I’ve never invested in a conference or speaking gig where I didn’t come away some great new ideas, increased energy, new contacts with cool people, and a sense of “belonging in the real world” that helps in my solitary profession. (I, too am a solopreneur working virtually — I have a world of great “phone friend” clients, but seeing real faces, in person, is a treat — As was meeting you at the career Masters conference…)

$50 is a lot of money. It’s 20 loaves of bread. It’s 14 jars of peanut butter OR 17 jars of jelly. It’s 10 large cans of store brand instant oatmeal.

Isn’t it enough that many people will buy the book that’s being hawked? Going on a book tour is the cost of the author’s promotion. It’s a lot of nerve asking the customers to foot the bill for someone else’s business.

For some people $20-50 here and there means many skipped meals.

Once past that check, all the reasons listed make perfect sense. It’s always energizing (to me) to be around other people who are interested in what is being presented, regardless of the subject. It gives me the opportunity to learn something. Learning is critical.

Hope you had a great time!

Seriously, Im with what one of the previous commenters said, which is akin to you make your own luck in this life. If you aren’t in you cannot win either.

You never know when something might break! I am attending a booksigning tonight with people I want to connect with.

Thanks for the kind words! It was a great event.

Seth rocks. He’s great live. I own all the albums, but I still saw 25 Dead shows.

Cheers,

Andy