Do Home Shows To Drum Up Business
The Trade Show Season for Raindrop® Gutter Guard is wrapping up and the selling season is about to start.
That statement is partly true. The Trade Show Season is actually a main selling season, even if product and $$$ are not exchanging hands. We spend our winters and “off season” traveling, promoting and creating awareness.
If you find your Spring off to a slow start, try finding a local Home Show to participate in. Create awareness, get into the face of your customers. Let them know who you are, what you do, and why they need you for their home projects.
10 Tips For Trade Shows
1. Look nice and be approachable. Nobody wants someone working on or in their home that looks like they don’t have one of their own.
2. Show off with your display. If you are a landscaper, build a pergola with flower beds around. If you are a roofer, build a roof with some popular shingles on display. Show off your skills here. Don’t be shy, but don’t go over board. which brings us to the next tip.
3. Don’t overdo-it. Unless you are designing haunted houses or rave parties, leave the strobe lights at home.
4. Have pictures of your work. You’ve heard the phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Your potential customers will be able to see what else you have done. It will also give them confidence knowing that you have done these projects before.
5. Raffle, door prize, give away. In order to be entered into your raffle, attendees will need to fill out some information. This just gave you a way to stay in contact with them. This does not mean spam their emails and stuff their mailboxes, but maybe include them on an eNewsletter. This keeps you on their mind, so when they do need work done on their home, they know who to call.
6. Get in & get out. Trade Shows can get pretty hectic during the move in and move out. It is always best to have a display that is easy to set up, break down and requires the least amount of trips in and out to the truck.
7. Bring supplies. Keep some tools close by incase anything needs to be fixed.
8. More supplies. Bring water or fluids. Bring snacks. Bring pain relievers. Food and drinks can get pretty pricey inside the shows. And the long hours can be tough on the feet and back.
9. Sit! Not all the time, but another way to avoid back and foot pain is to bring a chair or stool to rest on. If possible, take turns with your partner(s) at the show. You’d be surprised at what a boost you can get from just a 10 minute timeout.
10. Walk the show. It is always a good idea to get out of your booth and check out what is going on in the world. Take a peek at your competition. See what new products you can offer your customers. Network and make some new friends.