As a home-based business, you will want to start small, perhaps exhibiting at a small show sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce or your local home-based business association, especially if your product or service is targeted to businesses and consumers in your locality.

Whether you will be participating in a large or small trade show, here are some useful hints:

• Try to attend the shows at which you plan to exhibit before you reserve a space to get an idea of the booth set-ups, attendees, space, and competition for your business. 

• To keep expenses down, initially consider sharing space with other exhibitors or a material supplier. Nonetheless, look for an ideal location for a booth that would allow you to have the most people walk by.  

• Use a portable booth – they are affordable and easy to transport and set-up. If possible, set up a portable booth beforehand in your home or garage so you can evaluate its appearance.  

• Let people you want to see at the show know that you will be there by sending invitations to visit your booth. 

• Send news releases and photos to trade journals and other media.  Most industry magazines publish special show editions. Make your advertising simple and explanatory.

• Have plenty of promotional literature, business cards and samples for visitors to take. Make ordering quick and convenient, possibly offering show specials or free shipping.  

• Do not make your booth too "crowded". You have only four to six seconds to get the attention of your prospect.

• Learn from other exhibitors, especially those who seem to attract the most people.  If you have someone working with you, take some time to view the other booths, and also get some feedback from others.

• Have a method of getting interested people's names and addresses (e.g. a guest book inviting them to be on your mailing list). Follow-up leads right after the show – before the competition does.