When You Teach… You Learn Twice

Just Do It

Have you ever been invited to, or seen a conference that looks interesting but you were torn about if or why you should go?

So I get this Facebook message from my coach.  She says “You are going to this conference in Atlanta in two weeks.” Two problems… I was not planning on it and it is my 13th wedding anniversary weekend. Did I mention I have the most supporting and loving wife in the world?  She did not blink an eye and said “go.”

Another friend invited me to go and be on the tech team.  I was thrust into the conference head first, not like most first timers as a casual observer. I had no idea what I was in for but it was a life changing event.

NAMS (Novice to Advance Marketing Systems) is a conference that I never knew about and I was lucky to make it to the 12th incarnation. This is a proven well oiled machine that features the best of the best of internet marketing gurus, experts, teachers, tutors, masters, wizards (insert noun here). David Perdew (organizer) has created a band of brothers and sisters that work throughout this 3+ day conference as volunteers (both teaching and aides for the technical and logistical aspects of this conference). Unlike other conferences I have attended (sometimes costing thousands), the cost is kept reasonable for even the smallest or newest internet marketer to afford to attend.

Lead By Example

Having run conferences and being a speaker, trainer and teacher at many others, I thought I had it down. Then I learned so much this weekend that I wanted to share this with you.

Servant Leadership – The best thing you can do is serve others to learn and make new and awesome relationships come alive. Most people show up at a conference for the first time and wait to learn. When you get involved with a conference, you are thrust into the good, the bad and the ugly. Realize that volunteering and serving is more about making others successful, but you will learn a bunch from them. From there, you have the opportunity to start and nurture some awesome new relationships!

There Is ALWAYS Something To Learn – When speaking at conferences, I often (misguidedly) feel like the smartest guy in the room.  As an attendee, try to act as the person who has most to learn. It is sometimes counter intuitive, because you feel like you know more than the presentors. STOP IT! Even someone who has less experience than you can offer nuggets of perspiration and inspiration that can teach you something that can make a difference in you and your business. Be open minded!

It's Not About You…  It's About Relationships! – You have to admit, you may go to conferences just to promote your business. If you go there to meet new people (just like networking) you gain so much more! You walk away with friendships, relationships and connections. I am here to tell you that these connections extend WAY beyond the the event. Know, Like and Trust starts with Know (who you meet) Like (who you connect with in the future on social networking), and THEN Trust.. the hard part of getting people to what to create an connection that ends with some kind of transaction or recommendation.

Transactions

Most of us think of transactions as a sale, but can I please extend your thinking? Relationship marketing is based on servant leadership.  Give 100% of yourself and expect nothing in return… and watch what happens! If you give to others through your service and help them in return, you become an invaluable resource.  I am not talking about getting taken advantage of, but serving those who can elevate you to the next level through their sphere of infliuance.

If you went to NAMS _ would love you to comment on your experiences.  If you have served at other conferences… do the same!