Why new companies should invest in attending conferences
As entrepreneurs it’s imperative you network with those of your ilk and those who’ve succeeded. This is crucial to understanding the entrepreneurial landscape and having a grasp on how to proceed on an upward trajectory, says performance marketing agency Rogerwilco’s Megan Sell.
You’ll form relationships with investors and entrepreneurs
It’s not news that attending conferences is the ideal opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs. Not to mention this is one of the best ways to get your business’ name on the lips of investors and competitors. Depending on the type of conference or event you go to, you could find yourself carving out opportunities to present your elevator pitch. And furthermore, acquiring the details of people who’ll help you soar to new heights. These are friendships and business relationships that are invaluable.
You’ll be motivated
Being around people who are doing what you’re doing but better is one of the most inspiring situations to find yourself in. These people who’ve achieved success or who are further along the path of progress are likely to motivate you to no end. In fact, if you’re feeling glum and you see burnout in your future, then a conference or network event is just what you need. You’ll realise everyone has been there and they survived. They picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and found a way to reignite their entrepreneurial spark.
You’ll polish your pitch
Conferences are also an excellent testing ground for your pitch. You’ll have ample opportunity to present yourself and your venture to investors and potential customers. This is excellent practice for you, it’ll help you refine your pitch and you’ll receive useful feedback. The good will be great, but listen carefully to feedback that is negative and critical. That’s what will help you ultimately improve. Focus on creating a stellar elevator pitch before your next networking event. Because trying it out in that type of environment helps you iron out the kinks and spot the weaknesses.
You’ll learn to communicate better
You’ll learn how to engage with people, make the necessary small talk and have them be responsive to you. You’ll learn the art of the soft sell and this type of engagement – if done correctly – will see you winning over those who matter the most.
Take every opportunity to give a talk or presentation at these events. You’ll likely have to pay for the time on stage, but it’s well worth it. You’ll have a focused audience listening to your every word and this will prompt you to work on your presentation skills. And public speaking is a crucial skill to have as an entrepreneur. Especially if you hope for your business to expand. Your future will be filled with meetings you need to chair, presentations you need to give and pitches you need to deliver to investors. What’s more, public speaking will help you with your management skills too. When you eventually have a team of employees, you’ll be expected to stand in front of them and present motivations, conduct staff meetings and share important company information.
You’ll begin to understand African entrepreneurship better
Being an entrepreneur is one of the most challenging yet rewarding directions to take. And being an entrepreneur in Africa is vastly different from anywhere else in the world. You will need to learn as much as you possibly can about African business, about your industry and how it operates within Africa, and your local and international competitors. Africa’s business landscape needs to be handled in a unique way. Most times, what works overseas won’t work here. You need to adjust to your target market, account for the lack of infrastructure and funding and understand the bureaucratic red tape imposed by difficult governments.
This is all possible to know and understand if you attend African conferences and networking events. Hobnobbing with those who’ve already been there and done that will give you keen insight and a better sense of business direction. Fortunately, there African events aplenty, especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Make sure to sign up for those that offer you great insights by knowledgeable speakers and a stellar exhibition arena.
