Top 5 tips on how to capture customer information at Trade Shows

Top 5 tips on how to capture customer information at Trade Shows

by | Jan 7, 2019 | BLOG

Trade Show season starts in a matter of weeks.  As an experienced exhibitor, I thought I would offer some top tips on how to capture customer information at trade shows and what to do with it once you’ve got it.  Most important is that you a] do it and b] use it!!

  1. Have more than one person on your stand
    • To ensure you don’t miss anyone
    • To enable you have time to enter into conversations
    • To make sure your stand is never left unattended
  1. Decide in advance what medium you are going to use to capture information
    • Barcode scanner from Event Organiser
    • Pen and paper
    • Mobile phone with camera
    • Spreadsheet populated via computer
  1. Pen and paper works best in my opinion
    • More opportunities to engage – ensure correct spelling, details, etc.
    • Ability to add supplementary information, e.g. flavours sampled, existing supplier, RTM, range review timings
  1. Collate at the end of each day
    • Input into a readable format and fill in any gaps
    • Prioritise which ones to follow up first
    • Take action if needed, i.e. did they ask for samples NOW?
  1. Follow up ALL leads after leaving the show
    • Decide who is going to be in charge of following up
    • Do it in a timely manner – leave it too long and they will have forgotten
    • Decide how to follow up – email, phone, samples, all 3
    • Do it more than once – preferably until a decision is made

If you are reading this before heading to IFE, please come over to stand N2977 and say Hi, I’d love to hear if these tips have been useful.

Thanks for listening

Leisa

Top 5 Learnings 3 months into starting my own business

Top 5 Learnings 3 months into starting my own business

by | Dec 13, 2018 | BLOG

It is now just over 3 months since I started actively trading as Find me the Leads Ltd.  I thought I would take some time to reflect upon what I have learnt so far.

Know your strengths

I am very clear about what my strengths are and have built my business around them.  Doing what you love and are good at every day is really empowering and provides clarity when delivering your “Elevator pitch” and winning new business.  If you haven’t done so already, I urge you to complete the Gallup Strengths Finder, it’s truly enlightening!

Access to free resources

I have been blown away by the quality and professionalism of the training and development I have received from a number of local organisations completely FREE OF CHARGE!!  The Digital Growth Programme managed by East Midlands Chamber.  NBV Enterprise Solutions for startup support and 1-2-1 mentoring.  My Economic Growth Officer at Newark and Sherwood Council for pointing me in the right direction.  Google Digital Garage for advice on how to get noticed on Google.

Networking or Notworking?

Networking is key to building a business and expanding your contact base.  I have been to LOADS of networking events over the past 3 months, all at different times of the day.  What I have learnt about  networking is that you get out of it what you put in.  It is important to set clear objectives to get the most out of each event.  Networking is definitely not a quick fix to expand your customer base and win new clients, the most success I have had so far has been from events I have attended on more than one occasion. Find an event that you like and stick with it!

Optimistic, realistic or pessimistic?

It is really important to maintain an element of all 3.  An optimistic outlook will enable you to sell yourself and your services and win other people over.  Being realistic enables you to set goals and objectives which are achievable and being pessimistic ensures you continue to ask the question “what if” and put procedures in place to overcome obstacles and setbacks.

We all have dreams

“But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.”  The words of Jesse Owens not Leisa Pickles. Come back in 3 months to find out what I’ve learnt 6 months in to my journey. Thanks for listening Leisa

FEAST Food & Drink Networking Supper 8th November 2018

by | Nov 30, 2018 | BLOG

Last night, I was lucky enough to be one of only a handful of local businesses invited to exhibit at the annual FEAST Supper hosted by the Food & Drink Forum.

The event happens once a year and serves to bring together and showcase food and drink manufacturers from the East Midlands, the highlight being the amazing Supper which consists of a wide range of products, most of which are made in the region.

I was asked to attend to raise awareness of the support available to SME’s who are either starting out or looking to grow by acquiring new customers. The response to my service was amazing and reinforced why Find me the Leads Ltd come to be!

I am really grateful to Trudi, Bryony and the rest of the team at The Food & Drink Forum for the opportunity to talk to some of their members.

Leisa