confused at what you can do for them or how they can help your business. They also won’t be sure who they can introduce you to.
Hand out trinkets like pens, stickers or t-shirts, or anything else that may be appropriate for your business. Carry them in your bag or back pack and hand them out to the contacts you feel should have them, not to everyone.
Be careful to not promote yourself to much!
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