If you’re listening to this episode you’re probably preparing to attend a FinCon event. In fact, at the time of this episode I’m in the final stages of preparing to attend FinCon 2021, my first in-person event since FinCon 2017 in Dallas. Yep, I missed that dance party at the Washington Conference. Despite this long gap in attendance, this will be my 7 FinCon event. I have some tried and true strategies that I use because I don’t just attend conferences to hang out. I attend with a purpose and I think that it’s important to have a general plan before you attend any in-person event. You can use these strategies for any event, but for the purpose of this episode I’m sharing my strategies for success when attending FinCon so that you don’t return feeling like I went to Texas and just came home with a whole bunch of epic swag, a hangover and new friends. Those are all great souvenirs to leave with but I want you to leave with something more.
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If you’re attending an in-person conference during a pandemic year, you need to experience some results. No, not COVID positivity. After years of attending conferences, in general, I’ve developed some tried and true strategies that help keep me focused, grow my business and not waste my time.
Success Strategy #1
- Earn What I Spent Back (Quickly)-When I attend FinCon (or any conference) my goal is to always earn back (at minimum) what I paid to attend via projects, course sales, etc. In this case, I received a free Pro-Pass because I was a part of the Community Advisory Panel. But, I will have paid to fly to Austin, some nominal food expenses and my hotel. Basically, I’m looking at around $700 dollars which is the equivalent of one or two paid freelance projects depending on the client. Or, 2 sales of my group tier for “Make Money with Ebooks” Or, 1 sale of my VIP tier for that course. I literally earn back my money during FinCon.
- What are you going to do to earn back the money that you spent to attend FinCon? Is that course sales, coaching slots, freelance writing gigs, brand sponsorships, affiliate income?
- Is it clear to other attendees that you have products to sell? Share your products, insights, experiences on social media while you’re attending.
- Create a content strategy for FinCon. In fact, you could create content leading up to the upcoming year’s event as well. What that could look like:
- Create posts specific to the attendee experience
- Share advice on the town that FinCon will be experiencing. Next year that will be Long Beach. You don’t necessarily need to be from the town to share content about it. But, you do have to have a solid insight to share.
- Share tips for success
- The content strategy will help you sell
- If you’re planning for the upcoming event-connect with other FinCon folks when they visit your town
- Become a leader in the community
Success Strategy #2-Use and Understand the Resources
- Pay attention AND USE the tools and advice shared by other community members.
- Use the FinCon App. More than any other event that I’ve attended, FinCon attendees rely heavily on the app. The FinCon team releases the app typically 2 or 3 weeks prior to the event. Use it.
- Pay attention and read the FinCon newsletter and listen to podcast or vlog content released by the team. Typically, there will be livestreamed content that you can watch the replays of later.
Success Strategy #3-Be Clear About YOUR Intent
- Why have you decided to attend FinCon? Being clear about your personal intent while at the event will help guide your actions. If your goal is to meet people in the space, be clear about what that looks like for you.
- Are you wanting to meet people that you’ve been connecting with online for the past year?
- Or, are you looking to connect with someone new? Or, both?
- For your favorite influencers out there do be aware that they begin getting booked for meetings and events pretty early. I had someone book a meeting with me in July. I will be honest…that’s way too early for me. But, I just remembered that we’re supposed to meet LOL!
- Are you there to sell coaching spots to potential clients?
- Or, are you hoping to get your work recognized so that the upcoming year you might be nominated for a Plutus Award?
- Would you like to talk to someone who has published a book because YOU would like to publish a book (There’s an author table area)
- It’s totally ok to have more than one goal. Just be clear about what your intent is before you arrive. Or, you will end up running around having a great time and returning from the event confused because you have way too ideas and directions to go in.
Strategy #4-Know Which “Vert” You Are
- I’m an only child extrovert. I truly enjoy being around people…until I don’t. I’m notorious for the slow fade. Where all of the sudden you’re like “Where did Michelle go?” COVID has definitely impacted how I interact with people as well. In fact, when I attended Podcast Movement this August in the fabulous city of Nashville, I found that I needed more time to rest. Factor in how you show up at an event and plan accordingly. I know that I will need naps, or just time away from the venue. Introverts, protect your energy. What I like about this year’s event is all of the smaller meetups. Those are a great way to manage your interactions with people so that you show up at your best.
Strategy #5-Be Flexible and Say “Yes”
- Having too strict of a plan will eliminate the room for magical happenings and connections. Yes, that’s woo-woo. Some of my best moments at FinCon have happened when I’ve said “yes” to a random coffee meet up, conversation, happy hour with someone or someones who are new to me.
Bonus Strategy
- Shop up at the different interest focused meetups that align with the content that you share. Meeting content creators making content adjacent or similar to yours is a great way to build comraderie and connections. Also,
The Final Logistics
- If possible always arrive early. I’ve found that arriving even a day earlier has allowed me to have more time to schedule in-person meetings or to hang out with friends that will be booked and busy during the conference.
- Have business cards WITH YOUR PICTURE ON THEM. We’re meeting tons of people. I write notes about my interactions with people on their business cards. It makes follow-ups so much easier because I have context specific to our interactions. No photo? I’m probably going to forget who you are and I’m not going to research you because I don’t have a lot of time. No business card? Use the Dot Card. I’m not an affiliate but I’m in love with it. It’s a physical card that has a digital interface. It’s a great way to update your credentials and direct people to pages that you’ve created with your information. I’m not an affiliate. I literally don’t understand when people are weird about this. They’re building an online brand that likely has their picture on it somewhere.
- Be yourself. If you want to dress up do. If you’re casual, be casual. Just be comfortable.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a swimsuit
- Cough drops
- Light sweater (conference rooms get chilly)
- Set up both the Uber and Lyft app
- Contact your bank and let them know you’re traveling
- Bring extra contacts or other necessities
- You might meet your significant other there. It’s happened before
- Have fun!
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