If you’re the owner of a small business, you might’ve heard about something called a trade show. These are shows that essentially allow you to get your business out there and introduce who you are, what you do and what you’re all about to people in attendance. They are great ways to self-advertise your company, however, before jumping right into one it is recommended that you first understand how one works.

Go to a trade show and walk the floor in order to grasp and understand how trade shows operate. Things you’ll want to pay close attention to are how the most popular booths do so well, and is there anything that you would be able to do yourself to emulate that. Making appointments to speak with specific vendors might also be a way to benefit your future showings as well. Most importantly, attending these shows first will give you the opportunity to scout out and keep an eye on your competition.

Not only will this be a learning experience for you, but it will also allow the opportunity to network with other exhibitors and potential customers. Once you make the decision to exhibit your own business, getting all of your goals and strategies in place would be a great next step. Put together needs like staff that will help run the booth, the hours and breaks the staff will receive, materials you will use to promote your business like brochures and business cards, and finally the hiring and transportation of your booth.

Doing a little research and putting in some effort will go miles in terms of promoting your business. The only thing left to put into motion is where you will promote and a trade show is the perfect place.