I recently attended a conference and noticed a few behaviors that I don’t think are conducive to maximizing one’s investment in an event. Unfortunately, I found myself falling into these traps on occasion. Acknowledging that these activities creep into your life is the first step towards changing behavior for the better.

1.   Whittle away the time on your smart phone.

No problem with checking up on the Twitter feed during a break in the action. But if you are in full conference mode, put the phone in the pocket and engage with your next customers. That’s what you are there for…

If the president is texting you, or your boss, ask a booth mate to cover for you for a few minutes and step away from the booth area and quiet the emergency.

2.   Talk with your booth mates.

More than likely, you’ll have ample time post-conference to chat it up about that dramatic 3-point shot at the buzzer that won the game for your team last evening. When there are people around your booth, attempt to connect with them by asking the following questions:

• What brought you to this conference?
• What have you learned so far?
• What problems are you looking to solve by showing an interest in our product?

3.   Sit in a chair.

When someone walks up to your booth, you want to be at his level. Yes, your legs are tired. Yes, you’ve been standing all day. But that gentleman walking up to your booth right now deserves your full attention, and that can’t and won’t happen while you are sitting down. The gentleman may also be the next strategic customer that helps your firm grow exponentially over the next few quarters.

Sit all you want once the conference is over. When potential customers are within eyesight, stand up, look confident, and be ready to help solve their pain.

Until next time,

Dan Naden