So you have a trade show to attend and are wondering what to present in the 10 minute time slot the organizers gave you on the main tradeshow floor. A time slot that will inevitably be scheduled for when attendees are lining up at the buffet (as recently was the case for one of our clients).

This is actually an easy one. Have one of your clients present a success story. At trade shows the one person attendees will listen to is another person like themselves. So if you want people to pay attention to your presentation instead of the spring rolls, let your client demonstrate how your product solved their problem.

As a general rule:

• 80% of the presentation’s focus should be on your client, the problem they were facing and how they overcame it.
• 20% (or less) of the presentation should focus on you and your solution.

Also:

• Make sure your contact details are visible (and easily to jot down) at the end of the presentation.
• Optimally if your client is willing, their details should also be readily available.

Lastly:

• Announce a time that your client will be in your booth and will be available to answer other attendee’s questions.

At your next trade show, take it easy and let someone else do the work of presenting for you.