Last week, I went to the Governor’s Business Summit in Baltimore. It was the first time that they’ve ever done this summit in the state of Maryland. With over 700 people, it was like a “who’s who” of business in Maryland. And in the days since, everyone I’ve spoken to who’s attended has referenced the event in one way or another — whether it’s a key takeaway from the event or a new business relationship.
Attending this really got me thinking about the power of going to live events.
Live events can be such a huge opportunity to be face-to-face with clients, prospective clients, and prospective referral sources. To utilize the opportunity, you need to have a few key talking points and ideas down:
- Know your elevator speech, and how to say what you do and who you help in a quick 15-second pitch. Try this framework. I help (X Types of People) solve (X type of problem) / achieve (X type of goal).
- Have a very specific call to action:
- What do you want to walk away with?
- How do you want people to think of you when you walk away from them?
- What’s that action that you want them to take?
- And finally: be ready to follow up!
Following up is one of the most important things that will take these new connections from acquaintances to clients, or referral sources. Here are the simple steps to following up:
- First, connect with everybody that you meet at the event on LinkedIn.
- Then, try to set up meetings with them, proposing a specific time to have a meeting to either get face-to-face or at least a phone conversation with them.
- When you do meet them, see what you can do to help them.
Try these simple steps at your next event to discover the power of events for yourself!
