Determining Visitor Types

by: Nandang S Nugraha | Total views: 57 | Word Count: 561 | View PDF | Print View

 by: Susan Friedmann

The trade show floor is full of different types of people
with different agendas. Some people have specific goals for attending
the show; others do not. As an exhibitor your observation and
questioning skills will be your key to determining who may be a viable
sales prospect. Familiarize yourself with the various visitor types
likely to frequent the tradeshow floor.

1. Definites. If you have done a thorough job of preshow marketing, definite prospects and customers will visit your booth.

2. Demonstration Junkies. Watch out for passers-by who
are attracted to your booth by a demonstration or other activity. These
could be valuable prospects or time wasters. Ask a few short,
open-ended questions to find out.

3. Curiosity Cats. These types could be curious about
anything – what exactly your company does, a graphic, who designed your
booth, and so on. Do not spend too much time with someone who is just
interested in the design and construction of your booth or intricate
details about your graphics.

4. Paper Lovers. Some people love to collect literature
or just take any piece of paper no matter what it is. Are they
attending the show to research the market for a boss? If so, they may
be an influencer worth pursuing.

5. Eyeballers. These types are usually extremely
friendly; they smile and their whole body language says, “please talk
to me.” Questioning will determine whether or not they are prospects
worth pursuing.

6. Jeopardy Gigolos. Winning contests is their passion.
They are always ready, willing and able to drop a business card into a
fishbowl for any kind of drawing. Contests that require more than just
a business card to enter will help deter these types from finding their
way onto your follow-up lists.

7. Keepsakers. Any kind of giveaway attracts these
types. They may even want more than one for family, friends and
colleagues. Keen questioning will ascertain if this visitor has
potential.

8. The Disinterested. Some people in the crowd will
simply not be interested in what your organization has to offer. They
often let you know in no uncertain terms through their body language;
for example, walking by purposely avoiding eye contact or chatting with
a colleague. Waylaying these types will only upset them.

9. Hawks. These people attend shows for the sole purpose
of selling you their products or services. Publication advertising
representatives are a prime example. They are unlikely to be prospects,
but you never know. If floor traffic is slow, it may be worth asking a
few questions, if only to find out who they could refer you to.

10. Job Seekers. Trade shows are an excellent place to
network and look for organizations who may have present or future job
openings. As with Hawks, you may want to spend time with them during
slow, unproductive periods.

11. Nonentities. These types could be underlings in
their organization sent to do some specific research. Never
underestimate them. They may be extremely strong influencers. In
addition, they probably know whom in their organization you need to
contact. Time spent with them could be invaluable.

12. Snoops. Beware of the competition! These types often
give themselves away by knowing too much or asking precise questions.
Make sure that you do more questioning than talking so that you lessen
the chances of giving away valuable information.

About the Author

Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: “Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,” working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com to sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week.

info@thetradeshowcoach.com

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