Internet Marketing Seminars - How Useful Are They?

I went to a few I found on Linkedin.

From a business stand-point the relationships I was able to build on and grow excellent.

If you are looking to form relationships - go.

Forget what you hear about "pitchfests" being worthless. It's one of the best and fastest ways to meet people and possibly set up JV's.

Last weekend I went to JV Alert Live in D.C. and now I have a few new possible projects, one with author Stephanie Frank, one with Ken McArthur...

You get the idea.

If you don't want to spend money on the back room tables, leave your credit cards home.

Every time I go I fatten my rolodex. Cool stuff.

Mike

Yes, the main point is to make contacts at any kind of affiliate meetup. If you go to just listen to the lectures you'll miss out.

So brush up on the people skills, have fun partying with some people, and just get your name out there. Having friends in the industry is much better than having all the knowledge in the industry

If you ever get a chance, check out a Learning Annex seminar. These things are hilarious. You do learn some good stuff but the sales pitches are beyond obnoxious. But they work. After one particular presentation was finished, I couldn't believe the number of people running to the back tables credit card in hand.

Definitely leave the card at home if you go.

I categorize seminars into two groups -- the pitchfests and the non-pitchfests. Regardless of which you attend, it's very helpful to decide before you go what you want to get out of the event ... new JV partners, new affiliates, new projects, new products, etc.

I always make it a point to list 5 things I want to bring home with me from the earlier categories. Most of the time I do not purchase at these events, but rather collect new contacts. And it's important, at least to me, to make contacts on all levels -- just learning (those I can help), those already making money (my peers), and those who know more than I do (to keep me motivated and always learning).

If I find myself at a pitchfest and I am tempted to buy, I stop and ask myself, "Will this product or service take me closer to my business goal?" If I can't answer with a resounding "yes," I pass on the option and move on, no matter how great the pressure or temptation to buy.

In this world of virtual relationships, I highly value live events because I can finally associate an in-person experience with a voice or a face. I love sharing meals with people because you literally create a memory together. Very important.

Just one more tip ... if you are looking specifically for a non-pitchfest event, check out Mark Hendricks' ISS conferences. You will never see a credit card machine anywhere on the premises. But the content and attendees are unbelievable!

Just my two cents' worth but I hope that helps.

Seminars are great! Go network with other, pitch fest or not, Great way to meet like minded people. Remember the more seminars you go too the wealthy you become. Don't ever stop learning.

Don't forget one aspect of seminars that is fun. Many times they are held in a nice travel destination such as Vegas. You get to go on a nice tax deductible trip, learn some good stuff, and perhaps bring the family.