Not everyone is quick with a pick up line, so it’s always best to write some down in advance. It may be hard for some, but don’t be a wallflower, talk to people and put yourself out there. And don’t forget to follow up quickly with new contacts.
The SLO Chamber’s EXPO at the Expo is coming back and in our preparation we want to help with your preparation.
The three-hour tradeshow on May 15 will put more than 130 exhibitors in front of a couple thousand locals and business leaders looking for vendors and potential partners.
To ensure your success as an exhibitor we scanned the interwebs, used the Google machine and critically evaluated too many “Exhibitor Tips” lists in order to conveniently package one of our own and offer it up for your consumption.
So, without further ado, our list of “How to EXPO at the Expo like a boss” is below.
Dana Ostomel, the founder of Deposit a Gift a social fundraising platform, first offered up this advice to Forbes.
- Create a list of pick-up lines
Create a list of “pick-up lines” to help us initiate conversations. There is a real skill to connecting with someone in a matter of seconds, especially when the premise is that you want to sell him or her something. Sometimes, even a simple, “Good morning” with eye contact and a smile will reel people in to your booth.
We created categories of pick-up lines including targeted questions, challenging questions, personal connections, indirect questions and more. Some examples are:“What is your biggest question or concern about online fundraising?”“Do you know what the average amount raised by an individual is through crowdfunding?”“Where are you traveling from?”“Do you know what crowdfunding is?”What we learned is that our premium ended up being our best ice-breaker. We had mints with the slogan ‘A Fresh Approach To Fundraising’ on them, and our best pick-up line turned out to be “Would you like some mints”Read about the top reasons exhibitors exhibit at trade shows
- Write notes on business cards
At a trade show, you talk to hundreds of people in a span of a few hours. It is easy to forget particular conversations you had throughout the day.To avoid this, write down parts of your conversation on the person’s business card. Also, write down ways they could use your services based on their concerns or questions discussed. Referencing key points from your conversation in a follow-up email will make it easier for them to remember you so that you can pick up the conversation where you left off to engage them in a follow-up meeting. - Be prepared for those without business cards
You’d be surprised at the number of people who attend a tradeshow without business cards, so make sure you come prepared with blank paper and some pens. We wrote down people’s names and contact information, and of course, notes about our conversation. - Organize your new contacts quickly
It is important to go through the business cards while the day is fresh in your mind. Sort the cards and make two piles to help you prioritize. One stack should be for important contacts that you should reach out to immediately, and the other stack is for less urgent contacts. - Follow up
Once you have your business cards organized, immediately enter them into a spreadsheet or database to guide your follow-up. Make sure to include notes about your conversation, why they are a good prospect, etc. Now it is time to follow up with them to secure personal meetings.ExhibiTALK - Don’t be a wallflower
Get up and socialize with every potential customer who passes by your booth. This is the most active way to ensure show attendees hear about your products and services and will keep you top of mind when they are ready to purchase. SMILE, be happy, talk to everyone and be in your booth during the entire time the show is open. - Promote yourself before the event
Letting your own customers and prospects know you will be taking part in the event can help to drive more traffic to your booth. Remember to mention your participation in any of your regular newsletters, websites and social media. - Put your best foot forward
Great booth design does not go unnoticed. On a crowded show floor you have a matter of seconds to capture someone’s attention. If your booth is all set and ready to go with great graphics your first impression is bound to be a good one.Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants - Engage in social media
Does the conference have a twitter feed? Learn what the hashtag is for the event and post what you are promoting or what you are giving away. - Use a prize draw or contest
Having some kind of prize drawing or contest is a great way to collect contact information from booth visitors. You can give away promotional items to encourage people to participate. - Make sure you have plenty of promotional literature on hand
You’ll want to have a good supply of color fliers and brochures as well as order forms, price sheets and business cards that you can hand out to booth visitors. Make it easy for them to find the information on your business later. - Have your trade show booth manned at all times by knowledgeable person
Someone has to be there to greet browsers, engage them in conversation, and take their questions. If you can’t be there every minute the trade show is open, you’ll need to have at least one other person to help man your booth.