The Show’s Over... What Now? Follow-up!
by Dwight Ryan, SolomanRyan Design & Communications
We all know that participating in any trade show is a major decision, financial and otherwise. Attending these shows can be an exciting and rewarding experience as you share your idea or product with other exhibitors and attendees.
There may have been a lot of interest. You might have felt that you met the people you hoped to and perhaps you haven’t heard from them since. "Why not?" you wonder, "after all they seemed to love it at INPEX."
It's time to be proactive. If you find yourself in this position, the answer to your frustration could be follow-up. Not by them, but by you! Have you carefully filed away the business cards of people who stopped by your booth and expressed interest? Did you contact them within a week of returning home? If not, it’s not too late. It’s never too late to at least say "thank you for visiting my booth." Remind them of your product and refresh their memory by briefly stating the features and benefits of your invention.
If you jotted down notes, even on their business card, then take the personal approach and refer to them in your letter. It shows them that you were paying attention to their comments. If you’ve made changes or revisions based on their observations, then tell them about it and thank them for their input.
Using the information from the business card, follow-up again with an e-mail about a week later. If you don’t hear anything in return, maybe a phone call is appropriate. If you have received any media interest or news coverage, send them copies.
The beauty of any trade show, INPEX or otherwise, is that others get to see your product in its best light. But, without work on your part, the experience can be just another good memory. Make sure that isn’t the case with you.
Dwight Ryan spent more than 25 years working as a radio/television reporter and producer in Canada. He is a Partner in SolomonRyan Design & Communications in Toronto and provides consulting services to INPEX. SolomanRyan Design & Communications is not otherwise affiliated with INPEX, InventHelp or its related companies.
Dwight Ryan is an independent consultant. He is contributing to INPEX as an industry expert. His contribution to INPEX does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of InventHelp or its affiliate companies.
