The fruit is in the follow-up.
Dear Exhibitors,
We hope you had a fantastic experience at Cruise Ship Interiors and found great value in exhibiting. You may have purchased the Lead Retrieval service, and you may have participated in a Speed Networking session. I want to help you maximise your investment.
As you wrap up the event, it’s important not to overlook the crucial follow-up process. I’m here to assist you in making the most of your leads, and I’ve put together some helpful tips to help you along the way.
- Log in to the desktop site for Lead Retrieval: Don’t forget to log in to the desktop site to download your leads. If you need any assistance finding this feature, please just ask I can help.
- Personalize your communications: For the best response, I highly recommend taking a moment to personalize your communication with each lead.
- Include notes on the points/projects/products you discussed: Adding specific notes about your conversation will help the recipient remember your interaction better.
- Use their name and reference which Design Studio/Shipyard/Cruise line etc they work for.
- Remind them where you met: Show your appreciation by reminding them where you met and thanking them for visiting your booth at CSI.
- Avoid generic emails: Steer clear of sending blanket emails addressed to “Dear Sirs.” Remember, personalization is key to standing out from the crowd.
- Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide relevant information, avoid sending lengthy emails with multiple attachments, brochures, and price lists. Keep your message concise and focused.
- Ask insightful questions: Discover the specific problems or opportunities your lead may have. By asking targeted questions, you can tailor your offerings to their needs.
- Select relevant items of interest: Hand-pick suitable items from your portfolio that align with the lead’s interests. This demonstrates your attentiveness and understanding of their requirements.
- Schedule a follow-up discussion: Seek to arrange a time to delve further into their requirements. This proactive approach shows your commitment and willingness to provide solutions.
- Inquire about their supplier/makers list: Ask how you can become a part of their preferred supplier list. Positioning yourself as a trusted and reliable partner can open doors to future collaborations. Sometimes it just requires a small foot in the door.
- Timing is key: Remember that a “no” now doesn’t mean it’s a “no” forever. Timing plays a significant role in business decisions, so don’t be discouraged if the timing isn’t right at the moment. Stay in touch with the contact and ensure you are still maintaining visibility.
- Seek introductions: If your contact isn’t the decision-maker, kindly ask if they can introduce you to the right person within their team. Utilizing existing connections can help expedite the process.
- Be patient: Allow some time for responses, as people might still be traveling back from Miami or catching up on work. Patience is vital in maintaining professional relationships.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Whenever possible, establish connections on LinkedIn. It’s a valuable platform for professional networking and staying updated on industry news.
- Follow up when necessary: If you haven’t received a reply within a couple of weeks, it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email. Remember that circumstances can arise, and emails can inadvertently get overlooked.
I hope these tips prove beneficial in your follow-up process. Remember, by having a strong follow-up process and be implementing these strategies, you can cultivate fruitful relationships and drive successful outcomes. And don’t forget – it takes time.
Build and nurture relationships: Take the opportunity to cultivate your new connections. Relationships are key in any business, and fostering them will lead to positive outcomes.
If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Claudia Gurr
Customer Experience Manager
claudia.gurr@elite-exhibitions.com
