If you’ve decided to attend a trade show, you’re going to need to put your best foot forward with the way you publicize your brand and business. And trust us, this publicizing happens in more ways than you think.
Because you don’t even need to be exhibiting anything of your own, or to have the shiniest business cards that perfectly highlight your brand’s vibe. A lot of the impression you make will be implicit, and exist in the way you act, approach, and engage.
With that in mind, here’s what really makes an impression at business trade shows.
Good Manners
Even in a networking environment, you don’t want to end up slipping into a conversation that had nothing to do with you. You still need to have a sense of social etiquette and good manners about you.
After all, when you walk in with an elevator pitch and interrupt someone while they were in a flow of their own, you are going to make an impression, but it’s not going to be a good one.
Enter a group conversation, by all means. But time your contribution right, and be just as interested in what’s being said. When you do, you’ll find more natural opportunities to mention your business and product.
An Interactive Booth
Interactive booth design is always more eye catching, and it’s simply just a lot more fun. And even when you’re surrounded by serious business owners – and want to look as professional as possible yourself – you can’t let your brand become too straightforward and boring.
You need to have some level of interactivity for visitors to get involved with. For example, product demos for those who want to see how it works, or a merchandise sweepstakes for those who want to enter.
You can even up the interactivity by adding another level to your booth.
With a two story trade show booth design, you could display your business, brand, and products right where everyone can see them, but then provide a more exclusive meeting area for anyone who wants to stop and chat.
If people don’t keep having to move out of the way as others squeeze by, your business will feel both comfortable and professional to work with too.
Following Up
OK, so this won’t happen when you’re actually at the trade show. But it does still leave a good impression after the fact, and that’s what you need when you want to capture a new lead or networking contact.
If you actually follow up on the details someone has left you, you’re going to stick out in their mind a whole lot more than anyone else who just handed their card over and expected to be called back.
Get in touch first, be casual about it, and show you’re the kind of professional who doesn’t forget about the business they want to do.
If you want to make a good impression at a trade show, be polite, be interactive, and follow up.
