10 superstar tips to grow your business

One of the best investments you can make as an entrepreneur or business person is in your personal development. As a business owner, you can only grow as your skills and knowledge carry you.

That is why attending seminars, conferences, and workshops is such a valuable experience.

I recently attended the WOW (Woman of Worth) conference in Vernon BC and it was a fantastic experience. The founder, Christine Awram, has been holding these conferences for several years. Each event promises great motivational and inspirational speakers, plus great opportunities to meet and network with like-minded women.

This year was exceptionally good as one of our clients, Dana Smithers, was invited to be a keynote speaker.

She spoke about the Law of Attraction and started a chain reaction of events that led to me being on stage bowing to a standing ovation! (The exercise was to show my intention to the world that I am open to receiving opportunities to speak, so hey, if you know any …)

In addition to gaining top tier strategies, events like these offer an incredible opportunity to meet potential clients, JV partners, and vendors.

So how can you get the most out of your next event? Here are some pro tips for networking like a superstar.

1) Rock Your Appearance. Let your outfit be a topic of conversation. Wear something that makes you feel like a million dollars and helps you radiate confidence.

Wear a spectacular accessory like a brooch, scarf or a unique pair of shoes that will make you notice. Make a great first impression that makes people think “I have to meet that person.”

2) Prepare yourself mentally. Know your purpose for being there. Be passionate about what you do and let it shine.

What do you want to learn? Look at the list of speakers and be sure to say hello. Ask yourself what 3 types of people you would like to meet. Be specific. Visualize these people in the morning before the workshop or conference begins.

This will help you attract exactly the right type of connections that you will benefit the most from.

3) Arrive early. Show up with extra time so you can have coffee, visit vendor tables, and meet a few people before things start to get messy. Be on the lookout for people you think you can connect with and have a conversation with.

Attending early also gives you the opportunity to sit close enough to better see and hear events on stage.

4) Be a Giver. Have you ever met someone who feels like they want to get something from you? It emits bad negative energy, doesn’t it? Prevent this from happening to you by shifting your energy to one of abundance and ask yourself how you can better serve others.

When you meet someone, be curious. Get to know them. Ask questions. Find out how you can help this person.

There is always a resource, compliment, connection, book, tip, or tool that you can offer to help someone.

Can you interview them on your podcast? Can you check out his book on your blog? Can you organize a webinar with them? While I was at the WOW event, I recorded 3 eTips videos and made a couple of videos on Facebook LIVE. How can you capitalize on your time in a similar way?

5) Request your business card. It is always better to ask for the other person’s card. Asking for his card feels better than putting yours in his hand.

Plus, that puts you in control so you can send a follow-up when you return from the event.

Write a note about what you learned or talked about with them on the card so that you can refer to it when you write them later.

6) Share the event socially. Social media is a great tool for building and maintaining relationships. Take lots of photos at the event to share on social media.

Make Facebook LIVE on the spot. Your followers want to see where you are. Take pictures with the speakers and other people you know.

This is me with Christine after the event ended. As you can see, wine is a huge part of their brand. That and chocolate!

Also, you can send these images to the friends you meet in your follow-up.

Try tagging them on social media and give them a shout out saying how nice it was to meet them. You can attach a photo with them in a follow-up email. This is a sincere way to share warmth with a new connection.

7) Switch it on. Try sitting with different people at lunch. Join the groups for dinner and conversation after the workshop. Sometimes the talk that occurs before and after the event can make the best connections.

8) Step to mike. If there is an opportunity for questions and answers, step up to the microphone and let your question be heard. You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the entire room and get expert answers to your question.

Often times, people will come up to you afterward and tell you how they relate to what you shared.

9) Give a testimonial. If you loved the event, please express your opinion. Tell the event coordinator and offer a testimonial. You can also record a Facebook video testimonial and tag the event coordinator on social media.

Email a written testimonial to the host of the event. They may post it on their website and give you massive exposure.

10) Love they. There is a Chinese proverb that says “A little fragrance sticks to the hand that gives flowers.” When you return home from the event, the most important part is following up and nurturing the relationships you have built.

Here is a quality strategy, not quantity. Order the cards you received. Limit them to the few people you had a real connection with and send a warm and genuine email.

Are there any additional suggestions or resources I can send you as a follow-up to your conversation? You want them to experience that their life is better now that you met.

And don’t forget to post to your social media accounts and email your list about your experience, too!

Attending industry conferences or seminars keeps you up to date with the latest changes that are occurring within the industry. But just as valuable is the opportunity to meet other like-minded people and make connections that can last a lifetime.