How to Get Leads on An Event
Are you wondering how you can rock and get leads, the next time you head to a trade show, conference or even a networking event? This article outlines a couple of pointers to help you on the same
Whether you are new in an industry or a multi-year veteran, networking events can be valuable tools for leads generation. It is the best place to get your next client, referral source or even a friend who might eventually result in new business. However, without a well-thought-out strategy, the time and resources you invest will not result in quality leads.
Generating event based primes is very simple with a given etiquette and approach. Here are a few tips on how to get leads on your next networking or marketing event
Be prepared
One should be very conversant with things to do before visiting before visiting a networking event to ensure that you generate leads. Thorough preparation and research should be done. Ensure that you know the right occasion to attend and the attendees. Then research your leads and even follow them on social media. Also, prepare and practice the elevating pitch and what to wear among other things. Ones you do this you will have the upper hand on generating significant leads on an event.
Interact with the organizer of the event
Getting to know the event organizer is a plus for leads generation. Many organizers have the information about the event that can point you in the right direction and at most times have direct connections with the attendees. You might even be lucky enough to get an introduction to a few of your prospect leads from him which will get you off on the right foot.
Hire or buy a booth
If it is allowed by the event organizers, one can hire a stand and place it at a strategic location where there is enough traffic of people and ensure that it is clearly visible. One should then take the time to design it in an attractive way that represents the brand and ensure to keep it simple. This gives one a chance to interact with people who have real interests in the business providing targeted and direct engagements, guaranteeing leads from a few people if not all.
Bring your contact information and any other supplementary information
To get more leads, you should carry a substantial stack of business cards to hand out to anyone whom you have had an interaction with and felt could be a prospective client. On the other hand, accept any contact information given to you unconditionally in an organized manner and ensure that you do a follow-up. In addition, bring any other supplementary material and information that is appropriate for the occasion such as pamphlets, product samples or even testimonials to complement what you do as well as your business.
Targeted mingling
If you decide not to hire a booth and instead move around interacting with people then always set a goal to meet 2–5 people and not try associating and talking to everyone in the event. It is even said that sometimes, one solid connection is plenty. A pre-planning on whom to meet and talk to should be done. After that a serious research on the selectively chosen leads should be done before the conference, to ensure that you understand what they do and get ways in which your business can improve that. Through targeted mingling, one has higher chances of generating meaningful leads which will build and grow his/her brand
Treat people like friends and be yourself
During interactions in an event, treat all your contacts like you would entertain your friends. Don’t rudely interrupt other people’s conversations for no good reason. When you get a potential lead, don’t try to be something that you think the other person would want. Be yourself as doing otherwise might be making a fool out of yourself. Treating people like friends and being yourself helps you create a rapport and connection between yourself and your prospects which might result in leads.
Be more specific and engaging on what you do
A person should be more specific on what one does by asking himself/herself why people they are connecting with should care about what they are saying. After that craft an engaging conversation which will create a rapport between the two of you. Also, to be more appealing, use your body language like nodding to show you are still listening and following which will develop a trust. All these give you individual control over what happens, and it would not be a wonder if your prospects ask for contact information next.
Consider your leads networks
When choosing whom to talk to, always remember that people can help you get leads indirectly from someone in their network. As you approach and make connections with new people, you should thoroughly engage with them. You should not leave unfinished conversations just because you have seen someone who’s more famous and known for your line of work. Generating leads is all about connecting and relationship building. Always remember people have circles and you might get meaningful and significant leads from their network and it all depends on whether you have made a real link to them. Strangers are also known to appreciate friendly gestures.
Observe your leads body language during an interaction
By doing this one will be able to know if a conversation is going nowhere, and when the person you are engaging with has no interest in talking and interacting with you. It helps one in excusing himself or herself to pursue other lead sources which allows one to use time wisely
Follow up plan to ensure your efforts were not in vain
Just as you plan for a networking event, create a strategy on how to get in touch with the right prospects for your business, in future. One should always ask for the contact information so that you can have a way of getting in touch. This becomes essential especially if you get customers you would want to pursue. On your part ensure that you have updated all your information including your social media channels so that prospects can contact you if they have more questions or want to learn more about your business.
