Second time this year to get the largest audience numbers at Professional Beauty Trade Show Business Seminar. Really enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces, and meeting so many new people... Thank you to all who attended!
To make my day even more special, a lady in the audience came to thank me for helping her start her business positively last year - we met last October when she sat in on my Dublin Professional Beauty Seminar, implemented my suggestions, and in less than six months has had to expand and take on new staff members. How good is that?
Trade shows are a great opportunity to keep up with industry trends and network with other industry professionals. To make the most of trade shows, here is the best of my advice:
How can I get the most out of my visit to a trade show?
"The most important thing you can do at a trade show is to show up, just being there is the most important thing."
For most of us, attending a trade show can be exhausting and frustrating. Your eyes ache from the bright lights, your feet hurt from the concrete floors and sometimes you forget who you wanted to meet and what you wanted to research. To avoid all of that, here are some survival tips to make the trip to a trade show worthwhile:
Do your research and select the best show for business development.
Read the promotional material as it arrives. Take advantage of discounts on offer on the day.
Create a realistic budget to spend at the show, and stick to it. Consider travel expenses and accommodation, and the expense of being away from your salon for the day.
Set up a schedule that allows you to work the show to your best advantage.
Spend some time circulating, then target industry leaders and the contacts you want to meet.
Attend as many seminars as possible.
Enter your salon in any relevant competitions.
When you catch up with a person you want to meet, ask them to join you outside the hall where it's quieter to do business.
Speak to as many people as you can, it is a great opportunity to network.
Rather than carrying around heavy brochures, give your business card to exhibitors and ask them to send you information.
Wear comfortable clothes and a jacket with pockets for your business cards.
