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Why go to
Internext Expo 2003?

By

Jojasa

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Why go to Vegas? The first answer that usually comes to mind is... cause it's a whole lot of fun! Yes, it is. Far be it from me to ever try to tell anyone that it's not a whole lot of fun. But that's not really why I'm there. Yes, having fun is a great perk of the trip, but the conventions are one of the best tools to use to get your business past the point of being a little thing you are doing in your spare time for extra cash, to becoming a real full time money making business. Click here for Internext Expo 2003

The key to getting the most out of any webmaster convention is networking. You are presented with an opportunity to meet and pick the brains of some of the best at these conventions. At the very first one Old Tom and I attended, we spent several hours talking with, among others, BillPMB. Not only did lightbulbs go off (a lot!), our business totally changed after that convention. We also met and got to know several people who are well respected in this business. Sitting and talking with people makes much more of an impression on them than an email or a few words exchanged on a board. Not only do you get a clue on how to build a successful business here, but they can meet and remember which newbies to watch, which newbies might make it and be of help to them in the future. Everyone wins.

Meeting the people who you interact with everyday on the boards and forming friendships is going to be the basis of your long term relationships with people who *are* going to become important in the business. New friendships, new partnerships, new business opportunities, these can all be gained by networking at the conventions.

The editions of the DFN immediately following Internext are always filled articles giving insights and thoughts about what went on at this convention, as well as photos of folks and activites.

First Time
If you are going to Vegas for the first time next month, here are a few tips on how to get the most out of it and what to do to help you survive the trip.

When you first walk in to the convention hall, it can be a bit overwhelming. Hundreds of people, lots of noise, and of course, lots of content walking around smiling at you. Just inhale the atmosphere and enjoy it! You will have a couple of days so don't try to see everything at once. Take your time and see everything. Talk to the people who run the booths. Yes, they are trying to sell you something, but they are also more than willing to sit down with you and answer questions.

Be prepared to buy content when you find a good deal. Take all the flyers and brochures that interest you and when you get home, read them. Feel free to take whatever freebies they are giving out. Sign up for any contests and be sure to ask for the party invitations that will be given out. Take people's business cards, and take along a LOT of business cards to hand out. If you don't have any, print some up at home now and make sure you have plenty. You can buy business card paper for your printer and they do come out looking professional if you put a little work into it. The companies you give them to will get in touch after the convention... you guessed it, more networking.

Finding people at the convention can be a bit daunting. Wear your nametag and try to look at the people you pass to see if their *handle* looks familiar. Don't be shy about stopping someone and saying "Hi". Voltar's breakfast is a great way to meet and find people to hang out with at the convention and parties. Bring your cell phone. It's the best way to keep track of people who are there.

There are seminars going on during the day. If this is your first time, I highly recommend that you attend as many of these as you can. Yes, some of it is very basic stuff, but it is information that you really need to know. These seminars are presented by people who have done this for years and know what they are doing. Again... networking opportunity.

What to take
#1 important item... comfortable shoes! You will be walking and walking and walking and walking some more. For the convention itself, don't worry about being fashionable, be comfortable! Sometimes just getting from your hotel room, through the casino, and out the door is a half mile hike or more. The convention hall is huge. Besides, the content that is working the convention will be wearing 8 inch heels and you couldn't compete anyway. hehe!

#2 item... a camera. And not one that you need to send the film in to develop unless you don't mind the smirks from the guy at Walmart when you pick it up. Oh, did I mention that there is a lot of half dressed content walking around at the convention? They enjoy posing with you for a picture...

#3 item... for the ladies, something nice to wear to the parties. Yes, you can certainly go in jeans to all of them, but there *will* be a lot of the women dressed up. Depends on which party and where. The men seem to always be dressed comfortably, jeans work fine. Do what you are comfortable with and remember that there is no way you can compete with the content that will be there. No matter how young or thin you are, everyone will always know you are not *content*. LOL

Try not to get drunk at the parties. Go slow, the nights are long. You want to be able to talk and remember and pick other's brains... you don't want people to remember you for being the drunkest (and most obnoxious) person in the room. You are there to promote yourself and your business and make contacts. You can get drunk later. Some of the best networking parties happen a day or two after the actual convention.

The weather in Vegas last January was in the mid 70's. It was wonderful after leaving 20 degrees and snow in Chicago! But it does get cool in the evenings so be prepared for anything.

If you have time, go see the sights in Vegas. Go downtown at night and see the lightshow on Fremont Street. Check out the fountains at Bellagio, walk through the Mirage and see the white tigers, the pirate battle at Treasure Island, the lion habitat at MGM, go see a show, play the slots a bit, and take a ride on a rollercoaster.

Sleep
What's that?

Meet people, network, learn, network, and have fun! If you can't go this time, make plans now to be able to go to the next one. It's really something you should not miss. See you there!

Jojasa