Can't Decide Whether to Go or Not ..

[PartiesbyJamie]

What is your driving decision on getting you to go to conference this year? I went last year & it was awesome but I'm now really weighing the cost vs value .. any tips? My estimate is a minimum of $700 to attend.

 

[MORFIA]

well I see you are a FD congrats- I would make a list of pro-vs-cons
Keep in mind 3 times more likely to promote by going!! If you are in conf 2 I hope to see you there!Good Luck

 

[jenboswood]

I went last year and it was the best decision I have made for myself and my business. My sales have doubled and stayed up consistently since last year. Plus almost all of your expences are a write off at the end of the year. For personal reasons will not be there this year; however, will be in Denver on January!!!

 

[PartiesbyJamie]

Last year was great but do you think it's really necessary to go every year? I know it's exciting, which I brought back with me of course, but will I learn enough NEW to make it worth it?Thoughts on those that have gone year to year or skipped a year??

 

[Kitchen2u]

Like Morfia said, you're more likely to promote, higher sales, etc...not to mention the cost is a total write off!

 

[linojackie]

I can't go and I'm extremely bummed. I definitely plan on going to Leadership in Denver since it's closer and much less expensive for me. Soooo...when do we get to start talking about that!

 

[lacychef]

OH, I think it's definately worth going every year. This will be my 4th year in a row going; I wouldn't dream of missing it. (only if I had a really good excuse) There's always new information to receive, plus the major boost it gives you.

 

[katie0128]

My D has been going every year since she started (14 years ago!) and considers it her continuing education. Her DH is a techie geek and has to do bunches of various seminars and traing to keep up-to-date on all the newest geeky stuff. If you look at it that way, I think it is a much more "justifiable" expense.

 

[KellyTheChef]

My Director, as well as our cluster's "sister" director have both gone every year for 12-15 years....they both feel it is totally worth it for their businesses!

I can remember saying at my first conference that I would never miss another one if I had any control over it. Well, I had to miss two after that (pregnancy, then little one nursing still) and went last year. Now I am back to pregnancy (but I *could* still go, I am only 20 weeks along, but have some other family and $$ issues this year) and will probably miss next year because of nursing. After that, though, I *WILL* be there!!

Especially if your long term goal is to promote...I think it's one of the best things you can do for your business!

 

[stacywhitlow]

I definitely think it is worth going every year. I missed the 2 years after I had my daughter but have been the past 2 years & am going again. I can't wait either. I'm in a little slump right now. It is such a business boost.

 

[JAE]

I am also weighing the cost with the benefits of going to conference. You must be traveling farther than me because I figured my total cost to be $500. Compared to what I paid last year, that's a lot. Last year I earned PC$ because of my first 90 days, so conference was free. I just paid for the hotel, gas, train tickets, and food. Plus, my show schedule is very lame right now. I did have two cooking shows and one catalog show this month, but right now the total for the three is just $600! I'm still planning on going, but I'm wondering if it's prudent.

 

[lacychef]

JAE, maybe it'll be the boost you need if you're wanting to do more each month

 

[JAE]

I hope it will be the boost I need. It will be fun and very relevant, but it is expensive. I would definitely coach everyone to go.

 

[smspamperedchef]

I've NEVER missed it since I started 9 1/2 years ago! VERY worthwhile! I get in a bit of a slump at times and I come back so rejuvenated! Bring your cell with you and list of contacts and make calls while in the hotel! I've gotten several bookings doing that. I think because they hear your excitement! Make sure you schedule a show or 2 right after you come back and make sure you get on the phone within at least the first 48 hours of getting home. If you wait longer than that it'll be back to same old same old.
If you want to grow in this biz definitely go! If you are just a hobbyist maybe not so much! However, if it is just a hobby maybe Conference will be the thing you need to turn it around for you to make it a profitable business!