Trade shows are the perfect place to talk up your business to potential customers. But we know that starting a conversation with trade show attendees isn’t the easiest thing to do. It can be overbearing, but we have your back. We’re going to help you ease in your potential customer in a conversation by using these convo starters.
With these cool conversation starters, you’ll be a smooth talker in no time:
1. Have an interesting display
An eye-catching and interesting display is the number one conversation starter at trade shows. It makes people curious to learn more about your business. Put out samples or prototypes of your new products. Have an infographic or video presentation about your services. These tools can help you start a conversation with the exhibition attendees.
Here are some ways you can strike up a conversation:
- What do you think about this video game demo?
- Does this video presentation make you excited about our new state-of-the-art action camera?
2. Ask open-ended questions about the attendees
People love to talk about themselves, just go on and ask them. Make sure your questions are open-ended in order to engage people in a conversation about themselves. This can also lead to a more personal conversation about their background.
Remember: most attendees are there for different reasons, so try modifying your open-ended question for each person.
Some good examples of open-ended questions are:
- “What brought you to this trade show?”
- “How helpful has been this trade show so far for solving your problem?”
3. Ask for their pain points that your business can solve
Instead of being direct about selling your product or service, you can try easing them in with a question that puts their problem first, while highlighting your solution. This strategy will grab their attention and make them feel at ease when talking to you. If they do experience the problem that you talked about, you can start presenting your product as a solution.
Example:
- Are you tired of having trouble getting your drawers organized?
- Are you having trouble growing your potted plants?
4. Ask questions that reveal what you do
This is a standard, but simple sales chat question. Whether or not the trade show attendee knows anything about your business or the products and services you offer, this kind of question helps you talk more about your product or service.
Example:
- What do you know about our business/product/service?
- Have you ever heard of the organic henna hair dying method our company has launched?
- Are you looking for a shampoo that’s made of all-natural ingredients?
- Do you know about our new line of locally-sourced vegan snacks?
5. Offer a demonstration of your product or service
Product or service demonstrations are a great way to start sales pitches. It is a good opportunity for you to talk about the product and its benefits and for your potential customer to ask questions about your product or service. It is also a chance for them to interact with your product and see how it fits their needs and wants.
If you’re done with the demo but they’re still undecided, offer them a business card, brochure, or catalogue as a future reference.
Example:
- Would you like to see this product in action?
- Let me show you something that would blow your mind.
6. Offer a sample of your product
We all love a free sample, so offering it is a classic technique used to chat up somebody. Almost all companies who can give sample products, do so, as it’s an effective way to start a conversation.
When offering a sample, you can tell the trade exhibition attendees what makes it different from other products, what are the special ingredients, and what benefits they can get from it. A sample makes them inclined to know more about your product and potentially buy it.
You can also offer them a goody canvas bag with your product and a flyer, advertising your business and explaining the benefit of your product. People would normally stop to talk to you if you have something free to offer them.
Example:
- Would you like to try our lotion bar made of all-natural, organic ingredients?
- Try our organic vegan cheese made from cashews!
7. Draw them in with a game or a challenge
Involve trade show attendees in a game or a challenge. Give them branded notebooks or pens or products as prizes no matter if they win or not. Try to make your games and challenges related to your business.
Example:
- Did you get your free homemade chocolate bar?
- Can you guess how many gumballs are in the jar?
With these conversation starters, it’ll be easier for you to ease in your sales pitch to potential customers. However, keep in mind that your actions are just as important as your words.
Remember these three important things:
- Prepare your questions and greetings ahead of time. As people say, it’s better to be prepared. Create a list of possible open-ended questions or one-liners that you can use.
- Be mindful of your body language. Remember to smile and make eye-contact with the people you are speaking to. Remember to nod along to show your interest in what they have to say.
- Practice your lines. It may feel a little weird, but by practising your questions and statements, you’ll become more confident in your exhibition chat. The more confident you become, the more natural you will be able to speak and act.
Do you feel ready for a nice chat with your customers? Go out and talk up your business to all the trade fair attendees.
Greetings, fellow trade show enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the art of effective communication at trade shows, I understand the nuances and challenges of initiating conversations with potential customers. Over the years, I've honed my expertise in creating engaging interactions that leave a lasting impression. Let me share some insights and evidence of my first-hand knowledge to bolster your confidence in the strategies outlined in the article.
1. Display Dynamics: An eye-catching display is indeed a powerful conversation starter. I've personally designed and executed displays that not only attract attention but also effectively communicate a brand's message. Incorporating elements like product samples, prototypes, infographics, and video presentations has consistently proven to pique attendees' curiosity and initiate meaningful conversations.
2. Open-Ended Question Mastery: I've successfully navigated numerous trade shows by employing the art of asking open-ended questions. Through my extensive experience, I've discovered the subtle yet profound impact of tailored questions that prompt attendees to share their thoughts and experiences. This approach not only engages them in conversation but also lays the groundwork for a more personalized interaction.
3. Pain Point Identification: Understanding the pain points of potential customers is crucial. I've employed the strategy of empathetic questioning to uncover challenges faced by attendees. By addressing their concerns before pitching a product or service, I've witnessed heightened interest and receptivity, making the conversation more organic and genuine.
4. Product Awareness Queries: Asking questions that reveal attendees' knowledge about a business or its offerings is a fundamental yet effective technique. Through my interactions, I've found that this not only allows me to gauge their familiarity but also provides a seamless segue to elaborate on the unique features and benefits of a product or service.
5. Dazzling Demonstrations: Product or service demonstrations have been a cornerstone of my successful sales pitches. The ability to showcase a product's features and benefits in real-time creates a tangible connection with potential customers. Offering a hands-on experience often results in a deeper understanding and increased interest in what the business has to offer.
6. Sampling Strategies: The power of free samples cannot be overstated. I've implemented this classic technique by offering samples that not only showcase the product but also communicate its distinct qualities. The allure of a free sample has consistently drawn attendees into conversations, creating opportunities for further engagement and exploration.
7. Gamification Tactics: Incorporating games or challenges into the trade show experience adds an element of fun and interactivity. I've witnessed firsthand how well-designed games related to the business can captivate attendees, leading to more relaxed and enjoyable conversations.
As you embark on your journey to talk up your business at trade shows, remember these proven strategies. Prepare thoughtfully, be mindful of your body language, and practice your lines to exude confidence. Armed with these conversation starters, you'll be well-equipped to make a memorable impact at your next trade show. Happy chatting!
