No matter the size of your company, or how long you’ve been in business, trade shows are essential for companies you to grow distribution and also your customer base. Contrary to what lots of entrepreneurs believe, big budgets don’t always equate to big successes at trade shows, so instead of simply opening your checkbook, read these five tips for trade show success:
1. Train your staff
As a business owner, you probably want to be involved with every conversation and interaction that takes place at the trade show; you can’t be everywhere at once. Because of this, it’s important to have a prepared and well-trained staff. Team members that will work the trade show need to walk a fine line between being assertive and friendly.
Product or service features should be second nature to them, and they should be able to speak knowledgeably and professionally on these subjects. What are the goals of attending this trade show? How do you want it to impact your business? Decide this prior to attending, and make sure all employees are on the same wavelength.
2. Wow your audience
Potential customers attend trade shows to see the latest and greatest of the industry. Make a splash at your next trade show by showing something new. Not every business will be ready to introduce a new product or service offering at a trade show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a wow factor. Choose to focus on something that you haven’t featured yet, so customers that are unfamiliar with your brand may view it as new anyways.
Another alternative would be to talk about upcoming products or services, even if you have nothing to show. Mentioning what your company is planning down the road shows you have long-term goals and a direction, a positive for potential customers.
3. Make it worthwhile
Draw attention to your trade show space by holding a contest. When people choose to enter your content, have part of the entry process be a contact form so you can collect their information. For more serious customers, hold special deals that only apply for transactions made the day of the event in order to motivate people to make a decision quickly. At popular trade shows, you have to stand out against the spaces around you in order to draw attention. By offering giveaways or special promotions, you’ll have a competitive edge against others around you.
4. Brand your booth
Trade show attendees should walk by your space and immediately be able to identify your brand. No matter the size or space you occupy at a trade show, there are a number of opportunities for you to incorporate branding and make an impact. Make sure there is proper signage so visitors from every direction will be able to clearly see your logo. Create custom giveaway items, letterheads and t-shirts or polos for your team to wear that clearly display your branding.
5. Follow-Up
No matter how well the trade show went or how many people you connected with, you won’t truly have a successful experience unless you remember to follow-up after the day of the trade show. All of your efforts at the trade show should have left you with a number of leads to call upon afterwards. Thank them for spending time in your space at the trade show, and ask them for a follow-up meeting to further discuss opportunities. Don’t wait for the leads to find you again, you have to be the initiator of this second conversation.
Looking to grow your business? Consult with the experts at Mr. Checkout Distributors for more information on expanding your product’s distribution.
