As a woman entrepreneur, who seriously intends to succeed in business, attending live events is a MUST-DO activity! It is simply the best way to make connections and develop the know-like-trust factor.
If you are one of those people sitting at your desk thinking and believing that prospects are going to find you there – well, you are seriously mistaken. You must get up – get out – and connect.
There are some things to consider, however, before heading to that event in order to set yourself up for success. These are simple steps and they work.
1) SET AN INTENTION. What, specifically, do you want to accomplish by attending this event? I don’t care if it’s simply a lunch networking meeting or a major, out-of-town 3-day event. What is your intention?
2) MAKE A LIST. I am serious about this. Make a list – 3 people you would like to meet, why you want to meet them, what you need/want to bring with you: remember all those plugs and chargers, business cards, vitamins, extra batteries, etc.
3) DRESS LIKE A PROFESSIONAL. This is NOT the time to show up in your favorite, and most comfortable, yoga clothes. You are a professional. Dress like the professional you want to be and the level you aspire to. Always dress in layers – hotel meeting rooms tend to be on the chilly side. Be comfortable – but look like the professional that you are.
4) LEAVE APPROPRIATE ‘OUT OF OFFICE’ MESSAGES. This is important – on your email, on your office phone, on your cell phone. Let people know that you are ‘unavailable’ for a certain period of time – redirect them to your assistant and/or your website for more information. Leave details of when you will be able to respond.
5) REMEMBER ‘EVENT ETIQUETTE’. When attending a major event, where there is a speaker-host, keep in mind ‘this is not your party’. Learn proper event etiquette – this is not the time and place for you to be running around promoting you and your business services right then and there, on the spot (unless you are a paid speaker and/or sponsor). You are there to meet people, network, create awareness about you and your services – but not to actively sell and/or sign people up to work with you. That is inappropriate and will not go unnoticed either. Don’t be ‘that girl’. I know that many women entrepreneurs have not been ‘schooled’ in this – so it’s important for you to know.
6) BE PRESENT. This IS the time and place to be fully immersed and learn everything you can to develop you (as a professional) and your business. Be present. Take notes. Ask questions. Have an open mind. You may have ‘heard this before’ – but have you applied all of the information? Take breaks when they are scheduled. Keep conversations to a minimum when there is a speaker on stage. How can YOU be learning when YOU are doing the talking at the same time at your table – do not be disruptive. Mind your manners.
7) HAVE FUN. Growing a business is, indeed, serious work – but that does not mean that you must be serious all the time. Have fun. Tell your face. Smile. Be approachable.
8) STAY FOR THE DURATION! When you make a commitment to attend an event, then stay for the full program. Of course, there are always unique and unexpected circumstances – I am not talking about that. There is great content right through to the last moment. AND there is a great opportunity for learning, connecting, providing testimonials – right through to, and after, the program has ended. Be that person who takes full advantage! That is where many opportunities exist!
9) SAY THANK YOU! There is a lot that goes into hosting an event – especially those 3-day ones. Team members work hard and long to ensure YOU have a memorable experience. Take a moment to acknowledge them and thank them. Thank the audio visual team, the video team – anyone you can who worked to set you up for a great experience. Remember what your Mama told you: Please and Thank You go a long way!
Attending live events is a success strategy that you want to follow on a regular and consistent basis throughout your year! Plan for it – budget for it – imerse yourself into the events – and become the wealthy women leader that you dream of. It’s all about continuous learning and you should plan on attending at least 2 such events each year.
Successful entrepreneurs will tell you that live events are THE place to learn, to grow, to network, to get known, to develop relationships for joint ventures, and so much more. Be THAT girl!
What is one step you will implement as you head to your next live event?
Please share your thoughts!
