The Social Trade Show: Leveraging Social Media and Virtual Events to Connect With Your Customers

1. Create and Connect Your Community

Social media isn’t a campaign or a tool to be rolled out a week or two before a big show. It is a commitment of time and resources undertaken so your company can connect not just with customers and potential customers at an event, but also with your industry’s larger community: a community of other suppliers, associations, media representatives, thought leaders, potential employees, mentors, and mentees. But why should you make an ongoing commitment for a three-day event? Being an active member of a community builds your company’s reputation as a trusted solution provider and its employees as thought leaders in your industry. People in your community will get to know your company as more than just a brand. ...