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Not all events are created equal. Learn to choose wisely

Not all events are created equal. Learn to choose wisely

Author

Eric Allen
May 01, 2024

Hey There,

Yes! Life is notorious for getting in the way, and BAM! We missed that event we wanted to go to! We get it. Work, kids, more work, running a business is not a 9-5 gig. Then there’s the “Oh S**t!” moment, and your attention is over there now!

Whether it's time, money, or other commitments, it's easy to put aside valuable event and networking opportunities. So, why is it worth committing the time to attend an event?

Events are fuel for impact! 50 pounds of potential in a one-pound bag! You already know this! New contacts, fresh resources, and breakthrough ideas. At events, deals get made, partnerships form and cutting-edge ideas are ignited...if you know how to make the most of them.

Nobody has all the answers or knows everything. By connecting with others and soaking up knowledge, you can seriously level up your game. It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet of resources, power, knowledge, and intel, complete with a plethora of secret sauces!

But here's the kicker—it's not just about showing up. It's about being strategic, figuring out which events align with your short—and long-term goals, and navigating those events like a cat hunting for dinner!

Event Hack (boring but effective):

  1. Make two columns titled Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

  2. Write the goals under each column you’re hoping to achieve

  3. Identify events in your area, from networking to conferences, taking time to research and understand what each event offers

  4. Think about how the resources, connections, and knowledge available at that event might benefit your short-term or long-term goals, then write the event next to each goal

  5. Identify the events with the highest potential to impact your goals to determine those worth investing time and money in

  6. Create a strategy for the day of the event by identifying what’s a first priority, a second priority, and tertiary activities. Then swagger in and hit that launch button!

Seize the opportunity, be it networking, educational workshops, industry summits, or unconventional gatherings. Even seemingly unrelated events, like fundraisers, can indirectly impact business strategies.

If your goals include government contracting or business development, explore our upcoming events, such as Monmouth Ocean BizCon, Voorhees SBSE Festival, and ProcurementCon Atlantic City. Additionally, tap into local chambers of commerce, academic institutions, and support organizations like SBDC, SCORE, or MBDA for further guidance on event selection.

The path to maximizing event investments involves strategic planning, alignment with business goals, proactive engagement with diverse opportunities, and maybe even a little bit of fun along the way. This is our grown-up, professional way of saying, “Get your butts out there!”

Ready to dive in? Let's do this!

Cheers,

The ProcurementCon Team