How often have you attended an event and found that you were totally overwhelmed and under-prepared? I see it happen all the time and it makes my heart sink because, seriously, those are missed opportunities that you will never get back.

There are many large, and valuable, events scheduled around North America (and the world, for that matter) that are a gold-mine of opportunity when it comes to learning and networking. Attending these events is one of the best ways to grow your business and develop valuable and meaningful contacts, too.

I like to be prepared before arriving at these events – whether they are the large, once-a-year type, or whethe r they are regular local networking opportunities. I know that, for many entrepreneurs, you just don’t know what you don’t know. I want to share some of my best tips for ‘seizing the opportunity’ and really getting the best return on investment possible.

1. First and foremost, create a plan for the year and decide which events you will be attending – and why. There are so very many choices – it is critical that you make choices that are in alignment with the goals of your business for the year – and with your revenue targets. Discuss this with your business coach and have a solid plan.
2. Stop with the excuses already! You know what I’m talking about here – all those foolish things you tell yourself: “it costs too much, it’s too far away, I have child care issues, I don’t know anyone who is going”…….stop that thinking. When you get serious about growing your business, you need to make an investment in time and energy to get yourself out there.
3. Do your homework. Who are the speakers? What is the content? What is the schedule? How many people are expected? What is the profile of the audience?

On a preparation call with my own coaching clients, I always give them an overview of what to expect when it comes to:

a) Dress for success – to the level you aspire. (Stand out for being THE professional in the room) – and dress for comfort at the same time because meeting rooms tend to be kept at cooler temperatures.

b) Get your butt up in the front of the room – get focused and stay focused – get away from the tables in the middle or the back where people tend to chat among themselves more, or are up and down all the time.

c) Bring plenty of business cards.

d) Focus on meeting just 3-5 key people each day. In a room of 600+ entrepreneurs, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and shy – get focused on just a few new relationships – ask someone to make a preliminary introduction for you and then take it from there.

e) Change where you are seating after each break, where possible. Get to a table with a new group of people. For certain, do not stick with people you already know – stretch your comfort zone!

f) Take notes – ask questions, lots of questions. Get up to the microphone at every opportunity and remember to always state your name and website – these events are often filmed – it’s great exposure for you. As well, it’s by asking questions of the experts that you learn.

4. Provide a testimonial for the speaker. This is another great way to provide support and positive feedback for the speaker and also to get your business some exposure too.
5. Personal self- care is critical! These large events run day and evening, typically. You want to be fully energized, alert and focused. Get your sleep. Keep your drinking to a minimum (water is best, LOL!). Ensure proper nutrition choices. Bring snacks to sustain you between breaks.
6. Follow up, follow up, follow up! For certain, send a note (and even some flowers) of thanks to the guest hostess. Then, be sure to follow up with the dozen or so new contacts that you made and strengthen those relationships. Remember that people know people……….that’s how you build your list and that’s how you build your community. People tend to do business with those they know, like and trust. And this is where most entrepreneurs fall down – they do NOT follow up – so set yourself aside from the crowd and be sure that, within 48 hours, you have made some kind of contact with the new people you met.

These are just some of my favorite ‘top tips’ to help you get lucky when it comes to preparation meeting opportunity – and when it comes to growing your business (and you!) strategically and successfully!

Which ones will you apply at your next conference or networking event? Tell me about it……