Copywriter's Report From Big Seminar
Whew! It’s been a busy year, and it’s hard to believe that most of it has passed by already.
I’m in Atlanta attending Armand Morin’s Big Seminar — the last “road trip” I have planned this year. I think I have traveled a total of 100,000 miles this year (or very close to that), and I’m definitely ready to be home for a few weeks in a row.
I thought I’d share my impressions of Big Seminar with you, and “blog it” for you as it unfolds.
Yesterday (Friday) started at around 9am. Armand gave a talk on “The State of the Internet”. Stu McClaren gave a brilliant presentation on affiliate marketing management. Dr. Mike Woo-Ming spoke and shared the story of how he left the world of practicing medicine to become a full-time marketer of various information products online. Ryan Deiss spoke on some of his latest marketing breakthroughs. Stephen Pierce rounded out the day.
True to form, Armand has served some very good food, the facility is first-rate, and the room is jam-packed with marketers and aspiring marketers. There are people here who “sell picks and shovels” (tools for other marketers), folks who sell jewelry, horse training, and a host of other products and services. I have met some very interesting folks, reconnected with old acquaintances, and eaten more food than is good for me.
Attending an event like Big Seminar always reminds me of the value of connecting with people in the real world — not just online and in forums. There are no connections like “real world” connections.
I’ll give you an update on Saturday (which is of course today) a little later on. Until then — what are your thoughts about attending live seminars? Share them below in the comments section…
No doubt about it Ray.
I just spoke in the UK at Alan Forrest Smith’s Mega Masterclass. I was almost as excited about hearing the other speakers as I was speaking myself but…
What was really impressive is the power of being in the audience and making those real-life connections.
Invaluable for sure.
As humans we all need connection. It’s just not the same via email and forums.
As far as I can tell networking and connecting at events, such as Big Seminar is as important — if not more important — as any other aspect of Internet Marketing.
Everyone should get their hands on your Networking at Events report.
Shaune
Hi Ray,
In an odd moment of harmonic convergence, I’m reading and replying to your blog post while sitting just 2.8 feet behind you at the Big Seminar. By the way, there’s a piece of string hanging from your jacket. : )
I started following “information marketers” about 16 months ago and attended my first seminar about 10 months ago, where I had the pleasure of meeting you and many other folks who I was tracking online. And I was amazed by what I found.
The Internet is a great tool for promotion and “vitual introductions” but nothing beats the kinetic energy that happens at these live events. The Big Seminar, and other seminars are an education, networking and brainstorming feast and I think anyone who is serious about advancing their business should attend at least two events a year.
Hands down, absolutely cannot be beat. The personal connections that are made — the ones you didn’t expect — are quite valuable. I heard two stories at a conference in LA of people meeting at a seminar who then later got married :-).
Next year, when my youngest is a little bit more independent, I should be able to make about one a month. I think it will be a great investment.
I was very delighted to meet you in person in San Diego and discover just who is this guy I hired for a sales letter! Probably the best business connection I made specifically for my business at that seminar.
Blessings on your time there.
Dear Ray,
I enjoy your blog in telling us what is going on. I have visitors from UK, so my time is tied and limited. I am like you. I just love to absorb infomation and meet people. I miss everyone for not being in the Big Seminar. I feel like missing something. Your blog certainly helps me fill I am one of the family again.
Keep posting.
Lana - Kwai Lan
Thanks folks for the feedback! I’ll have an update on the seminar — it turned out to be very exciting indeed (some of you know what I’m talking about).
Ray, I learned (from the Copywriters Board) that you won the car.
Congradulations!
I read somewhere (perhaps from a forum) that at one point Armand asks
all the copywriters in the audience to stand up. Is that true?
Too bad I could no go this time (too costly).
I’ll make it a point to go to the next Big Seminar next spring. keep me posted.
Francis
Do you ever suffer from sensory overload?
A lot of people do. It causes then to avoid gatherings like that. One cause of it is acute hearing that triggers multiple simultaneous conversations in your head that can lead to nausea. These people might try using an ipod to drowned out background conversations and eat food with ginger in it. Ginger will naturally combat nausea and motion sickness.