Make The Most Out Of Attending A Trade Show - The Do's And Don'ts

Tradeshows continue to be one of the best investments to market your products or services to industry profes-sionals, potential partners, and customers. It provides a hands on approach to marketing that truly help busi-nesses break free from the initial barriers of entry and find their way into a competitive marketing. In order to make the most out of your time at these events, here are some of the do's and don'ts of attending a trade show.

The Do's of Attending a Trade Show

Do Dress Professionally - Look at photos of some of the previous trade shows and try to get an idea of the type of attire that is worn. Most likely, you'll want to dress business-casual when attending these events. Your selec-tion of clothing will represent you and your company so make sure that is properly ironed and you give off a good first impression.

Do Put Together a Presentation - Create a few engaging questions that you can ask those interested in your product or service, or put together a mini presentation that you'll be able to give to big groups of people at once. Coming prepared with this information will help to deflect questions before they arise.

Do Spend Time Designing Your Display - Before anyone decides to walk over to your tradeshow booth, the first thing that they are going to see is the condition and quality of your display. Make sure that like your dress, it reflects a positive image on the company.

Do Have Handouts - Leave things lying around in an organized fashion with the name of your company printed on and some basic information attached. Whether that means brochures, free pens or trinkets, etc. just make sure that you hand out something that they can look back on after the event.

The Don'ts Of Attending a Trade Show

Don't Become An Intimidating Salesperson - Forget trying to sell your product or service at first. Your job isn't to be the salesperson, but instead to get people to stop by your table. Once you manage to get people to stop by and inquire about what you have to offer, you'll be more likely to make an impression.

Don't Eat, Drink, or Smoke - Eating, drinking, or smoking should take place away from the booth. Unless you are taking a sip from your water bottle, all of these activities give off an unprofessional appearance and prevent you from interacting with the people walking by.

Don't Get Too Casual With Visitors - Never get too casual with others that aren't part of your organization or company; even then, don't let others hear you making lewd jokes with your co-workers. Avoid talking about your competition in a poor manner, or using foul language within earshot of any of the attendees.

Don't Be Late - No matter what, don't be late to set-up your tradeshow booth. If the event has already started and you're still sitting around trying to get things in order, it makes it look like you've come unprepared and visi-tors are likely to avoid your booth altogether and head over to someone that did come prepared.

Now go out and have a great show!