Recently I attended the annual convention of the National Speakers Association held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m sure you can relate to the importance of on-going education and learning.
In today’s fast-changing and socially-connected world, meetings serve that all-important dual purpose of helping us learn and connect with important people. Not only is it great to see people we only see once in a while, but it is great to connect with people who share common interests, business focus and can help us.
If you’re not regularly attending the right gatherings of important people, you miss out. You miss out on what is important in your industry.
Notice the pictures I have posted here? These were taken by my good friend Randall Reader — who is really quite amazing in his photography skills. He is best known as the world’s pre-eminent portrayer of Will Rogers, that sage of early 20th Century America. Randall and I met years ago at an NSA meeting and it is always a joy to see him and catch up when we can. Thank you, Randall — or should I say “Will?” —- for your kindness. You can check out his material at http://www.WillRogersToday.com
Attending professional meetings is imperative to get ahead. However, you can’t be everywhere so you have to be very selective based on the value you’ll get. Think about what your goals are and who you’ll get a chance to meet. This is where you need to be. Think of skills you’ll need to acquire. What do you need to learn that you don’t know now which can make the most profound impact on your business?
For me, attending the annual NSA meeting is very important. I learn a lot from the sessions hearing from some of the best speakers and experts anywhere. In addition to that —- and worth even more — is the chance to catch up with great friends and colleagues who know me and give me practical help in many areas related to both business and living.
So, where do you go to get intellectual fuel? Where do you get the greatest networking and boost from your peers? Leave us a note on Twitter. You can reach me on Twitter – @TerryBrock. I’m also on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MarketerTerryBrock.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Terry
Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com
