Bradley Kimberlin, Columnists, V5I6

Trade Show Follow Up

Well, The Big Shed Show is over (and the new Shed Builder Expo is just 10 months away) and you’re back home. Were you one of the fortunate ones who won a prize? A lot of nice prizes were handed out by various exhibitors.  

Whether you were one of the fortunate ones or not, how do you make the most out of your time at the show now that you are back at work? Here are a few ideas to help you as you continue to improve your business.

FOLLOW UP WITH EXHIBITORS

You probably collected a lot of information and stuck in the trade show bag, but where is it now? Take some time during the slower winter months and follow up with these exhibitors. 

Just because you don’t think they have anything to offer doesn’t mean you can’t learn something. And if you don’t need to learn anything, what were you doing at the show, anyway?

LET EXHIBITORS FOLLOW UP WITH YOU

Sure, you let exhibitors scan your badge so you could enter their drawings, but that means they are probably going to follow up with you. This could seem like an annoyance but think of it this way: They spent their time and money to be at the show to earn your business, so see what they are willing to do for you. 

Some exhibitors had promotions they were offering at the show—see if they will offer you something now. Or ask for samples. They may have something they can send you that will help you understand what they are offering and how it can benefit your business.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Attending an industry show is a good time to meet people working in the same industry as you. While you might not want to “talk shop” with another builder in your same area, follow up on some contacts you made in other parts of the country and compare notes with them. Not everything will be the same, but it can expand your horizons, and you may find a new friend.

IMPLEMENT SOMETHING NEW

Remember those light-bulb moments you had at the show? What have you done with them? 

Try to avoid “flash in the pan” ideas, but if you saw something that you think may help your business, try it out!

There was a wide range of exhibitors at The Big Shed Show, and it’s probably a little hard to remember them all. I heard a couple comments from people that felt like they couldn’t cover the entire floor as thoroughly as they would have wanted to. 

Don’t remember what all was there? Head over to www.bigshedshow.com and look at the Exhibitors List to see what you missed!

Anytime you attend an industry trade show like The Big Shed Show, it’s up to you on how much value you get out of the time, effort, and money you spent to attend the show. Taking the time to follow up on ideas and contacts you made helps you make the most out of your investment.

Until next time, Be Excellent!

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