Work That Tradeshow! (Part 2 of 4)
21 Tuesday Feb 2012
Written by Vonetta Booker-Brown in Content Marketing, Cool Resources, Entrepreneurs, Marketing, Networking, Small Business
Tags
content marketing, customer service, doing business, entrepreneurs, marketing, small business, Tips & Resources
In Part 1 of my “Work That Tradeshow” blog post series, we discussed doing your “referral homework” and thinking outside the “lunch box.” In Part 2, we’ll be talking about the importance of having a backup in place, and having the right promotion tools.
Have a backup in place. While you’re going from table to table networking and meeting vendors & potential clients—make sure there’s someone such as a partner, associate, friend or assistant (someone you’ve brought along who knows your business) who’s manning your company table while you make your rounds. If they’ve done their homework, other vendors at the tradeshow have the same networking/partnership ideas as you—so make sure there’s someone at your own table to greet them and talk business!
Bring your calling card. One of the most important factors of a strong tradeshow is having the right items to properly represent your company. Of course, business cards are a must, especially when you’re visiting other booths throughout the floor. You’ll want to leave at least two with each vendor that you meet (one for them, and the other(s) for them to pass onto colleagues, if they wish). Be sure to get a couple from them, as well—jotting down any notes about them that you’ve learned and can later mention during your follow-up reachouts. Back at your booth, make sure your associates do the same with your visitors, and you can later share the cards and notes you’ve collected. Other items to consider handing out at tradeshows: Coffee mugs, t-shirts, pens—you want your company name on anything people like to use on a regular, daily basis so that they’ll be reminded of your services whenever they do!
