How To Hit The Ground Running For Your First Trade Fair

You came to the decision to hit the trade show circuit, now what? One of the most important hurdles you have to get past is understanding the correct way to get noticed in the ocean of other booths, while at the same time making sure you stand out for the correct reason.

After attending my share of trade shows, I can tell you that each show has a chosen few firms that really stand out and get noticed. While you would think that getting spotted is sure to be a good thing, it is not a great thing for the poor fool who is the miserable booth that was remembered for incompetent planning or a flopped trick. You absolutely do not want to be the bloke they talk about who makes a fool of himself, while not a soul even knows what service you were selling.

The following list contains some simple ideas to get you started:

1. Put together a simple yet informational display. You have got to think about the event as a drive by chance at advertising. Keeping your custom trade show display appealing yet informational is great since it gets the conversation started with new potential customers without their eyes glassing over if a display just has too much going on. Checking into a business that designs and manufacturescustom trade show displays is invariably a good thing since they know what works and what cannot be trusted.

2. Focus on content promoting. Instead of falling into the trap of looking like a used auto sales man (even though you chance to be one), focus your efforts on content promotion. People will have a lot more interest in your products if you can show them it resolves a problem or fills a gap in their lives. A table full of the greatest gadgets available are not going to move as quickly as something you can make people think they are lacking lacking and should have had yesterday. It can be as straightforward as making a few white papers about uses for products like yours or offering an exciting podcast they can access about your services.

3. Find the correct staff for the event. Not every worker is a good fit to work a show and it becomes your job to work out who is comfortable doing them. In a few cases a team approach does wonders if you have one worker who is great with the product but perhaps not so great speaking to people.

4. Inventory and giveaways. As you make preparations for any show, make sure you have enough inventory or access to the info as to when it can be in the customers hand. Nobody enjoys going to a show, finding a fantastic product and then not to even order the darn thing! Strike will the lead is hot and have a system in place to take orders on the spot. Freebies are also great if they're well branded and obviously relate to your business.