You have a plan. You’ve done your homework. Your putting was pretty solid yesterday afternoon on the back nine with your coworkers. Now it’s time to get down to business.
Our trade show series continues with three things you should do during your next show to ensure success.
1) Look Sharp, Be Sharp
This isn’t the time to sit back and relax. You need to be assertive and talk to as many people as possible.
Make sure your entire staff is actively engaging with customers. Avoid sitting down, and be approachable. It’s important to keep your materials organized, but not at the expense of looking like you’re too busy to answer a few questions.
You may need some coffee or soda to get through the day. Just don’t leave bottles lying around. Keep your area clean and professional. Look sharp, be sharp.
2) Respond Quickly
Respond as quickly as you can to all requests.
Invest in a business card scanner so you can quickly document a prospect’s information. Then reach out to him or her ASAP, while your brand is still fresh in mind. That could mean sending a message over your lunch break or when the crowd starts to dwindle.
Utilize Facebook and Twitter during the day to give prospects a shout-out for stopping by. It takes only a minute to Tweet a thank you.
Make an effort to set appointments at the show so prospects can get you on their calendar to get some follow-up information.
3) Have Fun
Don’t forget your sense of humor at home. While the point of a trade show is to generate sales, sometimes sparking a non-business conversation can eventually turn into a lead.
Hold a contest for a fun prize at your booth to create buzz and conversation. Promote a hashtag like #tradeshowblunders, and encourage prospects to share their stories throughout the day. Play a light-hearted, practical joke on a current client that you know will stop by to say hello that day.
These are all memorable ways to stand out from the crowd and to make everyone’s experience more enjoyable.
How do you make the most out of your trade show experiences?