Do you remember the last time you experienced a moment when your social media and in-person networks came together? It could have been at a trade show.

Two Women Shaking Hands In An Office

In fact, bridging the gap between social media and in-person relationships can be both fun and informative. Meeting with those online connections at trade shows present strategic opportunities to take the relationship to the next level.

That’s why it’s important to participate in regular social-media interchanges before you attend that upcoming trade show. Your contacts can then help you promote the event! When you arrive at the trade-show event, dive right in to glad-hand the visitors that stop by your exhibit. You should have tables, furnishings and plenty of handouts available.

When you link-up in person at trade-show events with someone who has already connected with you through LinkedIn, that relational exchange brings a synergistic element to the table. Face-to-face conversation strengthens those relationships through the act of bridging the online and in-person aspects of social interchanges.

That’s why you’ll want to be sure to have all your social-media channels printed on your marketing collateral. Consider including a digital QR Code on every piece of literature, too. Make those connections and remember to smile. That’s the most powerful strategy of all!