A Guide to Following Up with Suppliers
Attending trade shows is a great way to discover new products and suppliers, but the real work begins after the event. Follow-up is key to turning those initial connections into lasting business relationships. Here are some tips for making the most of your trade show experience:
1.
Review your notes and materials: Take some time to review your notes, business cards, and any brochures or other materials you collected at the show. This will help you remember which suppliers you spoke with and what products or services they offer.
2.
Prioritize your follow-up: Not all suppliers will be a good fit for your business, so prioritize the ones that you think have the most potential. Make a list of the top suppliers you want to follow up with and develop a plan for reaching out to them.
3.
Reach out promptly: Don't wait too long to follow up with suppliers. They will likely be receiving many follow-up emails and calls after the show, so you want to be one of the first to make contact. Send a brief email or make a phone call within a few days of the show to express your interest and schedule a follow-up conversation.
4.
Be specific: When you reach out to suppliers, be specific about what caught your interest and why you think their products or services would be a good fit for your business. This will show that you were paying attention during the conversation and will help you stand out from other follow-up messages.
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5.
Set up meetings: If you're interested in pursuing a relationship with a supplier, schedule a follow-up meeting or call to discuss further. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about their products and services, ask any questions you may have, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
6.
Keep track of your progress: Finally, keep track of your follow-up progress in a spreadsheet or CRM system. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're following up with suppliers in a timely manner.
By following these tips, you can maximize the value of your trade show experience and build lasting relationships with suppliers. Happy following up!