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Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Return on Investment, Workshops and Webinars

Consider Geographic Reach

Bill Kenney / August 2, 2024

When planning to participate in a trade show, one of the critical factors to consider is the geographic reach of the event. Evaluating trade show geography involves assessing the location’s potential to attract your target audience, the accessibility for your team, and the overall impact on your marketing strategy. This analysis is essential to maximize the return on your investment and ensure your efforts are directed toward the most promising opportunities. 1. Understanding Geographic Reach Geographic reach refers to the area from which a trade show draws its attendees. This can range from local or regional events to national or international shows. Evaluating trade show geography helps you determine if the location aligns with your business goals and target market. For example, a local event may be ideal for small businesses looking to build a community presence, while an international trade show might be more suitable for companies aiming to expand their global footprint. 2. Assessing Audience Demographics One of the primary reasons for evaluating trade show geography is to ensure that the event attracts attendees who match your target market. Research the demographics of past attendees, including their geographic origins, industries, job roles, and purchasing authority. If your target audience is predominantly based in a specific region, it makes sense to focus on trade shows in that area. Conversely, if you are targeting a global market, participating in international trade shows will help you reach a broader audience. 3. Accessibility and Logistics The location of a trade show significantly impacts the logistics and accessibility for your team and potential attendees. Evaluating trade show geography involves considering factors such as travel distance, transportation options, and accommodation availability. A well-located trade show should be easily accessible by major transportation networks, including airports, highways, and public transit. This ease of access not only benefits your team but also increases the likelihood of attracting a larger audience. 4. Cost Implications Geographic reach can also influence the overall cost of participating in a trade show. Local events typically incur lower costs for travel and accommodations compared to national or international shows. However, the potential ROI must also be taken into account. Evaluating trade show geography means balancing the cost with the expected benefits. Sometimes, a higher upfront investment in a distant trade show can yield greater returns through increased exposure and access to a larger market. 5. Competitive Landscape Understanding the competitive landscape in different geographic regions is another crucial aspect of evaluating trade show geography. Research which trade shows your competitors are attending and the regions where they are most active. Participating in the same events can be beneficial for benchmarking and gaining competitive insights. Additionally, identifying gaps in your competitors’ geographic presence can reveal untapped opportunities for your business. 6. Cultural Considerations When considering international trade shows, cultural factors play a significant role in evaluating trade show geography. Different regions have distinct business practices, consumer behaviors, and regulatory environments. Understanding these cultural nuances can help tailor your marketing strategy and booth presentation to resonate with the local audience. For example, an approach that works well in North America might need adjustments for a European or Asian audience. 7. Strategic Alignment Your participation in trade shows should align with your overall business strategy. Evaluating trade show geography involves ensuring that the locations of the events support your strategic objectives, such as entering new markets, increasing brand visibility, or strengthening relationships with existing clients. A well-aligned geographic strategy can enhance the effectiveness of your trade show participation and contribute to long-term business growth. Considering geographic reach is a critical component of a successful trade show strategy. By evaluating trade show geography, businesses can ensure they are targeting the right audience, optimizing logistics, managing costs, and aligning their efforts with their strategic goals. Whether focusing on local, national, or international events, a thorough analysis of geographic factors will help maximize the impact of your trade show participation and drive meaningful business outcomes. By carefully assessing these elements, you can make informed decisions that enhance your presence and effectiveness at trade shows, ultimately contributing to your overall marketing success. Evaluate Trade Show Geography Tools Learn about MEET’s Trade Show Dashboard tools — About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Participant Tips, Pavilions, Return on Investment, Workshops and Webinars

How to Assess Trade Show Performance

Bill Kenney / July 29, 2024

Participating in trade shows can be a significant investment for businesses, both in terms of time and money. To ensure this investment yields the desired results, it is crucial to assess trade show performance accurately. By evaluating various performance metrics and employing strategic analysis, businesses can determine the effectiveness of their participation and make informed decisions for future events. 1. Set Clear Objectives Before you can assess trade show performance, it’s essential to have clear, measurable objectives. These goals might include lead generation, brand awareness, sales, networking opportunities, or market research. By defining specific targets, you create a benchmark against which you can measure your performance. For instance, if your goal is to generate 100 qualified leads, you can assess how close you came to achieving this number. 2. Track Lead Generation One of the most straightforward ways to assess trade show performance is by tracking the number and quality of leads generated. Collect contact information from attendees who visit your booth and categorize them based on their level of interest and potential value to your business. Use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track these leads and follow up after the event. The conversion rate of these leads into customers is a critical metric in evaluating the trade show’s success. 3. Measure Brand Awareness Increasing brand awareness is often a primary goal for trade show participation. To assess trade show performance in this area, look at metrics such as booth traffic, social media engagement, and website visits during and after the event. Conducting surveys with booth visitors can also provide valuable insights into how well your brand message resonated and how memorable your presence was. Additionally, track any mentions of your brand in media coverage or industry publications following the trade show. 4. Evaluate Sales and Assess Trade Show Performance Assessing the direct sales generated from a trade show is another vital aspect of performance evaluation. Calculate the return on investment (ROI) by comparing the total revenue generated from the event to the costs incurred. These costs include booth rental, travel, accommodations, promotional materials, and staff time. A positive ROI indicates a successful trade show, while a negative ROI suggests the need for adjustments in strategy or participation in different events. 5. Analyze Engagement and Interaction The quality of interactions at your booth is a significant indicator of performance. Monitor how many meaningful conversations your team had, the duration of these interactions, and the overall engagement level of visitors. Tools such as lead retrieval systems can help capture data on visitor interactions. Additionally, observe how many attendees participated in any demonstrations, presentations, or activities you offered. High engagement levels typically correlate with a successful trade show experience. 6. Review Competitor Performance Assessing trade show performance also involves benchmarking against competitors. Take note of their booth design, visitor traffic, engagement strategies, and overall presence. Compare their performance metrics with yours to identify areas for improvement. Understanding what your competitors are doing well can provide valuable insights for enhancing your future trade show strategies. 7. Gather Feedback Collect feedback from your team and attendees to get a comprehensive view of your performance. Conduct post-event surveys to understand the experiences and satisfaction levels of booth visitors. Likewise, hold debriefing sessions with your staff to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how the overall experience can be improved. This qualitative data is crucial for a holistic assessment of your trade show performance. 8. Monitor Long-Term Impact While immediate results are important, the long-term impact of trade show participation can be even more telling. Track the progress of leads generated at the event over several months to assess conversion rates and overall sales impact. Additionally, monitor any long-term shifts in brand recognition, market positioning, and industry relationships that can be attributed to your trade show participation. To effectively assess trade show performance, businesses must take a comprehensive approach, evaluating both quantitative and qualitative metrics. By setting clear objectives, tracking lead generation, measuring brand awareness, evaluating sales and ROI, analyzing engagement, reviewing competitor performance, gathering feedback, and monitoring long-term impact, companies can gain a complete picture of their trade show effectiveness. This detailed assessment not only helps in justifying the investment but also provides insights for continuous improvement and future success. Assess Trade Show Performance Tools Learn about MEET’s Trade Show Dashboard tools — About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Participant Tips, Pavilions, Return on Investment

Evaluating Trade Show Relevance

Bill Kenney / July 24, 2024

In the bustling world of commerce, trade shows stand as beacons of opportunity, offering businesses a platform to showcase their offerings, forge connections, and stay abreast of industry trends. However, not all trade shows are created equal, and determining their relevance to your business is paramount to making informed decisions about participation. So, how do you evaluate trade show relevance effectively? Let’s embark on this journey together and navigate the maze of evaluating trade show relevance. 1. Define Your Objectives Before delving into the evaluation process, it’s essential to define your objectives clearly. What are you hoping to achieve by participating in a trade show? Are you looking to generate leads, increase brand awareness, launch a new product, or network with industry professionals? Understanding your goals will serve as a compass in guiding your evaluation criteria and ensuring that the trade show aligns with your business objectives. 2. Research the Industry Focus The first step in evaluating trade show relevance is to assess the industry focus of the event. Consider whether the trade show caters to your specific industry, niche, or target market. Look for trade shows that attract attendees, exhibitors, and speakers who are relevant to your business. Evaluate the exhibitor list, seminar topics, and keynote speakers to gauge the alignment with your industry and identify potential networking opportunities. 3. Assess Attendee Profile Examine the profile of past and expected attendees to determine whether they match your target customer demographic. Consider factors such as job titles, industries, company sizes, and geographic locations. Look for trade shows that attract a diverse yet relevant audience that is likely to be interested in your products or services. Participating in trade shows with a high concentration of your target audience increases the likelihood of generating quality leads and fostering meaningful connections. 4. Evaluate Exhibitor Opportunities Evaluate the opportunities available to exhibitors, including booth options, sponsorship packages, speaking opportunities, and networking events. Consider whether the trade show offers opportunities for visibility, engagement, and lead generation that align with your objectives and budget. Look for value-added features such as matchmaking services, lead retrieval tools, and promotional opportunities to maximize your return on investment (ROI). 5. Consider Geographic Reach Assess the geographic reach of the trade show and its relevance to your target market. Consider whether the trade show attracts attendees and exhibitors from local, regional, national, or international markets. If your business operates primarily within a specific geographic region, prioritize trade shows that cater to that market to maximize your exposure and opportunities for local business development. Conversely, if you’re looking to expand into new markets, consider participating in trade shows with a broader geographic reach to access new opportunities and audiences. 6. Review Past Performance One of the most reliable indicators of trade show relevance is its past performance. Research the history of the trade show, including attendance figures, exhibitor feedback, and post-event analysis. Evaluate factors such as foot traffic, lead generation opportunities, quality of networking, and overall attendee satisfaction. Positive testimonials and success stories from past exhibitors can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the trade show in achieving business objectives. 7. Assess Cost vs. Benefits Evaluate the costs associated with participating in the trade show and weigh them against the potential benefits. Consider factors such as booth rental fees, travel expenses, promotional materials, staffing costs, and ancillary expenses. Calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) based on your objectives and projected outcomes. While larger trade shows may offer greater visibility and networking opportunities, they often come with higher costs. Consider your budget constraints and the expected benefits to ensure that the trade show offers a favorable cost-benefit ratio. 8. Seek Feedback and Recommendations Don’t hesitate to seek feedback and recommendations from industry peers, mentors, or professional associations. Reach out to past exhibitors and attendees to gather insights into their experiences and assess the relevance of the trade show to your business. Additionally, leverage online resources such as trade show directories, forums, and social media groups to gather insights and recommendations from fellow exhibitors and industry experts. Evaluating trade show relevance requires a comprehensive assessment of industry focus, attendee profile, exhibitor opportunities, geographic reach, past performance, cost vs. benefits, and feedback from peers and industry experts. By conducting thorough research and analysis, you can identify trade shows that offer the best opportunities for achieving your business objectives and maximizing your ROI. Remember, the key to success lies in choosing trade shows that align closely with your goals, target audience, and budget, ensuring that your participation yields tangible results and contributes to your overall business growth. Read about choosing the right trade show for your business. — About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Return on Investment

How to Research Your Target Customer

Bill Kenney / July 23, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, understanding your target customer is akin to wielding a compass in uncharted waters—it guides your decisions, shapes your strategies, and ultimately leads you to success. However, the process of researching your target customer goes beyond mere demographics; it delves into the psyche, preferences, and behaviors of your audience. So, how do you embark on this voyage of discovery? Let’s navigate the waters of how to research your target customer together. 1. Define Your Ideal Customer Profile Before diving into the depths of customer research, it’s essential to establish a clear picture of your ideal customer. Define the characteristics, traits, and attributes of the individuals or businesses that are most likely to benefit from your products or services. Consider factors such as age, gender, income level, occupation, geographic location, interests, values, and pain points. Crafting an ideal customer profile provides a blueprint for your research efforts and ensures that you’re targeting the right audience. 2. Utilize Market Segmentation Segmenting your target market into distinct groups based on shared characteristics allows for more targeted and effective customer research. Explore different segmentation criteria such as demographic, psychographic, behavioral, and geographic segmentation. By understanding the unique needs, preferences, and behaviors of each segment, you can tailor your marketing strategies and messages to resonate with specific audience segments more effectively. 3. Gather Data from Multiple Sources Customer research involves gathering data from a variety of sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your target audience. Utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect data and insights. Quantitative methods, such as surveys, polls, and analytics tools, provide statistical data on customer demographics, preferences, and behavior patterns. Qualitative methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and social media listening, offer deeper insights into customer attitudes, motivations, and perceptions. 4. Analyze Existing Customer Data Tap into the wealth of data available from your existing customer base to uncover valuable insights. Analyze customer transaction histories, interactions, feedback, and demographic information to identify patterns, trends, and preferences. Look for commonalities among your most loyal customers and high-value clients to refine your ideal customer profile further. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems and analytics platforms can help streamline the process of data analysis and interpretation. 5. Conduct Market Research Beyond your existing customer base, conduct market research to gain insights into broader industry trends, competitor strategies, and market dynamics. Explore secondary sources such as industry reports, market studies, academic research, and trade publications to stay informed about the latest developments in your industry. Additionally, consider conducting primary research through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather firsthand insights from potential customers and industry experts. 6. Utilize Online Tools and Resources Harness the power of online tools and resources to streamline your customer research efforts. Leverage market research tools, audience analytics platforms, and social media monitoring tools to gather real-time data on customer behavior, sentiment, and engagement. Explore online databases, consumer panels, and demographic profiling tools to access demographic data and consumer insights. These digital tools offer valuable resources for conducting comprehensive and cost-effective customer research. 7. Stay Engaged and Adaptive Customer research is an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement and adaptation to evolving market dynamics. Stay attuned to changes in customer preferences, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Monitor customer feedback, social media conversations, and online reviews to identify emerging patterns and address customer needs proactively. Regularly revisit and refine your ideal customer profile based on new insights and data sources to ensure that your marketing strategies remain relevant and effective. Researching your target customer is a foundational step in building a successful business strategy. By defining your ideal customer profile, utilizing market segmentation, gathering data from multiple sources, analyzing existing customer data, conducting market research, leveraging online tools and resources, and staying engaged and adaptive, you can gain invaluable insights into your target audience and tailor your marketing efforts to drive growth and success. Remember, the key to unlocking the hearts and minds of your customers lies in understanding who they are, what they want, and how you can fulfill their needs. Read about choosing the right trade show for your business. — About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Return on Investment

How to Define Trade Show Objectives

Bill Kenney / July 15, 2024

Trade shows serve as bustling marketplaces where businesses can showcase their products, forge connections, and propel their brands to new heights. However, to navigate these dynamic environments effectively, one must set clear objectives. How to define trade show objectives is akin to charting a course before setting sail—it provides direction and purpose and ensures that every action serves a strategic goal. So, how does one go about defining trade show objectives? Let’s explore the steps to setting sail for success. 1. Understand Your Business Goals to Define Trade Show Objectives Before delving into the intricacies of trade show objectives, it’s essential to align them with your broader business goals. Reflect on what you aim to achieve as a company—are you looking to increase sales, expand your market reach, launch a new product, or strengthen brand awareness? Your trade show objectives should complement and support these overarching business goals, serving as a tangible means to propel your company forward. 2. Identify Specific Outcomes Trade show objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Identify the specific outcomes you hope to achieve by participating in the trade show. Are you aiming to generate a certain number of leads, secure a certain amount of sales, or cultivate partnerships with industry influencers? By quantifying your objectives, you create benchmarks for success and ensure accountability in evaluating your performance post-event. 3. Consider Different Objectives Trade shows offer a multitude of opportunities beyond just sales. Consider various objectives that align with your business goals and target audience. These may include: Tailor your objectives to suit the unique needs and priorities of your business, ensuring that they are both relevant and achievable within the context of the trade show environment. 4. Prioritize Objectives Not all objectives carry equal weight, nor are they equally attainable within the confines of a trade show. Prioritize your objectives based on their importance to your business goals and the resources available. Focus on one or two primary objectives to avoid diluting your efforts and maximize your impact. For example, if your primary goal is to launch a new product, allocate resources towards creating an engaging booth display, organizing product demonstrations, and conducting targeted marketing activities to generate buzz and interest around your offering. 5. Align with Target Audience Consider the demographics, interests, and preferences of the trade show attendees when defining your objectives. Tailor your objectives to resonate with your target audience and address their needs or pain points. For instance, if your target audience comprises tech-savvy millennials, your objectives may include showcasing innovative technology solutions, organizing interactive demos, and leveraging social media platforms to engage with attendees in real-time. 6. Evaluate Success Metrics to Define Trade Show Objectives Establish clear metrics for measuring the success of your trade show objectives. These may include metrics such as the number of leads generated, sales closed, brand impressions, social media engagement, or return on investment (ROI). Define benchmarks or targets for each metric to gauge your performance and identify areas for improvement. Utilize technology such as lead capture software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and analytics tools to track and analyze relevant data effectively. To define trade show objectives is a critical step in maximizing the value of your participation and ensuring a return on your investment. By aligning your objectives with your broader business goals, identifying specific outcomes, prioritizing objectives, aligning with your target audience, and establishing clear success metrics, you set the stage for a successful trade show experience. Remember, clarity of purpose breeds confidence, direction, and ultimately, success in the bustling seas of trade show commerce. Read this recent post for more on this topic, Navigating the Trade Show Terrain: Choosing the Right Trade Show for Your Business. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Participant Tips, Workshops and Webinars

Why Should I Participate in Trade Shows?

Bill Kenney / July 11, 2024

Trade shows are a vital component of many business strategies due to their multifaceted benefits. These events provide businesses with unique opportunities that are difficult to replicate through other marketing channels. Here are several reasons why trade shows are important for businesses: 1. Direct Customer Engagement Trade shows offer businesses the chance to interact directly with potential and existing customers. This face-to-face engagement allows for real-time feedback, personalized interactions, and the building of trust and rapport. Customers can see, touch, and experience products firsthand, which can significantly influence their purchasing decisions. 2. Lead Generation One of the primary benefits of trade shows is the ability to generate high-quality leads. Attendees are often decision-makers or have significant influence within their organizations. This targeted audience means that the leads collected are more likely to convert into actual sales. Moreover, they often attract people who are actively looking for solutions, making them warmer prospects compared to leads generated through cold outreach methods. 3. Brand Awareness and Visibility Participating in a trade show increases brand visibility among a concentrated group of industry professionals and potential customers. Even if attendees do not make an immediate purchase, they become aware of the brand, which can influence their future buying decisions. A well-designed booth and effective promotional materials can leave a lasting impression. 4. Competitive Analysis Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to observe their competitors. By walking the floor, businesses can see what others are offering, their marketing strategies, booth designs, and customer engagement tactics. This competitive intelligence can inform a company’s own strategies and help them stay ahead in the market. 5. Networking Opportunities Trade shows bring together a wide range of industry players, including suppliers, distributors, and potential partners. This concentration of industry professionals facilitates networking, which can lead to strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaborations. Networking at trade shows can also lead to media coverage and PR opportunities, further enhancing a company’s visibility. 6. Market Research and Trend Spotting Attending trade shows allows businesses to keep a pulse on industry trends and innovations. They can gather insights into emerging technologies, new products, and shifts in customer preferences. This information is invaluable for product development, marketing strategies, and overall business planning. 7. Sales and Order Taking Many businesses attend trade shows with the primary goal of closing sales and taking orders. The concentrated environment of interested buyers makes it an ideal setting for demonstrating products and services and securing commitments. They often have dedicated areas for order taking, which can streamline the sales process. 8. Product Launches Trade shows are an ideal venue for launching new products or services. The gathered audience of industry insiders and media representatives provides a captive audience for product demonstrations and announcements. A successful product launch at these industry events can generate buzz and media coverage, amplifying the reach beyond the event itself. 9. Educational Opportunities Many trade shows feature seminars, workshops, and panel discussions led by industry experts. These sessions provide valuable learning opportunities for businesses to gain insights into industry best practices, regulatory changes, and innovative solutions. Staying informed through these educational sessions can help businesses adapt and thrive in a competitive market. 10. Building Relationships Building and maintaining relationships with existing clients, suppliers, and industry peers is crucial for long-term success. Trade shows offer a conducive environment for nurturing these relationships, as the informal setting can foster deeper connections than formal business meetings. Trade shows play a critical role in business development by offering a multifaceted platform for engagement, learning, and growth. The unique combination of direct customer interaction, lead generation, brand visibility, competitive analysis, and networking makes such events an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to enhance their market presence and achieve their strategic goals. By leveraging the opportunities presented businesses can stay competitive, innovate, and expand their reach in the market. For an expanded view on this topic refer to our article How to Choose the Right Trade Shows for Your Business. — About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney to discuss your U.S. expansion goals bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Return on Investment, Workshops and Webinars

MEET’s Intelligent Trade Show & Event System

Bill Kenney / October 4, 2023

In our more than 12 years of helping international companies scale in the U.S., we have seen the many challenges that these companies experience when they try to productively participate in U.S. trade shows & events. The U.S. market is large and highly competitive. The trade show and event landscape is abundant and complex. And U.S. buyers have specific needs and expectations. All of this makes leveraging U.S. trade shows and events particularly challenging. The top critical fail points that we see in companies trying to expand in the U.S. include They select the wrong trade shows and events to participate in They negotiate on emotion and anecdotal information rather than fact Their teams are not well prepared, directed, or empowered to leverage the opportunity They do not have a reliable method to measure and continually improve results To solve this we developed The MEET Intelligent Trade Show & Event System (video). This system is built on a series of analytic tools. TRADE SHOW EVALUATOR (video) helps you choose the best and most efficient trade shows and events for you to participate in based on your target buyer persona and expansion stage. TRADE SHOW NEGOTIATOR (video) reveals the best path to negotiate with each trade show organizer. You will be able to quantitatively value each trade show and help the organizer become an ally in your success. TRADE SHOW COOKBOOK (video) helps you identify the specific value drivers for each trade show and event to properly prepare, direct, and activate your team to engage and enroll targets effectively. Each individual will have specific performance goals pre-, during, and post-event. TRADE SHOW ROI CALCULATOR (video) helps you not only measure the result of each trade show and event against specific value drivers but also gives you a basis for accurate hypothesis testing, rate and option negotiation, and continuous performance improvement If this sounds interesting to you, please tune in. We’re going to have a few more sessions that go into the details of each tool. We’re excited about the evolution of these tools and think that they will have a great impact on your business. We certainly would appreciate any thoughts, questions, or feedback that you have. We’ll see you all again very soon. About MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Market-Entry, Participant Tips

Are Your Leadership Team and Key Personnel Ready?

Bill Kenney / February 1, 2023

Today we’re here to tackle another question about the successful expansion of your business to the U.S. Are your leadership team and key personnel ready for your U.S. expansion? This issue is another significant potential pothole in your U.S. expansion journey. Get it wrong and you’ll have greater turnover, internal dysfunction, and poor results. What we see happen with our clients reveals that there are three basic questions you want to ask Is someone from the management team ready to commit a significant amount of time in the U.S. market? In some cases that may start off as a few weeks. Maybe three to four weeks a quarter. In other cases, it’ll be someone moving right into the market. Either way, there should be significant blocks of time where there is a leader from the team ready to spend time in the market to build intelligence, to build relationships, and to build the team. It doesn’t happen without that institutional knowledge from someone from the home team who is committed. Is the leadership team ready to commit to covering the duties and responsibilities of the person who is now in the U.S. market or primarily focusing on the U.S. market? Is the rest of the team ready to cover those responsibilities full-time or has the person been replaced in those duties so you can take those off their plate? The U.S. is going to take all of their attention. It’s just like nurturing a young baby. The U.S. is going to have lots of needs and opportunities and it will be up all hours of the day and night. Is each department and team within the home office ready and committed to support the new market? The U.S. market has mission-critical startup demands just like they would have in the home market. Websites, marketing materials, social media, trade show banners and booths, and all of the marketing communications elements need to get created and iterated quickly. We see this phenomenon with every company entering the U.S. Where the U.S. team is not at the water cooler every day and they’re not in the social events, so it’s very natural that they don’t get the attention. The challenge in particular to the U.S. market is it’s very normal that within 3-years of entry that the U.S. business is larger than the rest of the business everywhere else in the world. This imbalance in need, authority, and resources between the new U.S. and home office can create a real fail point if not anticipated and addressed early. It is critical to engage your team to assure that you and your organization are prepared and committed to the U.S. expansion. Your collective investment of time, passion, and capital requires success. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Participant Tips, Workshops and Webinars

5 Reasons You Need to Start Carrying Business Cards Today!

Bill Kenney / August 31, 2022

As we all re-enter going to trade shows and events post-COVID, we’re seeing an incredible number of people, as many as 80%, no longer carrying business cards. By not sharing business cards, trade show participants are significantly limiting their ability to make valuable connections and losing lots of opportunities. If for some reason you’ve stopped printing, carrying, and sharing business cards we suggest you change course immediately! I’ll give you a quick story. I was at a trade show a couple of weeks ago. As I was meeting people I was giving them my business card. The first person I met said that they don’t have a business card but they have a QR code. When I scanned their QR code it sent me to their LinkedIn profile. The next person I met said the same thing, “I don’t have a business card but I have a QR code”. Their QR code sent me to their website. The next person I met with their QR code sent me to their email address. The next person their QR code sent me to their Whatsapp. In each case, I was getting sent to different places. The next person their QR code sent me to their profile on the trade show app. Now, I know it all sounds great that we are saving trees. The problem is as somebody who loves to follow up and wants to help connect you to value people and resources I can’t find you the next day. Having all of these different platforms that people are linking their QR codes to has created incredible confusion and complication when meeting people at events. Not to mention that none of them support easy note-taking, event association, scoring, transferability, etc. If you don’t help the people you meet have all their contact info in one place and ultimately their preferred place, you will likely not hear from them again. This isn’t because they don’t want to follow up. It’s because you’ve made it impossible for them to find you and if they can by some miracle find or remember you they won’t remember the context and priority actions. Given that there is not one online standard contact information exchange platform and that these disparate tools, including all event apps, spread the contacts you meet at events across a myriad of different platforms you need to recommit to carrying and sharing business cards as the only reliable option for professionals to exchange contact information. Here are our 5 key reasons why you need to carry and pass business cards at every event: An affirmative exchange of your contact information is solid. You don’t have to worry about technology. You don’t have to worry about anything at all other than handing your card to somebody. As you’ll see in the next four that that handoff does quite a bit to empower action from the people you meet. It’s your branding. This is actually an opportunity to hand your logo to someone and they’ll accept it. You’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars to build your brand yet you somehow resist handing it over to people. If somebody is willing to accept your brand give it to them. Give them two! Give them ten! They can give it to their friends! Giving a business card enables note-taking which empowers future action. You’re going to meet people who think of something or someone that they can connect you to. Without their easy ability to take notes that information gets lost. If you’re sharing a QR code with your LinkedIn or all these different other platforms it’s both impossible to find you the next day and very difficult to catalog actions. Maybe you’re looking for investment. Maybe you’re looking for customers. Maybe you’re looking for a key employee. None of that stuff can be written down or cataloged easily without a tangible business card and therefore it’s not actionable. Empowers speedy connection to key internal resources. You make it easy for the person you meet to hand your contact info with notes to the more appropriate person in their team for follow-up. The person you meet from an organization at events isn’t always your best company contact. When you pass an analog business card you remove the friction and allow the quick transfer of your contact information with notes to the right internal resource. This empowers fast and accurate follow-up. Empowers real-time connection to key external resources. It’s not unusual to meet good matches and connections for people you meet at events while you’re still on site as these are places where like-minded people gather. Having these opportunities in real-time makes it even more important to have contact information and notes easily accessible. Nothing is easier than having someone’s business card in your pocket and handing it to or allowing a target resource or powerful connection to take a photo of that new contact’s card. As you continue to reduce and eliminate friction in exchanging contact information at events, you’ll make more and better connections. Using business cards will make it consistently easier for the person you meet to take favorable action on your behalf and you for them. If someone will accept your brand image hand it to them every time! Hand them 2 cards. Hand them 10 cards! Watch or listen to the podcast: Youtube Spotify About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips, Participant Tips, Return on Investment, SelectUSA

The 5 Rules of U.S. Trade Show Follow-Up

Bill Kenney / August 4, 2022

Do you want to stand out? Do you want to begin building credibility and trust? Do you want to convert your trade show participation into new revenue? If you answered YES to any of these, then you need to master follow-up in the U.S. Failure to have meaningful and timely follow-up will neutralize even the best trade show strategy and execution. We are always astounded to see how poorly most people and companies are at follow-up. Here are the 5 rules that we find to be most critical regarding follow-up. Use them to realize the potential energy that your marketing and sales efforts creates. Immediate: Like fresh produce at the market, new contacts spoil if they are not actioned quickly. Your timely follow-up communicates your interest and intent. Trust is built as your reliability is experienced. Personal: Demonstrating that you’re a good listener by reflecting back on their top interests or needs, builds connection and opens the door for additional conversation. Be professional and respectful always. Ask: Every communication must have a purpose or next step that is revealed by the ask. This could be a request to meet, a reminder to send some promised information, or a nudge to introduce a key stakeholder. Give: Knowledge and relationships are built over time. In the first follow-up share a piece of company collateral or content that relates to your audience’s goal or concern. With each additional communication, show that your expertise is aligned with their needs. Persistent: Thoughtful and persistent follow-up is critical. Make sure to always communicate a relevant valid business reason for the next step that you are proposing. Valid business reasons must be expressed from the customer’s point of view. Let them know, “what’s in it for them”. Your follow-up should align with how you want to be perceived. If you are empathic, eager, and passionate then let that be reflected in your words and actions. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B growth companies soft-land and scale in the U.S. through trade shows and events. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Exhibitor Tips