Making the most of franchise trade shows

Have you ever been to a trade show? Most of us will answer, Yes! Have you ever been to a franchise trade show with a motive to take up a franchisee? Here most would answer maybe not! And if you have, how many of you have actually landed up in making a right franchise selection? Only a few!

Franchise trade shows are a great source of information if you aspire to own a business through the franchise route. These trade shows provide a platform to the people who are aspiring to take up a franchise and to those who are aspiring to expand their successful business model through franchising. At such trade shows, one can meet representatives from a large number of brands, depending up on the size of the show. You can also learn from other entrepreneurs seeking the right brand for themselves.

These shows provide best opportunity to get your doubts clarified. These shows are generally divided into two sections.

• Exhibition
• Conferences or seminars

Exhibitions are helpful in the sense that you can meet various brand representatives at the stalls that they have booked. So you need not search for them here and there.

Conferences and seminars are of great significance as one can list to the experts in the field who give their advise on running the businesses successfully.

Being an aspiring franchisee there are some must do’s for you, to gain maximum from a franchise trade show.

Make a choice: Before you decide to attend franchise trade show choose the brands that interest you. Gather as much information as possible about these brands and prepare questions to clarify your doubts.

Exchange contacts: While being on the show visit the stalls of the brands of your interest. Exchange your business cards with the people there and leave your card or contact information with the brands you like.

Analyse: After the completion of the show, just analyse the brands on which you have gathered information. As you have already left your contact information with the brands just wait for a call from the franchisors.

Arm yourself with these tips, and you will be better prepared next time you decide to attend a franchise trade show.