Investing is different than paying to attend
No matter which industry you’re in, seems there’s a convention or trade show for it. Perhaps more than one. And, unless your money tree is sprouting new leaves there is likely to be a cash consideration concerning attendance.
So, you must make your attendance evaluation based on the ROI. Yep, Return on Investment. If you get more in value than what you pay, a conference can certainly be worth it.
Look for the 3 “Es.” The best conventions will Educate, Enlighten, and Entertain you. As a matter of fact, conferences can be information avalanches. That is why it is important to have a goal in mind when you attend. (Hint: You can have more than one goal. Just make sure you have at least one. And don’t count free food and drinks in your goals.) 😉
Expand your industry knowledge in general (bring value to your clients)
Find solutions to specific business or client related problems (bring added value to your clients)
Encounter new vendors and suppliers (who may have options you’ve never thought of)
Network with peers (for the sheer joy of it)
Position yourself as an expert* (you’ll see an example below as you continue reading)
And, if more than one person from your commercial construction subcontracting business will be attending, it is wise to divide and conquer. Choose different break-out groups, classes, or training sessions. You can meet up for lunch or at the end of the day to share what you’ve learned or found.
Make your way to the exhibit hall; you’ll have opportunity to check out the vendor and partner exhibits so you can view all the new products, equipment, and technology available.
Important Investment returns
Plus, there are two less-measurable (yet highly important) investment returns you’ll want to consider.
Conferences are a bargain when you think about how much education costs.
When you’re immersed for a few days with other go-getters you can’t help but want to get out there and hustle too. Yes! Conferences are a motivation boost for you and your team.
Investing in convention attendance when you get home
Besides the fact you’re likely to meet allies and make friends during your conference days, there is another way to make the most of your investment. Set aside time to pass on what you learned to those who held down the fort while you were gone. In your morning huddle or at a special meeting, allow all who attended time to talk about something they learned, share a way they were inspired, or teach a new skill.
Speaking of conventions
Both Tonya and I will be attending Scaling New Heights this year. This is a conference put on annually by Woodard.
“Scaling New Heights is an internationally-renowned, in-depth training conference for accountants, bookkeepers and other small business advisors.”
And yes, we’ve chosen a few goals. Surprise, surprise! Between us, these are our goals:
Expand our industry knowledge in general
Find solutions for two client related problems
Look for new or updated app and SaaS vendors
Network with peers
Position Tonya as an expert*
*Tonya has been asked by the Woodard team to be part of a break-out session. It will be comprised of a four-member panel which will discuss the junction of QuickBooks and Construction Contracting. So yeah, we’re tooting our own horn here!
So, look out Salt Lake City and Salt Palace Convention Center! Some (not so) boring accounting, bookkeeping, and small business advisors will be rocking out the place June 16 – 19, 2019!
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