As we discussed in an earlier article, attendance at an annual conference/convention/trade show can have tremendous benefits to your company and yourself personally. Not only will you garner much from the various workshops but you may find that one missing tool or piece of equipment on the trade show floor. There is something unique about being able to test out a piece of equipment in real time; then go to the next booth and compare their offerings, price and support. 

 

Although traveling to places like Orlando, Chicago or Las Vegas are necessary to participate in these annual events, you should check within a 50-100 mile radius of your office to identify training and networking opportunities that only require a tank of gas and a meal or two. There are many distributors affiliated with national groups that conduct midweek or weekend sessions focused on equipment and systems they support. If you are interested in acquiring or maintaining a certain certification in carpet care, hard floor, fire restoration or other subject you can oftentimes save travel and hotel costs by attending such a session locally. 

 

I suggest you use a search engine to identify and locate distributors (or community colleges) that provide such training either free or at a very reasonable charge. Compared to traveling alone or with key staff in order to keep costs down, you can oftens cover the costs of your supervisors and leads attending these sessions at a minimal cost to you. A key message you will be sending to them is that you are interested in their growth and advancement. 

 

In either event, the networking benefits to yourself and your company can be phenomenal when you make the decision to continue your personal and business growth. 

 

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

 

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 7/9/2014