Reading online articles and blogs alone is not enough to give you a full understanding of what’s happening within your field. Nothing beats immersing yourself in an environment that is designed for the sharing of expertise from industry leaders. Being in a social environment is much more engaging compared to reading off a screen.
Conferences also offer interactive displays and product demonstrations that can’t be found elsewhere. This hands-on experience allows you to make informed decisions on what new tools you want to incorporate into your work.
Most of us will have realised by now that it’s not always what you know that gets you up the career ladder but who you know. Conferences are the ideal place to meet a range of people who specialise in different areas within property management – investors, contractors, software developers, commercial developers, consultants and thought-leaders. Sharing ideas, knowledge (and business cards) with fellow attendees can be immensely beneficial to your career and business. Sparking a conversation could lead to a long-term partnership.
Conferences are a powerful vehicle for marketing if you know how to put your best foot forward. Practice your one minute “elevator pitch” – the purpose is to communicate your goals and interests in an engaging way. Do some research beforehand on who will be attending the conference. Connect with the people who will be interested in what you have to offer, hand them your business card.
By impressing the right people, you’ll be able to attract more clients through referrals and word of mouth. If you’re new to the networking scene, start by talking to the people next to you before or after presentations and during breaks.
Finally, keep in mind that it doesn’t always have to be about work – go enjoy yourself! By simply exposing yourself to new ideas, you’ll feel inspired to take on a fresh approach that can revitalize your business. Some time away from the office can also save you from burnout. So next time a conference invite comes around, don’t turn it down.