If you’re attending a trade show, there are a few things you should know first. It can be a brilliant way to generate interest for your business, but only if you do it right. Have a look through this post to ensure that it’s the right thing to do for you:
Everything You Do Says Something About Your Company
Remember, everything you do while you’re at this show will say something about your company. Whether you’re eating a salad or smoking a cigarette, people are going to associate it with you. Watch the things you say and do. Think of the way people will view you before you do something. You might not think it’ll make a difference, but it does.
Tips: Some booth representatives plan on wearing color coordinated clothes that are in lines to their company logo color, or some other statement clothing that represents your company branding.
You Need to Network With Everyone
Networking is a massive deal in the marketing world, and trade shows are perfect for it. Not only should you network with potential customers, but with potential business partners too. Network with everyone. Greet them with a smile and have a chat. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities you might be presented with.
Tips: Happy hours are a good idea where you can offer complimentary drinks and snacks as a networking get-together, these are most effective around end of the day at most strategic days with most attendees. People like to hang out and relax after a long day at the trade-show and offers one of the best opportunity to network in a stress-free environment.
Have Marketing Materials Prepared
Have some marketing materials prepared for your attendance at the show. Many people like to take things that they can give away, such as a mini version of their product. However, you might prefer to give away a branded item that you believe will be used most, like a pen or mug. Whatever you do, don’t go there empty handed. At the very least, you need business cards. Your exhibition design can make the difference between people coming to your stand and deciding against it. Make sure when they come over, you have something to offer.
Tips: An interesting observation from MWC2015: Google had placed various Android pins at many booths around the expo floor ‘as part of an elaborate PR stunt that turned into a collector’s dream, and a show-wide phenomenon’. Hype matters!
Make a Speech
If you have the nerve, making a speech at a trade show can be beneficial. Think of the things you know that you think will be of help to others. Perhaps you have some advice for other budding entrepreneurs. Maybe you’d like to talk about how you started, or how you became a success. Speaking in public can be nerve wracking, but it can generate a lot of interest for your business. If you need help, there’s plenty of advice online you can use to write the perfect speech and deliver it properly. You might even have a member of staff do this for you. Whoever feels confident!
Tips: Some presentations at your booth and planned at strategic times when attendees are not overloaded with meetings is a good time and must be planned ahead to ensure good advertising and coverage.
Host a Competition
Host a competition at the trade show to get people over to your stand. It could be a simple raffle ticket job, a video game, or something more complicated. Whatever you decide, try to make the game and the prize relevant to your business. Believe it or not, people look for some entertainment and giveaways at these events, it is one of the best way to get more footfall to your booth, to showcase your products or services and have fun at the same time. You’ll get plenty of people coming over to you and people will remember you for all of the right reasons.
Now you know these things about your trade show, you can go and set up with confidence. Interacting with that many people can be nerve wracking, but it’s worth it when you think of the way your business will benefit. Good luck!