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Now What And Who's Next?
Most people leave a conference exhausted.
There are a number of parties. There's sightseeing -- working the exhibit floor - learning - networking. So much happens that you could write a book. That doesn't even include everything else you worked into a few days in a city like Las Vegas.
So what happens next? This is the key to any conference situation because you want to get the most mileage out of every person you meet, every class you attend and every exhibitor you interview (yes, booth conversations should be two-way dialogues). After all, you attend for professional growth.
Following are a few thoughts on accelerating the application once you get home.
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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 6
"Those who are blessed with the most talent don't necessarily outperform everyone else. It's the people with follow-through who excel."
Mary Kay Ash, business woman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., 1918-2001 | |
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Share The Wealth. Even if you have a one- or two-person office, sit down when you get back and make a point of passing along the knowledge. Let the rest of your team know the tips, tricks and ideas you'll try.
Share The Wealth Even More. Maybe you picked up something really exciting -- a new way to motivate people -- a new sales strategy. You can make an effort to share this with your networking groups. Whether it's a tip-style organization, a Chamber of Commerce or another professional organization, ask to be at a meeting. You'll appear as the area expert and as someone who can be a trusted networker.
Follow Up. Fast. Business cards you collected while attending the show lose their value quickly once the show is complete. Before you go to any show, develop a follow-up plan. Know how you'll proceed with potential vendors, potential clients and potential networking peers. Then, implement your plan immediately.
You might send a handwritten thank you to some people. You may use a broadcast e-mail. Maybe you forward an article you discussed. As soon as possible, get all the contact data into your computer and reach out.
Complete Surveys. Any time a conference planner asks for your input, provide it. The show should be all about you and your needs. Any feedback you can offer helps plan future events.
Assess Results. Give yourself time to review what went well and what could have been better. By comparing your results to your plans, you'll better determine the show's impact on your future sales and whether there is enough value in the conference for you to attend future events.
This week, we looked at a variety of ways to plan, participate and learn from your show experiences. The PPAI Expo 2008 is next week in Las Vegas. However, these tips can help you with every tradeshow, conference or convention you attend in the new year. I hope they help you use knowledge to grow your sales.
Source: Roger A. Shapiro is president/creative director at Mitchell Rose, LLC, A Communications Consultancy. He is the author of Write Right, 26 Tips to Improve Your Writing. Dramatically. You can order Write Right by clicking here. | |
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Copyright 2005-2007 Promotional Consultant Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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