Making The Next Seminar You Attend A Raving Success by Chuck Boyk
Part of the lifestyle of a lawyer is to attend seminars and continuing legal education in other cities. Sometimes you go for the subject matter of the seminar. Other times, it is an excuse to visit the city. My past experience is that sometimes I have a great experience and other times the seminar is a disappointment.
I now make a plan before attending a seminar to try and maximize my chance of a great experience. Here is my system:
■ If possible, I obtain a list of speakers, vendors, seminar topics, and attendees in advance. Based on a review of that information I set my goals for success.
■ Setting goals. I think about what a “perfect” result would look like for me. Which people at the seminar do I want to connect with? Are there specific vendors that may help me solve a problem? What referral sources would I like to connect with? Which seminar topics are of the most value? Do I have a connection to someone who is friends with the people I want to meet?
■ In advance of the seminar I make phone calls or send emails to set appointments with specific vendors, set dinner with old friends and new people I want to meet.
■ At the seminar I make it a point to sit at tables of people I do not know and try to introduce myself, ask them about their law practice and families, and exchange contact information.
■ While at the seminar I try to get there early, “be present,” and meet as many new people as possible.
■ After the seminar I try to reconnect with as many people as possible through a follow up email, following them on Linkedln, and adding them to my newsletter list.
Meeting new people is enjoyable from both a social and business perspective. If I don’t know how to solve a problem I know someone else who can help me on that issue. Setting goals, making a plan, and working the plan can help you maximize success of your next seminar.
