This past week we went to a local business expo. We didn’t have a booth but we were there to support other local businesses, network, and support the people who put on the expo. Over all it was a good expo. It was well organized, easy to find, in a good building with plenty of parking, and plenty of booths. Everything a good expo should be. As we made our way from booth to booth, most everyone was inviting but some of the booths I just stood there as the exhibitors ignored me, choosing either to play on their phones or talk amongst themselves. Each time, I just walked away. It got me thinking how can you make the most out of an expo/networking event if you have a booth?
- Make your booth welcoming. Have your business name displayed predominantly.
- You are there to promote your business but also network. It is more than just talking about your business.
- Be present and receptive. Stand up. Greet people when they walk by or when they come up to your booth. Don’t wait for them to ask questions or engage you.
- Put down your cell phone–Facebook, the latest email or text can wait.
- Make your presentation of your business and service/product short and sweet.
- Ask questions that will lead the guest to think. Talk about why there is a need for your product or service.
- If you have a product or service that can be demonstrated or sampled, do it!
- Have take away items. Business cards, brochures, etc.
- Have an easy way of gathering contact information, where you can right down notes about each person you talk to. Then don’t forget to follow up!
- Instead of looking at every guest as a walking dollar sign, look to make and build relationships. In the long run, it will equal out to more sales.
Expo events are a great place to network and build new business relationships. The whole reason people go to these type of events is to do just that. So why not do everything you can to make the event successful for you and your business.
As for the event we went to this past week, it is something I am looking forward to next year.
