b'THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINEcontinued from page: 9see, said Chance Castellucio, Executive VP of SalesConclusionatPromoLeaf,apromotionalproductscompanyFollow the tips from these experts and you will have a (promoleaf.com). There are so many presentations thatmuch greater chance of making a trade show pay off. things can get jumbled in your memory. One solution toMental preparation is key. Too often we let trade shows the problem is to take pictures that capture the essentialhappen to us, rather than plotting out how we are going information in each booth, including the company nameto get the best return from them, said Powell. Trade and the relevant product or service. These images willshows are important tools for advancing an organization, prove helpful later when you return home. but it takes a good strategy to make it all happen. Set a Its also wise to take careful notes regarding follow-ups.goal, make a plan, return home, and implement.Whom did you talk to? What did they promise to do or BUSINESS MANAGEMENTsend? Later you can monitor whether you received what they promised, or whether a phone call is appropriate.Checklist for a Successful ShowBonus tip: Record important booth conversations onWill you get the most profitable return you can your smart phone or portable device, then have thefrom your investment attending a trade show? recording transcribed back home. Give yourself 10 points for each Yes answer to Mistake #6: Unproductive networking these questions. Then total your points to see how Networking is vital to success. Many people though,prepared you are for your next show.fail to understand that it is a skill like any other.1. Have you set three specific goals for the show? Trade show experts advise taking the time to practice2. Haveyoudecidedontheonemajorbusiness in advance until you know exactly what you will doproblem for which you will pursue a solution?in a variety of common situations. Chance suggests rehearsing your approach in three areas: How you first3. Haveyououtlineddetailedstrategiestoreach address an individual, what you say during the ensuingyour three goals? conversation, and how you disengage gracefully to4. Haveyouidentifiedaquietspotforbusiness move down the aisle. Nailing this routine will give you the self confidence to approach others quickly, easilydiscussions with important contacts?and productively. 5. Haveyououtlinedawalkingpatternthat Bonus tip: Set specific follow-up times with vendors andmaximizes your time?colleagues who are especially important to your business.6. Haveyoupracticedhowtocontrolthe Let them know you will call them at a certain time. conversation when you enter a booth?Mistake #7: Haphazard seminar selections7. Have you established a system of effective note Seminars can be essential components of a successfultaking?trade show event. Attending too many, or going to ones8. Haveyourehearsedproductiveconversational that are less important, can waste valuable time thattacticsforusewhenyoumeet,engageand could be spent interacting with vendors and colleagues. disengage with people?Sit down ahead of time and ask, which seminars relate9. Have you marked seminars worth attending?to the three goals I have established for this show? said Powell. Rather than attend a questionable presentation,10. Haveyouaskedcolleagueswhatinformation check to see whether it will be recorded for later viewingyou can obtain for them?on social media or a website. Whats your score? Over 80: Success! You are ready Bonus tip: Introduce yourself to seminar speakers afterfor your show. Between 60 and 80: Time to fine tune their presentations, thanking them and exchangingyour planning skills. Below 60: Its a good idea to business cards. Such contacts can be valuable later whenre-gear by instituting ideas from the accompanying you have questions only they can answer. story.10 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL6 1'