GB Ep 62: How to Get the Most Value Out of Conferences

GB_Episode62When I first started doing conferences and networking events, I was always the guy standing in the corner playing with his phone pretending to be busy. But to get the most value out of conferences, I’ve found that it’s always better to listen and focus on helping people. That way you’re more memorable and the conference is more beneficial for everyone.

  • Try setting up a group dinner with people in the area. I did this a few weeks ago in San Francisco with some big names in internet podcasting along with my internet marketing mastermind. It was really good to have people meet each other. Note: If you’re inviting people, you’re expected to cover the tab. [02:02]
  • Host a workcation at the same time. Just make sure the conferences you choose to go to are useful and not just a bunch of fluff – check out recommendations and reviews. Make sure your team will benefit from the learnings there. [02:42]
  • Set meetings beforehand with your connections, whether or not you’ve met in person before. Reach out via email or Twitter to see how you can help. [03:32]
  • If you stay for the networking portions, stay until the very end. That’s when you get more time to talk to people. [03:58]
  • Explore the booths to see what’s out there that can help you or one of your clients. Be aware of what’s going on, because it can give you new ideas. [04:22]
  • Talk to people with no agenda. You don’t want to be the guy who’s only pitching his product and looking out for himself. You want to be the guy who’s out there to help people, because he’s the most effective. [04:59]
  • Make sure you recharge. Conferences are long and more of a marathon, so you’ll want to plan to skip some sessions according to what you want to get out of the conference. You’ll be totally drained if you try to sit through the whole day. [05:12]

Leave some feedback:

Connect with Eric Siu:

More From This Category

Join 14,000+ Marketers and Founders

Enter your email to get free instant access