Trust me, I’ve used every excuse I could think of NOT to attend my company conferences. You name it, I’ve tried it or at least thought about trying it. Who will the kids on the bus? Who’ll make them dinner? I don’t want to spend the money. I don’t want to room with people I don’t know. There’s already great training available online. My leader does trainings and announcements. I’m an introvert. I don’t like big crowds. You name it, I used it. Until I went. Not one single one of these excuses are good enough to skip your company conference. Here are 10 reasons you should attend conference –
- Training – the training is top-notch! Most direct sales companies will have top leaders train on their field of expertise. You may have a leader, a great leader even. But hearing and learning from others who are not in your direct up/down line is invaluable.
- Networking – I am an introvert. I am more than happy to sit in a room full of people all by myself and just people watch. Except at conference. I am a sponge at conference! I want to talk to everyone, learn their story, ask them their best tip for success for (insert topic here). Even the person in front of me in line for the lady’s room! Everyone you meet has something of value to share. As much as I’d love to believe that my way is the best way, there is a wealth of knowledge to be learned from chatting with others in your business. The top-level leaders are even willing to answer your questions, as long as you’re willing to ask. You know what else happens? These people become friends.
- Swag – enough said. Who doesn’t like free stuff?
- Product Release – most DS companies launch their new product line at their annual conference. Be the first to see it, touch it, announce it to your VIP groups, come home with it! You’ll be so excited and fully trained on the new products that your parties when you return will ROCK! I can’t speak for all companies but mine offers an extra discount on new product packages for conference attendees!
- FUN! – I cannot stress enough how much fun conference can be – this is time for you. When you can be Toni, or Susie, or Gerty for a whole weekend. You won’t need to be Mom, Mama, Mommy, MA! (What?… Hi) for a few days. Even though it is an action packed weekend, its relaxing because the laundry and dishes are not calling your name. There is some downtime for fun stuff with your team, roommates, strangers who are soon to be friends. We have so much fun our jaws hurt from laughing so much.
- Vision – you get the big picture at conference. Not only from a corporate perspective but from a YOU perspective. What is YOUR vision for your business? There are real people just like you sharing from stage and the training sessions their vision, where they started, what their business has meant to them and to others around them. You’ll go home with a clear picture of exactly what you want and the tools to put you on track to make it happen.
- Personal Growth – it’s difficult for me to explain just what happens, but it happens. You come home stronger, more confident, full of excitement and vision, passion. You’re ready to take on the world.
- Energy – a huge room full of like-minded people all on the same mission is incredibly empowering, yet humbling at the same time. Your passion is renewed, or refocused. But not only that, you’ll see the impact that just one person – you – can make, but you’ll also see what happens when ALL of you are working towards one common mission and that incredible impact is…Wow. You’ll see that you are part of something far bigger than yourself and that your efforts matter. You are making a very real difference in the world.
- Recognition – if there’s one thing that Direct Sales companies do well, that’s recognition.
- Motivation and Inspiration – every single time I have attended my company conference my personal and team business surges in the coming months. Every. Single. Time. Why? Taking inspiration from others success stories, training, bathroom tips, and fresh motivation to continue to move forward every day.
Me and my team having FUN at conference!
I’m sure there are more reasons you should go – but let’s take a quick peek at the most mentioned reasons not to go.
The kids will be fine! They will learn that they can count on Dad/Grandma/Aunt Susie etc., when they need to. A bond will be forged over that weekend that will be remembered forever! They’ll have fun, too! My kids look forward to me going now, they get to have all the stuff I don’t like for dinner! Beef Stroganoff? YUCK
I’m an introvert. So are tons of others in the crowd. If they can do it, you can, too.
There’s great training available online/leader – not like this. It’s the immersive experience and so many different ideas presented in a very focused manner that actually makes it so much easier than trying to find what you’re needing online. Have you ever searched for DS training online? My word, there’s about 62,451 industry experts to wade your way through.
The money is an investment; there may be airline tickets, your conference registration, hotel, and some meals. As with any investment you’re looking for a good return on said investment. If attending a training on getting bookings at the party helps you go from one booking per party to three, I’d say that’s a good investment! If you attend a training on team building and you come back and start working your way through the leadership plan then I’d say that’s a good investment! And here’s the thing – yes, it’s an investment – but you are worth every single penny. When you purchase that registration ticket you are saying “I am worth it” and you are investing in yourself and in your future. Filling your cup allows you to fill others. Like the airline saying “place your own oxygen mask before helping others” – this is your oxygen mask.
Tips to make attending more affordable:
- Start budgeting from every party
- Spread out the budget: airfare needs to be paid the earliest, then the conference registration ticket can be a couple of months before, then the hotel and meals when you’re there. Spreading it out makes it easier to handle than everything at once.
- Split the hotel room, 4 to a room if possible. You’ll wind up having a great time with your roommates!
- Bring granola bars, oatmeal packets, etc for breakfast.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an excuse you’ll find one. I’m encouraging you to stop looking for one, none of them are good enough anyhow, and attend at least one company conference. You’ll be glad you did.
