Top tips for optimising your time at Growing Your Own Business

A little research can save you time and effort and make your visit to the exhibition a more beneficial experience.

Before the event:



Pre-book your tickets online to save money
Pre-register online to save time on the day
Make full use of the website to plan your day:
Ask yourself, ‘have I allowed enough time?’ There is a wealth of free features, advice, and exhibitors at the event. If you are investing the time to visit, make the most of what’s on and allow plenty of time
Research who will be at the event - exhibitor lists are updated regularly
Check the times of the FREE seminars available over both days and ensure you arrive in time to hear from the inspirational keynote speakers
Plan how to get to the event – will you drive or use public transport? Do you know how to get there?
Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards as well as a note pad and pen

At the event:



Pick up your free copy of Business Franchise magazine which includes a full show guide (including a floor plan and exhibitor profiles)
Literature is available on most stands and provides quick easy references to information and contacts after the event
Take notes on what companies you meet and what you are interested in at the time - these may be your potential suppliers… or clients!
Make an effort to meet as may contacts as you can - networking is a powerful tool!

Take advantage of all that is on offer:

Free seminars
Free Business Advice Zone
Networking opportunities
Make sure you visit every corner of the exhibition, you never know what you might find, or who you might meet!
Fill out all questionnaires at the event to enable the organisers to improve the value to you of future events

After the event:

Make a list of action points immediately after your visit to ensure you are making the most of having visited
Allow the time to follow up on your leads as soon as you can - the longer you leave it the less you may remember of your conversations
Continue to visit the website for updated news and advice, fresh ideas and contacts, and of course upcoming events!