In-Person Events. Say that to a Lone Ranger type and it sends shudders up her spine. Say that to an extroverted business owner who spends most of her time behind a computer, and she’ll light up like a Christmas tree.

Ladies and gentlemen, introverts and extroverts, attending in-person events is an absolute must to your success as a business owner.

You know that.

The question is: how do you choose which events to attend when you don’t have an infinite supply of time, money, and energy?

Attend In-Person Events That Attract Colleagues You “Really Really Like”

If you’re in a service-providing business, chances are you enjoy or at least can relate well to most people.

If you’re in a service-providing business, chances are you’re also bombarded with opportunities to attend in-person events.

I’m all about being strategic and doing what you love. So my advice is:

Be sure to choose events that attract colleagues you enjoy!

Last week I spent five days in Nashville attending the 2013 World Conference of The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) along with thousands of other Christian coaches and counselors.

I got to spend quality time with long-time friends and colleagues (like Chris & Rachel McCluskey from Missouri and Anne Denmark from Arizona), and I had the opportunity to become friends with newer coaches like Chey Sanders from Texas (all four friends pictured below).

There’s nothing like spending eyeball-to-eyeball time with people you “really really like.”

• You’ll experience true connection as you laugh together over coffee or frozen yogurt.
• You’ll experience true community as you discuss shared values, dreams, and goals.
• You’ll experience true communication as you listen at a deep level and open up about your own challenges and concerns.

We need to get out from behind our computers and set aside time to attend in-person events. I challenge you now to think ahead:

Whom do you most want to spend time with in 2014?

Attend In-Person Events That Attract Ideal Clients and Customers

Think strategically. You might be tempted to spend time and money on an in-person event that’s FUN, but you may also need to consider whether your ideal clients and customers will be there…especially if it’s an event that will require a significant amount of valuable resources (time, money, energy).

Do some research.

• Will your ideal clients and customers be present?
• Are there any restrictions on your engaging with fellow attendees either during or after the event?
• How likely is it that these ideal clients and customers will want to do business with you?

These are all worthy considerations unless you have time and money and energy to burn…. or unless you want to attend an event for other purposeful reasons like training, motivation, and certification. (That’s another blog post!)

So what else should you keep in mind if you want to enjoy in-person events to the max?

Attend In-Person Events That Allow You To Share Your Gifts and Talents With Others

(Photos Directly Above Were Taken by the Talented Alyssa McCluskey)

You know you’re an expert in something! So own it!

• Are you a good listener? Listen!
• Are you a good encourager? Encourage!
• Are you a good teacher? Teach!

You don’t have to have your own Break-Out Session to share your wisdom and experience. You don’t have to give the Keynote or Closing Remarks.

Just be open to discerning how your story can light the path for someone else.

If an event will give you that opportunity, seriously consider going!

There’s nothing like helping another person to help you clarify your gifts and talents and give you that little boost you may need as a solopreneur.

In-Person Events Can Be Informative, Productive, and Fun!!!!  Choose wisely.

1. Where will your favorite colleagues be?
2. Where will your ideal customers and clients be?
3. Where can you share your gifts and talents?

Wouldn’t it be fun if we ended up at the same event?

Please share in the comment box below which events have been the most enjoyable for you–and why.

Grace and Peace,