If you have been reading my posts recently (I sure hope so!) then you know I am devoting some time to conferences.

They are so important for networking and growing your business…

And they often cost a lot of money…

So I want to make sure you have the tools necessary to get the most out of them.

I have already covered picking what conferences to go to, and packing for the conference

Today, I am going to discuss your mindset and how to be before you go to the conference to ensure success at the event.

I like to set some ground rules with myself before each conference.

That way, I am not caught off guard when I arrive…and won’t get swayed into the wrong direction for myself and my business.

What do I mean by that?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

Get ready to be shocked and amazed…

People at conferences are trying to sell you something.

Are you surprised? I didn’t think so.

First, it’s important you know that it isn’t a bad thing.

Honestly, I don’t think there is anything wrong with that at all.

Many people are attending a conference because they are in the market to buy something new.

And, if you aren’t looking to buy anything, watching people sell is a great learning experience.

Let’s say the conference you are attending lets every person on the stage make a pitch…

Use that time to learn what makes one person’s words compelling and another off-putting.

You can use all that for your future conversations and sales offers.

One critical thing many entrepreneurs fail to do before going to a conference is determining what they are willing (and needing) to buy in advance.

If you forget this critical step, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to spending your hard earned money on things you don’t really need.

And that can quickly turn a useful conference into a bad memory.

So, what do I recommend?

The last question I always ask myself before I leave for any event is, “What am I going to buy?”

This is an opportunity to have a straight forward conversation with myself – before all the glitz.

It is so easy to say yes when everything looks good and sparkly.

Especially for me. (But it’s 50% off!!!)

I don’t know about you, but selling to me is super easy.

I’m a yes.

But I have learned over time that not everything is yes worthy.

So, in order to check myself, I give my credit card to my roommate.

(Side tip: If you are attending a conference with someone, you should consider rooming together to save on money, and help keep each other accountable.)

If I want anything I have to sleep on it for 24 hours.

Then we have a conversation about the value and what it is going to do for me.

If I can convince her (and myself) that I truly do need that item, then I have the opportunity to make the purchase.

Conferences can be so beneficial if you know how to approach them. Now you know how to pick the right event, pack for success, and make sure you don’t buy things that will make you regret attending in the first place!

The last piece of the puzzle? Knowing how to be so you can get the most bang for your buck!

I can’t wait to tell you about that next week.

Until then…stay passionate!