The Keys to a Successful Trade Show: The Follow-Up
Advicertainment by M. Christine Delea
The two biggest mistakes regarding trade shows? People not planning ahead of time, and people not following up once they get home. Some people claim trade shows aren’t worth the cost — but if you don’t continue the relationships you start at shows, you haven’t fulfilled the potential of the show. No wonder some people get so stressed out.
Your Lips are Moving
So open your email, pull out your phone, and say hello to those people you met a few days ago. No hard sell, just a friendly greeting. Get your lips moving and connect with potential customers — remind them who you are. Send an actual handwritten note to loyal customers. I’m not the only one who will tell you that leaving a blank space is a huge mistake. Nothing fancy is necessary. Just get ahead of the wave, and you will stand out.
The fact that business tools are changing is one of the few rules of business that doesn’t change. Use every aspect of technology at your disposal to show off how incredible you were at the trade show and to reconnect with people who attended as well as those who did not (those who had to stay home can get some cheap thrills vicariously, as well as learn from your great photos and notes). As usual, all of your business correspondence should have as its underlying principle: I would do anything for you.
Act as if there is a countdown clock for the ideas and inspiration you learned at the trade show, and share those as soon as possible with colleagues who weren’t there. Tell them everything at once if need be. Shared ideas can spur more innovations, and you need to look ahead to the next trade show.
And speaking of those colleagues, be sure you thank and congratulate all those who made the trade show so successful. It’s not tacky to let folks know that you really like them. Everyone likes to be appreciated.
Make your trade shows pay off. Follow up and follow through once you get home. You can be the Queen or the King of trade shows if you keep up with others after the show is over. Your customers will appreciate you remembering them.
Posts in the Series:
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1950s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1960s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1970s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1980s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1990s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2000s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2010s
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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.
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Tags: 2010s music, Classic Exhibits, follow-up, M. Christine Delea, Trade Show Marketing, trade show tips
I have to say, this article definitely made me chuckle. You were spot on with the 2010 hits. What really stands out are the tips you provided about trade shows, so thanks for sharing!