5 Ways Trade Shows Help Small Businesses Grow
Small businesses can now garner the same benefits as their larger competitors at industry events and trade shows. Once seen as a corporate Who’s Who of business leaders, industry events are now recognized as an excellent opportunity for smaller local businesses and cottage industries. Trade show booth rentals have become more affordable, making these lucrative events a solid investment in future profitability for even the smallest business. The ROI is undeniable and the up-front investment is surprisingly affordable. Here are just 5 reasons that trade shows can help small businesses grow:
1. Renting Trade Show Booths
If your small business may not be able to afford a staff of marketing specialists or the production of a trade show booth, renting a booth could be a viable option. By renting trade show booths, your small business gets all the advantages of working with a team of experts and housing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, without the expense. Trade show booths are designed by you, in conjunction with a team of advertising professionals, at a price you can afford. Your brand and your message will make a powerful statement with a rented display, while staying within your specified budget.
2. Local Attendees
As a small business, the more people you know, the more profitable your business is likely to be. Industry events provide businesses of all sizes with the opportunity to meet new clients, contacts, and suppliers, many of which live and work locally. This is a great opportunity to network. These localized contacts are more affordable to small businesses due to reduced shipping and travel expenses. Reduced expenses mean more profits for you!
3. Media Exposure
Industry events always attract media exposure. Local, regional, and national television and newspapers send journalists and cameramen to document the latest and greatest in your industry. A well-designed trade show booth and a polished pitch can put your small business in the limelight without costing you anything extra. Also, if your trade show booth features contests or other special interest attractions, event attendees may provide even more media exposure using their smart phones and social media. One viral video can transform your small business into a national contender.
4. Improved Industry Reputation
Small businesses often find themselves paying more for less. This is, in part, due to economies of scale, which you can’t do much about until your small business grows. At the same time, you can use these events to improve your reputation within your industry. A professionally-designed trade show booth rental, a well-trained booth staff, and a high-quality product or service can improve your standing within the industry, which can lead to lowered prices and increased profitability.
5. Onsite Sales
Onsite sales are one of the many aspects of industry events that many small business owners fail to take into account when weighing the pros and cons of exhibiting. Trade shows are not just for gathering leads or other objectives. In fact, they are a great opportunity to pitch and close sales! A surprising number of attendees go to these expos with the intention of buying a specific product or service. If you are exhibiting and you have what an attendee is looking for, why wait for the sale?
Trade shows are not disappearing anytime soon, and attendance continues to grow. If you’re a small business and considering whether or not you’d like to exhibit, talk with an exhibit company about your budget and options. Why not take advantage of all the exposure and profitable opportunities that exhibiting brings?
By: Jill Amerie –
