Observations on seminars and life

Observations on Seminars and Life
Scott Dennison
12-05-06


In the last month, I have been to two major Internet conferences. The first was the Glazer-Kennedy Information Marketers Summit in Atlanta. The other was Michael Penland's Internet and Joint Venture Marketing Super Conference in Orlando.

The reason I mention these is that I have some observations to share...

First, I will admit that I did not attend either conference for the educational opportunities, however both had an impressive line-up of speakers, trainers and authors with powerful information to share.

The primary reason I go to events such as this is for the networking opportunities. On breaks in the hallway, you can meet some very interesting, and impressively successful people.

Often, just by spending a few minutes with these folks, you can identify ways to partner or create alliances with people who you might not otherwise have any chance to meet.

With a bit of effort, you can turn strangers, who you often read about in the press, into friends and sometimes even create partnerships.

But not everyone will take advantage of such an opportunity. Or more often than not, they cannot take advantage. Because they have not settled on what it is that they want to do in the first place.

It's not uncommon to see some of the same people come to the conferences year after year and they still have not implemented anything from the conference they attended last year.

Sometimes these folks are upset that the speakers will make an offer at the end of their presentation. Too often, attendees refer to these offers as a "pitchfest". What a shame... You see, some really great examples of how to sell from the platform are found in these conferences. A student of selling can learn alot, simply by watching and listening.

And if you know what you do, if you are clear on what your mission is - their presentation or pitch will not distract you from the project you are currently involved in. You may even determine that this speaker holds a key to the success of your project.

However, if you are unclear on what your project is and what your burning desire is - then the speakers and their offers may just cause you to change direction. If you do that regularly, you will never accomplish much.

It's much like the old expression that a flashlight can light up a room, but the same light - tightly focused can become a laser beam and cut through steel.

~Scott
KeyThing Marketing Technologies