Trade shows are a great opportunity to increase your company’s business, maximize exposure and meet other competitors. However, you have to be aware of trade show timewasters. While the majority of people attending a trade show have a distinct purpose, there are others who are simply time wasters.

You need to be able to quickly ascertain who they are and then politely move on to the next visitor attending your booth. You can waste valuable time talking to people who really have little interest in your products and services and potentially lose someone who genuinely has an interest. It’s always wise to have an idea about how they behave, so you can ensure you maximize your time with real customers.

Existing Customers

Always invite your existing customers to the trade show. They may not necessarily give you any new business, but you know they are on your side. Importantly, they are a great method for getting referrals, one of the most important aspects of attending a trade show.

Gimmick Attendees

Always be on the lookout for this type of visitor. While you initially have to treat every visitor as a potential customer, gimmick attendees are often only there for any gimmicks you’re giving away. They love to collect anything that’s free, irrespective of its usefulness to them. You can usually work them out by asking a few direct questions about the theme of the trade show, what they do and what company they work for. Ask for their business card, so you can see the name of the company and try to work out if there is any relevance between what that company does and what services or products your company offers.

Collectors

Not dissimilar to the gimmick attendee, except this type of visitor just loves to collect paper. Doesn’t matter what it is, or what it’s about. Leaflet, brochures, business cards; anything will do. Remember, while you are there to distribute your marketing material, it does cost money, especially glossy brochures. Try to work out whether there is a genuine interest in your products and services, or whether it simply about collecting paper. If your visitor already has several bags stuffed with brochures and leaflets, you’re probably wasting your time.

It’s About Winning

Many companies try to attract visitors to their booths by running competitions or prize draws at various times of the day. It may attract visitors, but are they really interested in what your company does? These semi-professional prize draw attendees spend their complete day moving one booth to another and entering every competition or prize draw. You can usually pick them out. They are always first to your booth when it’s competition or prize draw time and you may well see them more than once during the day. Avoid them wasting your time by ensuring that any gifts you give away in a competition or prize draw are specifically relevant to the type of product or service your company provides. It won’t weed out all of them, but may cut down on time wasters.

www.MonsterDisplays.com is the leading supplier of trade show displays and accessories. Check out our great deals and information on our website

http://www.monsterdisplays.com is the leading supplier of trade show displays and accessories. Check out our great deals and information on our website http://www.monsterdisplays.com/Articles.asp?ID=146

Author Bio: www.MonsterDisplays.com is the leading supplier of trade show displays and accessories. Check out our great deals and information on our website

Category: Business
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