I really enjoy visiting all kinds of trade shows, especially when they're somewhat related to the health and fitness business. This past weekend, my girlfriend and I went to a healthy food expo in Melbourne to see some presentations, taste some new foods and fill up our show bags with freebies. I can safely say that we achieved these three goals much to the delight of my partner in crime.
As we were wandering around, It was great to see the different companies supporting the show and promoting their business but I couldn't help but think how a personal trainer or any fitness professional for that matter could promote themselves absolutely free of charge and generate some quality leads.
My idea was pretty simple yet cunning if I say so myself. Get yourself a t-shirt with a catchy slogan and your logo printed on it. Forget about phone numbers or address's or anything like that just a black shirt with something incredibly clever like 'My Business Is Fitness' printed on it and fill your pockets with business cards.
Most people walking through these things grab anything handed to them and put it in their bags, so just start handing out cards as you walk around. Be mindful not to hand them out to event staff or to get over zealous, but casually just hand them out like you're an exhibitor, I guarantee 99% of people you offer them to will take one.
A little less sneaky is to talk to the other industry professionals, you know, the poor souls that are stuck at these expo's in their 3m X 3m prison all weekend long, being asked the same silly questions and reciting their spiel over and over. Providing they're not too busy, you can generally get in a conversation especially earlier in the day.
The trick is to always be 'on' and looking for new opportunities.
Use class and respect the vendors that have paid to be there, but don't be afraid to seek out events that you can benefit from. At worst, you go home in the afternoon with a bag full of samples and a trip to the recycling bin.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment superstar! Don't forget to subscribe by entering your email in the box on the top right!
Also, become a fan on Facebook and follow my shenanigans on Twitter @mybizisfitness...phew!
Ben