Tomorrow I’m off on a workation. I’m photographing a 3 day entrepreneurial event and I’ll be staying at the hotel where the event is being held. Three days of not cooking dinner, doing dishes or folding laundry!! Woo Hoo!!
I photograph a lot of events, as well as host and attend events. As a photographer I observe everything that’s going on!! I see the people that really make the most out of being there and others not so much. I wanted to give you some tips so you can maximize the return on your investment – because that’s what these events are – an investment in time, in money and in YOURSELF!!!
1 – Be Brave
Aside from what you’ll learn at the event – (hopefully there’s a lot of great content), live events also provide great networking opportunities. Most people are apprehensive when walking into a room filled with strangers. But guess what – you’re all in the same boat!! Someone’s got to break the ice – why not you? If you see someone standing alone, go over and introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. They’ll be so appreciative and now you’ll have a buddy you can sit with at lunch!!
It’s not just limited to the other attendees. Introduce yourself and speak with the host and any of the guest speakers that inspired you.
I know it can seem intimidating but remember we all start at the same point – from square zero!! Be mindful of their time because the other attendees may also want a chance to speak with them. Be Brave! You can go back to your introverted self when you’re back home.
2 – Be a good listener
A lot of times at these events, the host will ask everyone to stand up and introduce themselves. When it’s not your turn, pay attention to what everyone else is saying. Make notes of the people you resonate with most and think about how YOU can be of help to THEM. As a side note, be prepared with what you’re going to say when it’s your turn, and be mindful of the time. Everyone needs to get a chance.
3 – Take Notes
Most events will provide something to take notes with but it’s a good idea to bring your own pad and pen just in case. Along with taking notes about the other attendees, the presenters will be sharing valuable information as well. When something strikes a cord with you, write it down right then and there! You most likely will not remember it if you wait until later. If you’re not good with remembering names, write those down as well.
4 – Quality Over Quantity
You know when you’re at a networking event and you see people whip out their business cards going from person to person seeing what they can GET out of the situation? They’ll spend maybe 2 minutes with each person because they want to make sure they “work the room”
Eeeewwww!!
Uh uh!! Don’t be one of those people!! It’s not meant to be speed dating!! When you’re at a live event it’s best to think about quality over quantity.
Get into a deeper, more meaningful conversation with a handful of people rather than worrying about the numbers. This is where the listening and note taking mentioned above comes in handy.! Start with the people that seemed most relevant and interesting to YOU from their intros. It will be different for everyone.
5 – Be a Real Person
Just because you’re at a business event doesn’t mean you have to only talk about business. We all have lives beyond our businesses. Try to find a common thread that you can expand on. Maybe you both have kids, love to cook as well as eat out, or are obsessed with The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel!! Talk about those things as well. These things will help you connect on a deeper level and be more memorable. You are s PERSON, not just a BUSINESS OWNER.
6 – Give More Than You Get
Instead of thinking about what you’ll GET out of the people you’ll be meeting, come at it from a different angle. What can you GIVE them? Be a resource to people. Can you offer an amazing time saving tip, a referral, or a great contact? The more you help others, the more they’ll be appreciative and want to help you back.
7 – The Humble Brag
Let’s say you wrote and published a book, or helped raise a ton of money for your favorite charity or won a prestigious contest or award, or had your work featured in a magazine or you overcame a huge obstacle in your life that got you to where you are now. Don’t assume that everyone knows about it. Work it into the conversation. Get your HUMBLE brag on! Don’t be the best kept secret in the room.
When you share the amazing things you’ve accomplished, you become a light and an inspiration for others.
8 – Be Open To New Ideas
The woman next to you is talking about her crystals and energy work. This is totally new territory to you and your initial instinct is an eye roll and to start looking around to see who else you can speak with. There’s more than one way to live a life and run a business! Maybe she’s a master marketer and has a super successful business!! Don’t judge too quickly or be a know-it-all. When you’re open to new ideas that’s how you learn and grow.
9 – Stay In Touch
If you feel like you made a great connection with someone at the event, it doesn’t have to end there. Have a way to stay in touch and continue the new relationship AFTER the event has ended. This could be friending each other on Facebook, following each other on Instagram or exchanging emails and cell numbers. The event is only the beginning to this new friendship. It needs time to be nurtured.
10 – Enjoy Yourself!!
This is the key to everything isn’t it?!? To be happy and enjoy yourself!! Avoid putting so much pressure on yourself or having huge expectations that this is the one and only event you need to change the whole course of your business!!! I’m stressed just thinking about it! Think of it as a stepping stone in the right direction. There will still be more work to do like taking what you’ve learned and implementing it. Remember to have fun!!
Are you someone that frequently attends live events? If so I’d love for you to also share your tips for maximizing events.
If you found this info useful, share it with your other biz buddies!!
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