Is going to a conference really worth it?
The travel, the cost, the time away from your business—it adds up fast.
But after attending Podcast Movement last week, I walked away with three big takeaways that could change how you grow your online business this year—whether you attend events or not.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to use conferences and communities to build a smarter online business, gain clarity, and make your next 90 days more profitable—without adding more to your plate.
Let’s Recap: Rethinking Conference ROI: Strategic Growth for Online Entrepreneurs
Moving Beyond Traditional Conference Goals
After attending Podcast Movement recently, I’ve completely changed my perspective on conference value. The traditional approach—attend, take notes, collect business cards—misses the point entirely. For online business owners, course creators, and digital entrepreneurs, conferences represent something far more valuable than just information gathering.
The True Power of Conferences
The real value lies in the clarity and connections they provide. When you’re building an online course, refining your offers, or trying to scale without burnout, you don’t need more information—you need targeted insights and meaningful relationships.
Instead of approaching conferences with the mindset of “what can I learn,” successful entrepreneurs approach with “what am I building next, and what insights or relationships would make that easier?” This subtle shift transforms how you engage and what you take away from the experience.
Avoiding the Common Attendee Trap
Most attendees make the critical mistake of trying to network with everyone or attend every session. This approach leaves you exhausted with superficial connections and scattered notes.
Instead, attend with 2–3 focused questions you need clarity on. At Podcast Movement, I had specific business challenges I wanted feedback on, which guided my conversations and led to breakthrough moments. One short conversation completely reframed my thinking about a key aspect of my business—something no blog post or webinar could have accomplished.
Why Quality Connections Matter More Than Quantity
Meaningful connections trump quantity every time. You don’t need to meet everyone—you need to connect deeply with the right people who understand your challenges and can open new doors.
Think strategically about potential collaboration partners, cross-promotion opportunities, or content partnerships. These relationships often provide the missing piece that accelerates your business growth.
For example, meeting my podcast mentor Crystal Prophet in person allowed us to brainstorm solutions to challenges we were both facing—a mutually beneficial connection that wouldn’t have happened in a virtual environment.
Extracting Value Without Attending in Person
Here’s the surprising insight many miss: you don’t even need to physically attend a conference to extract significant value.
- Follow event hashtags on social media.
- Research and connect with speakers online.
- Direct message presenters with thoughtful comments about their shared content.
Many conferences also offer virtual tickets at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to consume content at your own pace. You can even use social clips from key sessions to spark your next content piece or business decision. This approach keeps you connected to industry developments without the expense and time commitment of travel.
Creating Space for Reflection
When you do attend in person, maximize the experience by creating space for reflection. My husband (also my business partner) and I turned our trip to Dallas into a road trip from Ohio, giving us valuable time to discuss business strategy.
This intentional space before and after the conference allowed us to process what we wanted to learn and then integrate those insights into actionable plans. Without this buffer, many entrepreneurs return to their daily operations without implementing the valuable insights they gained.
The Real ROI of Conferences
The ultimate question isn’t whether conferences are worth attending—it’s whether you’re approaching them strategically.
With intentional preparation, focused networking, and deliberate implementation afterward, conferences can provide the clarity and connections that transform your online business. Whether you attend in person or engage virtually, the key is approaching with purpose rather than simply collecting information.
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