We have a fundraising website at http://doubleii.com/fundraising.html - contact me and I can add your donation request to site and perhaps provide an avenue for a fundraiser to find you. This would be a benefit to your paid subscription to this newsletter.

This tactic does work - if people like your offering. I have used it at church silent auctions, and at swim team fundraisers. The woman with a store next to me has donated items to sporting events. It does bring in more awareness of your business, and should increase your sales. Make sure to include your business and contact information so that you will be recognized.

* Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

* Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out binder where visitors can flip through pages.

* Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

* Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at Bridges to Better Business trade show in Brampton and included a basket of Girl Guide cookies on my table. They were a big hit… I wish I had brought more. If you can, package your food in a way that will allow you to have your company contact info on it.

* Offer Gift Certificates for some of your services. There’s nothing better than getting a deal and, when they ‘cash in’ their certificate, they will see how valuable your services are and will come back for more.

* Have a draw for a prize. Offer a prize that, in some way, compliments your business if possible, and appeals to anyone. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fish bowl or gift bag. You can then use this information at a later date to make a follow up contact.

* If show will be on for an extended length of time, be sure to have assistance in manning your booth so you can take a break. If you don’t have option of having someone take over for a bit, be sure to put up a note that tells people how long you will be gone or when you will be back.

Most importantly, be friendly and inviting. Say hi to those that turn and look toward you or your booth. Strike up a conversation and be sure to have a short introductory speech ready. And…have fun!