Page 204 - 597 Business Ideas You can Start from Home - doing what you LOVE! (Beginner Internet Marketing Series)

Step 1 0. Prep for the Trade Show 1 97

probably already seen ads for shows like the "Home and Garden
Show" or the "Boat Show" or the "Women's Expo." The best option
is to go to one within your industry, but if you can't go to a relevant
one, then try to go to any tradeshow. Almost any show will help you
get familiar with the feel and pace.

Once Inside

When walking around the show, take detailed notes on the fol­
lowing things:

• How the booths are set up. Booths are usually set up in aisles,
one right after the next, to make it easy for the buyers to visit as
many as possible as quickly as possible. Some booths are open
on the sides, so you can see and hear your neighbor, and some
booths have walls on three sides Call except the open entrance to
the aisle), which allows for much more privacy.

• How the booths are decorated. You can get lots of ideas about
what you like about booth decor and what doesn't work as well.

• How the traffic flows on the trade-show floor. Note in particular
the benefits of great "placement." The large companies are often
positioned at key spots like right in front of the showroom door,
at large intersections, and even near bathrooms.

• How people interact , and how exhibitors distribute information
and samples.

• The "feel" of the show: Is it loud and exciting? Full of private
conversations? Is it busy or slow? Is one product stealing the
show? Some shows are more professional and "corporate," while
others are more casual.

Write down your observations so you can refer back to them
when it's time to set up your booth. Find out as much as you can
about each show so you are prepared for the type of show you ulti­
mately choose.