Stalking other industry events

[Adam Randall]

Last year while at my 35th computer trade show, I was wandering around the pavilion, holding a bite size sausage roll in one hand and a free showbag with pen and t-shirt in the other.

It suddenly hit me, none of these people are interested in my services as they are selling the exact same services I provide.

Then I got to thinking, every industry has its seminars, tradeshows, events etc, if I start going to these, maybe I might start meeting people that are interested in the services we provide and I might learn something new insight into that industry that others in mine do not.

Does anyone actually do this? if so any success?

[BB]

Yes Adam!

We only attend 'different industry' trade shows and have fabulous response. One of the best ones we do is a "Home Expo". Now you may ask - what has a 'personal budget coaching service' got to do with home ownership? EVERYTHING - if you don't have a budget in place, then you can't afford to have a home or the things in it!

Think of trade shows like networking events. If you go to a networking function do you expect to see (and network with) only people from YOUR industry? You might - but I bet you don't go back too often.

Trade shows are our best form of marketing!

B.B

[Burgo]

I just had a thought ( OK dont get excited you lot) being an exhibitor at trade shows is usually an expensive exercise, but what if two or three of you got together offering your services to different industries.

The cleaning industry has several trade shows a year Cleaners, Carpet Cleaners and Suppliers. The suppliers seem to be at every show. Some of the Associations attend and often have stands. Because we are one of the smaller associations in the cleaning industry we try to team up with a smaller supplier or manufacturer and share the costs.

No one from the IT industry or Business Coaches or even training bodies attend these trade shows because they dont think they will attract any business yet they are all eager to sell their wares to the small business that make up the cleaning industry.

By the same token you never see carpet cleaners at trade shows for IT industry or even pet shows. Yet all offices with carpet needs the services of trained carpet cleaners, and pet owner need us even more.

Yes I know the costs of these trade shows are over the top $ 3000.00 for a small stand extra for chairs and tables, then there is accommodation brouchers to print off and maybe nothing will come from it, but isnt it about stepping out of the comfort zone and being different.

As I said just a thought.

[MPP]

Originally Posted by Burgo

I just had a thought ( OK dont get excited you lot) being an exhibitor at trade shows is usually an expensive exercise, but what if two or three of you got together offering your services to different industries.

The cleaning industry has several trade shows a year Cleaners, Carpet Cleaners and Suppliers. The suppliers seem to be at every show. Some of the Associations attend and often have stands. Because we are one of the smaller associations in the cleaning industry we try to team up with a smaller supplier or manufacturer and share the costs.

No one from the IT industry or Business Coaches or even training bodies attend these trade shows because they dont think they will attract any business yet they are all eager to sell their wares to the small business that make up the cleaning industry.

By the same token you never see carpet cleaners at trade shows for IT industry or even pet shows. Yet all offices with carpet needs the services of trained carpet cleaners, and pet owner need us even more.

Yes I know the costs of these trade shows are over the top $ 3000.00 for a small stand extra for chairs and tables, then there is accommodation brouchers to print off and maybe nothing will come from it, but isnt it about stepping out of the comfort zone and being different.

As I said just a thought.

Hi,

Trade shows have definitely been a big help to MPP they have introduced me to many potential clients and opened my eyes to different direction.

Community trade shows are inexpensive in comparison to large scale events but can provide good leads to your local clients.

My best results at trade shows is when I have offered genuine customers something to remember me by. Following up on my leads before the fire is out that has been my biggest challenge. The first shows I attended I basically chased volume instead of quality customers and found myself wasting time and money calling people who really had no interest in what service I could provide them.

Best of luck if you choose to attend a trade show!!

Cheers,

Ben Browning
www.mobilepromotionalproducts.com

[LeelaCosgrove]

Originally Posted by Adam Randall

Last year while at my 35th computer trade show, I was wandering around the pavilion, holding a bite size sausage roll in one hand and a free showbag with pen and t-shirt in the other.

ROFL!!! Adam - this is an OUTSTANDING description of trade shows ... I think there's a writer in you ... I always need good writers - want to come work for me???

[Adam Randall]

Originally Posted by LeelaCosgrove

ROFL!!! Adam - this is an OUTSTANDING description of trade shows ... I think there's a writer in you ... I always need good writers - want to come work for me???

Thanks Leela, this has made my day

Although I put writing in the same category as cooking, if all variables are perfect, very occasionally I come up with something worthwhile and then spend the next 3 months trying to replicate the success.

[MissieK]

I go to the parenting expo's as a visitor to network with the stall holders. I am thinking of going as an exhibitor in the next year or two now that I have more of a direction where I'm going.

I've also exhibited at the Vic Business Expo the last 2 years.

It has brought in more people to my database and let more people know we exist, which is fantastic

Melissa

[Rachel Reeves]

Originally Posted by Adam Randall

Thanks Leela, this has made my day

Although I put writing in the same category as cooking, if all variables are perfect, very occasionally I come up with something worthwhile and then spend the next 3 months trying to replicate the success.

Lol Adam. But remember not to undersell yourself - I think your light might be much brighter than you are giving yourself credit for. I have noticed you on this forum as a good contributer, writer and even (dare I say it) an exeptionally good thinker.

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

Hi Adam
I think your observation is very astute. I often recommend to clients that they look at other industries for insights on how they can innovate in their own industry, and your idea is a variation on this at the lead generation end of the spectrum.

One way of looking at lead generation is to ask 'who has my clients before me?' If you can find them at tradeshows and you find that to be cost-effective lead gen for your business then it's worth a try.

Maybe also look for the tradeshows that offer speaking opportunities for associated business services. Eg the Reed Gift Fairs in Sydney offer business education for the retailers and wholesalers that attend.

Love to know how you go!
cheers
Lisa

[johnsonkyle25]

It’s one of those ideas that make you think: Why didn’t I come up with this before? Even though there is off course publicity on any big event, if your business is not that big, all you have to do is get yourself invited and pack a few brochures with you.