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Networking At Trade Shows

Trade shows offer more than just an outlet to buy and sell products for your business. They provide an opportunity for you to interact with others, opening up many opportunities that could benefit you and your company. To make the most of your trade show networking time, it helps to be prepared before you even step foot into the event.

Reaching Out Before You Attend The Show

Any great networker will tell that you reaching out and staying in touch with people can do wonders. In the case of trade shows, this is a great chance to reach out to vendors, retailers and other attendees that you may have communicated with over the phone or email but have yet to meet face to face. If you find out they will be attending the same show as you (simply ask – that’s the easiest way to determine this), then make it a point to connect face to face. Stopping by a booth, having a quick coffee or planning to meet during a scheduled trade show event are easy, inviting ways to suggest a meet up with someone. If the other attendee is pressed for time, a quick hello should remain just as that – quick – but still make sure to get it done. Face time doesn’t get as easily forgotten as phone calls and emails these days, so even a friendly, fast minute can leave an impression.

Introduce Yourself To Everyone

Once you are actually at a trade show, make sure to introduce yourself to everyone you meet – and anyone you want to meet. This is no place to be shy! Speak confidently and introduce yourself with your name and business name, such as “Nicole Reyhle from Retail Minded”. If your business is not easily recognized by whomever you are speaking with, give a short description without taking up too much time. For example, “Hi, I’m Nicole Reyhle of Retail Minded, a boutique support firm and blog for retailers and wholesalers.” This is also a great way to provoke conversation and get to know more about each other.

When introducing yourself, make sure to be respectful of the other’s time. Whether they are a vendor or a retailer, trade shows schedules can be busy for everyone. Be mindful of this and you won’t be as disappointed with some responses you may get from people. In addition, others will be more appreciative of your “show” respect.

Offering a business card or asking for someone else’s card can also be effective in connecting. This allows you to remember who they are long after you have met, while also giving you the opportunity to follow up with them since you will have their contact information. If you don’t have the chance to get their business card, don’t sweat it. Simply keep a notepad where you can take some quick notes on who you meet, such as their name, business name and location of where they are based. This will allow you to use the internet or other resources to follow up later with them if you would like. Finally, don’t forget to hold onto the show trade show directory. These often provide you a list of information and contact details for many attendees of the show.

Following Up After The Show

Assuming you have a business card or know how to get in touch with someone you recently met or saw again at a show, you should follow up with them to let them know you enjoyed seeing them again / appreciated their meeting time / or whatever else it is you want to say to them. The point is that you want to reach out again to stay connected. This is effective for both people you just met as well as people you may have recently seen again at the show. Finally, be sincere. People are busy – including you – so don’t waste your time or theirs unless you believe staying in touch will be effective for your business and theirs. Of course, don’t be surprised to make some friends along the way. All business and no pleasure just isn’t the case anymore with trade shows or networking! The opportunity is there for both, depending on what you want to gain from your networking time.  So what are you waiting for? Start networking! Remember, you don’t have to be at a show to get this started!


Comments

  • Amanda Loves Retail
    January 28, 2010

    This all seems so basic yet I need the reminder and push. Good stuff. Thanks.

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