10 Tips On Getting More Out Of A Seminar
Copyright (C) Roger Loh
The purpose of this article is to highlight some tips that can help you get more mileage when you attend a seminar.
With careful preparation and planning, you can get more out of a seminar than simply attending passively.
I recently attended the World Internet Seminar in Singapore, 2006 and learnt more effectively through proper preparation which I like to share with you.
Tip #1: What’s your purpose?
Are you going to the seminar just because your boss assigns you? Or because someone passed you a free ticket? It’s good to think about what exactly you want out of the seminar in advance. Is it to gain knowledge? Is it to meet more like-minded people? Write down your goals before even setting off for the seminar.
Tip #2: Business Cards
This is especially appropriate if you are doing a few things. For example, if you are a engineer full time and a dog trainer part time and going to attend a seminar on pets. Would you simply give out your ‘engineer’ business cards? If I were you, I would design and print some cards to tell the world that I am into dog training.
Tip #3: Prepare yourself
Spend some time reading about the subject just before the seminar and list down some questions before the event. That way, you will be more attentive, and absorb more and will be able to ask the speakers the right questions.
Tip #4: Bring all-weather gear
In big rooms, it can be difficult to maintain the right temperature and humidity. Rather than shaking all over to fight the cold if the temperature is too low, it is smarter to pull out a jacket from you bag and slip it over.
Tip #5: Network for business
Do not waste the opportunity to find some prospects, customers or even partners for your business. Set a mental goal of how many people you want to meet. After all, you’re there with all the like-minded people. Ask how can you help each other and make a point to follow up with at least a email or phone call after the seminar.
Tip #6: Make new friends
Apart from just networking for business, it’s also a good opportunity to make new friends. Who knows, you can become close friends or even business associates or partners in the longer term.
Just don’t tell your whole life story upon meeting a new person!
Again, make a point to follow up with at least a email or phone call after the seminar.
Tip #7: Participation
If the situation permits, make a point to ask some questions or even volunteer in some activities, especially if you’re participating in small group activities. That way, you will fully immerse yourself and learn more just be interacting with the speakers or other participants.
Tip #8: Create blog posts
Before, during and after the seminar, you can post short articles in your blog to keep your blog readers updated on the progress of the event. That way, you continue to build a better relationship by providing good value to your readers and/or subscribers to your mailing list.
Tip #9: Review of notes
Usually, there are lots of new information disseminated during a seminar. That leads to two things: overload and confusion. Take a day or so to relax and thereafter, review the notes you have taken at the seminar as by then, you would have forgot most of what you heard. In other words, take time and effort to revise the material, especially the topics you want to apply.
Tip #10: Write Articles
If possible, write short articles on certain topics that are of value to yourself and give to others. By giving to others, you are adding value to your friends, business associates or subscribers to your mailing lists.
To check out articles written during and after the World Internet Summit I attended in Singapore, visit this blog: