Why Attending Seminars is So Important… Yes, For the Content, But Even More For the Connections
February 9, 2010 by admin
I was recently in Los Angeles for Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Manager (PLM) meeting with several of the Platinum members and others who were attending Jeff’s live event.
There was a TON of great content delivered by a great line-up of speakers including, Jay Abraham, Eben Pagan, Don Crowther, Paul Lemberg, Todd Brown, Chris Haddad, and Larry Benet. But more than just great content, there was a lot of networking, new introductions and friendships made, and business deals going down.
During one of the evening breaks, Larry Benet pulled me aside and asked if I knew Harvey MacKay… the “Swim With The Sharks” author. I told him that Harvey and I had spoken on the platform together a few years ago, and Larry handed me the phone with Harvey on the line and had us reconnect.
Turns out that Harvey will be launching his new book and asked me if I would help him. Of course, I said I would, and Harvey invited me to his home for lunch later this week.
When I got back to my office on Monday, there sat a stack of six of Harvey’s hard-bound books that he had personally delivered to me (Harvey lives in the next town next to me), along with a personal, hand-written note thanking me for my help and reminding me of our luncheon date.
This re-introduction to one of the most well-known authors and speakers in the business came because I attended a seminar, mingled with some of the people, and took some time to talk to Larry, an old friend.
Larry, in case you weren’t aware, is the founder and president of SANG (Speakers And Authors Networking Group). Twice a year the top speakers, presenters, trainers, and authors get together to network, trade ideas, leads, and strategies, discuss what is and what isn’t working in today’s economy, learn from those making presentations, and develop strategic alliances, joint ventures, and partnerships.
I’ve met some of my best contacts and friends at these events and others like them. And at Jeff Walker’s recent PLM program, I developed a bunch of new relationships and have several people wanting to interview me to help promote themselves to their clients, customers and prospects. Of course, I’m willing to do this because it gives me added exposure in the marketplace, and helps my business too.
I don’t attend every seminar that comes around; I’m pretty selective. But those I do attend nearly always pay off very handsomely with reconnections, deals, and exposure, and I always come away with more income opportunities than I had before attending.
If you have a business or are considering starting one and you’re not taking advantage of the great opportunities to learn, network, and collaborate that are present at these events, you’re missing some of the most powerful, inexpensive, and lucrative things you can do.
Next month I’m arranging for a handful of our consultants to attend a very high powered speaker’s training program, and passing on my affiliate commision to them to help offset their travel and lodging expenses. In addition, I’ll be conducting a special closed-door session for those who attend to give them some advanced training and hand them (totally free), a brand new course I’m developing that will sell for $5,000 when it’s completed next month.
When our consultants get together in small groups like this, the energy skyrockets, ideas abound, friendships are developed or rekindled, and results pour in. I encourage you to take advantage of all the training and networking opportunities you can… you’ll be better for doing it, your business will be better, and what you learn and the connections you’ll make will put more money in your pocket than you ever dreamed possible.
Martin Howey
Founder and CEO
TopLine Business Solutions
Great tips Martin!
I absolutely agree in terms of the importance of getting out and attending high level networking and learning events such as you’ve mentioned. I feel it’s vitally important to connect with other thought leaders on a consistent basis.
Helps us to get refocused, inspired and think bigger about our lives and businesses.
Thanks so much for your leadership and contribution to the world.
I’m truly inspired.
- Travis
Hi Martin,
Great post! Great reminder! It’s been at least 6 months since I attended a great quality event.
Just a quick note…I noticed that your ‘Featured Video’ you recorded pushes people to opt in but there is no opt in box below it. Maybe that is only temporary. Just an FYI – thought you might want to know.
If you are ever in San Diego…I’d love to buy you breakfast or lunch. I consult to an eye surgery center here locally…and getting rolling with some online PPC marketing now.
Talk soon,
Travis
So good to see your video and get to know you during this process. I love meeting and learning and hope that we meet face to face in 2010.
Can’t wait to see what you learn and do next. Keep taking inspired action!
Hey, that techie/interactive person was me! The Alex Mandossian of the midwest!
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Martin is was great having you as a part of our Platinum Mastermind. I look forward to getting more of your insights and sharing mine as we get to know one another better…
Many Blessings,
Jonathan Drake
please change the “is” to “it” in the earlier post. thanks
-jonathan
Hey Martin,
Great seeing you in LA and thanks for the mention. Totally agree on the value of the connections you can make at events like these and how it trumps the content every single time.
Much love. c
[...] http://www.sevenfigureconsultants.com/?p=769 [...]
Thanks Chris… you’re one my favorite people in the world. I ALWAYS enjoy being around you and deeply appreciate the attention and focus you have on what we’re talking about, and not letting outside distractions get us off track. No wonder you’re so successful as a copywriter and businessman… and no wonder why you have so many good friends who know, respect, and love you!
Thanks, Jonathan… Such a great time being with everyone at the seminar. What an awesome group… so much talent and such valuable resources to the marketplace. Anyone serious about launching a product or even a business is doing themselves a huge disservice if they don’t consider you or one of your colleagues.
Hi Martin,
It was a pleasure to meet you at the PLM event in LA. You certainly did dress well and make a good first impression.
James from Sydney, Australia
Thanks for the nice words, Greg… and thanks for the great conversation. Really nice catching up with you!