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It’s not just enough to want to attend the biggest SME Event in Africa, you have to strategize on how to maximize the opportunity. Because the Connect Nigeria eBusiness fair is free, it might be easy to take the show for granted and show up unplanned. However, the testimonials from the previous editions is an indication that the fair is the best thing to happen to your business this year. Here are some critical things you should do to guarantee that your attendance is a success:   SET GOALS First, figure out the types of attendees that are going to be at the show and how best to connect with them. You also need to set goals for the event. If you’re interested in getting leads, then you need to establish some statistics. How many leads do you want to generate? Are you interested in collecting data for your SMS blasts? What’s the total number of contacts you intend to get? PUBLICIZE THE EVENT Mention that you’re going to attend the event on your web page and social media channels. Use Twitter, Facebook. Instagram and LinkedIn to generate enthusiasm about your appearance at the show. Don’t be surprised, some people might just walk up to you at the event and introduce themselves. LOOK GOOD Make sure to dress for success. Look nice, but don’t go overboard or go too minimal and get lost in the crowd. Your presentation is critical, it can determine the direction of your conversations. Try not to do all the talking, nobody wants to hear all the details of your business, you’ll wear them out. Instead, listen, listen, listen. Also, use the person’s name, it adds a personal touch and makes them know that they count and they’re not just another number on your contacts. Lastly, take pictures and put them up on Social Media. It gives the impression that you’re an active business person. TAKE NOTES Keep records of important points in your conversations. It helps you reconnect with your contacts when next you call them up. Wouldn’t it be impressive if you mentioned something they said to you at the event? There’ll get comfortable with you knowing that your connection was genuine, not generic. Check out this article for apps that help with keeping records and contacts on the go. BE SOCIAL Don’t just talk to people/brands you know, try and talk to as many people as you can. Everyone might not necessarily be a lead, but they may be a valuable strategic partner or key influencer. You can even learn from your competition. Also, always be willing to reach out to someone who is alone, you’ll most likely come off as a friend. Nothing makes friends quicker than sharing. If you meet someone who is not a lead for you, think of somebody who would appreciate the contact. That person will want to return the favour in the future. FOLLOW UP All your struggles will be useless if you don’t have a good plan to follow up. Don’t dump the business cards at the back of your car. Use a good contact app to categorize your contacts in order of importance. If you do not have much time you can reach out to the contacts on top of the list as soon as you can. Look up your contacts on social media and connect with them. It takes your effort to make the event useful to your business. Plan your process now! Don’t wait until the 3rd of February. The Connect Nigeria E-Business Fair comes up on the 3rd of February 2018 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. To sponsor, exhibit, or register, visit www.connectnigeria.com/bizfair or call 0700 800 5000.
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This article was first published on 19th January 2018 and updated on January 22nd, 2018 at 11:51 am

chidinmakalu

Chidinma Kalu is a trained psychologist and an entrepreneur. Aside from writing, she spends her time researching on anything that has her curiosity piqued. In 2016, her essay was shortlisted for a prize. She hopes to actually win something someday. ?

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