CX Fanatics Podcast

The Power of Setting Intentions + Taking Action

The problem with manifestation is . . .
There are a lot of gurus out there that will tell you to just sit around and manifest what you want into your life.  Unfortunately, the key ingredient they leave out, more often than not, is that you have to take intentional action that aligns with what you are trying to bring into your life.  An intention is a contract between your subconscious and conscious mind, but intention will only take you so far in attaining the life you REALLY want to be living.
How the heck do I start bringing my intentions into my reality?
This week we are diving into some mind work, because believe it or not, if your mind isn't aligned with you what you want in your business (think subconscious running the show) then no matter what tactic, system or method you put into place - you will find yourself right where you are now.  Which is why this mind-stuff is UBER important.
Please don't tell me I'm going to have to meditate Alisa!
Okay, I won't. But you do, sort of.  You see your subconscious mind is already programmed.  For many of us, years and years of programming in fact - back to about the time we were 8 years old.  We have beliefs and thoughts that we likely don't even know we are caring around (unless we have done a lot of digging to find them out.) The other thing about your subconscious is that it really likes to run the show and to tune into your inner wisdom, which is not always aligned with your subconscious, you need to quiet the mind.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
In this week's episode, I've laid out 5 specific steps you can take to align your intention with some good old fashioned action steps.
Listen to the entire episode here for all the details, but here's the lowdown on how to get started:
1. Take some time to be quiet, every day!  (yes you read that right!  EVERYDAY!) I'm not saying you have to meditate, you do you boo.  What I am saying is that we live in a SUPER busy world and it is easy to start your day being inundated with notifications, alerts, and the demands of the world.  You will never be able to make changes happen if you can't find a few minutes to sit, breathe and listen.
2.  Listen for the gap between your thoughts. I once had a meditation guide say "listen to the space between your thoughts" when meditating.  Isn't that wise? The blank empty space that is as short as a breath. When you can focus on that, it will get longer and longer and your mind will slow down and become quiet, and you my friend, will be a meditating guru. Because that's all it takes, to be aware of the silence and just listen.  Not so hard right? Ok, it is totally hard, but that's why it's called a meditation practice. Practice makes perfect.
3.  Set your intention and here's the key -->>>RELEASE IT. You can intend all day long, but if you try to control the outcome, you aren't giving the universe space to deliver to you what is in your best interest.  Oh I know, if you are anything like me, you've already figured out what would be in your best interest.  But, experience has shown me that the more you try to control a situation instead of letting it go, the more difficult things become.  Learn from my pigheadedness, just let it go and let it unfold, it is SO MUCH EASIER.
4. Verbalize and or write out your intention.
Setting your intention is one thing. But when you put a stake in the ground by writing or saying your intention out loud, the universe will hear you loud and clear.  I actually recommend doing both. It leaves no room for miscommunication or interpretation.  You've said it and written it and it's what you want. It's also psychologically important because you can hear what you want and that's some powerful vibration.  Does that mean you can't change your mind? Of course not. But if you do, just be sure to say it again.
5.  Now it's time to take action.
This is the #1 thing that is forgotten or overlooked when it comes to making changes in your life.  You can't just sit around on your couch eating bomb bombs and expect the universe to deliver millions of dollars to you.  You have to take action.  More importantly, you have to take action in faith.  Plan out what you can control to get the ball rolling and here's the kicker, then let it go.  Because things may not roll the way you have planned them.  Be patient, do what you can do and see how things unfold.  I PROMISE, the universe really does have your back.  Another tip in this area is don't fret about the details.  Believe in serendipity and just keep an eye out for the universe at work. It's pretty amazing stuff when you start paying attention.
I promise you the universe is conspiring for you to succeed and is always working in your favor.  I've seen it in my life again and again and I share a lot of stories and details in Episode 57.  Give it a listen here.
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
 
Download the episode transcript here.

Your Website Through Your Customers Eyes

Your website is your online marketing department!
But is it really making the grade as an employee? According to WordStream user experience accounts for one of the most important factors affecting conversion. Meaning, if your visitors find it difficult to find what they want on your website, your chance of converting them into a customer is nil, nada, not happening.
But what can you do?
Take a deep breath and don't panic, I've got you covered on this one.  In this week's episode of the Feed U Podcast, I lay down the 6 top items you need to consider to create an optimal user experience.  I've even created a checklist for you with 8 key questions to ask yourself (or your designer) before you push live on that new website or redesign your current site.  You can grab that freebie here.
User Experience (UX) is a deep subject, I just want to give you what you NEED to know.
There are constantly studies being done regarding the impact of User Experience.  A good web designer will be knowledgable about what is current and what needs to be considered when creating your website.  I don't want to overwhelm you, I just want to inform you. Which is why I'm only covering the 6 BIGGIES that you need to keep in mind.  No design degree required.  :D
During Episode 56, I  share more details on these 6 items.
Listen to the entire episode here, but here's the summation of what I talk about:
1. Take some time thinking about your menu (navigation) -Is it cumbersome or complicated? What does it look like on mobile?
2.  Do you have a clear Call To Action directing your visitors to the next phase of your sales funnel? -70% of small businesses don't have a call to action, this is HUGE differentiator for you and your website. Have you optimized your landing pages?  You can get more information on Landing Pages vs. Optin Forms in Episode 51.
3.  Are you using the power of white space? -White space is critical to give your eyes the opportunity to rest.  Not enough of it and your site will become overwhelming to visitors and they will just leave.  (NOT what you want.)  Work with your designer to ensure that white space is a priority in your design.  Also take into consideration the use of headings (Google loves these).
4. Is your website responsive?
Meaning does it look the same or similar and is it easy to navigate regardless of which type of device (think desktop, laptop, phone, tablet) they are visiting from? If it's a HOT MESS on mobile, you definitely have some work to do.  Google is penalizing you - YES RIGHT NOW because your mobile responsiveness is not optimal and approximately 83% of your website visitors are immediately clicking away.  This is a PRIORITY.  Get to it friend.
5.  Are you including SEO search terms in your content?
SEO is a big deal especially if you are trying to increase traffic organically.  Luckily I did a great podcast episode with Mike Michaleson to help you out in Episode 18.  There is even a free guide you can get to help you get started.  You can find that here.
6. You have to have a strategy for your website, just like any other part of your marketing.
Without a plan, you are winging it.  When was the last time winging it actually worked?  I'm guessing not very often, and when it did, it was a fluke.  Some things to stick in your strategy include how are you adding value? How are you connecting your website to the other components of your sales funnel? Are you actually asking people to pay you money?  If not, how come? Are you in the business of charity? (Even if you are a charity, you still need money to operate, so get to it already!)
Wrapping up the episode, I shared with you the 8 questions you need to answer with your web designer.  I packaged those into a neat little downloadable checklist that you can grab here so you have it handy for your next design meeting.  
Want all the details, give the entire episode a listen here.
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download the episode transcript here.

The Dangers of Using Insider Language

Should you watch your mouth?
Insider language could be the difference between attracting that new client and losing them to the competition. Yes, you are a brilliantly shining star in your area of expertise, however, your potential clients are not.  Otherwise, why would they need to hire you?
This week in Episode 55 of the Feed U Podcast, I give the break down of your brain.  (Look at me being all sciency and whatnot.) As well as, sharing with you why you should leave industry language at the door and the reasons their brains will walk away if you make it too complicated to work with you.
This is your brain . . .
You may remember the commercial if you're old enough - but really your brain is running the show.  If you missed Episode 53 I talk about the power your subconscious has over your everyday life - and let's just say you aren't as in control as you may think you are.
About 95% of the time your brain is controlling what's happening. 
And, your brain really has two big jobs.  First, to keep you alive and second, to conserve energy.  Which is why, if you are using confusing insider language you are not only losing prospects but you are driving them to look elsewhere for answers. (Read: Running to your competitors.)
During this episode, I  share 5 simple tips to increase sales (all related to messaging)
I definitely go into more detail in the episode, but here's the shortlist:
Focusing on one goal per piece of content or copy that you create
Focusing on one audience at a time and the detriment to not defining your Ideal Client Avatar.
How to create a conversation to create engagement.
The 3 BIG reasons why you should leave insider language at the door.
Why less really is more.
Tune in to get all the details and listen to the entire episode.
 
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download the episode transcript here.

Creating A Compelling About Me Page For Your Website

I'm here with a newsflash, your About Page really isn't about you!
In Episode 54 of the Feed U Podcast this week I am breaking down a compelling About page that will not only drive more sales, but also more traffic to your website.
But, what's the big deal with the About Page, Alisa?
Little known fact, but the About Page of your website is the second most visited page on your website.  Your Home and Contact pages round out 1st and 3rd place. Meaning that if your About Page isn't working for you, meaning getting visitors into your sales funnel, then it is just an empty page hogging up space on the internet. So let's get to it and make that About Page work for its room and board, don't you think?
5 Steps To a Compelling About Page:
Do some keyword research. Yep, Google search is alive and well, so adding some keywords into your About Page will not only help your search rankings but more than likely, if done right, that page will rank all on its own. The best thing about organic search traffic - it's FREE!
Subtly weave in your products and services and the results you have had for your customers.  The key is working what you do into the story so that it appears like you are doing a favor for your audience by providing what they need and making it easily available to them.
Identify the biggest problem your audience has. (this should sound familiar) Then follow it up with a triple shot of successful results from your clients. This builds authority for you and your brand.
Add a clear Call To Action (CTA). 70% of small businesses lack a call to action on their website. So adding one here will propel you past others and grow your email list faster.  If people are visiting this page, why not feed them some love and add them to your email list.
Create a design that is attractive to your Ideal Client Avatar. Make it easy for them to continue down the page and learn more. This includes adding your personality into the page, I recommend leaving the canned headshot for your LinkedIn page and instead hire a photographer to add some gumption to this page.
For all the inside scoop tune in to listen to the entire episode here.
Some additional elements to consider for your About Page
Write a compelling, attention-grabbing headline. Something WAY more interesting than About Us.
Include some interesting imagery that goes with your story.
Add in some of your favorite testimonials.
Tell your story by sharing the problem you solve, the results you have achieved for yourself, but also for your customers. Your prospects are looking for relatability.
Include that call to action so they can learn more and you can get them on your email list.
Focus on teaching and not experience.  Keep asking the question - "What does my potential customer need?
General Website Tips:
Make sure your site is secure.
Test your page load speed.
Ask friends and family to test your site and page navigation for ease of use.
Think about your Ideal Customer when choosing colors and also consider color psychology.
Think about adding a video.
If you have team bios, move them to a separate page.
For all the inside scoop tune in to listen to the entire episode here.
Resources Mentioned:
Uber Suggest
Easy Website Fixes
StoryBrand Resources Episodes 40, 41 and 42
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download the transcript here.

The Power of an Internal Reboot

It's not all woo woo this week as we reboot!
This week we are talking about tuning into your intuition and rebooting to gain your footing back in your business.  Including reconnecting with your passion and your purpose.  But, if you are scientifically minded, I've got some news for you as well. According to Leeds University researchers, after analyzing multiple studies, they found that "intuition is a very real process where the brain uses cues and past experiences to make split-second decisions that don't even register on a conscious level."  What does that mean to business?  We aren't always consciously running the show.  In fact 95% of the time we aren't.
Which is why I dive into the power of rebooting
In Episode 53 of the Feed U Podcast, I walk you through the what, why and when of rebooting yourself so that you can reignite the entrepreneurial fire in your belly. I also give you four tips to help you reboot and even a quick mini-reboot pick me up for days when you can't disappear for hours or days at a time. Included in that are some affirmations and their related body parts (more inside the episode on this). I've created this handy dandy chart for you to keep nearby to help.  You can grab it here.
Why and when to reboot?
When you start to feel overwhelmed, unmotivated or listless.
You feel consistent or new pain in your body.  Heads up your body is talking to you and will listen when you talk back.
You keep searching for answers, but don't find any.
Your emotions are highly charged (some funny stories here, tune in to listen.)
I also mention my shmancy new sunrise alarm clock.  You can find it here.
Tips on rebooting
1. Find and make time to sit, listen, and be quiet.
Quiet your mind
Be gentle with yourself
Embrace and recognize your thoughts and then let them go
Use an app like Insight Timer to get you started
2. Start trusting your gut
Start with small decisions.
Evaluate what worked and didn't. Repeat.
Make bigger decisions.
3. Feel your emotions and talk/listen to your body.
Ask your body why it has pain
Ask why you are reacting the way you are
Ask what you should be doing
Let out your emotion
Use EFT taught by Teri Karjala in Episode 5 (there's even a free download)
4. Journal
Download journal prompts (you can find free options on Pinterest)
Don't judge yourself
Speak kindly to yourself
Write until you feel done
Resist the urge to attach meaning to anything you right
The quick reboot:
Use tuning forks which you can learn about and purchase here.
Take 2 minutes and do some deep breathing
Listen to music that you enjoy that keeps you moving forward
Dance it out for 5 minutes
Clear and move your energy using sage, essential oils, candles, stones or gems
Don't forget to grab the free Affirmation and Chakra Guide here.
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download the episode transcript here.

Why Social Media Is Killing Your Business

C'mon Alisa, really? Social Media is Killing My Business?
According to Social Pilot, the average social media user spends 2 hours and 22 minutes a day connecting, swiping, and scrolling through their favorite apps. But, how can that be bad for business? Notice I didn't say purchasing or buying in that statistic.
Which is why I'm sharing the top 5 social media business killers
In Episode 52 of the Feed U Podcast, I'm laying out the 5 reasons social may not be the best use of your time or energy in growing your business.  Click here to listen to the entire episode.  I know most experts will scream get on social, build your brand, post post post, but if you are committing one of these social felonies, it's not only a waste of your time, but it absolutely WON'T grow your business. This is so critical that I've created a free guide for this episode that you can grab at alisaconner.com/52download.
1. You're distracted.
If you go to social media to be distracted (I mean who doesn't?) it's unlikely you will stay on task for what needs to be done for your business while you are there. Here are some key indicators that you're not using social as a tool. You consume more content than you create. You have a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). You are downing shots of compare-schlager on a daily basis. You don't have any social media time limits in places. You aren't regularly reaching your goals. You have grown kids that were 4 and 5 an hour ago. (Half kidding with that last one).
2. You don't have a social media plan.
In other words, you are winging it.  Posting haphazardly or not at all. Looking at friends or foes feeds and going with what they are doing. Or the worst-case scenario, you just keep posting about your promotions and products. (For the love of all things holy don't do this, it's better to just not post AT ALL.) If you can't measure success or results for your social media activity, you likely don't have a plan.  A plan entails a goal, action, results, and analytics.  It will be extremely difficult if not impossible to stand out on social media without one, so go work on it, STAT.
3. You're busy being social, EVERYWHERE.
It's no wonder you're wearing yourself ragged and are ready to rip your hair out of your head. If you are trying to be on every social platform and build a presence there, one of two things will happen. One, you will be rocking in a burnt-out coma under your desk and no one will be ringing your cash register.  Or two, you will set up all your social platforms and most of them will end up like sad, lost orphans who get no attention and make you look like the evil step-mother from Cinderella because you want them to work for you with no support.  The best advice I ever received was to spend 90% of your time on one platform. Build it, grow it and make it yours. One caveat, make sure your people are there before you build there, otherwise, you will end up like Mohave desert waiting for gamblers.
4. Your social media doesn't connect to your sales funnel.
You've seen them, the Instagram accounts with 100K followers. You probably even rolled your eyes a bit and thought, what are they doing that I'm not? Then you slyly go check out their profile and realize it says NOTHING about them. Not where they live, not what they do, and definitely no way for you to reach out to them from that platform.  THIS, my friend, is called "no connection". Meaning they aren't connecting how they make money to their social media.  With NO CONNECTION comes NO CUSTOMERS. See number 2 for creating a plan and raise it to add a way to track sales, sell your products and create repeat business.  Add those to your social platform of choice and you will have a winner for growing your business, not just your following.
5. You don't know if social is working or you don't know what to post.
Haven't we all been there? You create an epic social media post, and you hit publish and then you wait. and wait. and wait. C'mon someone like the dang thing.  "Is anybody out there?" If this is the norm for your social media posts, go back to 2, 3 and 4 on this list.  I will add, do some research on your ideal client and see what they are interested in learning about.  Those will help you generate a TON of ideas for posting. Hint number 2, solve a problem.  A problem they talk about, not that you think they have. When you create content that fixes problems, you will see a swell in your social activity. Lastly, make sure you are analyzing what you are doing at least once a month and if not, as Ross from friends would say "Pivot, Pivot, Pivot".
 
What should you do to reign in social media and make it work?
Have a plan and add some way to analyze if it's working.
Limit your "social time" and set an intention for your social activity.
Focus 90% of your effort on one platform.
Use a clear Call To Action to inform your followers how to work with you and create conversion.
Consider using Facebook ads to increase your exposure and grow your reach.
 Don't forget to grab the free Social Media Success Guide here.
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download Episode Transcript
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Landing Pages vs. Opt-in Forms, Which to Choose

Landing pages, opt-in forms, oh my
It can be a smidge overwhelming, don't you think? Everyone is telling you to put a freebie on your website, but how exactly do you get it on your website and which format works better? A single page or an opt-in form, a pop-up form, a combination? 
I am giving you the low down
This week's episode of the Feed U Podcast gives you the low down on what option of opting in works the best.  Click here to listen to the entire episode.  I have found that using a separate landing page, works the best. But I also give you the inside scoop of what to do when you have a broken, horribly hideous or non-existent website, to still grow your list.
1. A landing page screams intent to your page visitor. 
Why do you need to give your visitor a specific reason to visit your page and keep them on task? Simple. We as a society are uber distracted. If you have a potential subscriber that comes to your landing page, you know they are there for one of three reasons. To buy, to get on your list or to learn more. Your goal for a landing page is simple, you either want to sell, add them to your list or get more information from them so you can make your emails irresistible. By removing every other attention grabber, you are able to get them to take whichever action you intend. 
2. A landing page creates a distraction-free zone.
The #1 reason I love love love landing pages is because you have made your intention clear, there are limited distractions, hence, you get higher conversions. Whereas an opt-in form on your website opens you up to oooh, what's this pretty thing over here, wait there's a blog article on that, they're on Facebook, let me go check that out.  You see the problem. They never opt-in because there is WAY too much vying for their attention. Pop-ups work fairly well, but also run the potential of being annoying. If you're going to have a pop-up make it match the opt-in you are trying to drive traffic to.
3. Track conversions, easily.
This is where a lot of business owners drop the ball, they don't track what is working. When I say "what is working" I mean are people downloading your freebie and continuing down your sales funnel? Or are they getting to the page and not exchanging their name and email address for your content? Or worse, are they not arriving at all? It's more difficult to track conversions (especially if you are using online advertising) if you don't have a specific page that you can track. If you are putting in the effort to grow your list and want to sell products, the best way to do that is to track that landing page. This is also a great tactic if you are testing different opt-ins to see which one performs better. Lastly, if something is broken, you know where to track what needs to be fixed.
4. Introduce new visitors to Y-O-U.
When people arrive at your website from the internet ethers, if you have a landing page that leads to a thank you page, you can direct them directly to another page on your site that could be of interest. Keeping them on your website builds the relationship. It is more difficult to create this experience if you have them fill out a landing page not connected to your website.  More on this in just a bit.
5. Benefits your SEO and Search.
Google searches pages, it cannot search forms. When you set up a landing page for a specific opt-in you can then have the url for that page be specific to the content on that page. Google loves content that matches the url, when you can do this, it will naturally increase your ranking for those specific search terms.  You also have the ability to include keywords in your description and title for the landing page and any other content you have on the page. Meaning, Google will see those terms and say "hey, they are talking about "x" and so and so is searching for "x" we should pop this into their search results. Win. Win. Win.  
6. Easier to track advertising effectiveness.
Similar to #3, when running Facebook or Google ads, it is easier to add a pixel to a certain page or have that ad track to a certain page and calculate effectiveness.  Sometimes Facebooks numbers are inflated, and the same for Google, when you have your own statistics you can compare and ensure that your ad spend is truly working the way they say it is. Reports from third parties aren't always accurate, when you have your own numbers, you can verify and know when something is truly working or it isn't.
What to do when you don't have a website.
First, don't panic, you can still grow your email list even if you don't have a website.  I DON'T recommend this as a long term strategy, but you can get started without a website.  When you use an email service provider (highly recommend) like ConvertKit (my personal favorite)  you have the ability to build a landing page within their app. Here are some of the benefits of using a landing page through Convertkit:
They have easy to use templates, making it easy to get your landing page up and running.
Typically you can personalize the page with images and sometimes video.
Usually, colors can be customized to match your brand or an upcoming brand to keep consistent.
The information on the form will automatically go into your emails service provider so you can email them.
You can connect the form to Google Analytics, Facebook Analytics, and Segment Analytics.
A few pitfalls to only using a landing page with an email service provider:
No specific thank you page to track conversions for advertising.
Can't direct them to additional content to further the relationship because you aren't using a website.
Subscriber can't learn more about you and it may dampen the know, like, trust factor.
No central hub for any of your marketing.
May be seen as "not really in business" if you don't have a website or a coming soon page - hindering your authority.
I also mention LeadPages in the episode, but pitfalls 2-5 will still apply to LeadPages.  Long term, you will want a website even if its just a simple website.
What did you learn from this episode? 
Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join me in my Facebook Group. I talk all things online business growth but specifically sales funnels, branding and WordPress.
Download the entire episode transcript here.

Making the Most of Your Conference Investment

It's conference season, your investing, but are you getting any ROI?
The reality is that conferences can be expensive, and they are an investment.  Unfortunately, what I see too often (and yes I've been equally guilty) is that we are drawn into a conference with exuberance and excitement. Then we attend and we get home and we don't remember a thing except, well that was fun.  I want to encourage you to make the most of your conference event.
Which is why in this week's Feed U Podcast episode, I'm giving you 7 tips
to make the most of your conference attendance and investment. Click here to listen to the entire episode.  For your easy reference, here are the seven tips to make your conference profitable in the long run.
1. Have a plan and a goal. 
I know this is shocking coming from the goal preacher, lol, but it's true.  You have to have a goal or else you will wander aimlessly throughout the conference and then come home feeling overwhelmed and even a little deflated.  The goal doesn't have to be over the top, but by putting the intention around the goal, you will focus on that goal subconsciously and be more focused.  Some goals could be focusing on who you want to meet.  Why do you want to meet them? Do you want to learn a specific skill? Why? Do you want to connect with influencers or speakers? Where do you want that connection to go? Do you eventually want to present there? If so, are you connecting with organizers?
2. Connect with the speakers.
Why? Because first, they are likely experts in the area they are speaking on. Second, they could be awesome future resources such as interviews for your content. You could be interviewed by them to grow your audience. You could compare notes with them if you share similar areas of expertise. You are more likely to pick up some insider tips. Lastly, you can get on their radar for the future. One I forgot to mention on the podcast is you can also get some social traction with a selfie with them if they have a larger audience.
3. Remember what you learn.
This one probably seems obvious, however, statistics show that you only retain 30-40% of what you hear and see and unless you implement it and teach it to someone else, your percentages don't get any higher. In fact, 90% of what you learn will be gone in a month. That's not looking good for your investment. In order to keep things in your noggin, take notes. Create the best system that works for your brain and ability to remember. Is it photos? Notes? Screenshots? Audio? I also want to encourage you to just pick 3 key takeaways from each session that you can implement once you get home. Just three.
4. Get social.
At the end of the conference sessions, you may be exhausted, however, I want to encourage you to do everything in your power to attend social events. This is where the best connections are made, as well as, friendships. If there are vendors set up, this is another often overlooked opportunity to create partnerships and notoriety. If you can be the last to leave and also be a conversation starter (I give you a prep tip for this in the episode) you will walk away with more than just knowledge at your next conference. Connections are the best you can give your business when attending a conference.
5. Put your phone away.
I know I probably sound like your mom right there, but it's true. When you are connected to your phone, you aren't being present. When you aren't being present, you will miss out on something. You've invested your time and money to be at this conference, so -  Be. There.  You will make better connections, stay more focused and not be distracted when social media, emails and text messages are not pulling you away. Give yourself the gift of only checking your phone at designated times and see how your experience shifts.
6. Followup after the conference.
We are all guilty of this one. You get home, you have a stack of business cards from contacts, and then you get pulled into the task of catching up on everything that didn't get done while you were gone. A week goes by, then another week, next thing you know, it's a month. If you prep before you go to the conference, follow up can be easier.  Set up an email template and just change a few lines to personalize the follow-up. Create a plan for follow up, will it be emails? Phone calls? Videos? A combination? Lastly, follow up more than once. Everyone you met is fighting the same uphill battle you are when they get home of getting through emails and workload. Sometimes, it takes more than one reminder to get their attention. Don't be the one who drops the ball.
7. Pay it forward.
How can you give first to the people you met? This is a great way to stay memorable and favorable with those new connections, especially if you are wanting something from them in the future. Who can you introduce them to? Is there a certain task they need help with? It sharing your experience at the event with your audience is a REALLY great way to pay it forward.  There may be that one person in your audience who REALLY wanted to be at that event, but just couldn't make it happen. When you share your experience, you are giving them the opportunity to see what it was like to be there.
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Download the episode transcript here.