Dan Pollard
Trade shows are a goldmine of opportunities for electricians and plumbers looking to expand their knowledge, network, and business.
However, without the right approach, you might miss out on the potential benefits.
Here are five tactics to help you make the most of industry events.
1. Pre-Event Planning
Before attending a trade show, set clear goals about what you’re hoping to achieve.
Are you looking to learn about new technologies, find suppliers, or network?
Once your objectives are set, research the exhibitors and speakers in advance.
Create a schedule to ensure you attend the most relevant talks and visit the most beneficial stands for your trades business.
2. Engage with Exhibitors
Don’t just walk around the trade show floor collecting brochures and free giveaways; make the effort to engage in meaningful conversations with exhibitors.
You never know which one, face-to-face conversation will make an impact on your business, so boost your odds by chatting to as many people as you can.
Ask about the latest tools, trends and technologies in whichever trades industry you are in - you might just learn something new and unexpected.
Exhibitors are often the first to know about upcoming innovations that can give you an edge in the market.
They will also typically include exclusive trade show discounts which wouldn’t normally be available, so it can be a great chance to grab a bargain!
You may even bump into the Fergus team along the way, and find out how job management software can save you time, boost your profits and level up your trades business.
3. Network Effectively
Trade shows are not just about the products; they’re about the people.
Exchange business cards, but also connect on social media platforms.
The fun normally continues after the event finishes, so you may want to join an after-hours social to get to know your new connections even better.
After the dust has settled, make sure to follow up with your new contacts post-event with a personalised message reminding them of your conversation.
Engaging in as many conversations can lead to advice from peers, more work, or even somebody you can trust to outsource work to when times are busier.
4. Attend Workshops and Seminars
These sessions are invaluable for staying up-to-date with industry standards and practices.
You’ll hear directly from experts who can share real-life experiences and advice you can use in your day-to-day life.
Sometimes life in the trades can seem to be a lonely one, but attending workshops and talks helps you to see you’re very much a part of a wider community of people who you may be able to learn from.
They also offer a chance to ask questions directly to the experts, so if there’s any specific issue you have within your trade, it’s a great chance to get some help.
Don’t forget to take notes and share your learnings with your team.
5. Follow Up
The real work begins after the trade show.
Review the information you’ve gathered and follow up on leads promptly.
Reach out to the people you met with specific references to your discussions to keep the connection alive.
By following these tactics, you’ll not only gain valuable insights but also establish yourself and your business as a thought leader in the trades industry, which only serves to enhance your brand.
Remember, trade shows are more than just events; they’re a tool you can use to give your business a boost.
