This week, I chronicle the mistakes, missteps and muck ups that cost me big in 2007. Although I listed these in an article I wrote almost three years ago, it seems that I’m still repeating some of the same mistakes.
So, I’m listing the 5 mistakes that cost me big in 2007 and what lessons I learned. I’m releasing these daily to help you help me not repeat these in 2008.
Mistake, Misstep & Muck Up #2 – Speaking at conferences that didn’t put me in touch with my target market
Although I focus on a very specific niche within social media, not everyone who’s interested in podcasting is my target. Speaking at various podcasting conferences around the world in 2007 put me in touch with thousands of people.
I took note of all the people who approached me after I presented. They tend to fall into a certain age and income bracket. I soon realized that these individuals are my target market.
Unfortunately, I attended many events in 2007 where my target market was few and it was a financial nightmare. In 2008, I’ll be more strategic about the events I speak at by asking event organizers the most important question (aside from payment):
“WHO will be attending your event?”
LESSON LEARNED – Present at events that connect me with my target market. Avoid the ones that don’t.
Howard Hughes? Sorry Don, but I’m not familiar with the reference.
When I attend events, I talk to people. I network with them, I converse with them and I ask questions. People reveal ALOT to me in those conversations. Alot. I mean, I just finish a session on podcasting, yet those who approach me tell me about their divorce or recent bankruptcy or the fact that they just earned their first million. Wow!
Through these conversations, I’m able to glean what their story is, what their vision is and what their income level is. Either directly just by asking them (of course, after we’ve built a rapport – it’s not the first question I ask!) or indirectly by the questions they ask me or statements they make.
Conversations and relationships give me this insight. How about you, Don? Do you know who your target is? Are you listening to what they tell you? Do you interact with them at trade shows and conferences, or are you too busy checking email on your laptop or Blackberry?
“They tend to fall into a certain age and income bracket”
It’s common practice to ballpark a person’s age. What’s your secret for sizing up their income bracket? Could be dangerous. Remember Howard Hughes…