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


7 Tips to Improving Your Cash Flow

Cash is King... That is what everyone tells us and... Read More

Big Successes Never Happen Overnight

Treat your business as a serious, full-time business and be... Read More

Three Ways to Add Leverage to Your Small Business

Remember those drawings from science class of how a lever... Read More

Choosing A Business Thats Right For You

Q: I really want to start my own business, but... Read More

Franchises: How to Find the Best Franchise Opportunity for You

If you are looking for a franchise opportunity, the choice... Read More

Small Home Business: Ad Copy Secrets

So it's time to invest some finances into advertising your... Read More

The Key to a Successful Business

Where would a business be without a business plan? A... Read More

Small Business Failure? Nuts!

Pardon my enthusiasm, but a large part of your small... Read More

Pressure Washing and Hospital Accounts

Most pressure washing companies never look into some of the... Read More

Internships: Good for Everyone

Many job applicants want a job but often do not... Read More

Business Reviews that Work

What is the satisfaction & expectation review of the business... Read More

How to Compete with the Big Guns?!

Many small business startups fail within the first 2 years... Read More

Motorcycle Detailing Procedures Manual Sample Outline

If you are a motorcycle detailer and need to expand... Read More

The Care and Feeding of Your Small Business

While I was hard at work last week, an everyday... Read More

Do Home Businesses Complicate Small Business Debt Collection Laws?

The home-based business market, sometimes called the SOHO (small-office/home-office) market,... Read More

Have You Thanked Your Competitors Today?

Competition in the business world is often viewed as a... Read More

Politics, Environmental Rules, and Mobile Car Washes

During the California Recall Election, I was very interested. Without... Read More

So What? How to Elicit Benefits from Features

"So what?" is a lovely question.It can lead to a... Read More

How To Create A Business Note That Is More Attractive To A Note Investor

You are selling your small business (business value under $1... Read More

Small Business Opportunities And The Tens

You may find this Newsletter a little long winded but... Read More

Online Search: Small Businesses Level The Playing Field

Seventy percent of US households use the web when shopping... Read More

Small Business Checks ? Money Saving Options

When you go into business for yourself, there are many... Read More

Franchising and Royalty Payments

If you are thinking of turning your current into a... Read More

7 Reasons To Take Control Of Your Small Business? Checking Needs

Business checks are available in many styles and varieties. They... Read More

Keep TRACK of your Business Relationships and Gain Profits

How do you know when an alliance needs to be... Read More

New Habits, Rebounding Economy Help To Sell Giftware and Collectibles

Just a few years ago, when one thought of a... Read More

How to Make Your Business Image Stand Out Above The Crowd

Traditional advertising methods are still being used for almost 90%... Read More

Arent Small Businesses Lucky?

Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More

How to Raise Your Fees and Thrill Your Customers

Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More

Why are Reverse Mergers Often the Victims of Short Sellers?

There is a great deal of abuse going on in... Read More

Secrets of Cleaning Truck Trailers in Your Fleet from a Veteran Truck Washer

Cleaning the trailers towed by big trucks is not easy,... Read More

Looking into the Future for Profits

How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More

Financial Dose for Business

The goals of businesses have undergone much evolution from the... Read More