I recently spoke at a conference for the industry I consult with (coworking spaces).
And while speaking on stage was valuable, the real value I got was from the conversations.
There’s something magical about relationships. Whether it’s knowing other consultants, industry vendors, or operators—you gain so much by getting to know people.
The reality is, we’re all in one big ecosystem. Everyone serves a function—sometimes with a little overlap—but ultimately each contributes a small part to the big picture.
More often than not, it’s the referrals that happen during and after the event from the people I chat with that drive the majority of my returns.
In some cases, it can lead to even more speaking opportunities for adjacent communities and events, which further drives the same flywheel.
Whether you’re attending or speaking at a conference, remember the goal: meet and chat with as many people as you can.
It’s not about trying to get clients directly. That’s only going to distract you.
The better approach is to meet the rest of the ecosystem. Build relationships with zero angle. See what happens.
I suspect this approach will be your most valuable mindset at the next industry conference you attend.
Have fun!
—kevin
P.S. In case you missed it, Liam Curley is teaching his magic sauce around “insight marketing” and long-form content tomorrow at 11 am EST. Register here if you haven’t already.