January 31, 2017
You just wrapped up a whirlwind tradeshow season, making countless new connections, collecting a ton of business cards and learning about what’s great and new in promotional products. You might be tired after walking for miles each day and meeting tons of new people. You might also be feeling a bit overwhelmed with what to do next.
We’re here to offer some tips and tricks for tradeshow follow-up that will help you make an impact!
- Sort your leads according to potential
While you may have had a great conversation, not every person you meet at a tradeshow will be a good business lead. Evaluate your meetings and sort your contacts into categories of sales leads, business opportunities and friendly connections. Determine whom you should follow up with right away, and whose card you can file away.
Pro Tip: Those contacts you make who aren’t the best business leads may turn out to be great industry friends. Be sure to schedule casual meetings at your next tradeshow to catch up!
- Email those you’re most excited to work with
It’s best to send an email shortly after meeting someone while the interaction is still fresh in their mind. If you remember a story you shared or something funny from your interaction, mention it! In your email, be sure to write how you think you can work together and the best ways to contact you for a follow-up discussion.
Pro Tip: If you have a moment after a meeting, jot down a note or two on a business card to help remember details about your interactions with that person.
- Evaluate your tradeshow participation
Was it worth it to travel to that big, national show? Did you learn everything you wanted to while attending the tradeshow or did you leave feeling confused? These are the questions to ask yourself following a tradeshow as you plan for which shows you want to attend next year.
Pro Tip: Check out your local and regional shows. Traveling to national shows can be quite expensive and you may receive similar information much closer to home.
We hope your tradeshow experiences in 2017 live up to your expectations. Be sure to follow our tradeshow calendar or check the calendar on SanMar U’s homepage, and stop by and say hi whenever we’re at the same event!