Help: Trade Show/Expo Woes, Tips To Ensure ROI

Trade Shows and Expos are essential, effective marketing tools. However, small business owners are at times, hesitant to participate. Why?

Lack of ROI (return on investment)!!

To help ensure ROI, these simple tips should be considered. These apply to both participant and coordinator.

• Set GOALS-It helps to know upfront what you plan to acheive from participating in any event.

• RESEARCH-One show/expo does not fit all.

• ADVERTISE-Showing up is not enough! Let every one of your contacts know that your business will be in attendance.

• Be IMPRESSIVE-Prizes should be offered and your booth/table should always have a greeter on duty.

• Always FOLLOW-UP-Thank your visitors and get in touch with prospects within 24-48 hours.

Reference: http://www.marketingcrossing.com/

Resource: Attract Foreign Customers

Considering sellling your product or marketing your services to clients in Japan?

But, your business is U.S. based!

It can still be done! Thanks to a few websites with tools that can do a partial conversion of your website into foreign language(s). Hence, making your site able to be indexed by foreign search engines such as, Google Japan or Yahoo Japan.

• http://www.techpubinc.com/
• http://www.vcantech.com/
• http://www.languages.com/

Leave a comment on what you think after you have done your research. We'd like to know which one works for you.

Special thanks to "Tom" an associate in our Yahoo Group "Entrepreneurs At Home" for researching this issue and posting it to the board.

Tip: Summer Promotional Giveaways

Summer is a "hot" season for trade shows and expos.

Try some of these promotional giveaway ideas at your next event.

• Drawstring Backpacks
• Flying Disks
• Cooler Packs
• BBQ Sets
• Beach Balls

These items should have your company name/logo imprinted on them.

Help: Maintaining Visibility-Trade Shows

Participation in trade shows is a good and essential way to maintain visibility and gain market share.

I always encourage V~Source Clients to be "in sight, in mind." When you mention trade shows, I know most think of big, expensive venues that may not be in the marketing budget of most small business owners. Have no fear, the Metro Atlanta Area is filled with budget friendly events that small business owners can participate in, and V~Source is in the loop.

For example, we will be participating in the Grand Cascades Trade Show being held on Saturday July 19, 2008 in Suwanee, Georgia. V~Source will be representing and promoting the products and services of our participating clients. If you will be in the area that day, stop by the Grand Cascades Club House and visit us! We'll be at booth # 26. See you there!!

Tip: 2008 Low Cost Marketing Trends

Enter Guerrilla Marketing: Getting the word out about your business without investing in traditional or Yellow Pages advertising is the challenge at hand.

Using time, energy, knowledge, information and especially imagination will be the best practice.

Here are 3 low cost marketing trends for 2008:

1) Podcasts (helping onliners have offline appeal)
2) Blogs (create marketing buzz, while being informative)
3) Expansion to Global Markets (Internet exists over seas, too!)

Tip: Being "Eco-Friendly" Can Be Beneficial For Your Small Business-Promotions

"The right promotional product can be crucial when launching a new company."

According to the inaugural BBMG Consumer Conscious Report, nearly 90% of American consumers are more likely to buy products from businesses they believe employ "eco-friendly" practices.

Valencia's researched tip on "Eco-friendly" Promotions

*Using organic or recycled nature promotional products will not only demonstrate that your business cares about the enviroment, but will also reduce the effects of harmful materials, pollution and non-biodegradable waste.