- Business Cards:
No, business cards are not old, they are still in use, despite apps and gadgets and the internet. Ever seen names saved in your phone, and wondered who they were? That’s exactly what could happen to your number if they save it in their phones. Hand out business cards with all your information instead. Also, make sure to hand it out to people you talk to. Don’t just give your cards to people without properly introducing yourself, or they’ll throw it in the bin.
- Flyers:
This is a good way to advertise your deals if your business is currently running any. Or, you could run one just for contacts from the fair. We usually want to give out as many flyers as possible, but remember that most of them will never make it outside the gates of the venue. So like business cards, try and explain the deals or your business to people before leaving them with the flyer.
- Samples:
If you have physical samples of what you do, and they can fit in your bag, please take a few with you. It’s more convincing when people can see your work than when they only hear about it. Don’t go shoving your work in people’s faces though, show it to people you’re talking to, and have shown interest in what you do.
- Brochure/Portfolio:
Just like samples, take your brochure/ portfolio with you, especially if you’re interested in meeting mentors and/or sponsors. Have all the materials you need to support your elevator pitch, if necessary. Don’t just offer to send it in the email, we tend to read pressing emails first and ignore the others, and your mail might not be pressing enough. So be always ready to show a hard copy of your work. Nothing works like, ‘right here, right now.’
- Uniform
Nobody is asking you to dress like an old school teacher and strut into Eko Hotel. By uniform, we’re simply saying, dress the part. If you’re a salesperson, don’t dress too casual, so that people don’t take you unseriously. If you’re into the fashion industry, you have to dress the part to sell your brand, and so on. It’s not cliché when people say, ‘you dress how you want to be addressed.” It’s simply a fact.
- Notepad
Yes, I know we have notepad apps on our phones, but sometimes you could come off as snobbish if you start typing on your phone in the middle of a conversation. Write in a notepad instead, people tend to talk more, when they feel they’ve said something worth noting. So you’ll get more information. Wondering why you should take notes? Then you should read
this article.
- Giveaways
You don’t have to have a stand to do this. You could give out a few samples of your work. You don’t have to give out to everyone at the fair, a select few might do the trick, and give the impression that you’re a serious business person. People, who you didn’t give your samples to, will even become interested in talking to you. Everybody wants to associate themselves with the nice person in the room after all. Just make sure you give out to people who you think could be potential customers. At the end of the day, they’re the people more likely to remember you.
- Ten questions you want to be answered
The Connect Nigeria eBusiness fair is an event for entrepreneurs. How many events have that many business people in one place at the same time? None. That’s why it’s the biggest SME event in Africa yet. Take advantage of this opportunity and show up ready. That conundrum slowing your sales might just be solved during a simple conversation. Come prepared with questions written in your notepad, else you go home beating yourself up for forgetting something. Just make sure they’re business related though or else… awkward.
Have any item(s) you think should be on this list? Please suggest them in the comment section.
