“You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” or Why You Need to Be At RESACON!
If you haven’t registered yet for the most important industry conference, I must ask WHY NOT? My graduates will tell you I am “famous” for saying – you don’t know what you don’t know AND what you don’t can sink you!
If you are a newbie, wannabe or a veteran Stager then you may be thinking some of these thoughts:
A) I am SO busy, I just can’t take time to go
B) Is it worth it..afterall it isn’t JUST the conference fee, it is hotel, flights/travel/ meals, bar tab, loss of business and don’t forget the new outfits, hairdo, nails….
C) Really is there any need to leave family, work, home and there are so many great ways to learn and sharpen your skills these days: you can read blogs, listen to podcasts, watch how-to videos on YouTube, and attend webinars, just to name a few. Why bother with the time and expense of an in-person conference or workshop?
D) OR “don’t have any business yet (or enough) BUT when I do, I will be there!
I get it; I go through the same thing myself every year; I am too busy, it is too much money, I can be making money elsewhere but every year for a DECADE I have been there. Business owners are always busy; busy working or busy trying to get work. Taking a few days away from the office to participate in a conference may seem like a waste of time. However, these live meetings might be just what you need to uncover new ways to growing your business. Getting out from the daily grind & stress, hearing and connecting with people who are doing what you do, people who “get it” can totally reignite your passion and enthusiasm for your business.
Now more than ever, & despite technology, it makes sense to attend live events. Too much time on your own, in your own thoughts, doing, doing, doing will not help you or your business grow. No matter how experienced you are, everyone can learn. Working in a small business venture can often be isolating, and without exposure to a variety of points of view, we can miss new ideas and trends that can impact future results. The educational aspect of a conference can enlighten you to new ways of conducting your business and help you discover how to be more productive.
Not convinced yet?
Ok how about you get to meet face to face all those “online Guru’s” yes! They attend- and they are WAY busier than you are! I know you think you have a relationship with these FB friends because they always LIKE your posts. SMH ..LOL There is something powerful about meeting them in person, something that will serve you and your business well in the future. Conferences provide a great opportunity to network with peers. Often stagers from other regions of the country can become valuable resources for referrals and best-practices.
Hmmmm still a lot of money and a long way to go……..
I shouldn’t have to say it but you need to learn industry trends & how to implement them. Have you seen the lineup of speakers? The fees and new outfits are so worth it and paid back in spades just listening to these great people who are sharing their hard-earned KNOWLEDGE so you can prosper! What if you learn even ONE new thing that creates more profit in your business (you know what profit is – right?) or gets you closer to your clients…priceless
What about the vendors?
Too often people shy away from the trade show exhibit hall at conferences. They fear that they will have to talk to salespeople, but these industry suppliers are some of the best people for you to get to know if you want to learn more about the current business climate. Discovering innovative products and services for your business is necessary to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world. Plus, these vendors who sell to your industry fully grasp what is happening inside your competition. Invest time with the sponsors at the event and turn them into your friends and allies. Do you know why they are there? Do you know they pay thousands of dollars to be there? Taking time from their work & family, pay flight, hotel, food, materials and stand for hours in the hope you will come by their booth? There reason for being is to connect with you and educate you on their latest and greatest products and services. You may find new tools you were unaware of, tools that could provide a solution to problems your company, or your customers, are facing…AHEM _ PRICELESS
Did You Enter Your Work for an Award?
Like it or not, others like to associate with the experts in any industry. Clients feel good about doing business with those that are celebrated by their peers. If your strategy is to be the best-kept secret in your business community, you will be missing a valuable opportunity.
The value in conference is also often measured by the human-to-human connections that occur. The serendipitous “hallway conversations” you have with other attendees can be the most valuable part of attending an event. While these are not on the agenda, or mentioned in the breakout sessions learning objectives, when two or more people begin to discuss topics on a deeper and personal level, the success of the event to those involved becomes irreplaceable. It is the people that bring the ROI to your time at a conference.
If you are still waffling:
Here is my take on it; Staging is a serious responsibility. It is not something to trifle with. It isn’t a hobby, or a bit of fun and it isn’t about cheap & creative anymore. The industry is fed up of people who think it is easy, work on the fly, are insulated from the reality, that rates should be low. If you intend to work with sellers, want them to trust you with their biggest asset you owe it to them and yourself to learn the most you can, to be the best you can, or you should leave.
KEY: Plan to implement the learning when you get back and before you leave Vegas- register for next year..commit baby commit!
