By David Crary
Trade shows are all the rage in the off season. They are beneficial to you, your employees, and your field service management business as a whole, that I cannot say enough good things about them. They can also be, however, hectic. Field service industry trade shows usually only last a couple of days and they are crammed full of presentations, speakers, demonstrations, and not to mention all the booths available for your browsing desires. You want to be sure you are getting the most out of the trade shows, especially since you will probably be paying to attend them.
I have been to many trade shows in my time as a business owner. In my early years, I used to walk around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. There was too much to look at and see and not enough hours in the day to see it all. I now know to start with a plan before I even hit the trade show floor so I can get the most out of my short time there. Follow my tips so you don’t wander in to the lion’s den unprepared:
Research Sessions and Demonstrations.
Most trade shows have a website, booklet, or flyer that provide a schedule of the sessions over the course of the show. Check these out and make a list of ones you want to see, one you have the time for, and ones that will be most beneficial to you.
Demonstrations are also a great thing to look in to if you have the time. You get to see some of the newest and efficient equipment, technology, mobile field service devices, etc. out there. It never hurts to be ahead of the game when it comes to the newest and coolest out there. Demonstrators will usually offer great deals on what they are selling at these shows, so do your research ahead of time to see if they are selling something you are interested in.
List and Locate Vendors.
When making your rounds at trade shows, you want to be sure you hit the booths and vendors you’d most like to connect with. A lot of the trade shows will provide a floor plan of the show floor that you can locate vendors on. You can also usually call and ask for a map of the show. Having a list and knowledge of where the particular vendors you wish to talk to are will ensure you do not waste half a day walking around in search of them.
Network.
I have found trade shows are often one of the best places to network myself and my business. You get the chance to meet and connect with many experts and peers in your industry that you may have otherwise not had the opportunity to meet.
- Bring business cards – Don’t forget your business cards at home. These are great tools to get your name out there. I can bet you will meet a lot of people in those short few days, and I doubt you will remember everyone you meet, just like they won’t all remember you. Your business card is a nice reminder of who you are and what you do. And always ask for others business cards as well. Again, you will see a lot of new faces and hear a lot of new names. Collect business cards as those you can contact once the hustle and bustle of the trade show is over.
- Bring extra hands to shake – Bring your employees along to help get your name out there. Perhaps this show just has too many opportunities that you can’t afford to miss. Bringing employees along helps to collect all of the beneficial data you need, as well as networking, without having you take on too much for one show.
- Attend the after parties – Many times there will be a cocktail party or a meet and greet at the end of one of the days of the trade show. Attend these! It’s a great relaxed environment for you to connect with your peers. Get out there and introduce yourself and your company. Being a friendly and proactive member of the trade show will reflect well on you and your business. You never know who you could meet or what new tips and tricks you may pick up. If all else fails, there is usually some free/cheap alcohol and snacks to benefit from.
The biggest way to prepare for your attack on the trade shows you attend this year is to have a set plan. Know where you are going to go, when you are going to, and who you will see there. Sometimes there will be more then one session you would like to attend at once, and that is when it is great to bring other employees along to help you out. If you can plan far enough ahead of time, you are usually able to benefit from “early bird” deals provided by those who sponsor or run the trade show. Better yourself and your field service management business by attending a trade show today!