Biz Series: Making Conferences Worthwhile!

Congratulating Mark and Tiffany Douglas as
their Detroit Avis Ford Dealership
won the B.E. 100s Award
Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference
#BEEC12

On the #MoneyChat Biz Series we discussed conferences and as I prepared to re-write another post - I thought it better to simply update a previously written one. So here goes...

Choose Wisely!

Conferences aren't cheap: registration, hotel, airfare, food, books, etc - all add up. Ask others who have attended conferences about their experience. Check online forums, etc. - you may be able to gain insight on how to prepare.  Determine YOUR goal for attending each conference you choose. Do you want more media attention,  looking to land a job, need more awareness/sponsorships about your non-profit? Make sure the conferences you choose fit what you would like to accomplish.

Who Do You Want To Meet?

Make a list of people you want to meet, researching them and being sure to say hello at the conference. Reach out to them on Twitter, Facebook or  Linkedin - I normally only pick one platform - Twitter is my choice. If you choose Facebook, make sure it's their business page. 

If they've written a book, blog, or article - check it out - comment on it, etc. Be brief, conversational, not stalkerish and definitely not critical or negative. When the conference arrives you've become acquainted and it's better than meeting 'cold'.

At The Conference...

 Me & Ramit Sethi
www.Iwillteachyoutoberich.com
Financial Blogger Conference
#FINCON

Be social - when you are in business or looking to network for career purposes, you are the salesperson. Standing in the corner scowling and being 'anti' is not cool. No one is going to learn about your business, career path, or anything else about you if they think you will bite them if approached. So, no eating lunch alone, always keep a pleasant look on your face and make sure your body language also says 'hello'.

Don't Be Stuck Up... 

If you attend a conference with the idea that you only want to meet the speakers you will miss out on the wealth of knowledge you can gain from other attendees. I've made great contacts and been blown away by the accomplishments of attendees I've met at various conferences. Get to know the people around you, ask them questions about themselves, don't constantly talk and talk and talk and talk about yourself.

At the After Party...

Yeah - you know there's always an after party - (unless you never got out of that corner). Remember that you are not at home with your buddies. Watch your drinks, language, and character. Save the moves like Jagger for your private time - you are still being watched. People are going to think twice about hiring, booking or otherwise doing business with the person who couldn't quite keep it together.  Have fun, enjoy yourself, but maintain your decorum. 

For my wallflowers - NO... you may not skip the after party! This is where a lot of business is done! Dancing, drinking may not be your thing - no problem, but there's no harm in standing along the sides making pleasant conversation, getting to know people better.

Final Tips:

Go to more than one conference per year if you can. Pick several conferences that relate to your personal, professional goals. 

Don't skip a conference because of something negative someone else says about it. If you want to go then go. Do your own research - your experience will probably be different. 

After the conference, send 'great meeting you' notes via email or handwritten cards to the people you were able to connect with. This is not the time to 'sell' them on how wonderful you are and how they absolutely need to hire you or use your services. 

Also - I could be wrong, but I'm not a fan of the mass email blast 'nice to meet you, here's my business pitch' follow ups. It's impersonal and doesn't say that you are trying to build a relationship. I prefer to send individual emails that note something we discussed during the session. On the other hand, I've walked away from a conference with hundreds of business cards, so I do understand.

DO NOT.... DO NOT ...add people to your email, newsletter, blog list without asking. Getting their business card is not permission to do so = SPAM!  It happens all the time and everyone hates it!! 

Check out this article for more tips in.. 'Don't Be THAT Person!' by @AlfredEdmondJr.

Have something to add to the list? Comment below on your conference pet peeves!

Happy Networking!

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@DorethiaConner  | @MoneyChatLIVE | www.connercoaching.com