It Pays to Attend Business Conferences
It Pays to Attend Business Conferences
It Pays to Attend Business Conferences
Have you ever wondered whether it was worth the effort to attend business conferences? I know that I have.
As an entrepreneur who works from home most days, I have gotten comfortable sitting behind my computer creating courses, writing, and producing podcasts. These days my business day starts after a short walk from my bedroom to my office. No more long commutes for me.
So, I wonder, why should I travel 500 miles away to attend a conference. I probably will not know anyone there. I probably will never see them again.
If that sounds like you, I understand. That was me a few years ago.
That was my attitude until I followed my mentor's advice and began to attend business conferences. Now, Dexter and I attend 2-3 business conferences a year that are outside of our local commuting area.
I have learned that it pays to attend business conferences. Let me explain my point.
1. Fantastic Educational Experiences
What I have discovered, is when you chose the right business conference, you will find wonderful educational experiences. Often, the speakers are industry leaders who have analyzed the industry. They have a unique view point that will be valuable to you. The presentation that they give could help you see issues from a different perspective.
I recall a speaker training event I recently attended, headlined by two powerful speakers. Their perspective on how to position myself as a keynote speaker completely changed my view point on the topic. After I left the event I was energized and ready to execute what I had just learned.
The same could happen to you.
Be open to new ideas and perspectives when you attend business conferences. You could have a fantastic educational experience.
It Pays to Attend Business Conferences
2. Fabulous Networking Opportunities
When you attend business conferences, you have fabulous networking opportunities. You have an opportunity to network with the speakers and your peers. Networking at business conferences can be tremendously rewarding.
After sitting behind the computer day in and day out, the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs is invigorating. No, I am not complaining about the freedom of being my own boss and the opportunity to work from home. I am just saying, that it can be fun to get out and mingle sometime.
Attending a business conference gives me the excuse to reach outside of my comfort zone to connect with people I do not know.
I make it a point to listen to them. I am curious about their business and how they have achieved success.
Networking is not about be passing out 100 business cards or giving my elevator speech. Rather, networking is about building relationships that could possibly turn into a partnership or a client in the future. While attending a business conference I like to have conversations with several people throughout the conference.
Remember, networking is not about immediate sales. Be sure to listen carefully, be authentic, and be open to new ideas.
Hopefully, like me, you will find fabulous networking opportunities attending business conferences.
It Pays to Attend Business Conferences
3. The Ability to Share What You Have Learned
For me, one of the best ways it pays to attend a business conference, is the opportunity for me to share what I learned. When I share content from a live event with my audience and clients I position myself as an expert and thereby, improve my credibility. By positioning myself as an expert it leads to more speaking engagements and clients for me.
You can do the same thing! Begin to share what you have learned when you attend business conferences.
Your audience and clients will be impressed that you were in the audience!
Additionally, the educational content that you learned during the event can help you grow your business as you help your clients who could not attend.
Remember to always think about how you can best serve your clients and audience. When you keep them first, you will have a strong following of people who want to learn from you.
Conclusion/Call to Action
I have learned from experience that it pays to attend business conferences. Even when it means my daily routine is interrupted. The time and expense of being away from home makes it all worthwhile. In my experience the three most significant ways that it pays to attend business conferences are:
1. The Fantastic Educational Experiences
2. The fabulous Networking Opportunities
3. The Ability to Share What You Have Learned
Give it a try. See if it pays for you to attend business conferences.
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Podcasting Power Playbook, to help you increase your visibility, credibility, and authority status. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online marketing strategist, and speaker, providing you results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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5 Tips for Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
5 Tips for Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
What if you had five tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs?
Would that help you to make new contacts with potential clients? Would a few time-proven tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs give your business the opportunity to get a needed boost of innovative ideas or capital? Perhaps you would you gain greater visibility, credibility, and authority as you build relationships
If so, then read on to learn about how to become a savvy networker. In this article I share with you the strategies that I have used over the years as an attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker to connect to hundreds of people who have been helpful to both my business and my career.
1. Do Your Homework Before the Event
Study the event literature ahead of time. Check out the event’s Facebook page, if it has one. Be sure to make a note of people you would like to meet at the event.
Then look up the people you would like to meet on LinkedIn or Facebook. But do not be creepy about it.
For example, do not research every detail of their personal lives and then scare your new contacts.
Know just enough to focus on one thing – their specialty is the best bet. For example, you can truthfully say, “I hear you are the expert to go to, when it comes to setting up a podcast.”
Be careful not to ask for free advice on your WordPress podcasting plugin conflict. Instead focus on your contact. Give him an opportunity to talk about why he loves podcasting.
If you think you can absolutely use your new contact’s services, ask if she has an opening for a new client.
Exchange business cards or contact details, promise to call or email about your needs. Then contact him within twenty-four hours.
2. Bring Someone with You
If you are shy or nervous about attending the event, ask someone to go with you. Choose carefully and choose someone whose presence would add to the event. Ask someone who would genuinely enjoy it.
For example, if you are going to a “small business organization” conference and the friendly administrative assistant who helps you with social media expresses an interest, she will most likely be the perfect guest to take.
Having someone supportive and professionally savvy with you helps defuse shyness. Also, you can introduce each other to key people you know will be good contacts.
Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
3. Set Personal Goals
This is different from your main goal in attending a networking event. Set personal goals only you will ever know about for the event itself.
For example, if you are “bad with names,” plan to learn and remember the names of six people.
These goals should be unique to you and designed to help get you past blocks.
For example, plan to get contact information from five people if you are hesitant about asking for business cards or email addresses. Or plan to simply talk to three people during each break.
When you are focused on meeting a goal, you are more likely to push yourself. That is when you will meet or even exceed your goals.
4. Organize the Event Yourself
One of the best ways to defuse fear of attending networking events lies in organizing one yourself. Here are a few tips to help you organize a successful networking event:
- Find out everything you can about organizing a successful event
- Decide what type would best suit your intended audience and your level of comfort
- Hire an experienced assistant – or recruit an experienced volunteer, if you do not have experience organizing events
- Find an industry peer to co-host it with you.
- Keep the event as simple as possible.
Once you have organized a networking event you will never feel quite as intimidated or bored with a networking event again.
5. Follow Up After the Event
Do not just connect with people.
Look for opportunities to help them.
For example, do you have a template back at your home office that would solve your new contact’s problem?
Is there a link you can share to a valuable resource?
Promise to send whatever it is that you have told your new contact about, if she is receptive. Then be sure to follow up when you get home and send it straight away. Sending it within twenty-four hours is the norm, and what people will look for.
Here is another helpful hint to use after the event. You should always try having something valuable you can send or share. This is a natural way to get your new contact’s email address.
If your new contact lives in the same city, invite her out for lunch or for coffee. Also, let her know about other events you think she might like.
If your new contact lives out of town and you hear she is going to visit, put her up at your house if the two of you have really hit it off.
If the connection is not quite strong enough for that, arrange to have breakfast or lunch when she is in town.
Conclusion/Call to Action
By following these 5 tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs, you will increase your credibility, visibility, and authority as you build relationships. Remember to:
- Do Your Homework
- Bring Someone with You
- Set Personal Goals
- Organize the Event Yourself
- Follow Up
For more networking tips check out the following articles:
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can Be a Star
10 Practical Self-Improvement Tips for 2018
Networking in the Age of Social Media
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
Do you dread going to networking events? Yes, I understand your fear and concern. As an attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker I have attended hundreds of networking events and agonized over what to do and say. You may wonder whether you will say the right things. Perhaps, you are thinking whether it will be worth your time and effort to attend. What if I shared with you, 5 quick and easy strategies that I have learned and used that will allow you to network like an awesome entrepreneur? Would you find that helpful?
If so, continue reading to find out how you can network like an awesome entrepreneur.
1. Prepare and Ask Follow-Up Questions
The first strategy in learning to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to prepare and use great follow up questions. When the person you have approached responds to your opening comments you need to have a great follow-up question to ask to continue the conversation.
If all you can think of is “oh, that’s nice” your new contact will not be impressed.
Before you go to the event think up follow-up questions that will get your new contact talking.
Try to put yourself in her shoes. What questions would she like for you to ask? Remember, people like to talk about themselves. Ask follow-up questions that will allow them to impress you!
For example:
• “What do you like most about being a ___________?”
• “What got you started in _____________?”
• “Did you imagine in high school you’d be a __________ one day?
• Did you always know you were going to ____________?”
• “That must entail a lot of responsibility. How do you deal with _________?”
Remember before going to a networking event to brainstorm follow-up questions that are guaranteed to get the other person talking!
For more tips on savvy networking check out the following blog posts and podcasts:
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can be a Star
Network Like a Pro!
2. Donate to Networking Events
The second strategy in learning how to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to donate items to the networking event. Just make sure the items are incredibly useful and memorable.
For example, if people are going to want to take notes, give out mini-clipboards with notepads and pens on. Brand your donated item.
Or if it is an outdoor sports event, give away baseball caps branded with your information.
The key with any sort of giveaway is to make sure:
• The giveaway is visually and aesthetically pleasing – a nice shape that fits comfortably in a pocket or beautiful color
• It is going to be something indispensable – something highly useful and relevant
• The giveaway includes your contact information and what you do – your big benefit – so that when people need someone who provides what you provide, they remember to go check out that giveaway that they are still using.
3. Use a Custom Nametag at Networking Events
The third strategy in learning how to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to create a permanent custom badge. Then use it at networking events.
Lose that paper nametag that you find at the door of networking events!
Make sure that your custom name badge reflects your business. By choosing the right shape or graphic with your name displayed within or underneath it can help people remember you much better than they remember your peers.
Your custom name badge can also be a conversation starter!
You might also want to consider putting your name on a custom-made tin badge with your snappy slogan – the one you wrote specifically for the networking event.
4. Volunteer at Networking Events
Volunteer at networking events. This has several distinct advantages.
First, you are perceived as an “insider” – someone who it could be worthwhile getting to know.
Second, you get a “sneak peek” at the people attending without any pressure on you, all while you are helping them.
Also, unbelievably, volunteering can be the perfect strategy if you are an introvert. The benefits vary but are substantial. For example, you can:
• Familiarize yourself with the venue before the rest of the world arrives.
• Meet key organizers who will make you feel comfortable.
• Use your official capacity to speak to people in comfort.
Familiarizing yourself in advance with unfamiliar places is something you probably consciously do already – only this time, you are also familiarizing yourself with people you want to meet.
Not only do you get to meet and assess people, you also get to decide on exactly who you want to follow up with later.
5. Arrive Early at Networking Events
This simple little strategy can make you more valuable contacts than all other strategies lumped together!
When you arrive early, you meet other proactive and organized people. There is a more relaxed pace, and people naturally tend to chat before the event begins.
This is when the most natural conversations take place.
This is when people really will remember you!
For other great tips on networking, check out this article at businessnewsdaily.com: 7 Ways to Make a Connection
Conclusion/Call to Action
If you are interested in networking like an awesome entrepreneur, then follow these 5 strategies.
1. Prepare and Ask Follow-up Questions
2. Donate to Networking Events
3. Use a Custom Nametag
4. Volunteer at Networking Events
5. Arrive Early
By following these 5 networking strategies, you will feel at ease, make great connections, and network like an awesome entrepreneur.
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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How to Network Like a Pro!
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Network Like a Pro!
Network Like a Pro!
To network like a professional often requires you to change your mindset. In this interview with business consultant, Leslie Cardinal, you will learn all about the proper networking mindset and attitude. Leslie also shares advice on (1) why we should network; (2) some common mistakes in networking; and (3) helpful tips to relieve your jitters when you network. If you want to become a savvy networker, listen to this interview on My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series to learn how to network like a pro!
Network Where Your “Tribe” Hangs Out
You need to network where your “tribe” hangs out. Where does your “target market” or “tribe” hang out? Are they on-line? If so, where? You need to go where they go. If they are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest then make sure that you are posting relevant information. If they are in your local area, then go out to meet them. Engage with your potential clients by asking questions and getting to know them. Learn from them. They have a lot to teach you. To network like a pro, you should commit to reaching out on a consistent basis to establish relationships. It is the relationships that you establish that will help build your authority.
Become a Problem Solver
To network like a pro you need to do more than post articles and put links to your website. You need to make a habit of commenting, connecting, and offering solutions to issues. Every solution that you offer does not have to relate to something that you are selling. You will build your credibility if you show genuine interest in solving problems.
Become a Connector
To network like a pro you should aim to connect people who can help each other. For example, if you meet someone who is looking for a graphic designer, you can connect them with the person who designed your logo. We often find ourselves recommending products and services of the people who have helped us build our business. When you help your “target market” and connect them with useful information, it positions you as an authority.
Click here to read more about networking- Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can Be a Star!
Conclusion
As you learn to network like a pro by (1) networking where your “tribe” hangs out; (2) becoming a problem solver; and (3) becoming a connector, you will reap many benefits. For example, as you build connections with them, you are building your authority. You are also creating a tremendous boost for your business.
Another great way to connect and engage with your audience is through creating your own podcast series. To find out how to produce an impactful podcast series grab a copy of our: Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook. We will show you step-by-step how to become a great podcast host.
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Pamela Montgomery
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Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can Be a Star!
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs
Networking is a crucial skill for an entrepreneur. It is all about you developing and using contacts for business beyond the initial meeting. Networking helps you (1) build relationships and (2) build your status as an authority. Have you ever noticed that some celebrities are everywhere? You can't open a magazine or watch a television show without spotting them! They have great brands and therefore, great visibility. However, you don't have to be a celebrity to have the same kind of star power in your market. Networking with the right people will help build your credibility, visibility, and authority. This article will discuss how using a few proven strategies, you too can be seen everywhere!
Eight Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs
A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine gave eight tips for effective networking. They are:
- Try one or two new groups per month. You can attend almost any organization's meetings a few times before you must join. This is another way to stretch yourself and make a new set of contacts. Determine what business organizations and activities you would best fit into. It may be the chamber of commerce, the arts council, a museum society, a civic organization, a baseball league, a computer club or the PTA. Attend every function you can that synergizes your goals and customer/prospect interaction.
- Carry your business cards with you everywhere. After all, you never know when you might meet a key contact, and if you don't have your cards with you, you lose out. Take your cards to church, the gym, parties, the grocery store–even on walks with the dog.
- Don't make a beeline for your seat. Frequently, you'll see people at networking groups sitting at the dinner table staring into space–half an hour before the meal is due to start. Why are they sitting alone? Take full advantage of the valuable networking time before you have to sit down. Once the meeting starts, you won't be able to mingle.
- Don't sit by people you know. Mealtime is a prime time for meeting new people. You may be in that seat for several hours, so don't limit your opportunities by sitting with your friends. This is a wonderful chance to get to know new people on either side of you. Sure, it's more comfortable to hobnob with familiar faces. But remember, you are spending precious time and money to attend this event. Get your money's worth; you can talk to your friends some other time.
- Get active. People remember and do business with leaders. Don't just warm a chair–get involved and join a committee or become a board member. If you don't have time, volunteer to help with hospitality at the door or checking people in. This gives you a reason to talk to others, gets you involved in the inner workings of the group, and provides more visibility.
- Be friendly and approachable. Pretend you are hosting the event. Make people feel welcome. Find out what brought them there, and see if there's any way you can help them. Introduce them to others, make business suggestions or give them a referral. Not only will you probably make a friend, but putting others at ease eliminates self-consciousness. A side benefit: What goes around comes around. If you make the effort to help others, you'll soon find people helping you.
- Set a goal for what you expect from each meeting. Your goals can vary from meeting to meeting. Some examples might be: learning from the speaker's topic, discovering industry trends, looking for new prospects or connecting with peers. If you work out of your home, you may find your purpose is simply to get out and talk to people face to face. Focusing your mind on your goal before you even walk into the event keeps you on target.
- Be willing to give to receive. Networking is a two-way street. Don't expect new contacts to shower you with referrals and business unless you are equally generous. Follow up on your contacts; keep in touch; always share information or leads that might benefit them. You'll be paid back tenfold for your thoughtfulness.
If you implemented half of these tips you would see the effectiveness of your networking increase exponentially. Just think about all the new people and potential clients that you would meet. We go to several networking events during the month. Either together or separately. It is our experience that practicing Tip #8-Be willing to give to receive, is crucial to successful networking. Your thoughtfulness will always make a positive impression.
Sometimes It is About Who You Know
As an entrepreneur you want to make use of industry specific networking. For example, if you are trying to build credibility and authority in the health and nutrition niche, you may want to partner with someone in the fitness niche. Your association with a known expert can build your reputation and increase the awareness of your business.
Sometimes who you know is very important. Those important people can open doors that you never expected. Don't worry about using people. Networking is an accepted business practice. Some business people may wonder if you didn't ask for referrals. So ask! Just remember, that when you are as important as they are, you will pay it forward.
It is good and smart, however to make it worth your networking partner's time and effort by offering them a benefit. For example, you could send them referrals or market their goods and services. It is all about helping each other. Pretty soon you will be the recognized expert and others will be eager to partner with you. You will be the star!
How have you used networking to help you build your authority? Has networking helped your business grow? Let us know about your experiences. Leave a comment below.
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