Make connections at a Business Expo

Here are some tips to help you make the most of these local business events. 

 

Good preparation helps you get the most out of your time at any business event. Plan which stands to visit and the presentations you want to attend. Then you can make sure you will meet the right people and gain valuable insights. You can also ask yourself some helpful questions in advance. 

 

What are my goals? Of course, you can arrive at an event and hope for the best. However, it’s a good idea to review how investing your time can contribute to your business goals. If your competitors are attending, you can look at how they present products and services. You could get some ideas about how to stand out or find opportunities for new partnerships with related businesses. 

 

What are my priorities? It’s surprising how quickly time passes at an event, so make sure you do the most important things first. Register for presentations and seminars when you arrive – you don’t want to miss out if they become fully booked. Head straight for the stands you most want to visit – you can always go back again later to pick up on helpful conversations. Also schedule some time for a coffee and to meet up with people you already know. 

 

How do I explain my business? How many times do people ask: ‘What do you do?’. They are genuinely interested but, like you, time is precious. Create a short summary with an engaging idea to make you memorable. For example, if you’re a domestic electrician you could say “I keep people safe in their own homes’. You can go on to explain how many accidents at home are due to unsafe electrics. That’s why it’s important to use a professional like you. Read it out loud a few times to give you confidence when you meet new people. 

 

As Oscar Wilde probably said: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” People are more likely to remember you if your first meeting is positive. 

 

Choose what you wear for comfort but also to set the right tone. This might include branded workwear, a name badge or the most difficult of all, a ‘smart-casual’ approach. 

 

When you meet new people make sure you give all the ‘active listening’ signs like nodding, smiling and confirming what you’ve just heard. This sort of positive feedback makes you more memorable. 

 

Ask for business cards, exchange texts to stay in touch, or use the LinkedIn ‘Find Nearby’ feature to make connections. 

 

The experience doesn’t end when you leave an event. Put some time aside the next day to send an email or call the people you met. It’s best to avoid a direct sales approach – save that for later. Just thank them for their time and confirm your interest in whatever you discussed. Ask them if they would like to arrange a one-to-one meeting. You can build your business network and discover new referral opportunities at the same time. 

 

Whether you’re an experienced business networker or just starting, we’ll be delighted to welcome you to a Business Expo event. It’s easy to register online.