Many continuing education opportunities involve attending a conference with people from your industry. I suspect that whether or not you enjoy networking at these gatherings has something to do with whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. Not completely, of course, but it’s fair to say that extroverts generally love the chance to meet people from all over the country, sometimes the world, face to face. The networking they accomplish is a huge benefit of attending conferences.
There’s power beyond learning in meeting peers face to face. Take advantage of all the opportunities your next conference presents.
Money Talks:
First things first. Conferences can be expensive. Eliminate the financial stress of attending a conference by finding out how much your company will cover. Most companies will cover the cost of continuing education that is required to maintain a professional certificate if it’s related to the business you do for them.
If not, they may at least contribute to the cost if you can show how they will benefit from the knowledge you’ll gain there.
Industry News:
Life changes fast, sometimes in the blink of an eye. Business changes almost faster. If you’re in a competitive industry, you know that staying on top of trends is mandatory. Being the business that starts a new trend is powerful, even if the head start lasts only hours.
Conferences give you an opportunity to observe and listen to peers from across the country. If you pay attention, you’ll go home with more info than the seminars offer.
New Ideas:
No matter how much we think we’re at the top of our field, there’s always room to learn new ideas. People are different in so many ways, and they do business in as many different ways. There can be myriad strategies for approaching any element of business. Why reinvent the wheel when you can meet with peers and find out what they’ve learned through trial and error, what they have found to be best practice.
Networking:
Gathering with industry peers is the most effective way of networking, and every business person understands the value of being able to pick up the phone and call someone you know. Make sure you’ve got a pocketful of business cards everywhere you go, and use them. Be sure to join your new associates for dinner, or in the lounge in the evenings.
Opportunities:
Opportunities abound at conferences, especially if you network. Every conference-goer I have ever spoken with has stories about the great opportunities that arose, the fantastic deals that were struck, at the bar or in the lounge after seminar hours. People like doing business with people they know personally. Let down, have a good time, get to know the people around you. You may be very surprised by the outcome.
Inspiration:
Conferences usually include keynote speakers chosen not only for their message and their expertise, but for their enthusiasm and ability to inspire. Grab a seat up close in these sessions and listen carefully. Enthusiasm is powerful, and it’s contagious. Take it back to the office with you.
Learn to Love Conferences:
A conference can be the highlight of your work year if you make the most of it. If you don't already, learn to love conferences. They can provide you with all kinds of opportunities and great experiences. Plus, they can make your job more enjoyable, and who wouldn't love that?
Questions or Comments?:
If you have questions or comments about this article, please visit the Continuing Education Forum and post your item there.
