As a small business owner, attending trade shows is a major part of my business networking plan. Yes, you read it right, trade shows are my major source for meeting business owners, and big company representatives.
Some people go to trade shows only to buy or sell products, but if you start thinking about the opportunity of a trade show for business networking, you don’t want to miss a single trade show around your area.
Living in NYC, I am a lucky business owner since there are many international trade shows placed in NYC every month. But I’m sure you can find great trade shows close to your location.
Here’s a list of websites which offer trade shows, locations, and dates worldwide:
During the last fabric trade show I have visited, I have collected over 20 business cards, chatted with 4-5 CEO’s of large international fabric manufacturing companies, closed 2 fabric buying deals and created a valuable list of executives in my contact list.
Prepare your business cards, wear a nice suit, and get ready to visit the next trade show near your area. Good luck.
Article by Ahmet Kirtok
Ahmet KIRTOK is a New York City based entrepreneur and small business consultant. He is the founder & owner of Small Business Arena
Ahmet has contributed 69 articles.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I love attending trade shows. I think they are a great way to learn about new products and get your name out there but I hate the idea of closing for even a day to attend one.
Just thinking about all those lost sales makes me ill.
What is you business like Angie? Don’t you have employees to attend you business and you attend trade shows? I think it’s part of the business we lost some and win some. We spend money in order to make more money. Attending trade shows is a plus to a business professionals (like us).:-) This will expose us to new ideas, innovation and to greater opportunities await there somewhere.
-Jan