One of the highest ranking reasons that attendees identify for visiting an exhibition or event is their ability to connect with high value people. This rationale is at the heart of any trade event which has buyers and sellers from a broad geographic reach under one roof for a finite amount of time. Networking always has been and will continue to be what trade shows are all about.  With the advances in technology, which seems to have moved people away from face to face contact, the need to network in person has never been greater. Yet, meeting strangers is, for many people, on the top of the list of social fears. These people ignore the potential benefits of networking and use excuses like:

            “I don’t want to seem pushy.”

Networking isn’t just about finding people to sell stuff, to it is about building solid business relationships. Networking is also not just for sales people, everyone does it at some time whether they are at work, home, church or at a trade show.

How do you network effectively? Here are six points to follow to add value to your networking activities at your next trade show.

1. Remember that networking is a two-way street

It's important to remember that networking is always a two-way street. Whenever someone asks you about your service, product, or business, be sure you ask them about theirs as well. You can start from the basics. What company do they own or work for? How they are affiliated with it? Who are their clients? Once that's said and done, find out how you both can benefit each other.

2. Create a networking strategy

Before you and your team go to a show, get together and discuss your strategy for meeting people. If you are an exhibitor you will meet many people at the booth but the show offers many more places such as hospitality areas, hosted events, ceremonies, lounges, registration desk and participating hotels. Since each member of your team has different contacts talk about who you know and who you are looking to speak with so each member of your team can be vigilant for contacts for each other.

3. Understand the event’s visitor profile

Your show manager will have provided a summary of attendees from previous years. This information will help you save time. Your company has invested significant resources in your trade show so you want to ensure that you and your team spend the bulk of your time with high-value contacts. Much of who these contacts are can be gleaned from reviewing the summaries posted by show management.

4. Understand your team’s weaknesses and strengths.

Some of us are more comfortable in a hospitality setting where people are mingling. Some of us are better engaging strangers at the booth. While others find it easier to strike up a conversation in a non-business setting like at a restaurant. When you understand your team’s individual preferences and have a list of the people each of you want to make contact with, you become a more effective unit working in complete harmony.

5. Create an informal mentoring program.

One of the best tools for improving personal behaviors is through the development of a mentoring program. Initially you can ask for volunteers among those people familiar with the show who can take the first-timers under their wing while helping them adjust to the challenge and hone their networking skills.

6. Don't burn bridges

A trade event is filled with people from your industry. They may not be interested in purchasing anything from you now but you never know what there needs to be in the future. While you are focused on high-value contacts, don’t ignore the future potential that everyone you meet holds.

Talking to strangers may not be the most comfortable thing to do but with a little planning you can make the process a lot easier. Remember, you are not alone. It’s a safe  bet that the majority of the visitors you meet at a show are also uncomfortable with meeting strangers. Your approach may be welcome relief.

Guest Blogger:  Barry Siskind.  Barry is a trade show consultant, trainer, speaker and internationally recognized expert in trade and consumer shows.