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Networking and Trade Shows...How to Stand Out?

by eRegularActions
7 replies
I have booked a table for an upcoming networking event for entrepreneurs. I am looking to encourage people to try out a program I am launching targeted to the self-employed and small business owners as well as finding people to create partnerships with.

Any tips you guys/gals can share on how to differentiate myself and capture attention in those first few critical seconds especially?
#networking #showshow #stand #trade
  • Profile picture of the author graphicsgenie
    What tools have you got available to you?
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    • Profile picture of the author DeePower
      This has always worked for me and gets lots of attention.

      Glue (use elmer's white glue or a kid's glue stick) dollar bills to the inside of a fish bowl. If you can afford it use a couple of five dollar and ten dollar bills. Make a sign that says "Enter to Win 100 Grand." Put a tiny asterisk by "Grand." In small print at the very bottom of the sign add an asterisk and put "Candy bar."

      People are attracted to the money filled bowl and the sign. They laugh when they see the asterisk and candy bar and still give you their business card.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lou Diamond
    Hello,
    I have been to so many of these shows, my best tips is to have a friendly helping attitude,
    get rid of any chairs as you will be tempted to sit.
    Say hello to every person that you see and get ready to shake a lot of hands.
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    • Profile picture of the author eRegularActions
      Originally Posted by graphicsgenie View Post

      What tools have you got available to you?

      Only what I provide myself. Nothing is really out of the question...I can always rent what I don't have.



      Originally Posted by DeePower View Post

      This has always worked for me and gets lots of attention.

      Glue (use elmer's white glue or a kid's glue stick) dollar bills to the inside of a fish bowl. If you can afford it use a couple of five dollar and ten dollar bills. Make a sign that says "Enter to Win 100 Grand." Put a tiny asterisk by "Grand." In small print at the very bottom of the sign add an asterisk and put "Candy bar."

      People are attracted to the money filled bowl and the sign. They laugh when they see the asterisk and candy bar and still give you their business card.
      I am assuming thats a candy bar in the states? I'm in Canada...don't think we have that here so the idea was a little lost on me.
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    • Profile picture of the author eRegularActions
      Originally Posted by Lou Diamond View Post

      Hello,
      I have been to so many of these shows, my best tips is to have a friendly helping attitude,
      get rid of any chairs as you will be tempted to sit.
      Say hello to every person that you see and get ready to shake a lot of hands.

      I totally agree but from my experience with business events..that is what everyone is doing.

      I am comfortable with the basics of "schmooze" type events but I am looking for some kind of edge.
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  • Profile picture of the author wiseleo
    Wear an orange shirt.

    I do. Seriously.

    It is actually an official Microsoft shirt with Microsoft logo that I am allowed to wear, so I benefit from brand association with them. Rest assured, people notice me.

    Corporate apparel with an embroidered logo represents the fact you've invested in your business and are less likely to be a fly-by-night company.

    Love Dee's fishbowl idea!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary King
    Originally Posted by DeePower View Post

    This has always worked for me and gets lots of attention.

    Glue (use elmer's white glue or a kid's glue stick) dollar bills to the inside of a fish bowl. If you can afford it use a couple of five dollar and ten dollar bills. Make a sign that says "Enter to Win 100 Grand." Put a tiny asterisk by "Grand." In small print at the very bottom of the sign add an asterisk and put "Candy bar."

    People are attracted to the money filled bowl and the sign. They laugh when they see the asterisk and candy bar and still give you their business card.
    Dee, this is a great idea - may not work for him since he said he doesn't have the 100Grand Bar in Canada, but it's a novel idea for those that do - love it!


    Originally Posted by eRegularActions View Post

    I have booked a table for an upcoming networking event for entrepreneurs. I am looking to encourage people to try out a program I am launching targeted to the self-employed and small business owners as well as finding people to create partnerships with.

    Any tips you guys/gals can share on how to differentiate myself and capture attention in those first few critical seconds especially?
    @eRegularActions - you'll get lots and lots of tire-kickers - folks just trolling to see what you have to give away. Beam the biggest smile you can at them when you make eye contact. Just literally shoot it out of your face toward them. It will make them relax and feel willing to not just grab a piece of candy or pen and move on.

    One thing that is amazing if it's not done by everyone there is to have a popcorn machine. You can smell it throughout the entire building and people start going "hey, where's the popcorn?". It may not close the deal, but it certainly can gather a crowd.

    Kick some butt and have a great show!
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