What makes a 'not to be missed' experience?
We returned from the Prudential Convention 2011 in San Diego the week before last. God, never take a 6:35 a.m.. flight back from a trip. Especially if it's the morning after Fat Tuesday. After three days of non-stop classes, presentations, sight-seeing and team-building activities (read that as bar hopping ) I was ready to collapse. George, of course, managed to spend the afternoon in the office.
Have you been to a Prudential Convention? This was my second. Last year, my first, was in Austin. (Music, Mexican food, craft beer, and hole-in-the-wall bars; I was in heaven). But if you haven’t been, the Convention is simply something you need to experience.
As you would expect it offers you classes, introduces you to new tools, updates you on trends and presents networking opportunities. The presentations are usually over the top. Fireworks, smoke machines, light shows and big name speakers. This year found us partying at PetCo Park one evening (by the way stilettos and in-fields do not work) and entertained by Jay Leno another. Although my favorite presentation had to be Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, subjects of the motion picture The Blind Side. They combined the perfect mix of comedy and purpose.
However, it’s the intangibles that really make the experience.
For example, I think the convention is one of the best ways to renew your energy for the business. You get to look at what you are doing (and what you are not) with fresh eyes; it’s motivating. I don’t think you can walk away without at least one new idea. Here's a handful:
· Use your email signature to connect, especially in regards to social media. Seek out companies like WiseStamp, or connect to online profiles such as About.me, Dooid, Google Profiles or Follr.
· Dive into social networking. Prudential is even on board with a new online social networking site (https://www.nextwork.prudential.com). It rolled out on the 18th of March. I’ll let you know more as I experiment with it.
· The person you just walked past is the one who can change your life. So every once in a while stop and turn around.
· Ever just wished you could avoid talking to someone by leaving a message? Try Slydial, a free online service for going straight to voicemail. Or if you’re like me and hate listening to voice mails, use a free voicemail to email converter from Google Voice, Phone Tag, YouMail or Jott.
· Review your website and make a game plan. Try Amy Chorow’s “5 Critical Elements of Your Website” for the best practices for 2011 below.
I have to admit though, my favorite part of the convention is the opportunity to connect with your collegues. Oh the stories I could tell! But don’t worry my convention buddies, my lips are sealed on most accounts and I’m only sharing these few pictures. And Seeger, I’ve even resisted the urge to include the one of you on stage at the dueling piano bar.
I want to thank George Bruns, Maryann Vitale, Deb Colburn, Angie Ignatowski, Jana Rice, Jim Von der Haar, Sarah Seeger, Ann Cordeal, Jim Dillas, Betty Urban, Pat Sobelman, and Laura Wilburn for such a wonderful time. Hope to see you next year in Orlando.
Sarah Grobe, Director of Marketing
Prudential Select Properties, Your local choice for real estate
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