marketing – Global Trade Show Management & Business Consulting

Trade Show Planning Made a Little Easier!

Participating in trade shows in the U.S.A. and abroad should be part of your domestic and global marketing plan for 2017. To participate in trade shows as an exhibitor will require a lot of time, planning, and internal discussions. Here are some questions you need to focus on and discuss with management.

What are the best trade shows and events for our company and products?
How can we get exhibit space in some of the leading trade shows?
Do we want to participate in domestic or international trade shows?
What are the markets we want to focus on?
What are the demographics of the event?
Will we meet the right buyers and industry leaders at the event?
What is our financial commitment for the event?
What is the timeline we need to work with?
What is the best marketing plan for our company?
Who will be on the trade show booth team?
Who will plan, design, and build our trade show booth?
How can we promote our participation through social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)?
Is there an exhibitor checklist we can work with?
What are the rules and regulations at the trade show facility?
What are the rules and regulations of the event?

These are just some of the many questions you need to look at. I hope that this information will help you to be better prepared for your next business steps.

About Global CIF

Global CIF is an Atlanta, GA, U.S.A., based international trade show management and consulting firm. We have over 20 years of global trade show and consulting experience, reaching an extensive network in over 25 countries and 65 industries. Global CIF provides hands-on business solutions that enable companies to expand their reach. For additional information on Global CIF visit http://www.globalcif.com.

Contact:

Dirk Ebener, 5077 Dallas Highway, Suite 201, Powder Springs, GA 30127,
Phone +1 (404) 424-9598 ext. 2; info@globalcif.com

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter – @globalcif

Hashtags – #globalcif #tradeshowtalk #tradeshowtips

Business Cards are your Business Ally

Today, the corporate world is moving towards all things digital. Our focus is all about sending emails, having virtual meetings, planning business travel on the iPad, scanning devices on our phones, and networking. We use our devices to immediately connect. One business tool that will not go away in the foreseeable future is the business card.

I want to share with you why I firmly believe in business cards. Business owners, startups, entrepreneurs, and people who are looking for new opportunities, should have plenty of business cards with them at all times. Most likely, you will not leave your office or home without your cell phone or credit/debit cards. Right? Consider your business card an equal ally of every business step you take. Don’t leave without it.

Networking is all about personal interaction. Shaking hands, talking about each other’s business, and exchanging business cards in person, are critical interpersonal skills. Exchanging contact information via email or text right then and there is counterproductive when it gets to building relationships. You are losing eye contact and will rush through the interaction. If you need to connect with someone after a meeting, then do that in the evening.
Business cards are your direct marketing tool and ice breaker. Your focus has to be on creating relationships. It is not about email marketing and texting. I have been in some very interesting places around the world, and had about 30-60 seconds to connect. The business card was my immediate best friend. Keep them around at all times.
Business cards represent your company and brand. Therefore, spend some “behind closed doors” time to create a strong and personal business card. Avoid the cheap “do it yourself” business cards. You do not want your company and brand associated with a bad first impression. You are handing someone a business card to stay connected. They will often judge your business based on that very first impression. Make it count!
Business cards represent your level of preparedness. It is very unprofessional to write your business information on a paper or cocktail napkin at a business reception. Do you really think the napkin will survive the night? Think again. Pulling out a business card shows that you are prepared. Make sure you have plenty of extras, and be generous with handing them out.
Business cards have two sides. Your new business contacts will hopefully ask you plenty of questions about your business. They are ready to learn about your company, the industry you are in, as well as what services or products your business offers. At one point, they are ready to write information about your company on your business card. This is the moment when your business card is ready to shine. Simply comment “You don’t have to write it all down. It is all on the back of my card.” Winner!!! Go ahead and use the back of your business card and list five or six key words or comments about your business. It works really, really well.

I hope that this information will help you to be better prepared for your next business steps.

About Global CIF

Global CIF is an Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. based trade show management and consulting firm. We have over 20 years of global trade show and consulting experience, reaching an extensive network in over 25 countries and 65 industries. Global CIF provides hands-on business solutions that enable companies to expand their reach. For additional information on Global CIF visit http://www.globalcif.com.

Contact:

Dirk Ebener, 5077 Dallas Highway, Suite 201, Powder Springs, GA 30127, U.S.A., Phone +1 (404) 424-9598 ext. 2; info@globalcif.com.

Connect with us on Social Media:

Twitter – @globalcif

Hashtags – #Global CIF,

Tags – #networking, #startups, #entrepreneurs, #international business

Global Marketplace Networking Group

Global CIF, an Atlanta-based international consulting and trade show management company, is launching a global networking group. If you are looking for new global markets, products, and services, finding potential leads, or would like to share your experiences about the growing global marketplace, then this is the right meeting for you to attend.

Metro Atlanta is home to over 3,000 international companies, employing over 160,000 people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, companies in Georgia exported nearly $39.4 billion in goods and services to 211 countries and territories in 2014.

Doing business overseas requires a solid understanding of international business etiquette and manners. Your company needs to be trained in cross-cultural communication. Global markets continue to expand and bring everyone closer. One of the critical elements of a successful business outcome may be the appreciation and respect for regional, country, and cultural differences. You need to be aware of cultural diversity and intercultural communication. Make sure that your company understands international business etiquette and has the resources to utilize their knowledge during international travels and overseas assignments.

At the Global Marketplace Networking events you will meet new business contacts from across Metro Atlanta who have an interest in global business. ss contacts from across Metro Atlanta who have an interest in global business. They will represent some of these industry segments:

Business Development – Coaching – Chamber of Commerce – Consulting Distribution Management – Education – Entrepreneurship – Food – Import/Export Lighting Industry – Merchandising – Telecommunication – Trade Shows

Starting in February, we will select and present one “Featured Product” at every “Global Marketplace Networking” event. We want to introduce products and services that are unique and interesting. The selected company will be able to present one featured product.

If you know of great products, contact us and recommend the company and their products. We will review and choose the “Featured Product” of the month. We will provide the platform for the company to present their products and marketing information. Contact us at info@globalcif.com for additional information.

How important are Trade Shows for Entrepreneurs?

One of the very important B2B and Networking opportunities are trade shows and industry meetings. Entrepreneurs should get very involved in this crucial networking, marketing, and sales platform.

There are approx. 13,000 events annually in the US + Canada (10,000 B2B + 3,000 B2C). Some of the events have a minimum number of exhibitors around 10 and 40. Trade shows in the U.S. and Canada count for 30%-40% of the trade show industry markets.

These annual industry happenings can be an enormous opportunity for Entrepreneurs. Considering the 40% of the attendees are executive management, and an additional 29% consider themselves as general management, these are the meeting places where an Entrepreneur has to be.

On the buyer’s side the numbers are even more important. Here over 80% of the attendees/customers are seeking new products and almost 60% of the participants are authorized to make buying decision. Overall, approximately 90% of attendees at trade shows have a buying influence.

As an Entrepreneur myself, I frequently attend industry events and trade shows to discuss my company portfolio and services my company has to offer. These numbers should be a very clear indicator of the importance of trade fairs as a global sales and marketing tool.

Trade Shows are your Domestic & Global Opportunity – Meet with the right decision makers.

I recently read some very interesting industry statistics about a leading industry event in Las Vegas. I believe that you will agree with me that these numbers are very impressive. The information also showed me that companies are still very interested and focused on participating in a trade show, seminars, and workshops.

I highly recommend that you read on and discuss some of these essential questions within your company. When your team is looking at trade shows as a platform to expand your business reach, you need to be able to answer some of the following questions

– Is our company actually prepared and ready to go to one of the many trade shows and face the eager and hungry
buyers

– Is your team and management prepared to select the right trade show for your company

– Can our team plan all of the 100+ details without forgetting the business cards or reserving the wrong hotel?

There is an art to the planning, marketing, organizing, shipping, onsite setup and tear down, a trade show. You also have to focus on pre-show marketing, social media activities and announcement, as well as buyer communication. Additional attention should be paid to trade show lead management and booth management. The list goes on and on.

Here are some very interesting and impressive industry statistics

– There are approx. 13,000 events annually in the US + Canada (10,000 B2B + 3,000 B2C). Some of the events have a
minimum number of exhibitors around 10 and 40.

– Looking at the overall numbers we see that the US + Canada trade show industry represents 30-40% of the world market.

I also looked at some additional information of some of the trade shows and events that take place in Las Vegas. I believe that these numbers speak for themselves:

Management participation:

40% Executive Management
29% General Management
20% General Staff
11% Skilled Trade

Buyer interest and decision marking authority:

87% see new products
78% get ideas
72% keep up with new trends
60% see existing vendors
65% see new vendors
87% net buying influence
57% make buying decisions

These numbers should be a very clear indicator of the importance of trade shows as a global sales and marketing tool.

Trade show consultants and coordinators can help you with all of the steps mentioned above and details. These experts are ready to step in and plan every step of your trade show experience.

Good luck with all of your trade show activities!

We can be reached at info@globalcif.com or call us at +1 (404) 735-5646. Our website is www.globalcif.com.

Trade Shows are your global B2B platform!

Trade shows are without a doubt the very best B2B platforms out there! The world meets in one place for a week, offering the highest possible concentration of business leaders, seeking networking and business opportunities, and introducing new products you are looking for. There is no way that your business will be able to reach 30,000+ industry contacts, from over 100 countries, with a mailing or via the social media platforms. Trade shows are the way to go!

Participating in a trade shows is your opportunity to shine. You need to make sure that you will find the best possible location in the show. At the same time you want to make sure that your marketing budget is not going crazy, as your staff is working hard back home to produce the products you are looking to sell. Before you even consider participating in the global trade show world, you need to make sure that you answer the following questions.

Is my company even ready for stepping into the global market, or are we still working on the markets here at home?
Do we have the time to leave the office and travel thousands of miles into uncharted waters?
Do we have support at the trade show and are we able to present our company in this new business environment?
What will happen if we return with hundreds of leads and orders? Are we in a position to fill all of these orders? Are we able to immediately follow up?
Who will be the person to lead this trip and business mission for us?

There are definitely plenty of resources you can use to be successful. Here are some of the groups and options you want to look into:

US Department of Commerce – the office in Washington will be able to immediately assist you with leads and discussing the right trade shows for your business. Visit the following web site http://export.gov/salesandmarketing/eg_main_018195.asp.
Gold Key Matching Services, run through the International Trade Administration’sS. Commercial Service, is a low-cost service for American businesses to expand their global reach by making contacts with foreign firms and potential business partners. http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2012/08/10/us-businesses-going-gold
This Export Guide is a very helpful tool to get a better understanding how your company can start exporting. http://trade.gov/publications/pdfs/epg_2009.pdf
Once you have found the market and trade shows you are interested in, contact the US office of the trade show organizer to connect with their US based staff. They will be able to assist you with all of your questions and trade show planning.
Your State often has representatives in the country and also might offer some specific funding when you are ready to export. The Department of Economic Development is a great starting point.
Look into a participation in a USA Pavilion at the overseas trade show. The USA Pavilions are organized by various groups and offer an easy way become involved in the trade show. The price is about 25% higher, but you will arrive in the country, can unpack your products, and get started. The pavilions are supported by the USDOC, have local and multilingual staff in the pavilion, offer food and beverages, and a friendly smile and hand when you need them. There will be a business lounge for meetings. This is definitely the best way to move into the markets.

Global markets are challenging and can grow your business beyond your wildest imagination.

Connect with some trade show professionals who can help you to find the best possible platform and trade show. They will help you to develop a trade show strategy, support and enhance your social media activities before, during, and after the event, and help you to communicate on a global level.

Good luck with all of your trade show activities.

We can be reached at info@globalcif.com or call us at +1 (404) 735-5646. Our website is http://www.globalcif.com