Trade show booth

Local and regional trade shows generally don't throw you any surprises, but if you'll be exhibiting at an overseas exhibition or conference, it's vital that you understand international business etiquette. If you create a situation in which visitors to your Trade show booth are uncomfortable or feel slighted, you can damage relationships with international customers that may take months to repair. Pleading ignorance isn't an excuse. It's your responsibility to understand the business protocol of every country and culture.

The advent of email, instant messaging and other forms of instant communication has overtaken many old-fashioned approaches but, sometimes, traditional courtesies are your best ally. Be sure to send handwritten thank you notes to any strong prospects who visited your trade show booth. If someone seemed particularly interested in a demonstration or specific product, tuck some additional information into the thank you note. Don't forget to mention that you'll be calling them in a week or so to discuss their needs.

Another option is to send the standard literature package you send out to everyone who signed up at your trade show booth, but personalize it with a brief message. A note with just a few sentences is great, but take it even further by highlighting key points that address any issues they discussed with you.