Working as a solo virtual professional, we sometimes run the risk of having a little too much solitude.
Sometimes networking mainly consists of water cooler-type conversations with our colleagues, and then jumping back to client work.
That’s why it’s important to seek out opportunities to get out there in person.
Live networking events are a great way to have actual conversations with people. It’s a great place to learn and grow, and basically refine your art of conversation.
I am hosting the first VA conference in Ottawa, Ontario in May! Are you coming?
The VA Conference will be a great place to connect with your colleagues and take time to work on your business (instead of just working in it!)
Here are five quick reasons for you to think about getting out from behind your computer to attend a live event:
1. Expand your network. By getting in touch with people face to face, you can come across people that you might not see online. When people gather at an event, the common thread is the event itself. Everyone is there for the same reason!
2. Improve your conversation skills. In this age of digital conversation (140 characters!), it’s nice to have long conversations with people about business and life. If you are shy, this can be a great place for you to practice your networking skills. Share best practices with your colleagues – you’ll be surprised what you will come away with!
3. Learn something new. If your event is a training session or a workshop, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can. Then come back and implement what you have learned in your business. Having someone present an interesting topic to you LIVE (where you can actively ask questions!) is a breath of fresh air!
4. Solidify relationships with colleagues. When we connect with VAs online, we can grow great relationships that usually turn into sounding boards for business or personal issues. Why not go and meet your friends in person, and really build those relationships!
5. Help yourself be better. Not only can you meet new people, learn how to articulate, build new skills and get to know your colleagues better, but attending a live event with people in your industry will really help you improve yourself as a business person. You will be focusing on your business – something many VAs do not do on a regular basis. Kick yourself up a notch by dressing the part and treating yourself like a business owner!
Bonus Reason to Attend: I am hosting it! I’ll be running the mastermind workshop on Friday (an optional intimate event but you will want to attend!!) 🙂 and I’ll also be speaking during the main event on Saturday about why analytics are so important in various areas of your business.
Attending a live conference is a fun, motivating and exhilarating experience. Ask anyone who has attended a conference in the past … they will tell you it’s one of the best investments they have made in their business.
For more information about this event, visit: www.TheVAConference.com
I hope to see you there!