Attending a Seminar
by Dera DeRoche-Jolet

If there's one thing I've noticed about the alarm industry, there's no shortage of seminars. Whether you're attending an ISC show, state convention or one of the distributor's shows, you're bound to find a seminar that fulfills your needs. From CEU courses to product seminars, there is something for everybody. Outside of the industry there is also many to choose from such as management and sales.

You probably have asked yourself at one time or another, "What am I doing here and what should I do?" It might have been a time when you were asked to attend and you weren't sure why or what was expected. It may have been years since you have been in a classroom setting. Maybe you didn't know how to prepare for the seminar so the prospect of your getting the most out of it was pretty poor right from the start. I've been on both sides of the table. I've sat at seminars and I have given seminars. Because of that, I thought it might be helpful to share what I have learned about preparing to attend a seminar.

First, ask yourself three questions. What should you do before attending a seminar? What should you do during the seminar? What can you do afterwards to get the most out of the time you have invested?

Before we answer those questions, ask yourself if you are going because you have done something wrong, because the law requires it, or because you are being prepared for future opportunities. Knowing the answer will help you to better prepare for the seminar.

Make sure you go with a goal in mind. Take the time to think about your expectations and what you could get out of going. If you walk into the room thinking that the seminar won't help or be beneficial, then your thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy and is already at work.

Be prepared. Take pencils, pens, paper for notes and maybe even a folder to keep handouts.

Arrive 10-15 minutes early and get a seat near the front (not the front row). You can see audio visual aids better and this way you'll be sure to get a handout. It's also easier to be recognized if you ask a question.

During the seminar, take lots of notes. Divide a sheet of notepaper with a line down the middle. On the right side put notes relating to the seminar. On the left side write down ideas that spring to your mind while listening and that you can use back at you company.

Think about how the topic and information presented relates to what you do. Consider how your company is similar and different from the ideas being discussed. At least initially, give the presenter the benefit of the doubt.

Be a good listener. Take ideas in and think about how they can help you. Reflect on how you can use some of the things you are learning and the ideas that are being presented.

Don't be afraid to offer your insights by participating in the discussion, but don't try to dominate the issue. Your thoughts, opinions and views are only one of many. If you are still unsure of one of the presenter's ideas, catch up with him or her at a break or at the end of the seminar and ask for a detailed explanation of an area you want more information about.

During the break, get up and walk around. Stretch your legs and have some refreshments. Don't load up on sweets and coffee with caffeine. At lunch avoid the temptation of overeating. As the day progresses your body will attempt to digest the meal and you'll become tired and won't be able to concentrate.

Meet other conference attendees at the break and compare notes and thoughts. Share business cards and phone numbers so you can follow up after the seminar to network with other companies.

After the seminar, summarize your thoughts. Develop one or two key ideas that you would like to implement. Let your boss or employees know what you will do as a result of the seminar.

File your seminar notes in a place where you can find them easily for reference. Read the handouts and re-read your notes at least once after the seminar. Don’t forget to fill out the evaluation form. It not only helps the presenter but will also give you practice, if you are a manager, in performance appraisal.

Finally, remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. I can guarantee that someone else in the room has the same question. If there is anything that you don't understand raise your hand. Books, videos and cassettes are great, but there are some things you can only do and get by attending a seminar.