Choosing your next conference: Why networking is key to growth
It’s hard to not want to talk about your business.
You’ve been building something out of thin air, strategized/failed/pivoted, been seeing growth and money in the bank, and want to shout it from the rooftops.
But your family doesn’t understand.
Your friends don’t understand.
And when you go out to brunch with your people, the conversation never seems to turn in that direction (except for a polite “How’s it going?”) because they don’t know that world and you don’t know how to explain it to them.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It’s lonely at the top.” But what they don’t tell you is that it’s pretty lonely on the way up there, too.
Which is why connecting with other entrepreneurs is so important. They just get it when everyone else in your world doesn’t.
One of the best ways to make these connections? By thrusting yourself right into the wolfpack and attending a conference.
Here’s why attending at least one conference per year is worth your investment:
COMMUNITY/SUPPORT
You will soon learn the entrepreneurs you connect with will be your “people.”
The ones who cheer you on. Give you advice. Celebrate you when you hit that next level or hire that first employee.
They’ll be the ones you reach out to when you can’t find a solution to a problem or need a pick-me-up after a rough conversation with a client.
For your mental health alone, a conference is worth it. You NEED these people in your corner.
CONNECTIONS
Ever needed a web designer but had no idea who turn to?
Or wanted to automate your lead generation process but didn’t have a clue as to the best software or how to get started?
Conferences help you build the connections to people who not only may have been down that same road before but also may know people in their network they trust & recommend to help you in your business.
In addition, they can also be a wealth of information, with ideas that can transform how you run your business (& vice versa!).
People like to work with people they like and know, so what better way to find people who can support your business than by meeting them in person?
CLIENTS/REFERRALS
Not every conference is going to be set up in a way that leads to new clients, but it’s wonderful when you end up talking to someone who’s struggling with an issue that you can solve.
And in that scenario, the conferences almost always pay for themselves, which is why you can be strategic about which ones to go to.
What are your clients currently struggling with? What pain points do they have? What conference is currently out there that meets those needs but also can benefit you?
That conference can be extremely valuable to you.
However, even if that’s not a possibility or you can’t find one to fit the bill, meeting other entrepreneurs also opens up your referral funnel.
If they aren’t in the market for your services but know someone who may (or have someone come to them in the future with this issue), you could be first in line on their list to send people to.
Plus, think of the value you could bring to your current & future clients as well if you could recommend someone you know & trust to help them with another aspect of their business.
I’ve referred people to lawyers, graphic designers, event coordinators, etc., and I love being able to not only send business their way but also easily provide that connection to clients (who also LOVE not having to stress about finding someone they can trust).
I have a goal to attend at least 2 conferences each year – that’s the value I see in them and the trust I have in the return on investment I will get. If you haven’t made this a priority yet, put it on your list as soon as you can save the money to do so.
What’s been the best conference you’ve attended?
