Do you feel intimidated at INDUSTRY FAIRS? Do you think others are having success building relationships that you don't have? The truth is, we all feel nervous sometimes when we see opportunities. Opportunities lurk at EXHIBITION EVENTS and INDUSTRY CONFERENCES; So it's time to get started: NETWORKING, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS and GROWING YOUR AUTO TRANSPORT BUSINESS.

CAR TRANSPORT, AUTOLOGISTICS, CONFERENCES AND INDUSTRIAL TRADE EVENTS

Every industry fair is different. But I truly believe that if you follow these 5 STEPS TO NETWORKING SUCCESS AT TRADE SHOWS FOR AUTO TRANSPORT INDUSTRY, you will find business networking success and feel good about your next trade show conference or expo event. #autotransport #networksuccess #buildingrelationships

5 STEPS TO NETWORK SUCCESS AT EXHIBITIONS FOR THE AUTO TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

1) WHO IS GOING?
– NOT EVERYONE GOES. Owner, Business Development, Sales/Marketing. Maximum 2-3 people.
Are you a driver, forwarder (or other) and ready to take 'business information seriously'? Explain your case. You could be a future champion.
If you're not there to grow business, you don't go. (This is not a shiny truck show).
– ONLY BUSINESS CLOTHING. Dressing up (Men: jackets or suits, Women: think businesslike)
– FILL THE TIME. Arrive early and leave late. Budget 2 days (1-2 nights). There are many great networking opportunities at hosted cocktail receptions.
– ADVERTISE YOURSELF. Have business cards and your elevator pitch ready. (Google /"Elevatorpitch/").

2) WHY ARE YOU GOING?
– HAVE A GOAL. Don't just show up. You can waste a whole day trying to figure out why you're there. You spend money on this and it's not a vacation.
– EXPO versus LEARNING SESSIONS Expos are stands that you visit. A learning session can consist of discussions of 1-2 hours. Appreciate both and know the difference.
– RESEARCH. Study the show event website. Before the event, study the exhibitor, agenda and participant lists.
– IDENTIFY at least 10 companies you want to talk to (maybe even people) and map it out. Be a hunter.
– COLLECT INFORMATION Buy a tote bag every morning to gather information and reading material. (Not just swag).
– SET GOALS Your goal is 10 new connections per day. Go for it!

3) WHAT DO YOU SAY?
– BE IN THE MOMENT It's showtime and your goal is to network, talk AND LISTEN. Time is money, so get started.
– INTRO Give a business card and ask for a business card. Walk up, shake hands, smile, say your "Elevator Pitch" and then ask about them and their company.
– CONVERSATION Say 'thank you'. We provide business car shipping services. Maybe my company can help you? What is your biggest transportation problem?
– DON'T GET DEFENSIVE Be open-minded and try not to let your guard down. They don't know what's bothering you, so don't tell them.
– PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS Strategize, Propose and Learn. No problems? Awesome. Maybe you can use their solutions too. Become a fan, if not a business partner.
– 15 MINUTES ARE UP. Say thank you. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you. Ask if you can send an email and invite them to reach out if they have any questions.
– Continue. Don't wear out your welcome. This is a business meeting. You're not friends right away. You have added another professional contact to your network. Keep building your sales funnel.

4) MAKE IT COUNT!
– TAKE NOTES Before starting a new conversation, write down the highlights and action items of the connection you just made – before you forget!
– ENGAGE IT Use times, dates, names, websites, recommendations – anything you can to remember that conversation, because you won't remember much of it next week.
– TRASH CAN Are you sure this was a waste of time? Even if you can't make money immediately from this new connection, it could lead to future value.

5) CONT'D
– THANK YOU Send emails, make phone calls, connect to social media, whatever makes sense. And the sooner the better.
– CALENDAR Set potential action points for the hot leads and follow up again in the coming weeks.
– LOOKING AHEAD Well done. Search now for the next networking event or trade show. Did you hear anything about it at the show you were at? What about the materials in your tote bag?
– PLAN When you find the next event or opportunity, repeat the step and do it again. And now you might want to think about expanding your marketing department. You are about to grow.

What are you looking for?
car transport business industry conference expo car transport car industry event business expo car shipping company conference car transport business networking success building relationships growing business social media network connections events business relationships industry trade show events business expo

Thank you to all my new subscribers, contacts and contributors. I appreciate every email, comment, like and share. And thanks for making Auto Transport Intel a great community!

-Jay, Founder
Auto Transport Intel
/"The business channel for car transport/"

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