Attending a conference can be as productive as you plan it to be. You will gain opportunities to communicate with many people, be inspired by great ideas, excited about future of your business and empowered to move your business forward.To have the most successful experience, here are “6 Simple Tips to Prepare for a Business Conference.”
Tip 1: Preplan your Day
Most conferences require a full day of your time. It is important to look and feel your best; wear appropriate and professional attire and comfortable shoes. At past conferences, I’ve seen women walking bare footed at the end of the day. Not a good look!
Tip 2: Pick your Sessions
If the conference agenda is available in advance, take time to map out a strategy to select sessions that are most beneficial to improve your skills. At each session, actively participate by asking questions and taking notes. Spend a few minutes after the presentation to introduce yourself to the presenter.
Tip 3: Practice your Pitch
You will meet a lot of people and have the opportunity of introducing yourself and business. Make sure your message is clear and concise. Fine tune your elevator pitch to make the most of your meeting.
Tip 4: Prepare to Network
This is a great opportunity to network with people. The key is to meet new business contacts. Depending on the size of the conference, make sure you visit the exhibitors and sponsors who might be prospective vendors or clients.
Tip 5: Bring Plenty of Marketing Material
The purpose of attending a conference is to market your business, right? So, why not have a professional brochure, flyer and or business cards. At the very least, have plenty of business cards to pass out.
With that being said, make sure the information on your business cards is accurate to avoid crossing out and handwriting your updated information. Remember, image is everything! A helpful suggestion, jot some details of people you meet on the back of their business cards to remember later.
Tip 6: Follow Up
Within the next week, make sure you follow up with e-mails, phone calls or a simple letter. The key is to connect with potential people that can be beneficial to your company.
In conclusion, by deciding on the bottom line results you want to achieve, whether meeting certain presenters, attendees or vendors or attending a specific session, make sure you get a great return on investment or ROI.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:Sylvia Browder is CEO of Browder Consulting Group, a virtual small business consulting firm. In her role, she helps Women in Business grow and succeed. She is employed as Project Director and business consultant for the Women's Business Center Inc, a non-profit economic development organization with a mission of empowering women to start and grow successful businesses. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. She also serves as a Technical Assistant Provider for SBA’s Community Express Loan Program. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroup.com.
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