Ask The Expert

Q: I've never gotten a lot from previous conferences I've attended, and I'm signed up to attend a big one next month. How do I make the most of my conference experience?

A: Although you should take advantage of the workshops, seminars and CE-accredited classes many conferences offer, the fact is that you don't have to go to conferences to get the information provided by those presentations. The real value offered by conferences is the opportunity to network.and that's where most people need to improve their skills.

Networking may come easy to some agents, but it's a skill anyone can learn. Here are 5 tips to get the most out of your conference and any networking opportunity:

1. Get Your Game Plan
   Before you head out to an event, get a schedule of presentations and make note of which you want to attend the most. Also identify why you're going to the event. If you don't have a clear goal, like I want to meet ABC carrier's representatives, or I want to meet this expert, then it might not be worth your time to attend.

2. Take Notes On Every Business Card
   Keep your pen handy because taking mental notes won't cut it. Whenever you get a business card, write down the important things you'll need to remember when you follow up after the event. Same goes when you're handing your own card out. Take a quick second to write down the key information you would like them to remember about you when they sort through that big stack of cards later.

3. Stray From The Pack
   It's tempting (and a lot easier) to catch up with people you haven't seen in awhile. But don't spend every networking opportunity with the same group. Make an effort to break away from the people you already know. Before you even step foot into the conference, have a number of new contacts you'd like to make in your head. Include specific names if you can.

4. Don't Get "After-Partied" Out
   After parties are another great chance to network, but it's easy to go overboard. Set a limit for yourself, whether that's when you make it back to your hotel room, or how many drinks you have. Do what it takes to hit the floor the next day alert and ready to meet more people.

5. Be Serious About Following Up
   This is probably the biggest mistake most people make after an event -and the most costly. All your good networking efforts don't amount to anything unless you take initiative to follow up with each of your important contacts.

   Don't wait for someone to follow up with you. Make it a top priority - or those contacts will get stale, and you'll forget them as you get back into your busy routine. The next time you're back at the office, sit down and pull out those business cards (you know, the ones with all the detailed notes on the back).

Conferences and networking events open new doors and create valuable relationships with the right people. With the smart networking strategies discussed above, you'll be in a better position to open those doors and make those connections.

And don't forget to drop by our booth and presentations at one of our Upcoming Events!