I am often told that I am out socializing…a lot. While it may look like fun and games on Instagram, the truth is there’s a reason I attend so many industry events. Quite frankly, they lead to more money.
Just recently, I’ve had to tell business coaching clients to get out there more. It’s very hard to build a business when you’re hiding behind a computer screen. Trust me, I tried for years. As a result of going out to more events, they are experiencing new opportunities in business. Here are four reasons why it’s important for you to attend industry events.
You never know who you might meet.
The more you attend industry events, the more you expand your network. The more you expand your network, the more you position yourself for opportunities.
For example, I was recently on a radio show that was transmitted to over 600 radio stations across Latin America. How did I get this? I met the host of the show at a meetup and she invited me to come on.
I also recently attended an event where the organizer runs the marketing for a local bank. Guess who they are thinking of hiring as a writer? Me.
The truth is you never know who you may meet at industry events. For that reason alone, you need to go to as many as possible.
It helps you become known as an expert.
The more people know you, the more you can be seen as an expert in your field. This is what’s currently happening to me on a local level as I make it a point to attend more industry events. As a result, I’m getting several referrals coming my way for work because people know what I’m about.
In-person connections are powerful.
In a world where everything has become digital, in-person connections can be extremely powerful. A little goes a long way, and in this day and age that looks like meeting people in real life.
Don’t get me wrong, I love online connections. I met many of my friends and colleagues online. However, the connections deepened once we actually met in person. Once that happened, people felt more inclined to help each other out.
Why is this the case? Because you can get a better feel for people in person. It’s not that easy to get the same data via internet connections.
It’s a fun way to do business.
I love attending industry events because they are fun. Granted, I’m an extrovert so I love a good party. If I can make money and have fun at the same time, I’m there. I find that the more fun I have the more people are attracted to me. The more people are attracted to me, the more opportunities I am presented with.
If you don’t feel the same way about industry events, I encourage you to start looking at them from a different perspective. How can you enjoy yourself? Or, how can you attend and help one person?
Final Thoughts
Attending industry events is a part of my overall business growth strategy. The more I grow my network, the more I am in the right place at the right time for opportunities. The same can be true for you.
