You have spent time building business relationships. You know people, people know you, and that network is one of the most valuable things you bring to any room.
So why leave it at the door when you walk into the Sudbury Business Expo?
One of the smartest things you can do before 3 June is to invite your existing contacts to come along. Not just clients, but suppliers, colleagues, people you have met at other events, and anyone who has ever said they wanted to find out more about what you do. The expo gives them a reason to come and find you in a relaxed, friendly setting where the conversation flows naturally.
There is something reassuring about seeing a familiar face when you walk into a busy room. If one of your contacts arrives and spots you first, they are immediately at ease. That comfort puts them in the right frame of mind to engage properly, not just collect a leaflet and move on. You become their anchor point for the afternoon, and that gives you a real opportunity to have the kind of meaningful conversation that is difficult to squeeze into a quick phone call or a passing chat at the school gates.
But here is the part that people often overlook. When you invite someone you already know, you are not just creating an opportunity for yourself. You are creating one for the whole room. Your contact might arrive knowing only you, but they will leave having discovered twelve other local businesses they did not know existed. That introduction you make, pointing them towards the stand next to yours, could be the start of a relationship that benefits someone else entirely. And chances are, those other exhibitors will do the same for your contacts in return.
It is also worth thinking about the practical side. Reaching out to your network ahead of the event means you are not starting from scratch on the day. You arrive knowing that certain people are planning to come. That gives you a starting point, a reason to be switched on and ready from the moment the doors open at 3pm, rather than waiting for the room to warm up.
Send a message this week.
Post about it on your own social channels.
Tell people you are exhibiting and that you would love to see them there.
It does not need to be a formal invitation, just a genuine one.
Something along the lines of: "I would love to see you at the Sudbury Business Expo on 3 June. Come and find me at my stand and I will introduce you to some brilliant local businesses while you are there."
Your network is your greatest asset. Bring it with you on the day, and you will be amazed at what comes back around.
The Sudbury Business Expo takes place on 3 June at Sudbury Arts Centre, 3pm to 6:30pm.
You can ask them to register for free at www.sudburybusinessexpo.co.uk
