Episode 20: More Trade Show Tips – What to Wear!
As a woman, I love clothes! And that is exactly what Shawn Quick-Raflik, of Fine Promotions and I talked about when she dropped by recently; CLOTHES. What do you wear to a trade show? What type of branded apparel looks professional, and makes a memorable statement in your trade show booth.
This often overlooked element is the final part of your preparation for the show. Finding clothes which look good on everyone from the smallest woman to the largest man is often a challenge. Be sure to leave enough time to find something which everyone will feel good wearing. Why? Because when they feel good about how they look, they will be more confident in their conversations with prospects and clients!
Episode 13 – Trade Show Tips from Shawn Quick-Raflik
In the last few weeks, I have written several blog posts on the topic of trade show planning. With the season for home shows and trade shows just around the corner, I have gotten feedback from readers who want more content on the topic.
Shawn Quick-Raflik, of Fine Promotions agreed to drop by and share some of her expertise on the topic. One thing Shawn recommend is companies thinking about “out of the box” or memorable items.
To hear more about Shawn’s suggestions click here
A Four Part Process for Trade Show Success
January and February are traditional home show and trade show months. If you are planing on attending one of these events this spring make sure you do more than just show up.
For a small business, the investment in attending a tradeshow is significant. Make sure you get your money’s worth buy keeping these four things in mind.
- Pre-show planning and promotion – Let people know you will be at the event. Contact customers, prospects and vendors and ask them to drop by your booth. Ask conference organizers for a list of attendees. These lists are often available before the event. Review who will be at the event, and develop a plan of attack
- Exhibit and handouts - Remember to leave lots of time to produce your booth and marketing material. ( Typical turnaround time for printing, is about two weeks. Avoid rush charges by starting your design work now. ( Need a little help, call us! )
- At the show – Trade shows are the ultimate “just looking” event. Not everyone who walks into your booth is a good prospect. So don’t treat them all the same. Instead of pushing hard for a sale in your booth, ask lots of questions of visitors. Qualify the contacts and identify the people who will make the best prospects after the show
- After the show – Successful after show follow up begins before the show. Have packages of material prepared and ready to send as soon as you get back. Then all you need to do is include a brief note, and slap a label on the package. Clear your schedule for a few days of post show calls to set appointments and close the sale.
Thinking About Trade Show Season? Think Smart!
Are you considering participating in a trade show, home show or business showcase this year? If so, here are a few tips which will help you make the most of your investment!
Start with Measurable Objectives
Before you reserve your space, and write the check be sure you know what you want to accomplish. Have specific objectives in mind, and measure the results! For example:
- Number of people who came to booth
- Number of leads
- Sales within a specific period of time after the event
- Investment per lead
Pick the Right Show and the Right Location at the show
As you compare trade show opportunities consider ask organizers about total attendance, attendee demographics and exhibitor turnover.
If it is the right show, be sure to carefully select your space. Avoid columns, stairs, obstacles or locations too close to the food station. If you have strategic partners, who typically refer business to you, consider getting booth spaces side by side to it is easy to pass prospects back and forth.
Cut through the Clutter
As you design you booth – think simple! Your graphics should be large and eye catching. Like a billboard, people passing by should be able to grasp the key message, even if they don’t stop. Want to give more detail? Put it in a handout.
Use Social Media
Let people know you are at the show! Use Facebook fan pages and Twitter updates to help clients, prospects and friends find you. Make special limited offers during the show which you broadcast on twitter. Be sure to ask event organizers if they have created a hashtag (#) for the event.
After the Show!
This is the most important part of your trade show planning. Before you walk out the door to attend the show, be sure you have a plan in place to follow up when you come home!
Have your follow-up packets ready before the show. Then all you have to do afterward is paste a label and postage and get them in the mail. While your competitors are still trying to figure out what to send, your prospects are already reviewing your information!
Need help with your trade show strategy or booth design? Contact Roundpeg today!
Trade Show Planning
It’s Fall which means trade show season is upon us. As a small business owner, as you think about participating in a trade show, home show or business showcase this year here are a few tips which will help you make the most of your investment!
Measurable Objectives - Before you reserve your space, and write the check be sure you know what you want to accomplish. Have specific objectives in mind, and measure the results! For example:
• Number of people who came to booth
• Number of leads
• Sales within a specific period of time after the event
• Investment per lead
The Right Show and The Right Location - As you compare trade show opportunities consider ask organizers about total attendance, attendee demographics and exhibitor turnover.
And if it is the right show, be sure to carefully select your space. Avoid columns, stairs, obstacles or locations too close to the food station. If you have strategic partners, who typically refer business to you, consider getting booth spaces side by side.
Cut through the Clutter As you design you booth – think simple! Your graphics should be large and eye catching. Like a billboard, people passing by should be able to grasp the key message, even if they don’t stop. Want to give more detail? Put it in a handout.
After the Show! This is the most important part of your trade show planning. Before you walk out the door to attend the show, be sure you have a plan in place to follow up when you come home!
Have your follow-up packets ready before the show. Then all you have to do afterward is paste a label and postage and get them in the mail. While your competitors are still trying to figure out what to send, your prospects are already reviewing your information!
Secret to Trade Show Success
Are you considering participating in a trade show, home show or business showcase this year? If so, here are a few tips which will help you make the most of your investment! Read More…
