You may remember this blog post where I stated that your most important asset wasn’t your list, which is what most people think, but the connections you make with other marketers. Without the right online connections you will struggle as there are so many things that need to be done, but how do we make these all important connections, especially when just starting out?
By far the best way to make connections with other marketers is face to face and this is usually done at a live event. While we can build relationships online nothing beats shaking someone’s hand and introducing yourself face to face, this is a connection that is impossible to make online. By attending live events I have managed to form solid relationships with some top marketers that has enabled me to transform my business.
There are events happening almost on a daily basis and it shouldn’t be hard to find one near you. However, there are some basic rules you should follow when attending a live event to make sure you gain the most from it.
1. Work Out What You Want to Get From The Event.
It’s very important you work out what you want to get from any event you attend, this will determine the type of event you should go to. Do you want to learn? Do you want to network? Do you want to gain more JV partners? Do you want to connect with potential clients or gain new customers?
2. Connect, Connect, Connect.
Make sure you connect with as many people as possible, shake hands, introduce yourself and start talking. If I could offer one big tip here it is that most of the action happens in the bar each evening, don’t spend it in your room when you could be spending it making those all important connections.
3. Don’t be Pushy.
If you have a pending launch the worst thing you can do is talk about it and bring it up at every opportunity as you will come across as desperate. My advice is to leave the ‘will you promote my product’ talk at home and just concentrate on building relationships, then when you get home you can always contact anyone you’ve formed a relationship with and start from there.
4. Learn as Much as Possible About The People You Want to Connect With.
If you want to get someones attention and you know they are going to be at an event learn something about them before you leave and take some notes with you. Also, if you see a marketer at an event and you don’t know much about them but want to have a chat jump on your phone and spend 5 minutes doing some research, believe me if you mention one of their products you will have their attention. Take this introduction for example. “Hi John, I’m xxxx, I must say your product Simple Traffic Solutions is fantastic, it taught me a lot of traffic tactics I didn’t know, I especially loved the module about gaining JV partners, it helped a lot” Now how could I not be impressed by that introduction?
5. Don’t be The Event Jerk.
There’s one at every event. They hassle you, stalk you to try to catch you on your own, drink too much and act like a fool, talk about nothing but themselves and are generally just annoying. If you’ve never seen the event jerk perhaps it’s you. Don’t be the event jerk.
6. It’s Not About You.
So you made a million off your last launch, you came first in that big JV competition, or you just had Facebook buy your latest app for 17 billion. Who cares? It’s not about you, it’s about what you can do for others, if you want to build those all important connections and form long term business relationships leave the ego at the airport and concentrate on what you can do to help others. If you get this right you will go home with a ton of connections from potential business partners, clients, etc.
7. Not Everyone is a Good Fit For Your Business.
You can’t do business with everyone in the room so concentrate on the people who will give you the time you give them. Don’t force yourself on people as it will usually push them away. Understand that not everyone will want to connect with you and don’t worry if someone gives you the brush off, it happens.
8. Humor is The Ultimate Connector.
This usually happens at the bar and it usually happens in the early hours, some of the best friendships and long term business partnerships have been formed while ‘having a laugh’. If you can have a laugh with someone and forget the marketing talk you will form a far better connection.
9. Events Are About Mutual Benefits.
If you ‘get this’ you will go far, remember that the connections you form are the building blocks to a successful business, but also remember that other marketers are also building their businesses too. If someone reaches out to you listen to what they want from you and what you can do for them because if you don’t you may find no one wants to know you when you get home.
10. After The Event Keep it Going.
Once you get home make sure you follow up with any connections you have made as now is the time to build on the foundations you have built. You should also begin to implement the strategies you have learned (you will learn lots) and to above all make sure that the event was something that can help you take your business forward.
The Ultimate Event!
If you’ve never been to an event yet I am delighted to announce that Omar Martin and myself have put together The Coolest Event Ever. This will be a pitch free event with tons of activities to help you build those all important relationships with like minded individuals. If you want to do something to expand your business then this is it.
There will be 6,7 and even 8 figure marketers at this event, all who will be approachable to help you build your business. It’s not every day I am willing to fly half way round the world to attend an event but this one is different and I’d love to sit with over a coffee (or a beer) to discuss how I could help build your business. This is something I didn’t have when starting out and I know if you can make the commitment to attend it could change your life.
The event takes place in Orlando, FL, May 16th – 18th and there are still a limited amount of tickets available. To find out more click here.
If you are attending and want to hook up please let me know by leaving a comment below and whatever you do make sure attending events becomes part of your business routine.
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Hi John.
10 great tips you’ve laid out here at why online marketers should be attending live events…it could really help one move along at laying down a really solid basis to push their online business forward in the right direction.
Point number 3. (Don’t Be Pushy) is one to adhere by…although they are all important points, with no3, it should be more about trying to build a “relationship” rather than bringing up the point you have a product launch coming up soon, “that would kinda put a damper on things wouldn’t it.”
I’d love to be going to the event – but I won’t make it this time around.
Eamon
Hi John,
Thanks for yet another useful post. I think that, for many, getting stuck in at a live event can be one of those ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’ issues so they may be inclined to not make the best use of them when they attend. But if someone does feel like this then to go through your suggestions here and put them into practice will be sure to help them greatly.
Glenn 🙂
Hi John,
Wow, there are some things there that I never really considered – thanks. I have tickets to the Orlando event as a result of your bonus package with Omar’s Unfair Advantage product, and hopefully I can attend!
Thanks for a great post on a Friday morning!
Ken Soszka
Looking forward to meeting you in Orlando Ken 🙂
I won’t be going to your event John but I read your Blogpost and I totally agree with everything you say.
Basically, these events are not really what you learn there but who you meet and the lifetime relationships you can forge out of ’em.
Hope it goes great for you and everyone who goes 🙂
James Scholes
Really great tips you’ve given us here. Events are where the real networking takes place. ( I’ve been told)
So thanks again for this info. and I look forward to seeing you in the coming month.
Thanks again,
David Caudill
Thanks John
I actullly missed out on speaking to both Dave Nicholson and Daniel Sumner at the summit as I was a bit shy and also I thought that they would be around longer.
Glad I had a good chat with Randy and Yourself though 🙂
Im not quite earning enough to get to Orlando – next year for deffo though !
Thats a goal ehh??
hope it goes well
take care
xxxxcarlxxxx
I couldn’t agree with you more John. As you know I went to a recent event in the UK and the opportunity it gives you to mix and connect with people in your industry is second to none.
The connections you make at live events can propel your business forward at a rapid rate – IF you act accordingly and treat everyone you meet with respect.
Some great advice you’ve share here and I know I’ll be implementing them at the next event I go to.
Cheers!
Hi John,
Looking forward to seeing you there. It will be a great event with lots of exciting marketers. I most look forward to having a relaxed chat in the bar in the evening with you.
I’ll buy you a round.
Paul Steinberg
I’ll keep you to that Paul 🙂
Ahh so this was the epic post John?
Because it actually IS filled with great tips, particularly for someone who has never attended one of these live events before like myself.
I wanted to go (well technically speaking I STILL want to go) to this live event since I can’t imagine what it would be like talking to so many people I know, like and trust online but have never seen in real life.
Since I’m getting married this year, the wedding itself, the honeymoon and other expenses are all driving me crazy right now so I don’t think I might make it.
The good thing is I’m 100% convinced that I will start attending live events as soon as I’m able to regularize a bit more my finances.
Anyway, cheers and have a blast at the event!
Sergio
PS. What kind of beer do you drink when you go to the USA and they don’t have Guiness?
Hey Sergio, hopefully we’ll meet at an event soon.
I’m sure I’ll find Guinness over there but if not I’ll settle for a Bud or three 😉
Trust you are going to have a wonderful event. I am just starting out. I appreciate your help in getting started with my own website. Just saying thanks and keep it up!
One more question John. How do you guys manage to get an Avatar that looks so nice while I am sitting with a default avatar. I used a plugin that make me look nice on my own site, yet when I vist another it is back to the same avatar. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks Francois My current avatar works well on my own site see my comments at http://tastelifeconsultancy.com/testimonies/#comment-2828
Set up your gravater – then always post comments with the same name/email across all wordpress blogs.
http://en.gravatar.com/
Thanks John,
for the tips on how to prepare for a event like your. Looking froward to this event to meet yourself, Omar & Melinda and the other speaker. Yes that would great have a few minutes of time during the event,lots to do ahead of the event. I will see you and Omar in Orlando.
Regards
Melvin Buchanan
Looking forward to meeting you at the event Melvin!
Hi everyone,
I’ve never attended any event before but after reading this I know what I’ve missed.
I won’t be able to be in Orlando. I wish I would, but I will look what other events I can attend.
It can surely take my online business to the next level, so thanks John for this tips.
All the best and see you on top.
Erwin
Hi John,
Looking forward to my first live event. I’ve got tickets from Omar’s Unfair Advantage bonus. I’ve requested the time off from my day job and will be making the long 15 minute ride from my home to the hotel. Looking forward to meeting you and Omar. Should I looking in the bar area?
Better pack lots of snacks for that long road trip!
Looking forward to meeting you Guy.
O
John:
A very apropos post as I am attending your event and look forward to meeting you. Instead of buying you a drink I would like to be different and bring you coffee from Costa Rica unless all you drink across the pond is tea. If you do drink coffee let me know if you want mild, medium or strong and if you want ground or whole bean. If you don’t drink coffee you’re out of luck as I’m too cheap to buy you a drink!
Hmmm – Coffee from Costa Rica?? That sounds good 🙂
I was at the UK Summit – first event for marketing – and I must say… I’m addicted.
I was a bit … how would I put this nicely … awe-struck by a few people.
After you get to speak to them though, you just realize they’re good people who have done great things. 🙂
My big thing was speaking and getting to know people who I had spoken to for a couple of months…and of course learning from the ‘late night business’ talks at the bar.
It totally opened my eyes up to so many things, and of course, there were other benefits… making a partnership official, making new friendships…
Hi John,
I really like your post. It’s a very nice and helpful post.
I have learned so much in this post.
I’m in your coaching program (One Month Mentor). It would be an honor for me to connect with people like You John, Omar, Dave, Mike, Marc, Anthony and other marketers.I have learned, I’m still learning and i will learn from You John.
I’m doing all my best to be there. I’ll be there
John I’ll buy you a Bud.
I believe “The Coolest Marketing Event Ever” event will be the one that will change my online business and my life for ever.
Gladimir Pierre
Looking forward to meeting you at the event Gladimir!
Thanks John,
This great post and it has some good training lessons in it that will be very useful for the first time event attendees.
Regards
Zora
Hi John
Great points thanks. I read an article the other day that said online selling is hard because there are so many “barriers” between the two participants in the exchange. Obviously at an online event there are far less barriers – while appreciating that your post was about connecting, not necessarily selling. It just reminded me:-)
Joy
Hi John,
What an amazing post about business networking and especially how you have summed it up in 10 simple points.
The one thing I would like to emphasize is that Follow Up is the most important thing in networking, in the past I have collected a number of business cards and never done anything afterwards. Learnt my lesson now 🙂
I am pretty sure the event would be an awesome one, wish was there.
__________________________________________
11. Don’t be scared to ask questions if the microphone is passed around, as you never know who will remember you for that question.
12. Dress and present yourself well for the event, as presentation gives your visual image to the attendees and potential connections.
13. Produce some business cards from a local business card shop, so that you can hand them out when you make connections. (These can be your name, company, and website url). They can then place them in your wallet.
14. Don’t forget to brush your teeth…bad breath can be a huge put off, so make sure you are not late for the similar that you have to rush out without brushing your teeth.
15. Stay in touch with your connections, friends that you have made, and after the event follow them up via email/ messenger etc.
__________________________________________
Hello John, hope you are doing fine.
Live events are a hidden goldmine to build up a list of contacts.
You shouldn’t be shy to approach people and you can end up with some of your best JV contacts, or affiliates for life just by attending a live event which has speakers and attendees in.
You might have to spend some money to attend it, but the contacts you can potentially build is amazing, which can give you a different range of partners compared to the ones you have met online.
You have to put the effort in though, and not be too held back.
That is the first time I have seen Omar with a beard and to be honest it makes him look younger.
Have a great experience at the event guys.
PS. Have you guys decided what you are wearing at the event?
Matt Morgan
Hi, guys.
I’ll be at the event in May. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the article on how to get the most out of the event. Great tips. I can hardly wait to meet you guys in person.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out. I have some sweet video equipment if you want to catch something not covered by your video crew… perhaps some interviews / testimonials between sessions? Happy to help.
Cheers,
Hey how you doing. I just got started with your blog and find its very informing with good content and Ideas.You’ve been doing this a while and it shows The different ideas you have stated and the tips are really great to know.Hoping to be at a event some time. Ive never been to one before and thinking it could be a grat learning exp. thanks John
Hi John,
Inspiring and educational post, as always. I find that I am on the other end of being pushy – in other words a bit too worried that I might annoy people, so don’t mix at events enough, and as a result don’t make enough contacts, and definitely not enough of the ones which might be of mutual benefit.
In most cases people’s attention span is low, and unless they can see a potential in you, and what you can do for them, they are unlikely to remember your name or face. So listening and being genuinely interested in others is the most important skill to have and develop.
Best wishes,
Galina
Hi guys,
I wish that I could attend this event but I will have to let this one pass. I will however keep your tips in mind when I do attend an event in the future.
Have fun in Orlando,
– Frank
Hi John,
I just found the site so Im new here and Im only a few months in to my new Internet Marketing career. I just wanted to thank you for this post it was very helpful. I will take the advice on board and will keep an eye open for a decent event over here in the UK. Thanks again and hopefully once I have enough pennies in the bank I will make a trip over their and meetup with the elite 🙂
Hi john
I am going to my first internet marketing event this weekend and i liked your comment on building relashionships at events.
I think this is an underestimated strategy but in general you should get to know as many people as possible and have an interest in them.People love to talk about themselves.
Thanks john for the great tip
All the best
Mark
Hi John,
Thanks for the great post it shows that you really know a lot about events.This post can be a guide to help you get the most out of the event.
And there is a lot of good tips like the one about going and networking the bar instead of going to your room.
Hope you had a good time
And got a lot of the list done.
Have a good day
Regards
Zora Blume
Thanks for this Post John, and definitely agree with everything mentioned,although was not able to attend this time round i am definitely going next time round can’t wait to meet you guy’s and enjoy a nice business chat!
keep up the good work fellows!
kindest
dan