by Matt Adwell, Adwell Services
Yes, there is a cost involved in attending the Huge Convention. However, I would contend that there is an even greater cost in not attending, and that if we come to these conventions with an earnest desire to grow – both as a person and as a business owner – we will find that the real value of attending the Huge Convention greatly exceeds the cost.
It’s easy to overlook the real value of industry events like the recent Huge Convention near Washington, DC.
Sure, we realize that there will be some good information presented, and we all like to see our friends. However, attending any convention comes with a price tag. In addition to the real costs of the ticket and travel, there is the personal cost of being away from our family. (Or the real cost of bringing them with us.) Add in the value of the missed revenue while we are away, and it’s easy to feel that it simply isn’t worth the investment.
However, there are a couple of reasons that, even though I’ve been to industry events in the past, I continue to find exceeding value in attending.
First, there is a unique sense of comradery that exists at the Huge Convention.
It’s been said that no man (or woman) is an island. The fact is when you run a small business, it gets pretty lonely at the top. It can be hard for others
to relate to the pressures and struggles that we face. The early mornings, the long days, work that is never, ever (ever!!!) done. However, when we attend an industry event, we are surrounded by people who share our struggles, who understand what it takes to operate a business.
In addition, these are our comrades in arms, even if these ‘arms’ are squeegees and pressure washing wands. Sure, we all clean up nice. (Well, most of us.) However, these are folks who know what it means to clean windows in 25 degree weather. They have taken a “bleach shower.” (Or worse, a ‘dirt shower’ while cleaning a basement stairwell.) They know what it means to work hard, to do what it takes to get a job done. I find it refreshing to spend time around people I can relate to, and who can relate to me, as it energizes me to keep going year after year.
But there is a second, even greater benefit of attending these conventions.
The Huge Convention creates the perfect environment for us to grow in our businesses much more quickly than we could alone, and frankly in a manner that even the organizers could not envision.
It is kind of like a chemical reaction. When you combine certain elements, they will react and produce a desired product. If, though, you introduce a
catalyst, that same reaction happens much more quickly.
Attending the Huge Convention has a similar effect on our growth as a business owner. On our own, we can figure things out over time and grow in our business. However, when you take a group of business owners who all face the same obstacles and are trying to overcome similar hurdles, and then, like a catalyst, add the stimulating classes and electric atmosphere of an event like the Huge Convention, that same growth that might have happened over time on our own suddenly happens much more quickly. Ideas blossom, solutions present themselves, things “click.” Sometimes it’s something that’s said in a class that stimulates us, but often it’s a conversation over a meal or drink that gives us a new, fresh perspective.
Either way, the ideas, knowledge, relationships, and personal growth that I’ve taken away from these events has greatly accelerated my growth as a business owner, is helping me make my business what I want it to be for my family, and is something I consider invaluable.
So yes, there is a cost involved in attending the Huge Convention. However, I would contend that there is an even greater cost in not attending, and that if we come to these conventions with an earnest desire to grow – both as a person and as a business owner – we will find that the real value of attending the Huge Convention greatly exceeds the cost.
The 2016 Huge Convention is coming fast: August 11-13 in National Harbor, Maryland. eClean readers can SAVE $25 off their regular admission to the Huge Convention at www.TheHugeConvention.com/eClean
Read about the fantastic lineup of presenters at this year’s event here in the new issue of eClean.
Or read the eClean followup articles for the past Huge Conventions here: 2015, 2014, and 2013
