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Northeast HVAC News Guest Column
How Contractors Can Get
the Most Out of Trade Shows.
Harness the Power of Meetings and Agendas at Trade Shows.
Early on in my career, I would go to trade shows because my boss
sent me. I would aimlessly wander the isles not sure of what or
who I was looking for. That was until a colleague pulled me
aside and said, “Danielle, never go to a trade show without
meetings and an agenda already set and predetermined.” He taught
me how to navigate the show to my advantage.
First things first: why do you go to trade shows?
Is it just because you received some fancy marketing invitation in
the mail? Perhaps you’re seeking to be around people who can relate
to what you’re going through. Or is there a burning desire deep
within you to find that magic bean that will fill the gaps in your
business? Take a moment to reflect on your why.
Last year, I was in desperate need of a break from my life. As a
parent of four, who wouldn’t desire a well-deserved break? I
couldn’t exactly tell my husband I needed a weekend getaway with the
girls, but a trade show? That I could swing. And guess what? It is
okay to go with the intention of catching up on sleep and leaving
the show early. The key was knowing my why and getting what I wanted
out of it. So, before you go, know why you’re going.
Now, let me ask you this: what is the single greatest challenge you
face in getting your business where you want it to be?
Imagine if that question was stamped on your forehead before you
attended a trade show. It would give you a sense of purpose, right?
Well, I want you to carry that purpose with you. Identify your
biggest business challenge and take it to the show with you. When
you have a clear focus, you’ll be amazed at how the solutions start
presenting themselves.
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Okay, let’s talk about
the plan—before, during, and after the trade show.
1. Here’s the thing: it’s easy to do nothing before the show and
rely solely on the event to deliver results. Trust me, I’ve been
guilty of that mindset too. But if you want to make a real impact,
you’ve got to do some legwork beforehand. Reach out to industry
thought leaders, vendors, and fellow attendees. Schedule meetings
and have meaningful conversations. Don’t just aimlessly wander the
show floor hoping for that magical bean to land in your pocket. Be
intentional about who you want to meet and what you want to achieve.
2. Now, during the show, you’ll be bombarded with incredible
information and ideas. It’s exciting, but overwhelming. Here’s a
tip: don’t let those ideas collect dust on a bookshelf when you get
back home. Instead, start implementing right then and there.
Delegate tasks to your team while you’re still at the show. You
quite possibly already have a capable group of people who can help
you bring those ideas to life. Share the workload and get your team
excited about the new possibilities.
3. After the show, it’s time to sort through all the amazing
insights you’ve gathered. Grab your yellow legal pad, laptop
notepad, or voice memo recorder and brain dump all your fresh ideas.
List out potential vendor partners and people with products that
caught your interest. Then, prioritize these ideas based on their
impact on your company’s money, marketing, team, and legacy. Now, I
know you’ll meet fantastic vendors and collect a bunch of business
cards, but let’s be honest—you won’t buy from all of them. So,
select three vendors you want to follow up with and schedule a demo
or call.
Solve your “Why”
But here’s the crucial part: pick one idea from your list—the one
that will solve or help tackle your single greatest business
challenge. The reason you went to the show in the first place. Take
a look at your calendar and figure out when you can realistically
begin to implement this great idea. If it is a big change, you won’t
be able to do it today or even tomorrow. But, do you have time to
implement it two or three quarters down the road? Set into place
what you realistically need to put this change into motion.
Throw Away Unused Ideas
Once you’ve outlined this incredible plan, it’s time to liberate
yourself from the weight of unfulfilled ideas. That long list of
other concepts you gathered at the show? Crumple it up and toss it
away. Release yourself from the guilt and regrets of missed
opportunities. Instead, do a complete brain dump, freeing your mind
of clutter, and focus wholeheartedly on that one thing—the idea that
will lead you to success.
So, my friends, let’s be intentional, courageous, and determined in
our implementation. Let’s turn those inspiring trade show
experiences into tangible, transformative actions. Remember, it’s
not about the multitude of ideas you gather—it’s about the one idea
you choose to embrace and execute. Let that idea shape your future
and propel your business to new heights.
About The New Flat Rate
To equip contractors with a menu pricing system. One that takes the
pressure off their technicians to sell, is easy to implement and
doubles their service sales. To be the most profitable pricing
system for our members.
Have questions? Call
us or email us at 706.259.8892 |
info@thenewflatrate.com
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