November 18, 2005
Something Funny Happened On The Way To The Bathroom
People always ask me "Is it really helpful to my business to attend live events?"
My answer is always a resounding "YES!"
Here's a copy of a very funny message Lisa Preston (the creator of "Instant Niche Emails") sent to her readers about how she and I met…and the profitable relationship that blossomed from that chance encounter. I thought you might enjoy it…
- Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
I think this is one of those times.
A huge value of marketing-seminars is found in the
connections and relationships you create there.
You never know when you're going to meet someone
with whom you'll work in the future!
That's been 100% the case for me. This past
April, at the Big Seminar in Atlanta, I met an
ally in the most unusual place and under the
most unusual circumstances.
During a break I visited the ladies room.
I just barely touched the big giant toilet paper
roll holder on the wall, and it broke apart and
fell to the floor with a crash that seemed to
resonate throughout the hotel. I scared every
lady in there half to death.
How embarrassing!
Well, after trying to fix the thing, I exited.
And the next gal who went into the restroom hit
the holder, and BOOM! The same thing happened.
"Oh, dear!" I hear.
"Don't worry - the same exact thing just happened
to me," I laughed.
Well, guess who was standing there? Marketing Genius
Holly Cotter! We laughed about the whole thing and
made some small talk about it.
Weeks later I needed to contact Holly about a Joint-Venture.
Trying to make a connection, I wrote in the subject line -
Holly, It's Lisa, the Toilet Paper Lady…"
She later told me she had to open it up to see what on earth
I was talking about. Then as she read, she remembered the
incident at the Seminar!
We have laughed over that a lot since. We've also decided
to work together on a project!
Now, I surely believe in the value of conferences.
I've met four business partners this past year - and
we're working together and having a blast!
If you can swing the cost, try visiting a couple seminars
this next year. You could find yourself making some great
friendships and creating joint-ventures.
In the most unusual of places!
