Did that title grab your attention?  Good!

You may be a bit surprised by where I go with this.  You’ve probably already noticed that I’ve never been one to shy away from a controversial topic!

So, here’s the question:

What effect does it have on your business if you attend someone else’s event as a participant (non-sponsor) with the intention of “finding clients” for you?

We’ve all attended business conferences and meetings where people are running around with stacks of business cards shoving them at everyone they see, so we know this kind of thing goes on constantly.

And I don’t have to tell those of you who host events how much money and time it takes to host an event and fill that room.  The effects on the host of the event of attendees trying to sell to each other is pretty obvious.

But what I’d like to share with you today is how it affects your business when you’re the one trying to grab clients at someone else’s event.

Effect #1:  You end up repelling people rather than attracting them.  Look, I’m not going to say that you’re never going to meet a potential future client at someone else’s event, because you probably will.  But it’s important to remember that people attend an event to learn from the host and event speakers.  And to connect with the expert resources who have stepped up and paid to sponsor the event.   When you are there as a participant, and have an energy of “looking for clients,” it can really turn people off!

Effect #2:  Your reputation could be harmed.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that event staff won’t notice you shoving your card into people’s hands, or leaving stacks of your cards in the restrooms and on tables in the hallways.  It’s very likely that they will notice.  And once they do, your reputation is on the line.  If you have any future goals of partnering with the host of the event or speaking on their stage, you are harming your chances of doing that.

Effect #3:   You look desperate and needy.  In order to be of true service to others through your business, they have to perceive that you are someone who can truly help them. Paying the participant fee vs. a sponsor/ speaker fee to be at an event and then trying to grab clients is the equivalent of trying to “get something for nothing.” And that has a very desperate and needy energy to it. You haven’t “paid the price” to be seen as an expert in that room.  And you won’t be seen as someone who can help others.

Any of these three effects can end up hurting your bottom line.  Any short-term sales and benefits you gain through such behaviors will be outweighed by the long-term consequences.

The solution?  It’s pretty simple.  If you know your ideal clients will be at an event, step up and pay the price to position yourself as an expert.  Be a true contributor to the event.  The options available are almost limitless – everything from sponsoring the goodie bags they pass out to having your own booth in the sponsor area to paying to speak in a breakout or on the main stage.

I talk about cause and effect in your business quite often.

Choose carefully what effects you are causing when it comes to the events you attend!

Ready to multiply your impact and income by sponsoring and speaking, but don’t want to “reinvent the wheel”  and lose money along the way? Apply for a conversation with Debbie and see if she can help!

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Debbie Delgado’s mission is to help you transform your worry and frustration about your business into Money and Meaning! Ready to leave distraction behind and focus on what’s really important to you? Get started now! Don’t miss this chance to learn from Debbie absolutely FREE — Get FREE Access Now!