The travel industry is bustling with various exciting conferences and events, and every year, the list continues to grow. Each of these travel shows is brimming with opportunities to learn, discover, and network with partners from around the globe.
As thrilling as it is to attend these industry events, there is often a big reality check when an advisor returns home and must not only do all the follow-up to maximize their experience but also catch up after several days of being out of the office. It can be very easy to slip into a state of overwhelm, so it is crucial to stay organized so that you can manage all the post-event tasks.
It is possible to ensure that all your new contacts and ideas are transformed into real opportunities after attending a large industry event without neglecting your other day-to-day responsibilities or burning yourself out. Here are some ways to turn your overwhelming task list into a much more manageable game plan after returning home.
Prioritize and Categorize
One of the most chaotic things that many advisors return home with is an enormous pile of business cards and notes from all the different suppliers they met throughout the event. Taking the time to organize this pile is crucial and will set you up for success.
Start by categorizing your contacts and tasks into three main groups: Urgent follow-ups, short-term action items, and long-term goals.
Your urgent follow-ups are your high-priority leads, such as prospective clients and key contacts that require your immediate attention. Your short-term action items are any tasks that are less time-sensitive but that should still be addressed within the upcoming month. Finally, your long-term goal category will encompass any new ideas and contacts that are not urgent and don’t require follow-up at this exact time, but you want to remember to revisit in the future.
It may seem daunting to start tackling this seemingly massive task after returning home, but a structured approach will significantly ease the follow-up process, making it more manageable and less stressful.
Block Time in your Calendar
Creating time blocks in your schedule is a game-changer when managing all your follow-up tasks after a big networking event. By dedicating specific blocks of time to certain activities, you can increase your productivity and let yourself focus entirely on the tasks at hand.
For instance, try reserving an hour in the morning to review and respond to high-priority emails, then allocate another hour in the afternoon for making follow-up calls. Setting aside time in the late afternoon to input new contacts into your CRM ensures that all your information stays organized. This structured approach prevents tasks from spilling over into other parts of your day and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Don’t forget, it is equally as important to block time in your schedule for breaks and letting yourself recharge. A short walk, a healthy snack, or even a few minutes of mindfulness can recharge you and maintain your productivity.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
One of the most crucial aspects of successfully managing follow-up tasks after attending a large industry event is being intentional and having the right mindset. Approaching these tasks positively and proactively can make all the difference. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume, view each follow-up as an opportunity to build meaningful connections, foster partnerships, and enhance your professional network.
Remember, you don’t HAVE TO do all of these follow-up tasks; you GET TO do them because you work in the greatest industry in the world! Embrace this process with enthusiasm and recognize that each step you take is paving the way for future success.
Plus, maintaining a good mindset not only boosts your productivity, but will also ensure that your correspondence reflects genuine interest and professionalism, making a positive impression on your contacts and clients.
By organizing, prioritizing, and having a focused and intentional mindset, you can turn the post-conference overwhelm into a structured and efficient process. Each follow-up is a step toward new opportunities and more robust connections, contributing significantly to your success as a travel advisor.