Quote:
Originally Posted by miz_wright
There are as many ways to work a show and build a business as there are people at that show and businesses in the world. What Works for Jim may not work for Toby, and Toby's methodology may not be appropriate for HellPuppy. Everyone has slightly different goals when they make the choice to go or not - some go because they are better in person than online, some go because they are looking for another job, some go because it's a way to expand their personal sphere.
None are more right than the others, they are just different goals for different people. *shrug*
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oh, i'm all about listening and learning. heck, i'll even share a tidbit here and there in polite company.
but one thing that has been common for me for every show i've ever been to is the thought of the value. i typically hit the show with an agenda and 2-3 very realistic attainable goals. i usually get those out of the way within first day or so. in which case i have an unstated additional goal of have a little fun.
but for me and my current business model, there's nothing going to be at that show that allows me to justify the expense. and if i'm going to spend the money just to have some fun, i'd frankly rather do it when the town isn't packed.
room and airfare is $1500 or so by itself. registration is what? $200-300? i'll usually pick up at least one dinner for a group of friends someplace nice, that'll typically be $1000 or so with tip, drinks, etc. throw in other meals, bar tabs, cab rides, you can easily roll up another $1000. and let's not even talk about gambling money.
admittedly, i'm not a cheap date, and I refuse to go on the Anal Hobbit plan, but my Vegas bill is typically in the $5K neighborhood.
i'm an S Corp, so although the trip is at least tax deductible, that still comes right off the bottom line. i can afford the trip, that's not an issue, but it's just like any other expense.
evaluating that expense to me is no different than deciding whether to buy a new notebook, a larger monitor or any other business expense. do i NEED it or will I see a reasonable return for the investment? for me the answer right now is no.
applying that kind of scrutiny to expenses is exactly why i CAN afford it. i cant tell you how many people i know of who have made small fortunes in this business but now do not have two nickels to rub together.
now if someone else was paying my way or reimbursing me for expenses....hell yeah, i'm there! it would be the best show ever!