Don't Forget The Trade Show
Goodies For The Kids.
There are two key reasons trade shows are
so important. One is that people who attend do so primarily to find out
what’s new in the areas that interest them, and some are even ready to
buy. The other is that with so many competitors and industry relatives
all in one place, it is the best time for you to be checking up on them.
So as an exhibitor, your job is to
answer questions,
obtain qualified sales leads,
sell what you can of produc\servicet then and there
check out and mingle within your industry and competition.
As with all business activities, go in with a clear purpose in mind, and
plan to get the most out of it.
First off, set measurable goals for yourself. Set aside time and
schedule times to sell product, obtain qualified leads, meet suppliers,
attend customer events. Work also to promote and strengthen your brand,
work on scripts and what exactly you ask of and say to customers. You
might select the shows you want exposure at and those you simply want to
attend and network through. Some companies find hosting via a hotel
suite at a conference hotel is cheaper and more effective than a booth.
Guerilla marketing attendees distribute materials strategically and
discreetly to other attendees.
For those you want to rent a booth at the exhibit, look at their past
results. There are several good Internet sites that provide this type of
information. See who attended, how many, who exhibited, how is it
promoted, how many exhibitors came back, sales success etc. A well
respected well attended show is good. Find out about venue, booth
location, costs, and logistical considerations. Once you've got all your
options laid out, let your overall budget guide your decision. Remember
to ensure you have enough staff to do everything effectively. Generally
speaking, you get better results from a strong presence at one important
and expensive show than a less than optimal impact at several lesser
shows.
If you cannot afford to exhibit, look for a strategic partner selling a
complementary product to your market and see if you can piggyback or
share. Alternatively, go as an attendee and do some guerrilla marketing.
Wear corporate logos, talk to other attendees, hand out business cards,
and if you can, compact materials. Careful though, trade show organizers
frown on brazen attempts to use their venue without having paid for it,
so do respect their business model. In fact, you can harness it by
speaking at the show. Experts are always welcome if they can add value
to the show, and they're approached by attendees. You'd have the
credibility that turns audience members into customers.
Before going, prepare a handful of open ended questions that stimulate
thought and discussion and allow you to qualify prospects and compel
them to spend some time with you. These invariably start with who, what,
where, when, why and how and relate to industry circumstances and
products. They should also lead to and highlight the benefits your
product provides. For example, "what concerns do you have regarding "X",
and "what are your most important needs when you "X", are both good
questions that should start a good conversation that will lead to
benefit statements.
Also, develop methods and incentives for people to leave you with their
contact information It could be as simple as collecting business cards,
which, incidentally are the most reliable source of information about
the company, the individual, their position, the spelling of names, and
contact information. Design an appropriate lead form that captures
specific qualifying and follow-up information and categorizes A, B and C
prospects. Also create a system to manage these leads. What is the
follow up routine, who is responsible, what gets reported when and to
whom?
Develop a budget. For each show, you'll have several expenses such as
booth rental and set-up, travel, food and lodging, shipping costs of all
show items, marketing materials, wages, samples, promotional items etc.
Resulting sales can also be estimated. How many visitors do you expect
to have at your booth? How many leads do you expect to generate? How
many of them do you expect to close? What is your sales target? Use the
information to determine your estimated and eventual actual cost per
lead and sale, closing ratio, and the return on your trade show
investment.
Be sure to create the right first impression. Your booth’s look, your
materials, your people, and your activities are the only real variables
you can work with. Your objective here is to create interest and
enthusiasm in your products and services amongst attendees. The job of
the booth is to attract the attention of the crowd and project an
appropriate image for your company. Make sure it provides a quick
glimpse of what you offer, is well organized, well lit, and visually
attractive. Consider wearing your corporate logo because images provide
lasting impression and a continuous reminder to your audience you are
there to talk about our product. It is not always appropriate, but if it
enhances the overall image and positioning of your booth, do it.
Otherwise, wear comfortable clothing and shoes because you will be
standing for hours on end.
In creating your space, remember creativity need not be expensive but it
must bring people in. Remember also that too much traffic is as
un-productive as one with too little, so do not go for gathering throngs
of people. If you use freebies, choose them carefully. Make them useful.
I always liked providing bags with logos because show goers need to
carry their goodies away. Whatever you choose, it should relate to what
you offer and you should ensure it will in fact be used.
Most people who come to your booth will be tire-kickers looking to
evaluate new products, make new contacts, get solutions to specific
problems, and make purchasing decisions….so qualify early. Give the pure
tire kickers brochures and freebies, and they’ll be happy. When you get
a qualified lead, get the necessary contact information, ensure you
provide them with quality information, and discuss the follow up.
Remember to listen effectively and make sure you learn as you go. See
how people respond to what you offer. Do they like it? Do they
understand it quickly? How effective are you at explaining it? What do
they think about the price versus the value of the benefits?
While you’re not busy with potential customers, walk around and keep
your eyes open. Trade shows and exhibitions provide a great opportunity
to learn about the competition and how they sell their products. Collect
their literature, talk to them about their products, and even ask them
about your own. Even if they know you as a competitor, more often than
not, as long as you respect their traffic, they’ll be cooperative.
Gather information from other exhibitors as well, paying particular
attention to suppliers, distributors, new development etc. Take
materials for later study of not only content but presentation
techniques. Sign up for complimentary offerings, especially trade
publications. Talk to the trade press and try to interest them in a
story. Remember everyone does it and preference is given to advertisers,
so you need a strong hook and story to receive consideration. It is more
likely the result will be another name on your contact list, but that’s
OK too. You will likely find the trade press useful, and they are
looking for stories year round.
And it doesn’t hurt to gather all those freebies either. They can make
great gifts for the kids.
© 2015 John B Voorpostel CPA, CA, CMB
iaccountant.ca
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