Jun
Conference is not a - should, maybe, or possibly - but an ABSOLUTE.
In this business, we work alone much of the time. We are not in a traditional office setting with daily meetings and time to network on a daily basis with co-workers. The good news is that we don’t have to deal with office politics or gossip. The bad news is that networking, when done in a positive way, can be extremely valuable.
If you took away all the other components of conference - the chance to see yourself as a part of a “bigger picture”, the recognition, the seminars, the speakers, the new products, the excitement - conference is worth the price of the plane ticket for the networking alone. It is the conversations that happen over lunch, in the elevator, in hotel rooms and the hallways - after the seminars, after the general sessions, etc. It is getting the chance to share business building ideas with a consultant that lives hundreds or thousands of miles from you. The only place you can do this is at conference.
Conference is motivational and inspirational. You will come away excited, exhausted and exhilarated.
If you used just one idea that you got from conference and it increased your income next year by 10, 15 or 100% would it be worth it? You bet it would. Don’t think that you will be able to just “get the notes” at the next team meeting. It is just not the same.
Which would you rather do - look at a post card of the Grand Canyon or experience the sun on your hair and the wind on your face as you look over that railing at the rocky expanse below - larger than anything you’ve ever seen with more colors than you can imagine, literally, taking your breath away.
Yeah, it’s kind of like that.
So what is keeping you from committing???
Yep, I can hear you now -
“But I have small children…”
“But I have no money…”
“But my business isn’t making enough money yet…”
“But I have never traveled before…”
But, but, but….
Children - yes, leaving them for the first time can be a scary, guilt ridden thing. Let’s look at some of the positives of leaving your kids for a couple of days…
- YOU. As moms we don’t take good enough care of ourselves. We are so busy looking out for others we are always last on the list. Leaving your kids for a few days with someone you trust will give you some much needed respite and grown-up time. You will come back in a much better `mom’ frame of mind. We all need a break once in a while
- Your spouse. If you are married, this is a wonderful chance for your spouse to bond and get to know your kiddos a bit better. Yes, there are many spouses out there who understand how important something like conference is and will take vacation days to stay home with the kids. But the key is, you need to ASK!
- Your kids. This will give them the opportunity to know that others, not just mom can take care of their needs. Heaven forbid there would be an emergency and you were unexpectedly hospitalized or needed to leave town to care for an ailing family member. Do you want an emergency situation to be the first time your children experience being without you? This is actually a good thing for them.
Money - Get creative here and think outside the box. Can you use proceeds from a Garage Sale? Yes going to conference costs money but it is important to remember that the money you spend is tax deductible and to look at this as an investment in your business. If you take the best ideas you get from conference and USE THEM when you get home, you will more than make up for the money you spent.
Fear of travel - Just like when you began your business and you stretched outside your comfort zone. If you are an inexperienced traveler going to conference is one of the best ways to start. You will meet others from your team at the airport, on the shuttle, at the hotel - everywhere. This stretch will be a blast - we promise!
Still need convincing? Seek out someone who attended conference for the first time last year. I am betting that 10 minutes on the phone or chatting online with them and you will be registering and booking your ticket!
