As an entrepreneur, it can never feel like the right time to get out in the world and show people what you are made of. Unlike larger companies you won’t have the resources or money to make a big impact on the world with PR, but there are still ways that you can increase your exposure and stand in the limelight for a awhile.

 

Trade shows are a type of meetup which occur throughout the year and it is a public setting which allows companies, industry leaders and the consumer to all be in one place together for a few days. It is a place which can get you noticed, and this year you can do just that by preparing.

 

Make notes on who to see

Before you attend a trade show it is always helpful for you to have a look through the brochure and tick off the people who you want to see and speak to throughout the day, when you take the time to do this you can benefit very much with productivity and it will ensure that every second you spend in the Hall is one which is totally worth it.

 

Arrange for meetings with clients

If you have made notes on who to see already, you can actually go one step further with this and arrange a meeting with all of the people you have listed. You can either call them ahead of time or email them and arrange a time in the day for them to come to your stall or for you to go to theirs. Networking in this way is particularly useful for an entrepreneur because it gives you connections and it can actually help find you a mentor who will be able to give you advice on running a successful business and everything in between.

 

Set up early

Always get to your trade show the day before and set up your custom trade show booths to make a good display. It is never a thing to be rushed on the morning of the event because by the time people flood in through the doors you will be tired and sick of working. Make sure that you plan out your display carefully and take the time to add those small touches which can make a booth look more professional and unique.

 

Take inspiration from others

If you have no idea what kind of display to put on for your audience, don’t worry, you can simply take a look at other past trade shows and gain some ideas. There are countless ways to set up a trade show display and you can really have some fun coming up with the most wacky and unique thing you can.

 

Smile and wave

As the penguins of Madagascar always say, smile and wave boys… honestly though, the more you can put on a happy face to your crowd and reel them in the more success you will have overall and this will go a long way to bringing in new customers and hopefully making a few sales during your time at the trade show.