There’s just one day to go until the long awaited Business Show 2014, taking place November 27th-28th at the Kensington Olympia in London.
Over 25,000 SME and startup businesses are gearing up for the event, and excitement is brewing over the incredible networking opportunities that come with it.
Whether these businesses are hoping to push their name out, make connections or guarantee a long list of client sign-ups, everyone shares the same, ultimate objective; Business growth.
With some of the nation’s hottest business people in attendance, from industry leaders to mega corporations, this isn’t just a crucial learning experience. For some lucky companies this could be the big business break they’ve been waiting for.
So, if you’re a business looking to maximise your experience and potential at this year’s hottest Startup event, here are our top 5 tips you can use to smash it.
“Imagine you are in an elevator with your dream investor. You’ve got about 30 seconds, maybe less, to make the perfect pitch. What would you say?”
‘The Elevator Pitch’
As an exhibitor you’ve got to be able to engage somebody straight away. Imagine you are in an elevator with your dream investor. You’ve got about 30 seconds, maybe less, to make the perfect pitch. What would you say?
The key here is to make your pitch compelling. It’s got to be interesting, funny and engaging and you must know your product inside out. If there are gaps in your knowledge then you shouldn’t be on the stand. Clarity of understanding must be communicated in the first 30 seconds. You can give a more detailed description when you are asked to share more about the business.
Take the case of our very own CurrencyTransfer.com. Recently, we’ve attended a whole host of events. Our elevator pitch goes along as follows;
‘’International payments are opaque and expensive. We cut the cost by 85%. We’ve built the world’s first online marketplace matching businesses with the most competitive international payment quotes. Think Expedia for Currency.’’
Short. Sharp. Strong.
Design a route to onboard new clients instantly
So you’ve made a successful pitch, shared a longer description of the business and a potential client or partner is still interested? Make sure you can sign them up then and there. It’s much easier than searching for contact details when you want to follow up post-event.
The trick is to make sign up as easy as possible. If your business is online think about offering live registration by bringing a laptop or ipad along. If it’s more contacts that you’re after, offer a prize. You’d be amazed how many business cards will be dropped into a bowl at the chance of reward!
“There’s little use cold calling a person only after the event has taken place. Warm call them before, when everyone’s excited.”
Know your target market
Knowing your target market is a whole strategy in itself. To avoid wasting precious time, research the exhibitors list beforehand so you can pinpoint exactly who you want to speak to and schedule a specific time and place to meet.
There’s little use cold calling a person only after the event has taken place. Warm call them before, when everyone’s excited. Post-event exhibitors are busy dealing with a multitude of follow-ups and may be too busy to speak with you. By calling beforehand you’ll secure a greater sense of familiarity with potential clients, which will help scheduled meet-ups run more smoothly.
Following up the right way
One to two weeks after the event, follow up on the connections you made and give it your absolute focus. Leave it any later and smoking hot leads may turn lukewarm.
Hot and warm leads need personal follow-ups. Colder leads can receive a more generic message. It’s important that they have your contact details in case of future business propositions.
On the day
Do wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning on making the rounds, and get an early night’s sleep. There’s nothing worse than trying to pitch on a sore throat. Enthusiasm will get you everywhere, and confidence is key to selling. Don’t forget to keep smiling!
Anything else you’d like to add? Tweet your top tips for success at 2014’s Business Show to @currencytransfr
Want to come say hello? We’ll be present through the full two days of the event! Drop me an email beforehand: abbie@currencytransfer.com or to book a meeting, get in contact with paul@currencytransfer.com. We’d love to help you with your business money transfers.
