Trade Secrets: 6 Insights For Your Tradeshow

When preparing for a tradeshow, few things matter more than the ability to organize a good presentation while presenting oneself positively to established and future clients. Here are just a few trade secrets to make your tradeshow experience as positive as possible.

1. Be Polite to Potential and Established Clients

Tradeshows can be opportunities to show clients that we care about their business, or they can be opportunities to show how boring we are. The truth is that being polite and considerate to clients is the best thing you can do for your business. Focus on their lives and their needs and why their business is valuable to you. Place the attention on them, and you’ll create a positive impression of your brand.

2. Listen More Than You Talk

As the saying goes, we are given two ears and one mouth, and we should use them according to that proportion. Also be aware of sharing too many drinks with people to unwind. If drinks are served at the show, limit yourself to one or two social cocktails; alcohol can make you think you’re the most entertaining person in the room while causing you to be the most boring person in the room. It’s a strange paradox, but a very real one.

3. Practice Public Speaking

Many people consider public speaking to be as painful as having a root canal performed. To be sure, it can be a frightening experience. It does not have to be this way though. Public speaking can be terrifying when we worry too much about embarrassing ourselves, but it is actually easy once we get over our fear.

The truth is that public speaking can be easily learned and relies more on practice than anything. Try speaking to yourself in the mirror, or discussing your speech with a friend. In this way, you can use something psychiatrists call “exposure therapy” to make yourself familiar with the thing you are most afraid of. You’ll usually find that all the anxiety about the event was illusory.

4. Have Fun!

When you appear happy, you put others at ease. Remember that the point of a tradeshow is to socialize, and socializing can be one of the most enjoyable parts of life if you want it to be. Your attitude will resonate with your audience, so if you’re not having fun, they for sure aren’t either. Keep it light. Emotions are contagious, so choose a presenter with a positive outlook who will naturally transfer that enthusiasm to the audience.

5. Create Marketing Gifts that Your Clients Can Take Home

With companies like Halo creating personalized products for clients, customers can remember your services on a daily basis. These promotional products can be imprinted with your company’s logo and contact details so every time they are used by current and potential customers, you gain marketing exposure. Personal association and identification with a brand in business is everything, and personalized items can create a very positive impression of a company. Promotional products can not only help you maintain your existing client base, they can also attract the attention of new clients. In addition to looking very professional, promotional products like these cause the name and company they represent to stick in the mind of the consumer. You can check out promotional Halo products like custom tote bags and towels at HALO.com, for instance.

6. Prepare a Website You Can Refer Clients To

Before leaving a tradeshow, make sure that clients know how to get a hold of you. Even major sites like WordPress and Tumblr can let you create a free blog or website for your company or service. Take advantage of these tools to get the word out.

Tradeshows are important for networking, researching, and marketing, and they can be a blast for you with the right approach. Maintain a positive, professional demeanor, rehearse your presentation, and bring along plenty of goodies to give away. Come to the event prepared and organized, and enjoy yourself!