George B. Thomas
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Are you ready for #INBOUND23?
My whole team and I are ready to head to Boston for what we consider one of the planet's most critical “Business Growth Event's
This exciting event brings together thought leaders, business professionals, and thinkers from various fields and industries to share knowledge, spark ideas, and connect.
FYI: That connection part is essential, so leave room for the magic moments in the halls while at INBOUND.
Whether you're a student, a businessperson, or just a human who is curious about the Sales, marketing, service, or operations trends, this guide will help you get the most out of your INBOUND 2023 experience.
Plan with Purpose: Setting Your Goals
Before you dive into the INBOUND experience, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve. Are you hoping to learn about new marketing techniques? You may want to understand how leadership can drive innovation.
Clear goals will help you maximize your time at the event. General goals can lead to a vague experience. Instead of aiming to "learn more about marketing," strive for more specific goals.
Are you looking to explore advanced social media engagement strategies, dissect the art of storytelling in branding, or delve into data-driven marketing analytics?
Frame your objectives as SMART goals:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound.
Consider how the insights you seek align with your career growth, personal development, or your organization's goals. This connection adds purpose to your objectives.
Tailoring your objectives at INBOUND to align with your chosen agenda is crucial for a focused and impactful experience. Just as the SMART framework provides a blueprint for effective goal-setting, your selected sessions and goals should harmonize seamlessly.
For instance, if you aim to gain insights into two practical data analytics techniques to optimize your marketing campaigns by the event's conclusion, this goal becomes a targeted pursuit.
By linking this objective with sessions related to data analytics, you ensure that your objectives are not only specific and time-bound but also directly relevant to your learning agenda.
As you plan, contemplate how these insights contribute to your personal development journey and the broader goals of your team, infusing intention into your INBOUND experience.
If you're not sure what sessions to pick, we have made that super easy by picking some of our V.I.P inbounds sessions!
Diversify Your Sessions: Exploring New Ideas
INBOUND 2023 is a vast landscape of knowledge and inspiration, with various talks and sessions spanning various topics. While it's tempting to gravitate toward what's familiar, this is a golden opportunity to transcend your comfort zone and immerse yourself in uncharted territory.
The purpose of INBOUND lies not in just validating what you already know but in embracing the unfamiliar to catalyze fresh insights, ignite creativity, and pave the way for new horizons.
Nourish Your Curiosity
Pro Tip: List topics or fields that intrigue you but lie outside your expertise. Use this as a guide to identify sessions that challenge your comfort zone
Asking questions and trying to understand things better can help your mind grow and lead to new ideas that connect different subjects.
Broaden Your Perspectives
Pro Tip: Approach each session with a curious mindset. Prepare a list of questions you hope the session will address, encouraging active engagement, and take notes when those questions are answered.
Stepping into the unknown expands your worldview. You gain insights into how concepts from other disciplines can be adapted to your field.
By attending sessions you're less familiar with, you broaden your repertoire of knowledge, enabling you to approach challenges from multiple angles.
Leverage Networking Opportunities: Making Connections with Attendees
One of the most significant benefits of INBOUND is the chance to meet new people. During breaks and social events, don't hesitate to converse with fellow attendees.
You might meet someone who shares your interests or can offer valuable insights into your field.
Whether you love being around people all the time or enjoy being alone more, we all agree that knowing how to talk to others is essential.
This is especially true when you go to events. You might be good at talking to everyone you meet or more comfortable with just a few close friends.
But no matter what, we all need to connect with others. That's where good communication comes in. It's like a bridge that helps ideas and thoughts go from one person to another. Remember these tips to help you talk to others better as you go to INBOUND.
These tips work for extroverted people who like talking a lot and introverted people who prefer quieter conversations. These tips will help you make new friends and learn new things from the people you meet at INBOUND.
Overcoming the Initial Hesitation
While approaching new faces might seem daunting, remember that everyone shares a common interest – the pursuit of knowledge. During breaks, don't hesitate to start a conversation with someone nearby.
You might discover a shared passion, a unique perspective, or even a future collaborator.
Digging Into Deeper Conversations
Small talk is just the tip of the iceberg. Dive into meaningful conversations by discussing your objectives for INBOUND and listening to others' goals. This opens the door to exchanging insights and experiences that enrich your learning journey.
Listening as a Skill
Networking isn't just about talking; it's about active listening. Show genuine interest in others' stories and ideas. This strengthens connections and demonstrates your willingness to learn from those around you.
Just as you don't limit your conversations and connections to fellow INBOUND attendees, consider elevating your networking game by engaging with speakers.
If you're looking to take things up a notch, striking up conversations with speakers can be a game-changer. Most speakers, who are experts in their fields, genuinely appreciate when attendees approach them for discussions.
They're often eager to share insights, answer questions, and foster meaningful dialogues.
Engage with Speakers: Asking Questions
The speakers at INBOUND are thought leaders in their fields. If you're curious about something they said, don't hesitate to raise your hand during the Q&A sessions.
Asking questions can help you get a better understanding of the topic and provide you with personalized advice. Raising your hand in a room full of people might evoke nervousness, but remember that everyone is there to learn.
Your question might explain a point that others are grappling with, earning the appreciation of both the audience and the speaker.
Pro Tip: Practice asking your question beforehand to build confidence. Remind yourself that your inquiry benefits you and those around you.
Engaging with speakers through questions is a testament to your commitment to lifelong learning. It showcases your enthusiasm for absorbing knowledge, which is a quality that resonates with both the speakers and your fellow attendees.
These speakers are often as excited to meet you as you are to learn from them! It's like a friendly relay race where everyone's cheering you on.
Oh and by the way, If you spot me in the hallways, be ready for a fist bump, a high five, and definitely a good chat – because I'm all about connecting with humans!
Speaking of humans, there are some fantastic speakers you can chat with: AJ Wilcox, Ashley Faus, Christina Garnett, Connor Jeffers, Davis Meerman Scott, Jay Schwedelson, Molly Rigatti, and, of course, the one and only Kyle Jepson.
So, if you see any of these names on the schedule or passing by, don't hesitate to initiate that fist bump, high five, and conversation – because that's what INBOUND is all about connecting, learning, and celebrating the joy of human interaction.
Utilize Technology: Event Apps and More
Use the app or online platform designed for INBOUND attendees to stay organized during the event. These tools can help you keep track of the schedule, plan which sessions to attend, and even connect with others who are there.
One of the gems these digital tools offer is the ability to craft a personalized schedule. Browse through the sessions, workshops, and activities available, and curate your agenda based on your objectives and interests.
Also, don’t forget to use that INBOUND app to watch the social feed, strike up digital conversations along the way, and rate the sessions once they are over.
Real-Time Updates:
Events are fluid, and changes can occur unexpectedly. The app ensures you're equipped with real-time updates, including any alterations to the schedule, venue changes, or additional encore sessions that might be announced during the event.
Engage on Social Media: Sharing Your Experience
Social media is a great way to connect with other attendees and share your thoughts. If you hear a quote that inspires you or learn something new, consider posting it on Twitter LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Using the event's hashtag “#INBOUND23” can help you connect with others who are also excited about INBOUND.
Social media serves as a bridge connecting you to a vast digital community. As you absorb the wealth of knowledge at INBOUND 2023, these platforms offer an avenue to extend the reach of your insights and foster discussions.
Pro Tip: When you encounter an impactful quote or insight, create a social media post around it. Use concise language to capture the essence of the moment.
Harnessing Hashtags
Hashtags are more than just symbols; they're gateways to communities united by shared interests. Incorporate the official INBOUND hashtag into your posts to join the ongoing conversation and connect with fellow attendees who are equally eager to engage.
Some other hashtags you can use are #Boston, #HubSpot,#CRM, #GeorgeisAwesome. That last one is completely up to you! 🤣
Pro Tip: Research and consistently use the official event hashtag in your posts. This allows others to find and engage with your content.
Documenting Your Journey
Your social media posts become a visual narrative of your INBOUND experience. As you capture the highlights through images, quotes, or brief reflections, you're not just archiving memories; you're creating a portfolio of your personal growth and learning.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of photos, text, and visuals to convey the richness of your experience. Consider sharing snapshots of sessions, speaker moments, and even glimpses of your surroundings during the event.
Making the Most of INBOUND 2023
INBOUND 2023 is a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. You can make the most of this event by setting goals, exploring new topics, and engaging with speakers and attendees. Don't forget to use technology, take notes, and share your experiences on social media.
After the event, reflect on what you've learned and stay connected with your new contacts. Remember, the knowledge you gain and the connections you make at INBOUND can shape your future in exciting ways.
Trust me, INBOUND has been shaping my life sense since 2012!
Want to go deeper into the INBOUND/HubSpot community? Then, head to the HubHeroes community and start your free membership today. We have a special INBOUND space just waiting for you to explore.
