Conference Dates: July 24th through the 26th
Marketwatch Article — SBIR and Global Trade Summit
One of the greatest problem company’s have in securing SBIR proposal awards is not having the right information and being aware of what the marketplace already contains. Conferences such as the upcoming SBIR and Global Trade Summit in Connecticut is a good opportunity to address both of these problems.
“During the conference, small businesses will be able to present their innovations directly to representatives from global commercial contractors looking for manufacturing and technology partners, federal agencies looking to supplement their research capabilities, and universities seeking to commercialize their research. Moreover, attendees can meet directly with experts from some of the fastest growing international markets for advice and assistance on exporting,” said Deb Santy, director of the Connecticut SBIR Office.
If you are attending remember the following tips for a productive conference:
- Have a capabilities sheet. This one page summary of the who, what, why, and where of your organization is the focus of any conversations you have during the conference.
- Provide and collect business cards or contact information. Leverage the conference to gain contacts in the various organizations. Some will be very useful to you, others not so much.
- Open mind … be open to a critique of your ideas and new opportunities that may present themselves.
- Set time aside after the conference to reach and communicate with the people and organizations that you have met. Ask specific questions and try to find points of conversation. Dialog is the best friend of business development.
Even through shows like this can be intimidating and frustrating learning to go with the flow and picking valuable insights and contacts can lead to future opportunities and success.
If anyone needs assistance in preparing a capabilities sheet just drop me a note.
