Anyone in the digital world is familiar with the important role influencer marketing plays. In fact, we recently did a blog post suggesting where influencer marketing responsibilities fall within a marketing team. Influencer marketing is a hot topic, and for many on-trend marketing agencies, it’s a full service provided to clients.

But, outreach and research to find these relevant industry influencers can be time consuming, if done properly to gather quality lists. If they’re doing it organically, influencer marketing professionals will scour through relevant hashtags, go on a never-ending scavenger hunt to find “suggested” among “suggested” influencer professionals, will search through a variety of platforms to find appropriate contact information, and then will tailor an outreach letter (in most cases in the form of an email or DM on social) to reach them.

To find those relevant influencers, professionals will turn to social media, the almighty google, or even travel to NY?! Yes, you heard right.

So, what happens when over 300+ mom bloggers are planning to meet in New York with the top trending baby companies in the country? You guessed right, we send Ameba Marketing’s influencer marketing professional to represent one of our clients and be exactly where she needed to be to reach those contacts.

So, when attending these events where there are over 300 people jam-packed in one hall—and not any kind of people—THE people that are your EXACT target outlet, how do you stand out? They are the influencers that your target audience is listening to so it’s important to make an impression. In fact, 72% of Instagram users report that they bought something because of something they saw on the ‘gram.  So, what do you say, do, propose, or bring with you to make an impression so great that they’ll feel compelled to feature your client on their blog, social media channel, or other outlet?

Here’s the tips from our pros at Ameba Marketing on how you can best stand out

If you’re lucky enough to have creative freedom granted to you by your client, think outside of the box. At any type of conference, event or trade show (whether its B2B or B2C), attendees will likely be bored with over 100 elevator product/service pitches. Do something different with the time you have with them. Sure, your product/service is great, but how do you make a lasting impression? Challenge yourself to think of a unique opportunity for them at your booth. And remember, if the opportunity is socially sharable for them, the more eyeballs will see it, and you’ve instantly turned your one potential customer into hundreds, even thousands!

Before you can impress, you need the right tools with you. Here’s a quick list of some networking essentials (some are easy to remember, some everybody seems to forget!)

Of course, there’s the obvious
Business cards, pens, a notebook for jotting down key conversations, media kits, sample products, table decor, etc.

Anything else?
Bring a camera or phone with high-res photo capabilities. It’ll be important to have them for social media later and post-event communication. Scissors, tape, sharpies, post it notes – this is the stuff you may have previously left at home. You never know in the set-up process what you’ll need to tear open, or seal up… And who knows, maybe someone around you will be in dire need of one of these supplies, and when you’ve saved their day, you’ve made another connection! It definitely can’t hurt.

If you’re paying to be at the event, it’s likely you’ll receive some sort of an expected attendee list. Look through that list, know who your 10-15 must-see contacts are, know what they look like, and be prepared to find them at the event. Know a little bit about these people. They’ll be impressed if you reference the newest addition to their family (that they have made public on social media), or their favorite sports team that just won their series. It’s just like tailoring an email pitch. If you pitch an editor without doing research, they’ll often find your pitch inorganic and view it as a mass pitch. Same goes for in-person introductions. Be prepared to tailor your conversation to those key influencers.

Influencer marketing, like any public relations effort is all about relationship-building. Ensuring key elements of important conversations are correctly noted will help you maintain those relationships post-event. When you exchange business cards at the event, immediately jot down a note on the back of their card. Things like, personal ties, what you promised them (product, a follow-up conversation, etc.), and other potential opportunities you may have discussed with them.

When someone comes by your booth, if it’s not someone you’re familiar with, ask them what their role is. If you understand their needs you can tailor your conversation to fit those needs in the moment. Of course, be honest, and don’t make promises your product or service can’t keep, but treat it like any other email conversation you’re having. Supply the key information that is most relevant to them, and their audience. Leave out the rest…that “additional information” can be sent over post-event.

When someone comes by your booth, if it’s not someone you’re familiar with, ask them what their role is. If you understand their needs you can tailor your conversation to fit those needs in the moment. Of course, be honest, and don’t make promises your product or service can’t keep, but treat it like any other email conversation you’re having. Supply the key information that is most relevant to them, and their audience. Leave out the rest…that “additional information” can be sent over post-event.