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As I write this, I am also preparing to spend a few days in Dallas, Texas next week at our National Convention.  Through the years I’ve attended hundreds of State and National conference – but for most of them, I have been an exhibitor working at the event.  This time, I get to attend as an attendee and I must confess, I am incredibly excited about going!

Most of my posts are written for those who work from home, who are entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, have their own small business, are in MLM or Direct Sales.  However, most of the ideas and concepts in this post truly are applicable for anyone who is considering attending a National Conference or trade show.  These events are typically expensive when you consider travel, hotel, food, etc – so you definitely want to make sure you get the most out of each and every second, and take advantage of all opportunities available to you.

I’m a firm believe in never missing a company sponsored event – and here are some of the reasons why.

1)  Motivation

You are going to get the best your company has to offer, and these conferences are highly motivational.  They are specifically designed that way.  Motivation moves you to action and action leads to success.  The motivation factor alone make attending your company event a must.  Most entrepreneurs and mompreneurs are pretty motivated people by nature, but who can’t use a little extra boost in excitement?

2)  Refocus

Sometimes you just need to take a look at what’s working in your company and refocus efforts on the best practices.  A company event is a great opportunity to take a good look at what you are doing in your business and compare it to what other successful people are doing.  Re-shift, Re-load, Re-focus – take a good look at the success stories, find out why they are successful and duplicate their success.  Successful people learn from other successful people.

3)  Meet Industry Leaders

Industry and company leaders are there for you and they have knowledge and traits that will benefit you as you grow your business.  Study them, learn from them and ask them questions.  They are at the events to help. Have a goal to interact with those your know are successful for the purpose of picking their brain and learning what they do to be a success.

4)  Best Practices

In addition to industry leaders, there will also be newcomers to the company and others who have started with nothing and are growing their team and business.  What are others doing that’s working for them?  How are they succeeding?  What tools do they use? What are some daily goals they have? Ask others to share tips to help you and your team succeed.  Share your tips and best practices.  Most people are happy to share how they reached their goals and are building their teams and business.

5)  A Time of Laser Focus

Company events are the ideal time to have a time of laser focus on your business.  You are out of the house, out of your office and in a place where you are there specifically to learn, to get motivated, to inspire,  and to be inspired.  It’s like being on a retreat for your business with your goals, actions, and focus completely on the success and progress of your business.  As entrepreneurs and mompreneurs we often get caught up in the day-to-day activity of doing business.  This is a time of dedicated focus for you -  You are there for the sheer purpose of growing your business.

6)  Be Inspired

Being around successful people, outgoing people, leaders and people who love what they are doing is inspiring.  It’s also very contagious.  Soak it all in and gain all the inspiration you can.  As you meet others, ask where they find their inspiration and what they do to stay motivated.  There is an energy at these company events like no other.  So go for the sake of being inspired!

7)  Build Your Network

Go with the intention of building your network and support system.  Share your contact information and if you want to follow up with people, schedule an after-event follow up. If you’re in a direct sales or MLM organization you’ll be surrounded by people who understand the value in networking and building relationships.  Do not just look for others to who can help you.  Also seek out those you can help, mentor and teach.  It’s always better to give than to have expectations of only receiving from others.

8)  The Opportunity For Partnerships

Maybe you and someone you meet have goals to start a new team in a certain area – joining forces and teaming up could be beneficial, utilizing the strengths that each of you bring to the table. Or maybe you both are working on a similar project?  Teaming up can benefit both of you.

9)  FUN!!!

I love having fun!  Who doesn’t?? Most entrepreneurs and mompreneurs love what they are doing.  If  they don’t, they are in the wrong business for them. Take advantage of the fun opportunities in the host city and at the event.  As I mentioned earlier, I have attended hundred of conferences, company events and trade shows through the years and one thing I always did was make sure I did something in the host city that was fun to do.  It may be eat at famous restaurant, attend an amusement park, visit a museum, go to a ballgame – I always wanted to make sure that I got a taste of the city I was visiting.

10)  Get Out Of The Office

Yes, it’s good to get out of the office and experience a change of pace for a few days.  Those of us who work from hom can get very lonely and it’s easy to seclude yourself from the world around you, even if you are in a people-oriented business like me. We often tie ourselves to the phone or the computer and don’t get out enough.  Company events are a good excuse to get out of the office and still focus on your business.  A change of scenery is a good thing to stay fresh, motivated, inspired and excited about what you do.