What is your problem?!?!
So, first of all – excuse me for the rant – but I just had to blurt, because it is something that is probably one of the biggest mindset blocks to success that I see… and the thing is, fixing it is so brainblowingly simple that… well, to be honest – I think that is what bugs me most, to see people SOOOO close to success – and then just stop – just short of actual breakthrough.
What the heck am I talking about?
Going to offline events. Now, I hear you saying, “but… we run an online business! I can network in forums and on Skype, why do I need to get to offline events?” Funny thing is, every time I head to the airport I have one friend or relative that asks me that question… I mean, I guess it doesn’t make logical sense.
The thing that keeps me going back, is that every single time I go – I always benefit like crazy. Here is how 
Networking: It’s no secret – this is probably the biggest way to get the most out of being at these events, but it isn’t just in sticking to the conference rooms. The REAL juicy stuff gets done in the hallways, or in the local bar. My hint, if you are totally new to all of this, is to just intro yourself to a few people in the hallways. Chances are they are just as nervous as you, or – if this isn’t their first conference, they will remember their first – and how scary that can be.
You might get lucky and meet someone that you click with, have something in common with – or could potentially work together with, but if not – don’t give up. Find the hotel bar and see if you can overhear some chat about Google, FTP, Affiliate, CPA or any of the other buzz words. No need to totally stalk people or anything.. lol, just say, ‘hey! are you here for the conference?’ and find out what they are up to.
Clear Plan of Attack: When I go to these conferences, I like to have some kind of plan – I fly in from Australia, so I want every minute on the ground to count! I have this fear of getting onto the plane home and freaking out ’cause I didn’t get anything done… lol. The month or so before an event, I usually find out who is going (via asking around on places like the warrior forum, or Skype) – and then scheduling catchups with people. Even the busiest people, if you get in early enough, will usually make room for you for 30 mins.
When you do talk to people, you need something to say to them… lol. I like to go with at least one project that I am currently working on – and one that we have planned in the future… a launch is great to start conversation, find out what kind of lists people have and then what products they have.
Partner Hunting: It’s pretty rare for you to have the entire pallet of skills needed to produce great quality stuff and launch them successfully, especially when starting out and the budget might be a little too tight to outsource things you can’t manage. Something that I find exciting though is that everyone is fantastic at something, you will have your own skills – it might be that you are great at design, or maybe programming, or finding affiliates. Whatever it is – you can get great at it and just focus on finding people to work with who can fill in the gaps that you can’t, or don’t have time to learn.
So, my main rant is when people who live in the same country, sometimes even in the same state – or in some cases even in THE SAME CITY, tell me that they can’t afford to go. What works for me, is to not think of the cost as an expense, as much as it is an investment – of which, you will see massive returns if you do it right!
All the best,
Cindy
