Trade shows are great for getting face time with with target press and analysts. But with a typical conference briefing being limited to 10 or 20 minutes, it can be difficult to make a lasting impression. Consider the following tips for making a short meeting meaningful.
- Elevator Pitch – Trade shows are the place where your elevator pitch is essential. In 1-2 minutes, be able to describe your company. This will set the foundation for the rest of the meeting.
- Demo – Actions speak louder than words, so take the time to show a demo of your product as opposed to just a verbal overview. This will help instill the best understanding of your product with these targets.
- Live Customer – Happen to have a customer at the show? Grab them to do a live case study with a reporter or analyst. Have the customer talk about their needs, how your solution works for them and results.
- Real-world Story – If a customer is not present, use a real-world customer story to help frame the need and value of your solution. Offer the reporter a call with this customer to get further perspective.
- Post-show Call – If you notice the analyst is really engaged in a particular topic or issue, make plans to sync up via phone after the show.
- Tweet Them – Send a quick thanks via Twitter to show your appreciation. This is a great way to encourage them to follow you, making it easy for them to keep an eye on your business.
Remember, it’s not about how much time you have, but what you do with it.