Have you ever been to a business show?

Yes. I attended Cotter and Company's trade show in Manchester, New Hampshire, when I was managing a hardware store years ago. Tables were filled with exhibits, very professional, for all the products they carried for their franchises. Samples were given away of small inexpensive things...pens, key chains, and so on. Business cards, for sure.

I brought my son, who was only about 11 at the time, and I gave him the giant key we were given at the door, and he was so excited that I was going to allow him to go to the big prize drawing! AND his key won a small chest freezer!!! He was thrilled!

I also attended a business show, where every nursing home and at home care company in the area was represented. We were given bags and souvenirs from every company that attended. Then we went to a lecture on Azheimer's, and after that, there was a drawing and I won a large hanging plant!

I have attended and represented my companies at many business "conventions/shows" in the past. However, now that we sell everything we touch...I don't feel the need to go unless they are a relatively short (5-6 hour) trip away.

Make sure you have loads of business cards and brochures available (if applicable) and MAKE SURE YOU are up to date with ALL the products and services your company offers. If you cannot answer a question.... do not "wing it". Just say that you will need to get back to them with an answer to that and get their contact information.

Oh, and I forgot...those companies that didn't have large exhibits at the nursing home show had rows of business cards, brochures, and dishes of wrapped candy.