Networking events are crucial to building your customer database and creating important connections. The same networking principals can also be applied to the next trade show you attend.

Here are three points on how you can utilize your networking skills at your next trade show event:

1. Research.

Upon receiving a notification of a networking event you may be directed to a web page where you can sign up for the event. This page usually includes a list of attendees, who have already RSVP’d. You can stay up-to-date about who’s attending and figure out whom you’d like to meet.

Similar to the networking event, most trade shows also include a list of exhibitors. If you are also an exhibitor you can check out if your competitors will be there and what size of booth space they will have.

If you are an attendee this allows you to scope out what trade show booths you would like to stop by and you can research the company ahead of time. You can also get into contact with any of the company representatives and set up potential meetings.

2. Questions

It is always a good idea once you’ve done your research to come up with any questions you may have.  Many networking experts advise you to continually ask questions, because people enjoy talking about themselves. There is a fine line to question asking you do not want to cross. It is important to keep the conversation flowing without bombarding your networking connection. The conversation should be continual with both sides asking and responding.

When you’re an exhibitor this is a vital step. Put yourself in your target audiences’ shoes and come up with questions your team may be asked during the event. Prep your event team with the answers to these questions.

Trade show attendees should also be prepared with questions they want to ask the different booths they are planning to stop by. There is a reason you are attending the trade show and in order to get the answers you want, you need to have come up with specific questions that will get you those answers.

3. Business card exchange

The final and most important step the exchange of business cards. Make sure you are well stocked with cards before your next networking event. After exchanging cards if you plan to meet numerous people, it may be beneficial for you to jot down some notes to help you remember this connection better. The worst thing you can do is receive a business card and completely forget the person you had a possible important connection with.

Business card exchange has evolved in the trade show world. Some exhibitors may collect your information by scanning your event badge, instead of taking your business card. This is an easy way for the company to capture and input any information about a potential lead.

There will still be some exhibitors who are sticking to the traditional ways of exchanging business cards, so come prepared. It is also important, as an exhibitor and an attendee, to come up with a way to remember whom you’ve exchanged cards with.

If you follow these three easy steps you will be more prepared for your next networking event or trade show!