Interactive Walls:
If you are trying to stand out from the other booths surrounding you, an interactive wall may just be large enough to help. These walls utilize WiFi cameras to notice when someone is passing by and changes when they do. This can be as simple as changing colors, loading a new video display, or as interactive as tracking their movements and displaying an image that follows them.

Display Tables:
Anyone can place a table in a booth and call it a convention. However, if you are trying to stand out and gain the attention of those attending the convention, an interactive display table can help. These tables are basically large touch screen monitors that allow attendees the opportunity to interact with your booth. You can display your products, promotional videos, or even small games that will attract passers-by. This creates an engaging feature that visitors will flock to, allowing you to build a relationship as they begin to interact with the table and notice your brand.

Interactive Floor Projections:
Using the technology of wireless broadband internet, motion sensitive cameras, and projections, you can create an interactive floor to grab the attention of passers-by. The hardest part of operating a booth is pulling in the visitors. These fun floor projections can grab their attention by following them around as they pass by, directing them to your booth, or just creating a dancing display that can’t be missed. You can tailor the projections to show your brand, or even cycle through different projections to keep the visitors waiting to see what’s next.

Interactive Digital Screens:
Much like an interactive wall, these interactive screens allow visitors to interact, dwell and become engulfed in the display. By utilizing the visitor shadow on the screen, visitors can control what is happening in front of them. During the display, your advertisements, brand, products, or information can pop up periodically and help visitors become aware of who and what you are. These types of screens have shown great success in conventions and people have stood in line waiting for their turn. This also allows the opportunity to talk with the visitors as they are waiting.

Visitor Centers:
Using interactive monitors and wireless internet, you can create a visitor center that will allow your booth visitors a chance to learn about your company and even offer their contact information. By creating an interactive display of information and allowing your visitors to move through the menus at their own pace, you can engage them while they learn about your brand. Once they have read through the information, watched the videos, or browsed your products, they can enter in their contact information or email addresses to receive promotions directly.

Creating visitor interaction during a convention is an important aspect for success. You want to assure that you are offering an experience that is engaging and fun, to not only stop them as they pass by, but warrant a return visit so they can get more information. Attending a convention should not just be about building new leads, it should also be about building relationships with those visiting. With broadband technology and innovative displays, you can create a memorable experience and increase your brand awareness.

Tony Alvarez is a computer tech and writes for broadbandcomparison.org, a site where you can find phone and broadband deals and compare various broadband providers to find the best solutions for your business.

Brand Message:
People tend to identify with a brand more than they do a business owner. The same goes for those following your social media advertising. In order to generate more leads, you need to be sure your brand speaks to your followers and sends the right message. You want to assure your posts and interaction with these followers are also sending your message and identifying your company in order to build confident leads.

Differentiations:
The Internet, especially social media, is full of competition. In order to generate more leads than the other guy, you have to differentiate yourself from the others. You must create a personality with your social networking that will appeal to those in whom you are interested. Users don’t login to be bored and bombarded with cookie cutter advertising messages. Give the impression that you are just hanging out on the page with them, that you are a good friend offering a good message about your company. This will spark conversation and loyal leads.

Etiquette:
There is proper and improper etiquette in everything we do. When you are on your page attempting to generate leads, be sure to exercise good etiquette. Don’t slam your competition in an effort to sway others opinions. Linking only to your products will appear spammy and lose the interest of your followers. Try linking to other products and services from other companies that your leads may find useful, entertaining, or interesting. This will show you have an interest in them as more than just a lead and create credibility.

Feedback:
The purpose of social media is to, of course, be social. If your followers post a question or comment, they are looking for feedback. Use this as an opportunity to engage your followers into conversation, debate, or an exchange of opinions – in order to create a confidence between your company and your leads. This doesn’t always have to be directly related to your company. You can offer friendly advice, information on other subjects or even kudos to humanize your company.

Use Media:
Almost all the popular social networking sites allow users to post media for sharing. If you are attempting to generate leads for your company, use other media types. Try finding YouTube videos that have a relation to your products or services, but are also entertaining. For instance, if you sell rafts, find a video of wild white water rafting daredevils – or a story of someone lost at sea and living on a raft for weeks before being rescued. This will show you’re engaging and fun, and in turn, give you more loyal leads as the readers may also tweet out the video.

Using social media for lead generation can prove to be successful. However, it takes time, creativity, and personal style to create a warm presence in a world of copper wires and computer keyboards. Try to engage your leads in conversation and offer a personal touch instead of cold advertising posts that will be overlooked. You want your brand known, but you want to give the right message in order to win over your leads.

Sheila Barnett writes on personal finance and budgeting for financial calculator, a site providing interesting planning features and investment advice for your business and financial decisions.

Cost:
The bottom line of any marketing plan is cost. You don’t want to invest more money than you have regardless of the effectiveness of the marketing strategy. If you are considering using t-shirt promotions, consider: how many t-shirts, the quality of the shirts themselves, and the cost of the design. In the past, t-shirt printing could add up to a large investment. Today the cost of printing is lower, offering you a good price for a great marketing method. With some shirts starting as low as $.30 per shirt, you can’t afford not to order them.

Effectiveness:
Everyday millions of people meet new people, whether it is through work, social interactions or by going out to the grocery store. This creates the opportunity to market your company and brand. By offering free promotional t-shirts, your company can be on the chests of many different people, reaching many different groups, and can be seen every day. This is why the low cost investment is well worth the price.

Variety:
In t-shirt printing, as with many other advertising methods, you are given a variety of options. No matter what your brand looks like, feels like, or is imagined, you can have it transferred to a t-shirt. You can have many different variations, sizes, and themes. You can celebrate your company’s anniversary, a promotional event, or special function that your company is hosting. The options are limitless.

Easy Distribution:
As with any marketing plan, distribution is important. You want your advertising to reach the right people at the right time. With promotional t-shirts this can be easy to accomplish. Conferences, promotional events, street teams, conventions and trade shows are new opportunities for distributing your t-shirts to those who are already interested in your market. Use each event, and hand out your brand to those who inquire about your products or services.

Residual Advertising:
The one factor of using t-shirts in marketing that has sparked interest with companies is the residual advertising you receive. By paying for the marketing plan one time, you see constant and long-term results. By paying once for the t-shirts and handing them out, your shirts will be seen over and over again. This allows for residual advertising with only one investment.

Companies have been using promotional t-shirts for decades. Everywhere you look you can find a business, brand, or industry screen printed on a shirt. These companies and organizations know the value of properly marketing and keeping their name public. If you are considering promotional t-shirts, take all the factors into consideration and see if it is right for you and your company.

Tina Alvarez is a marketing consultant and really enjoys branding ideas like personalised t shirts and work wear, to get your name out in front of the public.

Social Networking Apps:

Instead of listing them individually, I would just group it together. Any social network worth joining has its own app. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and even LinkedIn have mobile apps that let you stay connected. Use them to keep up with conversations, tweets, followers, and friends. Post the latest news, pictures, or specials.

Flipboard:

This fast and stylish app allows you to see all the news, picture, video and updates from your social networks in an easy to navigate magazine style layout. You can even get updates from your favorite publications, blogs, and sites, to easily share with your friends and followers.

HomeBase:

This is a must have app for those on several different social networks. You can blast your updates, pictures and links to all of your networks instantly through one app. With HomeBase there is no longer a need to sign into each social media app and recreate the update over and over. Create it once and send it through them all instantly.

HootSuite for Twitter:

Use this elegant app for Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare. HootSuite allows you to connect and converse from anyway. Use it to send and schedule posts, track click stats, and monitor keywords, #hashtags and lists. A small but powerful app for anyone socially connected to their SEO.

Flickr:

Thousands of people and millions of photos can be found on Flickr. This app allows you to browse and share photos on the go. If you need an image for one of your posts, find it on Flickr, download it, and use it on your social network.

PitchEngine:

This fast app allows companies and businesses to get the word out. It is a social networking app with only one mission, to get your message to as many people as possible. Use it to give updates on products or services, direct them to your other social networks, or just keep them informed about your company or site.

SocialMedia:

This app connects you to a Twitter event held every Tuesday by #SocialMedia. Each week a different user hosts the event and gears the conversation towards furthering the advancement of social media in business. The discussions can be joined by anyone, but it benefits those using social media in their business marketing plan the most.

Spout:

This small app allows you to connect and relax as a flood of information tailored directly towards you comes in. You will receive the latest news, updates, messages and tweets from your Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds. You will see this message swirling, twirling and eventually landing momentarily on your screen before being whisked away for the next message to arrive.

If your business takes you on the road, there is no longer a need to miss out on your social network marketing. By using your smartphone you can stay connected and on top of all the conversations, tweets and news that you have coming in. In social media marketing, response is important and your business benefits from constant connection to the people connecting with your business.

Author Stephanie Sanders is a communications consultant and writes for mobilephones.org.uk, a provider of all the latest cell phones and many unique plans.

As a business owner and exhibitor, shipping containers are part of your day-to-day operations. Have you ever considered reusing or repurposing those containers instead of sending them back? If you haven’t, you aren’t alone. Many business owners simply unpack their goods and then send the containers back to the shipping company.

There’s a new trend taking place in the business world – re-purposing shipping containers! With the myriad of business uses, it simply makes good sense to utilize these containers. Here are ways that other businesses are making these containers work for them:

1. Conventions

Shipping containers have a great number of uses for conventions:

- If you are planning on attending a convention this year, keep the next shipping container you receive on your property or rent storage space off-site. Begin packing the materials, tables and chairs that you will be using for the convention into the container. When it’s time to attend the convention, you’ll be ready to go. The entire container can be hauled with you to the site of the convention or trade show.

- Use the shipping container on-site as part of your trade show display. It’s very easy for a metal worker to weld permanent shelves and hanging rods to the inside of your container. Simply roll up or open the door and you’ve got a ready-made display stand. Not only will it eliminate the need for unpacking and repacking but it will also be a great conversation starter.

2. Mobile Office

Every good business grows in time. You may find yourself growing so rapidly that you expand right out of your current office space. Shipping containers can be repurposed as mobile offices or for storage space. If you choose to use a shipping container as an office, you can have it outfitted with electricity and heat.

Shipping containers make perfect outbuildings for storage. Use the container to store your landscaping supplies, surplus office equipment or surplus products; virtually anything that you’re having difficulty finding space for can be kept in a shipping container. Used containers can be purchased at a discount, then painted inside and out, flooring installed, etc.

3. Emergency Shelters

Every office, by law, must have an emergency plan. Make your shipping container a part of that plan! By keeping your container, or several containers, on site, you can utilize them as meeting places during an emergency. For instance, in the case of a fire, have everyone exit the building and meet in their assigned container. This will allow you to better account for your employees, and even keep the work going, should an emergency occur.

4. Donate Your Containers

Many communities are beginning to learn of the value of shipping containers. From building houses to remodeling currently standing homes, shipping containers serve to aid the community. Containers can be torn apart and recycled into goods that can be sold in the community, boosting the economy. Find a company or group that will take your used shipping containers for these purposes and contact your tax advisor to find out if you can use your donation as a tax deduction.

Shipping containers have a wide variety of uses for your business and the community. These containers are built to last and are fantastic for mobile offices, trade show booths and even storefronts. Get creative with your use of these containers! You’ll save money by using what you already have and you’ll be doing the environment a favor at the same time.

Consultant Frank Sanders works with businesses to create new uses for recycled or reclaimed storage containers. Whether you’re thinking about storage containers for rent, or purchasing a recycled one for a business project, you’ll find their many uses inspiring!

HootSuite Pro:
If you are like most businesses, you have your company spread over many different social networks. With so many out there it is sometimes hard to keep track of them all. This tool allows you to bring all your social networks into one place. You can monitor all of your networks at once. You can easily engage in conversations throughout all of your networks which are an important part of keeping your followers interested.

RockMelt Social Browser:
Sometimes there is no time to sit on your Facebook or Twitter pages and keep up with all of the conversations going on, especially if you have other things to do online. With the RockMelt browser you can surf the net and be productive while monitoring your social networks. It combines apps with your browser so you are always connected no matter what else you are doing online.

Sprout Social:
This is another social network monitoring tool that brings all of your networks to one place. There are 6 main areas that allow you to effortlessly connect with everyone.

• Dashboard: This offers a comprehensive overview of all the latest activity from your networks. It gives you a real-time look at ongoing conversations and influences.
• Inbox: With the inbox you can see who is following you on Twitter, view updates to your social feeds, respond to Twitter @mentions and see Facebook and LinkedIn updates. You can also create posts for one or all of your networks through the interface.
• Contacts: This offers a chance to organize contacts, fans and friends of your networks.
• Discovery: In Discovery you can get up to the minute keywords searches and find Twitter users based on their biographical information, including location.
• Schedule: The schedule function allows you to schedule posts of a later time or date. This is helpful if you know you will be away during your normal posting times.
• Statistics: This will give you an overview on the popularity of your Twitter posts based on the number of re-tweets for each post.

TweetDeck:
This is one of the most popular third party Twitter applications. It will take your multiple Twitter accounts and combine them, making it easy to view activity from them all. It can also be used for Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, and other social networks.

It allows you to receive all your tweets and updates but also schedule posts. It supports posting images and videos and will even let you record from your webcam directly through the application. There are even mobile apps available for monitoring while you are on the go.

With social networking and business becoming more integrated, the more tools you have the better you will do. Creating your social networks can offer additional success in your business; however, without properly monitoring and engaging those social networks, you will miss out on the rewards. Check into the mentioned tools and see which ones will help you keep your social networks in order.

Web designer Mark Williams is a content contributor for www.mintleafstudio.com.au in Melbourne, Australia and highly recommends their work.

With so many competitors participating in one particular event, how can you make yourself shine in the spotlight? Here are some marketing strategy tips that will surely make your upcoming events more beneficial for your business.

Go to the Source

There is a great benefit to be had from working with the trade show’s organizers. People who facilitate these types of events will utilize online directories to look for businesses that they want to invite. Remember the organizers are “selling” the tradeshow to both consumers and exhibitors, so check with them for advertising opportunities in which you can participate. Make it a point to communicate with your respective account manager in order to obtain the best use of their services. Ask for a buyer’s list and discounts for promotions in the trade show directory.

Pre-planning and Groundwork

To optimize your marketing strategies for holiday trade fairs, be sure to arrange your booth location and arrange your exhibits in a way that allows guests to easily engage with the business products and services. Make use of creative giveaways that tell the guests what your business is about. Include free and entertaining activities to attract more guests to your booth—for instance, if you’re promoting gadgets or game consoles, why not setup free trial games at your booth and let the guests give them a try?

Web Networking

Showcasing your company at trade fairs or exhibitions should involve lots of planning through the use of social media—such as text, emails, Facebook and Twitter—to be able to reach a broader audience. Return on marketing investment or ROMI, is an essential element of focus by the latest breed of outcome-oriented marketers. Companies have geared up for revenue generation with digital media blitzes, by extending their in-place social sites to a wider audience with improved connections throughout these forums. Marketers can easily advertise their latest trade shows by private invitations to individuals who are participating in the forum or network.

Enticing Video Presentations

Bright slideshow presentations and video streaming at your booth is sure to attract the guests passing by. A simple microphone with a compact speaker can allure passing visitors to stop and listen for a while, to your product or service promotions as well as details about your business. Getting the news out is essential to your business success, whether your product is language courses or innovative technology.

Make the presentation simple and focused on content and quality. Keep the reputability of the image with panel display videos, compact audio equipment, and wireless microphones that can screen through the high degrees of background noise from the surrounding booths. Be sure to invest in high quality equipment rentals as well as accessories, in order to improve your presence and approach to the guests.

Christmas and New Years always seems to bring to mind the warm of sharing, generosity and good will. It can also be a time for true reflection of your business practices, the good and the “can be improved upon” alike. Many companies have ultimately failed because their owners were not willing to compromise or shift their thinking. Consider the state of your local or global economy, as well as the changes you need to make in order to fall into step with technological advances. Think of ways to include those customers whose budgets have decreased; the loyalty this will build cannot be bought.

Marty Thomas is a marketing consultant, and as a musician is always involved in his company’s Christmas party planning. He uses this Christmas Songs site as a source for lyrics, from traditional carols to Christmas Rap Music.

If you do plan to exhibit this year, spending more money on your displays could be something out of reach. Instead, focus on these top ten tips to ensure a solid presence without all the fluff:

1. Planning: Proper research and planning prior to a trade show can take up to 18 months. Don’t make the mistake of throwing things together at the last minute. Not only will your booth look disorganized, you may not have the materials you need.

2. Reminders: Sending e-mail or printed reminders to loyal customers can boost the traffic at your booth. People tend to travel in pairs so you can realistically expect two people for every invitation extended.

3. Staffing: Send an adequate number of employees to man your booth. You should have at least one person covering the booth at all times. Having two or three people behind the counter will allow for better interaction with current and potential clients.

4. The Right People: While it may be your habit to send your most senior people, if they aren’t outgoing and personable, this can be a mistake. One of the benefits of attending a trade show is the ability to network. You want to send people that will be effective at the task.

5. Dress Code: While attending trade shows can be seen as a mini-vacation by your employees, it is anything but—be sure to establish a strict dress code while working the booth. If your company doesn’t utilize uniforms, make certain the staff is in business attire. Your employees will look more professional and approachable.

6. Appearance: Encourage your employees to keep their appearance professional. Overly accessorizing with jewelry, cosmetics or hair product or staff with over-the-top hairdos, obvious tattoos or facial piercings should be avoided. People tend to see this as tacky and may avoid your booth all together.

7. Practice/Role Play: You know your industry better than anyone. Conduct practice question and answer sessions with the employees you will be sending to represent your business. Practice sessions will alleviate some of the nervousness your employees may be feeling at the prospect of being inundated with unknown queries. It could also weed out ineffective communicators.

8. Guides: If the trade show has provided a floor map and itinerary, be sure to provide this information to prospects. Also give the info to the staff you will be sending, highlighting any competitors’ booths so your employees will know where they are located. Also mark off any booths that you would like your employees to visit.

9. Follow Up: Establish guidelines for your employees to follow when contacting potential leads and customers after the trade show. If they are several methods of contact, make certain they are tracking properly—duplicate communications to the same people can be annoying, not to mention the wasted time.

10. Courtesy: Anyone who stops by your booth should be greeted immediately and thanked for stopping by as they are ready to walk away. Thank prospects again when you follow-up with them after the trade show. This is a simple case of good manners and, because they are often lacking in today’s society, will be remembered and appreciated.

Jazzing up your presence at a trade show doesn’t have to mean a large outlay of cash. Remember that selling your business means selling yourself, so staff accordingly. With thoughtful planning and preparation, you can ensure your company’s success at any upcoming shows.

As a small business consultant, Tom Blanchard researches new ways to market on the web, and highly recommends attending tradeshows for new prospect marketing. He also writes for Coupon Croc, a UK site that has introduced businesses in that region to the art of coupon advertising.

Trade shows offer companies a unique way to market themselves and boost business. In the current recession, it makes sense for businesses to cut costs where they can and trade show attendance may seem costly. It’s advisable, however, to maintain your presence in at least one major trade show per year. Not only can you promote new products but you can also garner new interest in your company. Here are the top 10 reasons to attend at least one trade show this season:

1. Increase Awareness

Number one, on any list of reasons why your business should be present at a trade show, is to increase awareness. This can lead to business deals, new customers and, not the least of all, talented new employees.

2. Check Out the Competition

Every business person knows that trade shows offer a great opportunity to check out what the competition is offering. Comparing your business to the competition is a great way to become aware of both your strengths and your weaknesses.

3. Networking

Because more businesses are cutting trade show attendance from their budget, you are likely to run into very specific vendors from the community. Use this to your advantage!

4. Vendors

Rather than spending part of your budget hosting different vendors throughout the year you can make contact with many vendors under one roof. Because so many vendors are gathered in one place, they may be offering their best deals at the trade show.

5. Marketing

By exhibiting at trade shows, you are making your company available to the press. Many newspapers, trade magazines and even bloggers attend trade shows. This is a great way to garner free publicity from a variety of sources.

6. Education

Many companies offer seminars that are only held at trade shows. By attending seminars, you’ll be able to meet new people and gain insight into new ways of operating your business. If you are taking an employee or two with you, assign them to a seminar or two as well.

7. New Ideas

By visiting different booths, you may just find that you are exposed to new ideas. Whether these ideas are centered around marketing, employee retention or even product improvement, staying fresh is a way to boost yourself above the competition.

8. Generate Leads

Be sure to grab a copy of the trade show directory as it will be indispensable once you return to the office. Use the directory to create a list of contacts, be they potential customers or new vendors. Be sure to accept any business cards that are offered as well.

9. Customer Feedback

Customers are a valuable source of information. Many people won’t take the time to fill out a written survey but most are more than happy to share their opinion with you in person. Be sure to actively listen to the feedback you are receiving and take notes so you recall what you are told later.

10. Distribute Your Product

Most consumers are more apt to make a purchase once they have been able to try out a product. Distribute samples of your product and hand out promotional goods that are relevant to your business. If you have a product that doesn’t lend itself to samples, be sure to have a demonstration set up. Showcasing what you have to offer, and exactly how it works, will garner more sales than any commercial or print ad.

It makes good business sense to cut what you can from your budget in today’s economy. Attending trade shows, however, offers long-term benefit and should be kept in the budget whenever possible. The leads generated and number of potential customers reached will boost your business in the future. In our current recession, the opportunity to generate business simply cannot be ignored.

Marketing how to ideas are a specialty of Steve Mendoza, a marketing consultant and contributor to deluxerev.com, a site with dedicated advisors and winning strategies for businesses of all types.

Promotional products have been a mainstay of businesses for generations. In the past, many businesses would pay to have their name painted on the sides of buildings. Customers and potential customers would see the advertisements on their daily travels. The name eventually became branded in people’s mind, and when someone needed some shave cream or motor oil, they had a product name right on the tip of their tongue.

In the past, companies promoted their products by getting their name on any surface that people would see or use. The kitchen is the most used room in any home, and the most used appliance in any home is the refrigerator. The most popular promotional product at one time was the refrigerator magnet. The local plumber and mechanic all had refrigerator magnets. Hardware stores had yardsticks and banks had calendars. Times have changed and promo gifts have as well.

Be Current

Everyone wants the latest in technology. People stand in lines for hours for the newest gadget. Gadget accessories like skins for cell phones and flash drives are what people use daily. Many people never leave home without their laptops. Laptop carriers and covers will get your company name within eyesight of hundreds of people daily. Flashlight key chains are always a thoughtful winner.

Mainstay Items with a New Twist

Coffee mugs are still tremendously popular as a promotional item. Thermos type go-containers that keep the beverage hot or cold are ideal as well. People will carry your mugs on trains, buses and in taxis. Not only, is the user seeing the company name, so are countless others. Recycled go-cups are ok too, as are the slip on hot cup holders.

Water bottles that can be used repeatedly are the perfect item to give away. Who hasn’t seen runners and joggers carrying a plastic water bottle with them? There are even water bottles that have their own filtration system right in the cap. Water bottles still make perfect promotional items.

Virtual Debit Gift Cards are a New Trend

Virtual debit gift cards show a company’s commitment to their customers and can be given to anyone with an email address. Each recipient receives an email with a link to follow to activate the “card.” Within minutes, the client or customer can use the debit gift card to shop by phone, online or even catalogs. The virtual gift card has all the benefits of a traditional gift card, can be used instantly, and meanwhile you have a valuable valid email address for future specials or newsletters. The gift card is an excellent idea for any time of the year and a perfect promo for drawings.

Philosophical Branding

Health, technology and the environment are more than just trends for many people. Using promotional items that show your commitment will garner tremendous exposure for your company. Trinkets are fine in some instances, but for the most part, they collect dust in the junk drawer or end up in the trash. Promotional items are a viable alternative to print and media advertisement in some cases. Commercials are needed as well as print advertisement, but people want tangible items, things they can hold and use.

The push toward reusable tote bags for grocery shopping is a great idea, but instead of giving them away the typical grocery store will sell you bags with their logo on it. Free totes with your own logo will make their way through the grocery stores, down the street, on public transportation (buses to subways); they’ll be used for everything from book bags to toting a change of clothes to the gym.

Gone are the days of labeled pens and stickie pad popularity, so show your customers that you are current by giving away items that are meaningful and demonstrate your company values. Your customers will appreciate your thoughtfulness and remember you when they are making their purchases.

Author Anthony Balistreri is a financial advisor and content contributor for GetDebit.com, a site with great information on how to get prepaid debit cards as virtual promo items or great gifts for your teens.