Sadly, some people attempt to say "no" by ignoring caller. This is a terrible strategy for two reasons. First, caller does not know what you are doing. They will conclude that you may be traveling or sick and thus call again, and again, and again. Second, ignoring someone is rude, especially if you asked person to call you, send a proposal, or provide information. If you want to end a dialogue without talking to person, call (or have an assistant call) and leave a message during off hours (early morning, late evening, weekends). Most good business people appreciate candor and understand word, "No."

Use voice mail

Strategic voice mail can protect your time. Rather than leave an outgoing message stating that you will return calls, leave a message that helps screen calls. For example, your message could state, "Hi this is Pat Smith. Leave a message if you have an work related issue. If you are selling wingnuts, do not leave a message because we are not buying them." or "If you are selling something, call Chris at Extension 101." In latter case, Chris may be someone assigned to screen sales calls.

Be open to possibilities

Realize that caller is another human being, trying to earn a living. In addition, that caller may also be a customer or able to influence your customers. Thus, rather than immediately reject every call, consider that some of offers may help you improve your business and make your job easier. Treat callers with respect and courtesy that you expect from others. You will find valuable opportunities when you give them a fair chance to explain why they called. And you can always say, "no."

Often greatest benefit of attending a conference will be relationships that you start while there. These relationships can become sources of information, friendship, and job opportunities.

Thus, make it a point to meet new people. Instead of spending all of your time with friends or colleagues, go off on your own. Join other people for meals. Sit next to them during sessions. Start conversations while walking between sessions. And be sure to ask for a business card. Then you can add that person’s contact information into your contact database.

I encourage you to introduce yourself to speakers. They were invited to speak at conference because of their expertise in your profession. Thus, they can become valuable resources for information, assistance, and referrals. The best time to meet speakers is right after they finish their presentation. Introduce yourself, offer a brief compliment on presentation, and ask for a business card. Of course, if you meet them again at conference, use this as an opportunity to talk further.

Apply What You Gained

When you return home, set aside an hour or so to review notes that you took while at conference. You may want to schedule this on your calendar before you leave for conference.

Review your notes, identifying main ideas. Then convert each of these ideas into an action on your list of things to do. Once you finish list add a completion date and assign a priority. Recognize that this step converts everything that you learned, collected, and gained during conference into tangible benefits for yourself and your company.

If you are an employee, I recommend writing a report for your management. Document key ideas that you gained and describe how they can be applied to your work. If you’re an independent, you may still want to write such a report for yourself because this formalizes what you gained from conference.

Be Grateful

When you return home, write thank you notes to people who helped you at conference. This simple courtesy sets you apart as an exceptional person. I especially recommend writing notes to:

1) The leaders in association. They worked hard to organize event. 2) Members of staff who helped you. These people can help you get most out of your membership. 3) The speakers. This could start relationships with experts and celebrities in your profession. 4) New friends. This makes you memorable when you meet again at next conference.

Use a conference to immerse yourself in society and technology of your profession. And then apply what you gained to advance your career.