Top Ten Tips for Leveraging Conferences for Big SUCCESS!

As I am preparing for my attendance to the CoachVille's Third Annual Coaching Conference, I have been considering how I can make the most of my conference attendance. These ten tips will support you in leveraging those conference you will attend in the future and for creating an unforgettable experience!

1. Connect, connect, connect!

Some of the most valuable time spent at a conference can be the time you spend in conversation with others outside of the speaker presentations/breakout sessions. Make a commitment to schedule one breakfast and one lunch meeting each day with someone you want to get to know, and make a plan to connect with these men and women following the closing of the conference.

2. Volunteer!

One of the best ways to get to know others both inside and outside of your industry is to volunteer 1 hour each day for the conference production team. This time can create a sense of connection and a feeling of self confidence and accomplishment for both you and the conference team.

3. Host an Open House.

At the end of the day, most conference goers are ready for a little rest and relaxtion. Rent a small room inside the conference center, or if the conference is being hosted inside a hotel, open your hotel room for a small late afternoon tea or early evening cocktail party. Invite everyone you see, and have a blast!

4. Ask Great Questions!

Make your conference experience engaging and memorable by making the most of this opportunity to learn. Spend time talking to the speakers, book authors, vendors, and those you are meeting, and ask, ask, ask. Request recommendations for books, resources, or contact names which will support the growth of your business. Talk to others about new directions developing in your field and find out about emerging leaders who you may want to partner with in the future. By becoming an active participant, you will be surprised at all that you learn and how your life will be enhanced.

5. Scout for Talent.

Are you looking for a new business partner, employee, product developer, or author for your business? If so, spend time talking to folks to find out as much as possible about their talents, gifts, and strengths. Keep a little black book or palm pilot with you in order to capture important details about people you may want to contact in the future for a special project or event.

6. Attend the Conference on Behalf of Your Clients.

For clients who are too busy to attend a conference, you can offer to attend a conference in their place. You will want to have the company pick up the cost for attending the conference, and it is a great time to market for your client and to market your services at the same time. Keep detailed notes during the conference, and collect product information which you feel will benefit the lives of your clients. This is a wonderful way to add value for your clients/customers.

7. Open a Conference Blog.

Through a service such as TypePad, you can develop an online journal or diary for sharing your experiences during the conference with the public at large. This is a wonderful way to let other professionals and your readers know that you are devoted to continuing education and professional improvement.

8. Gift an Article, Abstract, or Special Report.

Prior to the conference, take the time to write an article of interest, abstract, or special report which is relevant to your industry. As you meet people and exchange business cards, request permission to send the article or report following the conference and then FOLLOW UP! Add a personal note of thanks, and use this opportunity to build rapport with others. This one gesture can support you in growing your database and in developing rock solid relationships for the future of your business.

9. Schedule Time Each Day to Organize Your Thoughts.

Attending speaker sessions, networking, and being on all day can be exhausting and can create a feeling of mental clutter. Spend 30 minutes at the end of each day to absory what you have learned, organize your thoughts in a notebook, and to prepare for the next day. Make a punch list of sessions to attend, people to meet, and vendors to visit, and hit the ground running the next day to really go for it!

10. Work the Vendor Floor

The majority of conferences will host an exposition or vendor fair, which allows companies the opportunity to display their latest product and service offerings. You may choose to host a vendor booth or to split the booth with other vendors who compliment your services. If you are unable to host a booth, make the most of the vendor fair by "working it" (networking, connecting, and having your eyes and ears open.) This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about current trends in your industry and to create contacts with others who are connected to your field. Spend time talking with as many vendors as possible, and connect, connect, connect.

About The Author

Bea Fields, Southern Pines, NC, USA

bea@fivestarleader.com

http://www.fivestarleader.com

http://www.coachville.com

Bea Fields is an Executive Coach and the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CoachVille. She is a Consultant, Trainer, Public Speaker and author of the Five Star Leader e-course. Along with Business Coach, Alicia Smith Bea is also the co-author of the Marathon Marketing E-Course for Coaches and Business Owners. For more information on the Marathon Marketing Course, visit: The 90 Day Marketing Marathon.

bea@coachville.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


We Know Who THEY Are

Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More

If You Want Business - Be Consistent

Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More

Understanding Franchise Releationships in a Franchised Business

Now that you have invested your time, energy and money... Read More

Boy oh Boy, The Obstructions and Obstacles

The bad things starts with the letter 'O'?.like Obstacles, Obstruction,... Read More

Why Small Businesses Need Both A Logo And An Identity System

Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their business ?... Read More

How to Become Successful in the Field of Financial Consultants

Financial Consultants are one of the fastest growing industries today.... Read More

7 Card Tricks That Improve Your Personal Networking Power

CARD SHARK7 Card Tricks That Improve Your Personal Networking PowerThe... Read More

Incorporating a Small Business: S corporations versus C corporations

If you've been considering incorporating your small business, you've probably... Read More

Do You Want Your Own Fully Programmable ERP? - Part 3

Continuing from the second article:6. About the aground mathematical model,... Read More

How to Start Home Based Travel Businesses

Home based travel businesses are no longer the wave of... Read More

Business Scents - Do They Work?

You see it often in large shopping complexes. Customers seem... Read More

Basic Psychology of Franchisee Ownership and Expansion

If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system;... Read More

Starting a Virtual Assistant Business

If you're organized, smart, capable and willing to work with... Read More

How to become a Career Coach for Profit

A career coach could be simply defined your job seeking... Read More

Are You Using a Chess or Checkers Small Business Marketing Strategy?

Until the day I learned to play chess I loved... Read More

Does Your Company Have a Business Image Manual

Every business regardless of size needs a "Business Image Manual"... Read More

One Of The Best New Business Opportunities May Be Right In Your Home - A New Daycare Business

The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?

How often has someone thought of starting a business based... Read More

Aircraft Washing Business Tip - Interior Private Jet Cleaning

Aircraft Interiors of personal and corporate jets have hundreds of... Read More

Auto Detailers and Competitive Aspects of Automobile Detailing

There are both fixed and mobile detailers. Consumers often will... Read More

Making a Donation to Bring MORE Business

How a donation is different from a sponsorship and what... Read More

Money Series 1: Who Takes Your Money

Your business is making profits, but where is the cash?... Read More

Environmental Pressure Washing in Pennsylvania

If you run a mobile car wash, mobile fleet washing... Read More

Business Debt Collection Letter Writing Secrets

Debt collection letters--an overview"Debt collection letter" in the singular may... Read More

Do You Need Accounting Software for Your Small Business?

If you're anything like me then you dislike with a... Read More

Expanding your business.

Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More

Retail Customer Opportunities for Pressure Washing Companies

Pressure washing companies must look for customers in the retail... Read More

Secrets to Washing Fleets of Trucks from a Nationwide Fleet Washing Service

Washing the exterior of a truck. Sounds easy right? Well,... Read More

Choosing a Truck Wash Location in Nevada, Case Study

There are several well-known truck washes in the Great State... Read More

10 Cardinal Rules for Business Growth

After over 30 years of participating in hundreds of businesses,... Read More

Is Brick and Mortar A Passing Fad?

Q: Is the online world the best place to sell... Read More

Small Business Success Secret: Focus on Your Genius Work?

Do you know what your genius work is? It's the... Read More

The Workers? Compensation Situation in this Country is Nuts, Arnold in CA Takes Action

The Workers' Compensation situation in this country is unbelievable. Why,... Read More