Tip #3

The 10 meter rule


 

 

 

What are you doing,
when your customers spot you from a 10 meter distance?

... because your customers see you long before you see them 

 

Let's take a familiar scenario. You are at a trade show or event.

It has been going well with a lot of guests visiting your booth. All morning. Right now there isn't much activity, so you take a little break - before the next big rush. 

Your phone has been buzzing non-stop in your pocket.

Naturally, you take it out to check the many calls and emails, you have received. After all, you also have a job to take care of - outside of the four trade show walls.

While you are checking your emails, a new potential customer approaches your booth. You don't see her, because you have your head buried in your phone. Busy answering emails.

But she sees you. You and your phone. 

She (probably) feels 

Not welcome Not seen Not important Not interesting

... And this it's not the best way to start a conversation. Especially not one, that could be a great new connection or possibly lead to a sale. You always have to treat everyone as a possible customer.

How to ...

Turn the 10 meter rule into your benefit 

When the phone has to be checked - and it does - find a spot away from the booth.

When you are standing at your booth, you need to be present, welcoming and engaging. You won't be, if you are on your phone [Same goes for hands in pockets or arms crossed]. 

Therefore, we recommend going away to one of the following spots:

  • The Lounge 
  • The Cafe
  • The empty presentation area 
  • Outside 

It's all about the signal you give your guests. And first-hand impressions matter. So make it count!

Our best advice

Make a clear work schedule with your colleagues

Make a mutual agreement with your colleagues about who takes a read-email-break [away from the booth] and when.

This way you all manage to follow up on your emails, and can still make your guests feel welcomed at your booth.  This will hopefully lead to more happy, buying customers. Win-win!

WHEN

Set a time frame for when people are away, and limit the time for instance 10-15 min. pr. check-up 

WHO

Make note of who is away, and be sure to always have someone attend the booth. 

WHERE

Make sure the team leader is informed of where staff members are in case of re-calls for important clients visiting the booth

We hope our 3 tips were useful for attracting the right customers for your booth.

Remember to combine this rule with the 3 second test - click here to go the test

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