Return On Attendance

If you have ever attendance a class, meeting, conference, or convention that you paid money to attend have you ever taken the time to see what the return on attendance was for you. The investment of your money, your time, your energy, and your creativity has been risked so that you can sit through a session or two to learn new ideas and concepts that you will be able to implement once you return.

Have you received a return on your return on attendance?

Here are some of the costs associated?

1. Registration
2. Transportation
3. Lodging
4. Personal
5. Lost opportunity costs
   
6. Indirect costs

Here is how you can maximize your return on attendance:

1. Prioritize your action items. Thinking that you will probably do everything on every page of your notes is absurd. This is where most of us fail. We get so wrapped up in all of the details of everything that we fail to do nothing. Set a list of the most important ideas and figure out the action steps for each one.
2. Implement one powerful idea. OK, so what if you did just one thing. Would that pay for all of the costs? Every session you choose should have at least one takeaway or person you meet that will help you reach your business goals. Out of all of those sessions or people there will be one that will make a difference. Organize your thoughts and choose one to act on NOW!
3. Create an accountability partner. I wish I went to the gym more but I don’t have anyone yelling or screaming at me to do it. That is why I fail at least now with working out. If you have any social skills you should be able to make some friends with the people that you meet. Find one you like, trust, and have similar goals to keep you accountable for the things that you say you are going to do. This requires you to also return the favor. Set up weekly or monthly calls with this person to stay on track and do what you say you are going to do. Your credibility and integrity is now at stake. Do IT!
4. Set deadlines. Mark on your calendar which day and time you will have the action item completed by along with the description. Share this with your accountability partner like you would a client who is going to pay you money. Have the commitment to completing your action items within at least 30 days or they will never get done.
5. Send thank you cards. Each person you meet write them a thank you card. Since we are in the people business and invest in relationships everyday it is important to share a line or to with those people you meet. You never know when or where that next big client will come from.
6. Set a budget. More action items may require you to re-examine your budget. Be penny wise but not dollar foolish. If you can make more money by doing something cheaper then go for it. In most cases you cannot make a buck without spending a buck. Share this with your accountability partner too.