The 7 Day Countdown ...

Today when I saw the ICF reminder about San Jose and this being a sold-out conference, I could hardly believe that next Tuesday I’ll  be basking in the sun and catching up with coaching colleagues. At least I was hoping it'll be sunny so I made a quick trip to www.weather.com to make sure I can shed my rain gear. The 10 day forecast is for highs of 68°- 70°. Yippee!

I live in the Seattle area (enough said), so an escape to anyplace that’s sunny is very welcome this time of year.

I also noticed more e-mail arriving in the past couple of days asking me if I’ll be attending the ICF this year. For the past three years, usually about a week before I flew to the conference, I’d send out a broadcast to let people know where Client Compass would be in the exhibit area.

This year I’m going as an attendee!! So what’s the big deal, you say?

It is a big deal for a couple of reasons. This summer, my software company, Client Compass, was acquired by John Wiley & Sons (NY publishers).   The Wiley folks will be in the exhibit hall, but I noticed that the Client Compass name wasn’t included in today’s announcement.  Even though it’s no longer my company, I still felt a jolt go through me when I saw the list of exhibitors and Client Compass wasn’t mentioned.

Yes, Client Compass will be there!  At the Wiley booth. And, I'll be making a few "guest" appearances. Ha!

Here’s the other reason it’s a big deal for me: this year I will attend sessions instead of staying in the exhibit area the majority of the time. No doubt, I’ll also be going through an identity shock (I feel it already) as I won’t have the same familiar “platform” to fall back on (i.e. founder of Client Compass) and will be feeling that I’m an anonymous member of the audience. 

[sidebar: get thee to Suzanne Falter-Barns]

I know I’m not anonymous: I have my two coaching companies and the other products/services I offer to coaches.  But still, this is a transition for me.

I suspect that many (newer?) coaches who attend large conferences also experience the feeling of anonymity, so I’d like to offer some suggestions. 

1. Take 2 – 3 times as many business cards as you think you’ll need because, more than likely, you’ll run out. If you don’t already have cards then go to www.vistaprint.com for a rush order (and have them delivered to your hotel the day after you arrive) or go to Kinkos.  
2. When you visit the exhibit areas, drop in your business card. You might win something.  We used to give away digital cameras, iPods, and other cool stuff.  If an exhibitor contacts you after the conference you can decide if you want to continue the relationship.  And, you'll probably learn from them about some great new ways to help you in your coaching business.
3. Practice your “elevator speech” (aka audio logo) without using the word coach.  We’re all coaches at the ICF. When someone asks about you, tell them what problems you solve for your clients.
4. Get other people’s cards and jot a quick note on the back to remind you about the person. Then, after you return home, follow-up within the week if there’s a good connection.
5. And when you listen to the speakers, think about which topics you want to present at next year’s ICF.  Or, get some fresh ideas for presentations to make back home.  Either is a great way to increase your visibility.

Oh yeah, have fun, and if you see me, come over and say “Hi.”