Work That Tradeshow! (Part 3 of 4)
Written by Vonetta Booker-Brown in Content Marketing, Entrepreneurs, Marketing, Networking, Small Business
Tags
content marketing, customer service, doing business, entrepreneurs, marketing, resources, small business, Tips & Resources
In Part 2 of my “Work That Tradeshow” blog post series, we discussed the importance of having a backup in place, and having the right promotion tools. In Part 3, we’ll be talking about mixing it up…and following up!
Mix it up. Along with the main tradeshow, many event organizers also host mixers and social events for the participants. In addition to visiting other exhibitors on the tradeshow floor, this is one more way to network with the other vendors—getting to know more about what they do on a more sociable level and revealing what your company does, as well. Also consider attending any forums or panels that are being held on various topics, as well. When it’s time for the Q&A session, stand up, introduce yourself and your business and ask dialogue-fostering questions. This is also a great networking icebreaker—the panel topics give you and other exhibitors something to discuss at any social mixers afterwards.
Follow-up, follow-up! Following up on one’s tradeshow leads is often one of the most-overlooked tradeshow to-dos. And it’s also one of the most important! Tradeshow leads can be so abundant compared to other lead-generating situations; it’s a shame to let them slip through your fingers. Yet, that’s exactly what often happens—unless a specific follow-up strategy is put in place & utilized. Prioritize your post-tradeshow catch-up tasks accordingly, handling any urgent or emergency matters that have come up, first. Once things regarding existing clients have been attended to, it’s time to tackle that time you’ve set aside to follow up with your tradeshow contacts.
Ideally, tradeshow follow-ups should be done within 48 hours, while you’re still fresh in vendors’ minds. Whether it’s via phone or email (consider calling the most serious prospects), reach out and thank them for stopping by your booth (or graciously greeting your visit), and offer whatever product, service or partnership solution you had in mind.
Next, I’ll be talking about categorizing and analyzing your tradeshow leads.
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