Are you looking for new ways to grow your business and get attention? Look no further than trade show marketing! Trade shows are an exhibition for companies in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their new products and services. Generally trade shows are not open to the public and can only be attended by company representatives and members of the press. These environments are a great opportunity for your and your business!
Although a great opportunity, trade show marketing costs time and money. So once you are there, how do you differentiate from the thousand other exhibitors all seeking for attention? How do you separate yourself? Below is a list of effective ways to gain attention and stand out in the best ways for your business!
Become a person of interest
Create a place where more people can see you besides just walking by your booth! Be a speaker, or participate in a panel presentation. Typically slots are open to company management, so if one of your management team is good at delivering a presentation or speaking well in a panel situation, work to get them involved! Depending on the show, this kind of exposure can do wonders for word of mouth, especially if the presentation is top-notch.
Booth demonstrations
Use your business’s images and products to show off and create an environment that is comfortable. Make people want to stop and look! What about one-on-one interactions with booth visitors? You can be interesting by being energetic, outgoing, and asking a lot of questions. And if you have good stories, tell them. Come prepared with at least three good stories about the business, your products and how they impacted customers, and share them.
Build rapport
In sales, rapport is used to build relationships with others quickly and to gain their trust and confidence. It is a very powerful tool! This allows your business to seal the deal with anyone that walks up to your booth. Do not be afraid to ask engaging questions that stimulate thought and encourage conversation. Ask open-ended questions – beginning with who, what, where, when, why or how and relate questions to the industry, product/service and its benefits.
The most important thing to remember when you are using trade show marketing is that you are representing your company. Everything you do and say, even if it is not in the booth, reflects upon your business and brand as a whole. You are an ambassador for your business and this is your chance to shine! Use trade show marketing at your next chance and see the wonders it can and will do for your business.