Do you go to trade shows? You should. But don't just go haphazardly! Go with a plan. It doesn't have to be complicated. Simply follow the four steps below to improve your results dramatically. The steps are preparation, attending the event, follow-up, and planning ahead for the next time.
1) Preparation
In order to get the most from a trade show, you need to prepare for it properly. Yes, that includes preparing the right marketing materials, your promotional gifts, and your team.
But there's something else that will help you get the most out of the event: Plan your agenda! And that means, find out who will be there, whom you'd most like to meet, and make plans to meet as many of them as possible.
If you're able to reach out to them before the event, you'll find that the quality of your connections can go up
exponentially.
2) Attending the Trade Show
Once you get to the trade show and have an exact plan of the venue, including a map that shows you exactly where every vendor is located, go back over your list, mark all the companies and people you'd like to meet and map out a plan. Then go out and meet people.
Yes, this may sound a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Relax! It's not a numbers game. It's not about "He who meets the most people wins." Instead of stressing over meeting everyone on the list, focus on the people you do meet.
Another important thing that will help make you more memorable: Bring gifts! And by this I mean promotional gift items. Make sure they're attractive, high quality, and USEFUL, and that you have a LOT of them.
Then leave them behind after conversations, even when you didn't actually meet the person you were trying to meet. In that case, just leave a short note with your promo gift.
3) Follow Up
Once you get home, follow up with everyone you met, at least those where there's some business potential! Make phone calls and/or send emails, tweets, and Facebook messages (whatever you're using), and make plans to meet where it seems appropriate.
What about the people you weren't able to meet at the Expo? Simply send them a "Sorry I missed you" message and take it from there.
4) Prepare For The Next Time
What about next time? Now that you've just successfully completed one stint at a trade show, why should you plan for the next time? You'll be getting even more out of it if you have plenty of time to prepare.
Plan on setting up your own booth for extra visibility. You'll have a great way to display your items and give them away. As for your more premium items, i.e., clothing, electronic gifts, etc., you can either give then away as prizes or even sell them to anyone who wants one. Every time someone looks at one of your gifts, they'll think of you, and if they need your services, you'll be top of mind.
As you know, we're offering a huge assortment of promotional gift items in all price ranges. Take a look at our dedicated site:
Not sure what would be the most effective items for YOUR business? Just call us at 0800 007 5566 and we'll be happy to help you brainstorm and provide ideas (along with samples).
For more informational articles, please visit our blog at http://OfficeSuppliesExpert.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Crane
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