You're at a trade show and need to network. How can you make sure you're making the most of your time?

Before hitting a trade show, setting clear goals is crucial. I always ask myself: What's our aim here? Is it boosting brand awareness, garnering a set number of leads, or scouting for potential partnerships and investors? Having these specific, measurable objectives sharpens our focus and guides our strategy at the event. It's not just about being present; it's about being purposeful. I jot down these goals and discuss them with the team. This way, we're all on the same page, working cohesively towards our set targets, and can effectively measure our success post-event.

I will ensure I have enough business cards with contact information and a brief description of my services or products to distribute. I will also collect cards from others as well for future follow-ups

Before going to trade show. One must be clear with thier goal. What's their aim for going in the trade show. Once you are clear with your goal you can take the moves forward accordingly

After setting our goals, I dive into researching the trade show and its participants. Who's exhibiting? Who's speaking? Who are the sponsors and visitors? I identify those aligning with our target audience and niche. Utilizing social media, online directories, and trade show apps, I connect with them in advance. I compile a list of key individuals and companies to meet, reaching out beforehand to introduce our team and set up meetings. This pre-show networking lays the groundwork for meaningful interactions, ensuring we meet the right people and make the most of our time at the event.

Before going to the trade show I do my research about the people who are coming, people who are speaking about their background so I could network efficiently

In a bustling trade show, your pitch is your beacon. I approach this differently: instead of a standard script, I create a dynamic 'story-bank' – a collection of brief, intriguing stories about our work, tailored to different audiences. Each story highlights a unique aspect of our service or product, making it relatable and memorable. Before the event, I run through these stories with the team, adapting them based on feedback to ensure they resonate well. This approach, using storytelling rather than a conventional pitch, allows for more organic and engaging interactions, turning quick chats into meaningful dialogues.

Rather than just approaching with business in mind, I engage in casual, non-business related chatter first. This might involve discussing a recent keynote, sharing insights on industry trends, or even a light-hearted comment about the trade show's atmosphere. My aim is to establish a comfortable rapport first. Once this connection is established, I subtly transition into more business-focused discussions. This technique of blending casual conversation with business talk not only makes the interaction more relaxed but also helps in building a more authentic connection with potential leads or partners.

Post-trade show, the real magic happens in the follow-up. I make it a point to gather contact details - be it business cards or social media info. Within a day after the event, I reach out with personalized messages. These aren't just courtesy notes; they recap our conversation, highlight how we can be of value to them, and propose a clear next step. Additionally, I like to share something of value in these follow-ups, maybe a relevant article, a case study, or customer feedback related to their interests. This not only keeps the conversation going but also gently guides them further down the sales funnel, fostering a lasting professional relationship.