Episode 017 – 9 tips for producing your own show SOLO

Episode 017: 9 Tips to Do a Show Solo – Succeed on Your Own!

Whether you have an upcoming show going on alone or you’ve run a few shows on your own in the past, it can be frustrating. Going it alone won’t be efficient, won’t maximize your ROI, and won’t get you the best results.

The biggest problem is that you can only have an in-depth discussion with one person at a time.

Let me give you an important tip – don’t work alone! If possible, convince a colleague, trusted co-worker, family member or friend to lend a hand for a few hours or days. It will definitely be worth it!

So, I’ve put together 9 tips to help you improve your results and give you the confidence you need.

(1) Use other methods to help capture information and improve efficiency. Do what you can to keep multiple people at your booth, even if you only speak to one person in person.

So while you’re talking to one person, you can have the other person fill out their contact information and even ask some key questions.

You can use an iPad or laptop, or go the old-fashioned way and have them fill out a paper form.

The key is to be able to attract multiple people to your booth at the same time.

(2) Try group presentation. I don’t mean just set up the chairs and make a PowerPoint presentation. That can work well sometimes, but not when you’re alone!

I mean, if you’re at a busy trade show and you have a few people at your booth, why not have them stand together and demo at the same time?

If there are a lot of people walking by, get more people’s attention and ask them to join you.

You can ask them a simple qualifying question before you get started to make sure you are talking to the right person.

But let me ask you this – would you rather talk to just one person at a time or multiple people at a time? Especially if it doesn’t take more of your time!

(3) Simplification and minimization – When you’re on your own, simpler is better. That way you don’t have to run around looking for the right things. And there’s less stuff you have to set up and pack up. Simpler is better.

(4) Practice! You need to use your time quickly and efficiently because it all depends on you!

So practice your engagement and qualifying questions

Practice a demonstration or presentation

Practice answering common questions

Practice where you’re going to stand and how you’re going to arrange things

Keep practicing, practicing, so that when you get there and the show starts, you are an efficient machine and your results will be much better!

(5) Leave your table/booth – This goes for everyone at every show, but it’s especially important if you’re working alone. Be up front and always ready to engage with people. Never let anything stand in your way.

(6) Set up the booth as early as possible to prepare for unknown situations. When you’re with a group, if you forget a computer cable, data box, or something else, you can ask someone to get what you need while you continue setting up. But when you’re alone, only you can figure things out. That means you have to set up and get what you need.

(7) Arrive at the show early, walk around the exhibit halls and meet people. There are many reasons why walking the exhibition is so important. Check out the competition, see if there are any suppliers or customers also exhibiting, and see if there are any companies you might want to introduce yourself to.

Here’s the thing – once the show starts, you likely won’t have a chance to leave your booth.

(8) Make friends with people at surrounding stalls. It’s always good to network with the people around you. You never know if one of these people might become a client or refer you to someone else.

Also, if you’re at a trade show alone, it means there’s no one to let you in if you need to leave. Ask someone to watch your booth for a few minutes, and if someone walks by, let them know you’ll be right back.

(9) Prepare some snacks, water, and mints so that you don’t have to leave the booth. I know that if I get too hungry during a long show, I’ll start to get a headache and even be a little cranky. If there’s still an hour or two left in the show, it could be a disaster.

So bring some snacks so you can keep feeling good without having to run for food.

Don’t forget to bring a few bottles of water and some mints so you don’t get a dry mouth and stay hydrated. But make sure to sip your water in small sips to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom!

For more tips on how to stay energized during the show, watch Episode 5 of my interview with registered dietitian Brittany Cermak.

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