Not going to WPC this year

Time to build that autoresponder, not going to be able to make it to the Microsoft WWPC this year in Houston. Already got two meeting requests, too.

This is going to sound very hypocritical, but if you’re not me, you should go. It’s the best advice I can offer you. I am not going primarily because my new young family takes priority over out-of-town trips but in the equal amount the business is way too hot at the moment with the opportunity to stay at home and close being far higher than to go out and network for it. This is the first time that this has happened in my business, we have so many new projects, new people starting, new product lines coming online, going global, designing a new retail offering, two factor auth.. really just an incredible time for OWN.

Don’t fool yourself, this would not have been possible had it not been for the high profile people and conferences that have helped get us to this point. Networking is crucial. I really hope you consider things like WPC and TechEd because without a shadow of a doubt, they are the best. Yes, they cost a little more, but for a very good reason – they bring out the best. It has been my long time argument on this site that you need to aim high, not settle for the entry level just because that is where you think you fit the best and get immediate gratification. There is no such thing as get rich quick and get problems solved quick in this business, its a journey with long term plans and projects, and conferences are about much more than addressing your immediate needs and problems – so do yourself a favor and take a leap. Trust me, you’ll figure out SBS 2008 just fine and if you need a specialized conference to teach you that its probably a good indication that you need to seek a new career.

Time to stop playing in the wading pool and step up…