How to get the most out of a conference
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This document provides tips for getting the most out of attending a conference. It recommends preparing goals and questions in advance, using conference apps like Twitter, Foursquare, and Evernote to take notes and connect with others, and following up after the conference to maximize the learning experience and potential business connections. The overall message is that with proper planning and networking, a conference can provide great value for one's career and business as a freelancer, even if not generating an immediate client.
How to get the most out of a conference
- 1. How to Make Your Next Conference One of the Most Useful Experiences of Your Life
- 2. We've got some tips to help you get the most out of a conference so that you can stop stressing about it and get to work.
- 3. Before Your preparation begins even before you choose a conference to attend. Don’t think that simply because you’re a freelance web designer, you need to only attend design, entrepreneurial, or technology conferences. Look at conferences in your area to see if there are other industries that would benefit from your services.
- 4. Map out your goals. Remember to be realistic, set achievable expectations, and be specific. For example: Things I want to achieve by attending this conference: • Leave having discovered at least one new tool that will help my business; • Obtain freelance tax advice from experienced peers; • Gain at least 10 new contacts who could either help in my career or become potential clients.
- 5. Have both questions and answers prepared. Questions like, “How long have you been in the industry?” and “What are your plans for this product/company/software?” are common, and can be tricky to answer if you’re just starting out. The best way to prepare for these questions is to build up a solid background for yourself and become intimately familiar with it. A conference is an event built to educate and connect people, and generally presents a very generous atmosphere of community. Take advantage of this and ask questions.
- 6. During Once you’re at the conference itself, it can be easy to get either overwhelmed or over-excited. Remember: A conference is a social event, but it’s also time and money. Make it count. Refer back regularly to your goals: Are you learning? Are you connecting?
- 7. One way to ensure that you’re retaining information and new contacts is to utilize some handy conference apps. Twitter Twitter provides a great opportunity for conference attendees to interact during the conference about the conference simply by following the designated conference hashtag. Foursquare and Facebook Foursquare will allow you to see where people are checked in, as well as discover where after-conference hangouts are happening.
- 8. Business Card Scanner Apps One of the more brilliant conference apps is the business card scanner app. There are a lot of different options out there, with features ranging from language translation to social media integration. Apps like CamCard, ScanBizCards, and WorldCard will help you de- clutter your wallet or purse, and help you keep your contacts organized. Evernote Evernote is an incredible note-taking app that allows you to (among many other things) take organized notes using a highly user-friendly interface. Evernote also allows you to scan business cards, connect your contacts and social profiles, and help you keep track of the contacts you’d like to stay connected with after the conference.
- 9. Speaking of after… There is chance that you’ll come out of a conference with a new client, and if that happens, I’ve got a basket full of hearty high-fives for you. It’s more likely, however, that the ROI you see as a freelancing newbie is more educational and social. Eventually in your career, that’s not going to cut it... but for now? For now, you need all the education and industry contacts you can get.
- 10. Want to learn more? READ FULL ARTICLE
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