Claudia and I just made it back from a conference in Chicago on internet marketing. We had a great time meeting new people and attending the great seminars. Not to mention, we got to spend time with one of our mentors, Dan Miller.
One of the things we realized once again on this trip was the value of meeting people in person. Blogs and social media are great and all, but your relationships and opportunities strengthen and grow when you share a cup of coffee or a bit to eat.
Watch this short video to find out with whom we had the opportunity to spend time!
video note: Sohail Khan
Try this out for yourself. Over the next two weeks, get out and meet someone in person you’d like to get to know better.
Buy them coffee, attend a seminar, keep an ear out for when people are going to be in your area and ask them if you can buy them lunch.
You never know what might come of it.
So cool. Sounds like you guys had a great time and connect with some awesome people. Wish I could have made it out to the conference.
Joe, we did have a great time. We also had the opportunity to meet and chat with Brandon Gerard. Thanks for connecting us! He’s a great guy.
Sweet, glad you guys were able to connect there as well.
Great to ‘see’ you guys here. So aside from meeting great folks (like my Dad!), what were your main takeaways from the content delivered at the event?
Kevin,
A big takeaway for me came from listening to many of the personal stories of the presenters. I saw how they didn’t have it all figured out and they didn’t let that stop them. They got in the game and tried things. Hearing them speak and talking to many of them, I got a glimpse into how they think. This was great.
Like the great Free Agent Academy event I attended, it was great to be around other big thinkers.
Thanks for the input.
That’s what I’m wondering overall though, including thinking of my own events. How much value comes from the content focal point, and how much just from the personal sharing and connections? Not to downplay the info and content, but…you get my pondering…
I do understand your pondering here Kevin…
For me events are terrific for many different things.
1. being away from my house is incredibly stimulating for my creativity and psyche!
2. listening to new information from people outside my normal circles helps me ask different questions and gives me new perspective
3. meeting people I have admired in person strengthens the relationships and reminds me that they are people figuring life out just like me
4. telling people what we do helps me brush up on my communication skills. I figure I have about 30 seconds to introduce myself, describe what I do clearly, concisely and interestingly
5. I love studying people! I love observing how they talk, move and the way they relate to people. I love studying what works and what doesn’t work. I love picking up helpful tips from people I really enjoyed talking to and figuring out why I enjoyed the conversation. This for me is fascinating!
6. realizing we are all in sales, I enjoy studying what works and what doesn’t
Overall, what I observed was that many people go to conferences because they want someone to tell them what to do with their lives. They want an easy answer to all their questions. I think most of us know what to do, we are just afraid to try or don’t give ourselves permission to experiment and make mistakes.
When Michael went to the FAA conference, it changed our lives. It ruffled our feathers which made us ask hard questions. This in turn helped us make our own decisions and take responsibility to bring about the change that was so needed.
Kevin, agreed. The content was excellent. Period. Much of it I had heard in one way or another and I’m OK with that. It’s really the experience and the relationships that stand out at the end of the day.
Proof of the beauty of Belly to Belly in two words: STRANGER DANGER! Great things can happen when you connect in person. There’s a certain magic that doesn’t exist just online. It’s a good place to start though.
I didn’t realize that Pat Flynn was going to be there. Did you know that he is my famous back up husband. I tagged him in a FB post one day that talked about him being my famous back up husband. He agreed!!! 🙂
We’re looking forward to meeting Alana and Josh in person in July for some belly to belly connecting. Not literally, of course. Although it’s hard to say with crazy Alana. 🙂
Yes they can Jody Berkey!!! 🙂 You guys do this a lot and it is something we truly admire!
Yes, Pat Flynn spoke and so did Brendon Buchard and Pam Hendrickson amongst about 12 others! It was fabulous! Learned a lot, was pitched to a lot as well being a marketing conference!
Yes, I’m excited for your meetup this summer, hoping we can tag along… we shall see!
Blessings to you!
Very jealous! Totally agree – taking the time to meet someone in person is HUGE!
Have you been to any conferences lately, Tom? I haven’t been to many, but always love them!
I went to APICS (Association of Operations Management) late last year…and looking forward to Coaching With Excellence in Franklin at the end of May.
I haven’t been down to the sanctuary yet and look forward to getting down there at some point. Enjoy Coaching with Excellence! Have you been to any of Dan’s conferences yet?
Not yet – but love everything he puts out, expecting it to be AWESOME.
Couldn’t agree more.
Wow! This is AWESOME! You were right here in Chicago I wish I had known I would have enjoyed seeing you in person again! I am just remembering you first joining FAA, and then the event I met you at, and now to see how you have grown……..this is wonderful! Very happy for YOU both!
Blessings,
Carolyne
Thanks, Carolyne. We would have loved that! How close are to you Chicago?