You’re at a trade show and need to build trust with your team. What’s the best way to do it?

2 Stay connected

During the trade show, keep in touch with your team regularly. Use a communication tool or app that allows you to send messages, share updates, and coordinate schedules. Check in with your team members individually and collectively, and offer praise, encouragement, and assistance. Listen to their concerns, challenges, and suggestions, and address them promptly and respectfully. Stay connected also means being present and attentive when you are with your team, and avoiding distractions or interruptions. Staying connected will help you maintain a sense of cohesion, alignment, and trust.

3 Have fun

Trade shows can be demanding and draining, so it's important to have some fun and relax with your team. Find ways to inject some humor, creativity, and enjoyment into your work. For example, you can create a game or a contest to motivate your team, reward them for their achievements, or celebrate their milestones. You can also schedule some time for socializing, bonding, and unwinding with your team, such as having a meal, a drink, or an activity together. Having fun will help you reduce stress, boost morale, and strengthen relationships.

4 Learn and grow

Trade shows are not only a chance to showcase your expertise, but also to learn from others and improve your skills. Encourage your team to seek out opportunities for learning and growth, such as attending workshops, seminars, or demos, visiting other booths, or networking with peers and mentors. Ask your team to share their insights, feedback, and lessons learned with each other, and apply them to your work. Create a culture of curiosity, openness, and continuous improvement. Learn and grow will help you enhance your performance, expand your knowledge, and increase your confidence.

5 Be flexible

Trade shows are unpredictable and dynamic, so you need to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and needs. Be ready to adjust your plans, strategies, or tactics as needed, and communicate any changes to your team. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, or opportunities that may arise, and embrace them as challenges rather than threats. Be supportive of your team members when they face difficulties or make mistakes, and help them find solutions rather than blame them. Be flexible will help you cope with uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities.

6 Show appreciation

Trade shows are a team effort, so you need to show appreciation and gratitude to your team for their hard work, contribution, and commitment. Recognize and acknowledge their achievements, strengths, and skills, and give them specific and sincere compliments. Express your thanks and appreciation to your team, both verbally and non-verbally, and show them that you value and respect them. You can also show appreciation by giving them feedback, rewards, or recognition, or by asking for their feedback, opinions, or ideas. Show appreciation will help you build trust, loyalty, and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?