This afternoon, I went to the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce annual business networking show. I’ve had people ask, “Why go to these shows?”
I am of the mind that it is very important for a solo or small firm lawyer or business owner to attend the show, especially if you can’t or won’t pay the price of an exhibitor’s booth.
I met dozens of people who could potentially be sources of developing my practice. I met with loan officers to expand my real estate closings. I met small business owners who need help with determining the smartest entity for their business. I met people who are considering estate planning.
Do I get a booth myself? No. I find much more use of visiting the exhibitors and learning about their businesses. I met one person when we were talking at another person’s booth.
Whether I gain revenue from the show is yet to be determined. Whether I get value from going is an absolute – I do, and will continue to do so.
Oh yeah, and going cuts way down on my office supply budget with the swag I pick up, which is also a good thing!
