| One of the best strategies you can implement to | | | | access to connect with the speakers and event |
| have a successful business is attending live events, | | | | coordinators. |
| both to further your professional development and | | | | For example, if your ideal prospect has paid the same |
| to connect with ideal prospects. Doing so will allow | | | | $1,000+ to attend the event like you did, it shows |
| you to stay abreast of current trends in your | | | | that they are willing and able to invest in their |
| industry, to connect with likeminded professionals and | | | | business or their personal development. This is a |
| to interact with individuals who are actively seeking | | | | major pre-qualifier! So if you provide a solution to a |
| the solutions you offer. With a bit of advanced | | | | specific problem they're facing and you showcase |
| planning, you can turn these events into powerful | | | | that value, it's not unreasonable to assume that they |
| opportunities to attract new clients and/or joint | | | | would be willing and able to pay for your services as |
| venture partnerships. | | | | well. |
| As a solo business owner, you need to take the | | | | Plus, when attending a live event, you get to meet |
| initiative to research the events that are best suited | | | | your target audience in a more relaxed setting. |
| for your business. Be sure to stay connected with | | | | There is a spirit of eagerness and excitement, so the |
| the organizations that support your industry and your | | | | foundation of your new relationship is built on this |
| ideal clients. Take the time to review their event | | | | shared experience. That is very powerful -- and |
| outlines, speakers and guest list to determine if you | | | | makes it an easy "sell" when you talk about the |
| should attend upcoming events. Remember, the key | | | | services you provide and the problems you can solve |
| to finding new ideal clients is to "hang out" where | | | | for them because you already have that |
| they are. So if your ideal client will be at the next big | | | | connection. |
| industry event - you should be there too. | | | | So, consider attending such events part of your |
| You'll want to allocate funds for your continuing | | | | overall marketing costs and a fun opportunity to get |
| education on a monthly or annual basis. This should | | | | out of the office and work ON your business for a |
| absolutely be part of your business budget! | | | | few days! Take the time now to research events, |
| Attending events can cost $1,000, $1,500 or even | | | | conferences and seminars for the fall or early winter. |
| $2,000 or more when you add in travel, food, | | | | This will give you a head start on finding out where |
| lodging, and of course the cost of the event. While | | | | your target audience will be and give you time to |
| you will have some upfront costs to attend, if you | | | | budget the costs involved to attend. It will be more |
| choose the right events the return on investment will | | | | than worth your while to attend; you'll learn |
| more than pay for the expenses involved. If you | | | | something new and get to network with your target |
| have the option to purchase a VIP ticket or host a | | | | audience. |
| book, that can increase your visibility and give you | | | | |