For a woman who is an entrepreneur who is determined to be successful in the business world, going to live events is a must-do event! It’s the most effective method to meet people and build trust.
If you’re one of those who are sitting at your desk and thinking that prospects will come to you – well, you’re terribly mistaken. Get up – go out and make contact.
There are a few points to be considered prior to head to an event to prepare yourself for success. These are easy steps, and they’re effective.
1) SET AN INTENTION.
What exactly do you hope to achieve by attending this particular event? I don’t care about whether it’s a simple lunch networking session or an extended trip out of town for a 3-day event. What’s the goal?
2.) Make a list.
This is a serious matter. Create a list of 3 people you’d want to get acquainted with, what reason you would like to see them in person, and what you’ll need or want to bring along. Remember all the cables and plugs and vitamin cards and business cards, spare batteries, etc.
3.) Dress like a professional.
This is not the occasion to wear your most comfortable yoga outfit. You’re professional. Dress as the professional you would like to be at the level you want to reach. Always wear layers of clothing – the meeting rooms in hotels tend to be chilly. Make sure you’re comfortable and look like the professional you are.
4.) Leave appropriate “OUT OF OFFICE” EMAILS.
It is crucial to leave them on your email and office phones, and on your cell phone. Inform people that you’re unavailable for a specified amount of time. Then, send the callers to your personal assistant or your website for further information. Include the date and time you’ll be available to respond.
5.) Remember ‘EVENT ETIQUETTE’.
If you are attending a big occasion or event with an event host or speaker, bear in mind that ‘this isn’t your event’. Be aware of proper manners for events. This isn’t the right time or place for you to be rushing around in a flurry of promotion for your business’s services right there and there, right at the moment (unless you’re an official speaker or sponsor). You’re there to meet people, build relationships and spread awareness about your products and services; however, you should not be actively selling or signing up people to collaborate with you. It’s not right and is not going to be taken lightly. Don’t be that girl. I’m sure that many women entrepreneurs haven’t been taught this subject, so it’s essential to understand.
6.) Be present.
This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the event and to learn all you can to grow you (as an expert) or your organization. Stay present. Notes. Ask questions. Keep an open mind. You may have heard about this before, but have you actually applied all the advice? Make breaks whenever they are scheduled. Limit conversations when there’s an audience member. What are you learning while you are talking at your table? Do not disrupt the conversation. Take care of your manners.
7) Have fun.
Growing a company is, in fact, a tough job; however, that doesn’t mean you have to remain serious all the time. Enjoy yourself. Make sure to smile. Smile. Make yourself approachable.
8.) Stay for the duration!
If you have made a decision to take part in an event, make sure you attend the entire program. Of course, there will be unusual and unpredictably occurring circumstances. I’m not talking about those. There’s plenty of great content until the end. There is also an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge, make connections with others, and give testimonials – all the way until and even after the event is over. Make sure you take the full benefit! This is why so numerous opportunities are available!
9) Say Thank you!
There’s a lot involved in hosting an event, particularly the ones that last for three days. The team members put in a lot of effort and time to make sure YOU enjoy an unforgettable experience. Please take a moment to recognize them and express your gratitude to them. Thanks to your audiovisual team as well as the video team and all those who contributed to preparing you for an enjoyable experience. Remember what your mom taught to you: please and thank You can go a long way!
Going to live events is an effective strategy you must do on a regular, consistently throughout the year! Make a plan – budget for it, and immerse yourself in the events, and you will be the successful woman leader you’ve always wanted to be. It’s all about continuing education, and you must plan to attend at least two of these events per year.
Entrepreneurs who are victorious will inform you they believe that events give the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop, connect, be known and build connections for joint ventures and more. You can be that girl!
Pat Mussieux is fast becoming a highly sought-after Canadian coach for women entrepreneurs who took her own venture from nothing to a six-figure home-based business in just four years. A large part of her success is attributable to her skills in marketing, thinking and finances!
Discussion about this post