If you follow me on Facebook, you will notice that all of the six and seven figure entrepreneurs are always in pictures with me at these live events. Why is that? Because they have also figured out a long time ago that these events are SO much more than just learning experiences. In fact, the networking and business development opportunities are just as important, if not more important, as the seminar content.

Which is why we are so surprised to hear that this challenging economy is forcing some small business owners to think they need to cut back in this area. Many entrepreneurs claim they are finding it difficult to commit the time and money to seminars and live events. And those of us who understand the return on investment are baffled! This would be the LAST place we would ever cut back.

Don’t hinder your growth any longer. Here are the 3 reasons attending live events and seminars are vital to create visibility, credibility and revenue for your business:

1. Keeping Up on Cutting Edge Business Strategies To Save Time and Money
What you don’t know CAN hurt you.
When you fail to keep up on the latest trends and strategies, you are likely NOT moving you and your business forward. Sure you can do a ton of the research yourself, but do you have the expertise to actually put those learnings into practice? Most importantly, do you have time to make these strategies to work? You MUST rely on subject matter experts. They will guide you in ways you could never dream of – saving you a TON of time and money. And, different from purchasing a home study kit or other info product, attending an event enables you to fully immerse yourself and walk away with the know how to put an action plan immediately into place in your business model.

2. High Level Lead Generation and Sales Opportunities To Gain Revenue
Yes, the knowledge I gain from events makes them worth every penny. But, it’s the connections I make that make them “worth their weight in gold”. Where else can you spend multiple days with other like-minded business people who may be ripe for a possible partnership or even a potential client in the need of the services you are offering, both of whom represent huge business building opportunities? I leave with a minimum of $10,000 in instant revenue and sometimes upward of six figures over time from each seminar I attend. In fact, at the last two events, I added on extra days at the hotel because I booked face-to-face, all day VIP coaching sessions right there on the spot.

3. Connecting with and Learning from Colleagues
Experienced event goers know that the real magic happens in the hallways. I spend so much of my time at live events and seminars socializing with colleagues and potential JV partners. And yes, much of it is really just talking and catching up on what’s new in their lives because over time you develop personal relationships. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that there IS a strategy to it. Seminars really are a unique opportunity to keep your name and brand top of mind within the industry. You get to share about what’s new in your business and remind them of your advantage to customers.

Do remember though, to tune into station WIFM (What’s In It For Me) and find out how you can support them in their business growth.

Small Businesses need to recognize the hidden desires of the affluent: they demand value for their money AND they are willing to pay top dollar to feel unique and special. It is therefore important to tailor your services that help them fulfill these needs.

In the luxury market, exceptional service levels are an assumption because value is based in the experience they are receiving from purchasing your products and services. They key to success is to get customer loyalty through providing a personalized and individualized experience. One way to do this is by Surprising and Delighting Your Clients.

The affluent expect what is unexpected. This means extra bonuses or the little something extra are customary and NECESSARY. When I finish a large project with a client, I send them a basket of UpLevel Strategies branded Wine and Truffles and I add a personal touch. Consider including 2 tickets in a box suite for a professional football game in your monthly invoice to the client who is a huge football fan. How about having personalized sweet treats like cookies or cakes delivered to the client with a sweet-tooth. Your actions will not go unnoticed.

Understanding their unique mindset and values of your affluent clients will you give you the know-how to create exceptional programs that will edge you beyond your competition and ensure you reap the business rewards.

Marketing to the affluent can be a lucrative proposition. If you haven’t yet set your sites on this bullet-proof audience, you are missing out. Consider some of the facts: Did you know that affluent individuals earn income greater than $150,000 and have wealth of nearly $1 million in total assets? Did you know that the affluent make 36% of the income earned by all American households and control 70% of the total net worth of all US households?

Clearly the affluent have money AND they like to spend it. As you consider how to tailor your business to their needs, it’s important to be aware that they are educated consumers and demand value for their money. They are willing to pay top dollar to feel unique and special. One of the best ways to do this with your affluent clients is by Creating Private VIP Access to You.

The affluent seek something special or exceptional; ‘private access’ or ‘for my top clients only’ are terms that speak volumes. Consider offering a unique telephone number or email line with direct access to you. Other tactics with proven success include: creating a special product offering that includes added one-on-one time with you or implementing special branding treatments in a VIP section of your website. Without changing your core business concept, these bonuses help reaffirm your exclusivity.

VIP benefits are a must-have strategy for attracting and retaining affluent clients to your service based business.

It doesn’t seem possible in this economy does it? But it’s TRUE. I’m so excited to finally announce all the incredible details of The Marketing to Millionaires Retreat.  At this event, I will teach you how to get ahead of the economic challenges facing us ALL with my success-driven system to reach affluent clients who are incredibly loyal, willing to pay premium prices and grow your business with high-potential referrals.

Check out my video to learn more!

Don’t Just Listen to Me, Check Out These Client Testimonials!

This event promises to be three days that are all about YOU, and helping you to reshape your business so it works for you, instead of you slaving for it. Here are the details you NEED to know:

• When: October 22 – 24, 2009

• Where: The luxury Renaissance Hotel at LAX in Los Angeles, California

• How: Register at www.marketingtomillionairesretreat.com

• Why: We are pulling out ALL the stops for this retreat and going bigger than we ever have ever gone before including throwing a VIP Gala and hosting a Celebrity Guest!

You’ll leave this AMAZING event with the tools, resources, support and advice you need to take your business to the next level. Don’t wait to become part of it!  Our $750 early-bird pricing discount on admission is expiring in on April 30th. Don’t miss out on big savings!  Visit www.marketingtomillionairesretreat.com to learn all the details and sign-up today.