Live events range from local workshops to far-flung retreats. As yoga teachers or conscious healers, most of us are growing our business alone. It’s so important to have peers and a learning community for support, and live events provide that.
The key benefit of a live event is a major up-leveling in consciousness! I always find I make a quantum leap in some key area when I go out of my way to attend an event I’m drawn to.
(In Bali this year it’s been the benefits of laughter and giggling for business. More about that when you attend my retreat!)
Other benefits include learning new skills and concepts; forming friendships, partnerships, and strategic alliances; absorbing the core message of the teacher more deeply; hearing something in a new way; and more. For some of you, attending a conference or workshop might even be a great way to connect with future students!
At the same time, attending live events can be scary or overwhelming. When I was founding the Green Yoga Association, I knew I needed to attend many conferences ~ and so I did ~ but I really didn’t like it! I was so nervous I often had trouble falling asleep the night before.
Now I’m much more comfortable, and I usually sleep like a baby before and during a conference. (Thank goodness!)
Here are my top ten tips for fully enjoying and soaking in the benefits of a live workshop, retreat, or conference.
1. Arrive early. Allow extra time to travel so that if something goes wrong it’s not a problem. Arriving early also makes it easier to connect and make friends when others most want to do the same.
2. Don’t be afraid to go alone. Some of us feel shy to attend major conferences alone, but going it solo can make you that much more open to new connections.
3. Be curious and friendly. Take an interest in others, and attend the event with a sense of adventure ~ who will the Goddess put in your path for you to meet?
4. Carry a pen and little pad of paper everywhere you go. Yes, it’s great to take biz cards for connecting, but even more important to be able to jot down contact info for that new friend or potential referral partner who forgot hers!
5. Go with the heart and mind of an eager learner. Sit near the front, take notes, be attentive, and ask questions as appropriate. What a sacred opportunity to be with your teacher in person! Take advantage of every moment.
6. Take time alone each day. How much solo time do you need? Even a short walk or a nap in the afternoon could make a big difference in how refreshed you feel later in the day.
7. Get enough sleep. Changing time zones or long travel can make this difficult. All the more reason to plan ahead for those extra zzz’s so you’re well rested the next day.
8. Plan to make it easy for yourself. Carry any special snacks you’ll need, schedule a day off for when you return home, and don’t be afraid to splurge on a private room if that will serve you best. The cost of travel and attendance probably far outweigh any extra expense here and are well worth it.
9. Follow up! Don’t let those contact lists pile up in a drawer. Reach out within a few days. This lets people know you’re serious about connecting.
10. Absorb what you learned. Take time to review your notes, and integrate what you learned into upcoming plans and classes.
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