danonyma.info

Introducing your company to the world at a trade show event is an excellent way to start building your brand. This is especially true when you have the right marketing materials on hand. Following are several strategies that every company owner can use to make the most of these important promotional opportunities.

One thing that many company owners overlook when planning for these presentations is the amount of manpower that they’ll have on hand. This is especially critical in terms of devising a feasible plan for setting up any table or booth that you will be using to connect with the public. Not only do you want this space to look good, but it also has to be easy to put together.

In addition to limiting the amount of work that you must do in preparation for the event, these qualities will also give you a calm, cool and collected demeanor. You certainly don’t want to look flustered and sweaty once prospects start milling about. With a simple set-up process, you can spend more time on devising the right spiel and determining which product or service features you will showcase.

Much like the logo design for your business and all other elements of your branding campaign, the look for your booth should be structured to evoke the right emotions. Company owners should not that certain colours and colour schemes can actually promote specific moods. With the right decorative elements, you can actually make your audience feel calm, relaxed and in a positive buying mood. Other colour schemes can even evoke a sense of buyer urgency, particular when these are used in conjunction with limited-time offers and visible signage detailing these.

Make sure that you have resources people can take with them. These can be informative brochures or flyers that answer all of the common questions your buyers have. This way, if you aren’t able to speak with everyone individually, all interested parties can still get the answers they need.

Set up a display that shows off your finest product. It is not enough to tell people what your goods can do. You will need to show them these features as well. Most modern buyers love tactile and visually-oriented displays that put them in close contact with the items being offered.

Coordinate your banners and other signage with your logos and other main display colours. Everything should have a seamless and well-structured look. This is often best accomplished by getting all of your signage and other visual presentation materials from the same suppliers. Ultimately, however, you just want to make sure that everything looks good together and that the overall appearance of your booth is one of professionalism and organisation.

Make sure that you have the right banner stand designs for all banners that you’ll be handing. This is important for avoiding tippage and other accidents and for ensuring that all of this important signage is always in a prominent location. When reviewing options in stands, remember to look for models that are lightweight, easy to transport and easy to set up and take down.

My years of doing training and coaching in presentation skills has demonstrated to me that it’s not just about “stand up skills.” The remarkable thing about having powerful presentation skills is that they “trickle down” to all of your interpersonal communications, whether in meetings, interviews, or even phone calls. So mastering the tough skills of standing up and standing out in front of a crowd also means you’ll have the ability to stand out in all your interactions.

Over the years, I’ve been able to identify a handful of qualities that consistently do give you stand out status. Doesn’t matter how smart you are or talented or attractive — universally, these attributes can make you the kind of person that other people want to know, work with and do business with.

Here are my Top Ten Stand Out Tips:

1. LOOK ‘EM IN THE EYE.

In our culture, eye communication is correlated with trust and credibility. The ability to look someone in the eye — whether you’re talking or listening — conveys an interest in the other party, which makes that person feel appreciated and listened to. Remember, “eye communication” insures you’re not having “I communication.”

2. ASK, DON’T TELL.

Keep this amazing irony in mind. People will like you more, think you’re smarter, savvier, nicer and more interesting if you show interest in them. The ability to show interest — a sort of wide-eyed wonder in others — is the kind of skill that will make people think positively about you.

3. LISTEN ACTIVELY.

Active listening is a very intentional, strategic skill where you’re able to fulfill two very basic human needs — to be heard and to be understood. It involves three steps, which I like to capture with the acronym EAR:

Engage the speaker – look like you’re listening. 

Actually hear the message – pay attention.

Respond appropriately – let your speaker know you really heard and understood. Responding can take three forms:

   -Paraphrase: repeat the gist of the message. 

   -Probe: instead of launching into your rebuttal, probe further with questions.

   -Reflect back feelings: let the speaker know you understand his/her feelings.

4. PROJECT, UM, VOCAL POWER

Ironically, this is one of those strategies that’s not so “stand out” in and of itself as it is glaringly detracting if you don’t practice it. The most glaring vocal detractors are:

- Use of fillers – words like uh, um, like, really…

- Speaking in a monotone

- Mumbling

5. ATTITUDE = ALTITUDE

The better your attitude the higher you’ll soar. Positive people are better liked, more listened to, more appreciated, and more successful influencers and persuaders. Think positive, find the good, behave as if you love life, and people will be drawn to you like magnets.

6. WATCH YOUR POSTURE

How you sit and stand conveys volumes about you. And the rules are different for each posture. When you’re standing, balanced, symmetrical posture conveys more presence than slouched, leaning (on one leg) posture. But when you’re seated, recognize that asymmetrical posture, such as with legs crossed or hands somewhat off-balance, projects more confidence and poise.  

7. SHOW ENTHUSIASM

Ancient indigenous people believed that you exhibit presence by “choosing to be present and visible, showing up energetically.” Energy, or enthusiasm, is a powerful stand out attribute. By conveying a conviction and passion for what you do, your presence is powerful – it adds value.

8. BE PURPOSEFUL

This is a particularly powerful presentation strategy. When you’re purposeful — when you have something deliberate and intentional to do, such as using a prop or referring to a visual or walking deliberately across the stage, even having a logical organization to your thoughts — then this focus is going to help you be less attuned to yourself and your anxiety. And it gives you a put-together air of confidence and ease.

9. SMILE.

A smile is one of the simplest nonverbal expressions we can make, yet it can pay enormous dividends. A pleasant facial expression is like a magnet — it draws people to you and makes them feel positively about you. It’s such an important first impression because it sets the tone for your interactions.

10. SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

Okay, I’m not talking about the little irritations and minor vexations of life. Rephrased, consider that “little things mean a lot.” Whether it’s writing a note or remembering someone’s birthday or doing what you say you’re going to do, these little acts of kindness and courtesy can make a big impression — and will make you stand out.