I left for Dreamforce this morning and it’s time for me to share with you my “Dreamforce Survival Kit.”
This event is so big! 130,000 people encompassing virtually every hotel in San Francisco area. If you don’t have a plan, it will overwhelm you.
First, you must know what your objectives are before you leave.
Who do you want to meet and what do you want to learn?
OK, it’s basic but here’s a trick — DO NOT overschedule yourself! Things will go awry, and with an event of this size, stuff can and will change.
Yes, SF is a tech savvy city, but don’t think for a moment your smart phone will be able to send that picture, text or email to the person you’re trying to reach. Confirm your daily meetings/appointments minimally the evening before!
Second, the sidewalks downtown are great places to make the unexpected connection.
One thing I value is merely hanging around outside of Moscone Center. Each time I do, I wind up making new connections.
Third, realize your time is valuable.
The event has the big-name people speaking, but to get into the events requires patience waiting in line…long lines. To me unless I’m using my line standing time talking with someone I want to meet, it’s a waste.
Fourth, follow the twitter feed.
I set up my smart phone to follow #DF14, #DFSalesSummit and any other hashtags I feel are worthwhile as a way to stay on top of time sensitive events I may want to take advantage of.
Fifth, sleep and diet are both secondary activities.
I know more than a few of my “meals” will be consumed standing up purely due to the size of crowds, difficulty getting into restaurants, etc. I’m going into the week fully aware of eating who knows what and most likely having sleep be compromised due to the schedule of the week.
You might say for this one, I set my level of expectations very low this way the stale bagel I wind up eating for breakfast, lunch or even dinner will wind up tasting quite good.
Here’s to a great week!!
If you will be at Dreamforce, I hope to see you at the sessions where I will be speaking:
Sales Summit – 5 Strategies Sales Leaders Use for Results
Monday, October 13
2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Yerba Buena – Salon 7, San Francisco Marriott Marquis
5 Mission-Critical Requirements to Establishing Value & Increasing Revenue
Wednesday, October 15
11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Ralston Ballroom, Palace Hotel
Copyright 2014, Mark Hunter “The Sales Hunter.” Sales Motivation Blog. Mark Hunter is the author of High-Profit Selling: Win the Sale Without Compromising on Price.
