Trade Show Success

When you need to get your product or idea out in front of a large group of potential clients – trade shows are the perfect spot.

Onto the trade show floor in the arena come thousands of convention participants who are looking for new and innovative ideas and solutions.

But how can you stand out in this circus of noise and short attention spans? Many companies use flashy trade show booths and nice give away items to draw people in. This is very effective.

Some would contend that an even more effective way to reach people is with a short attention is to use the tool of magic. Magic taps into people’s curiosity and grabs their attention so the message can then be heard and understood.

 

Magic is inherently interesting, because it encourages curiosity. Curiosity brings out the best in people.   Because of the curiosity element a magician in a trade show booth can rivet people’s attention. The people don’t want to miss the trick. Then while they are paying close attention, the audience will be open to receive the message that is  presented.  A skilled magician can capture attention of the noisiest trade show audience and get them to focus on the concept or product being presented.

 

Please call and we can consult on how I can adapt magic to fit your corporate message, and draw people to your trade show exhibit.

 

MagicNorm.com  – Trade show Magician

 

Magic for trade shows in MN. 

An attention grabbing performance of magic with a message can attract people to the booth and then explain your message with style and clarity.

Magic with a message is perfect for new product launches, brand recognition or sales motivation.

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Magical Keys to a Successful Trade Show By Norm Barnhart

You and your business may be considering a display at a Trade Show. This information is geared to help you have success at this special event.

A trade show is a wonderful place of opportunity for you.  From the moment the doors open, opportunity is knocking for your business.  The guests are there to get ideas and learn about new products or services.  Most people who come to a trade show are in need of a service like yours, they just might not know it yet.  This is the best place to meet new and motivated customers. This is your opportunity to share how your product or service can best help them. This face to face meeting can have better results than web or print advertisement because they get to know you and get a real feel for what doing business with you would be like.

The following are a few keys that will help make your product or service shine. These keys can lead to great results for you and your business.

Key #1: Make a great first impression. It is said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. A positive first impression should be your initial goal. From the way you design your booth to the friendly courteous attitude of your staff.  The magic of quality and service should shimmer from you and your team. You should be seen as friendly, supportive,  a good listener and one who strives for excellence. This is as important as your skill and product knowledge.

Consider what Susan A. Friedmann, CSP, and known as The Tradeshow Coach, from Lake Placid, NY says, “Beginning well means you’re half done. Once you’ve established a rapport with the client, once that positive foundation has been laid, the hard work of negotiating a deal and closing a sale becomes so much easier.”

Key #2 Give them your Undivided Attention.  You only have a few moments to convey that you and your business would be advantageous to the client.  This can be demonstrated in the way you greet and talk with the potential client. The trade show environment is one of excitement, noise and distractions.

When you give full and direct attention to each individual who comes into your area, you can help keep them from being distracted. You also demonstrate how important they are to you and show the way you give good customer service. In this way you can  show how you are interested in their needs and wants. They can tell that you have an active interest in helping them solve heir problems or satisfy their needs.

A trade show will open many doors to new opportunities to meet and impress new customers.  You will also meet businesses in which you can make alliances and partner with. Even a friendly connection with a competitor can result in opportunity. This business may have a over booking and have to send some work to your business or have a very huge client that will need you both to team up and help. Make many connections and keep in touch with them.    More tips to follow in this column.

Keys to a Successful Trade Show

Here are more Keys to having a Successful Trade Show. By: Norm Barnhart

Key #6 Demonstrate Adaptability: Being easy going and flexible is a skill that is hard to demonstrate. You may have a few pictures or examples of how you were able to adapt and help a client.  When planning your trade show booth consider having a folder of photos or letters of reference handy to demonstrate this if needed.

Key #7 Take Good Care of Yourself.  It is tiring to be on your feet all day doing a trade show. Don’t let it stress you out. It’s fun to meet people and talk about what you can do for them. Don’t worry about it, get a good night sleep the night before and make it fun. Take breaks.  Drink lots of water, have some healthy snacks like grapes handy for your breaks.

Key #8 Collect Contact Information and Follow Up. You want to stay in touch with the client via an occasional card or e-mail. You can gather information by having a door prize when they fill out a form or give you their card. Do not just hand them a brochure or card and hope they will get back. Also be sure to take advantage of the swiping of badges and use that information to stay in touch with potential clients.

Send a friendly reminder about your service or product a week after the trade show. Write a note that says something like, “It was nice to meet you at the XYZ Show. I hope your plans are coming along good. Please call if I can be of service.” If you have collected even more information, you can personalize it even more. Do another follow-up with a flyer and note 2 weeks later.  Your interest in them and concern for their success will continue to impress them and show your good will.

Key #9 Be A Trusted Friend and Advisor. This is your goal. Consulting and advising is much more fun than “selling” something. You can show the Trade Show attendees how your skills, relationship style and personality will come alongside and blend with theirs.  Many people make decisions based on a gut feeling. Just be yourself. Be someone they would enjoy doing business with. This is all they need from you and it is the reason you do what you do. You are the expert. People enjoy being treated with special interest.

You are someone they can consult with to make their special day memorable and pleasant. You are there to help take away the worries and stress. They can see that they can trust your judgment and skills to make their wedding the special day it needs to be. What you are selling is you.  Remember, it is hard to sell, but easy to consult.

–   Norm Barnhart is a speaker and consultant at InspireBiz.com. He is a motivational keynote speaker and trainer who helps businesses excel in service and teamwork. He is from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He also takes messages about company products or services and tailors an attention grabbing trade show routine that draws people in to the booth and conveys the message in a fun and memorable way. His eye catching illusions can make trade show presentations magical.