Tuesday, December 31, 2013

How To Be Successful At The Trade Show

You are going to be participating in a trade show; now, you just need to accomplish the simple task of knowing everything you need to know in order to be successful. While this might seem overwhelming at first, it is actually quite simple. You just have to understand the one basic element of trade show success.

What is this one element, this one thing you need to know in order to be successful? The one principle is actually really simple: At a trade show, regardless of what you are supposedly selling, you are actually selling YOU. That's right - you are selling yourself, so you have to know how to do this correctly.

Before you even arrive at the trade show, the act of selling yourself begins. You have to make sure that you are feeling confident, and you have to also make sure you are dressed in such a manner that others will feel confident in you. If you look sloppy, people will assume that your business is sloppy also. Make sure you will make the impression you want to make; double-check everything!

As soon as you arrive at the trade show, remind yourself that people need to buy you before they will buy your product. Remember that everyone is someone, whether they seem important or not. Keep that smile on your face at all times, look approachable, and look like you want to talk. Treat every person as though they might be your next big client or customer, because you never know who that next one will be.

When you talk to people, remain engaged. Continue to smile while you talk to them, and make eye contact that shows you care about them, their needs, and anything they are saying. When you talk to them, bring the topics to areas of common ground. People feel more comfortable when they are on ground they are familiar with, and you can do this by leading the conversation toward common points of interest.

Finally, remember that - to the eyes of those at the trade show, those with whom you interact - you represent the entire company. You will be on your way to success by keeping this thought in mind and treating people accordingly.

The trade show might seem daunting at first, but just remember: It's all about the people, and to the people, it's all about you. Give them something that makes them feel comfortable with and confident in you, and they will feel comfortable with and confident in your business.

No comments: