If you are an employee, you probably
need to ask permission to attend a conference or convention. There are two
things you want. You want the organization to pay for the cost of the event
along with the travel expenses. The other thing you want is permission to be
out of the office to attend the conference while still being paid. This is not
your vacation.
You are asking your employer for two
valuable resources – time and money.
So how do you get approved by the boss to
attend your industry convention or association conference on the company’s
dime?
Show how it will help your organization
and your boss. Your organization is investing money while your boss (if not the
owner) is taking a risk.
You must present a case that focuses on the
benefits to your employer. The mistakes are to talk about what’s in if for you
or to list the features. You are asking them to invest in you. You need to
clarify the return they can expect.
If you have attended a conference or
convention then describe how you have applied the lessons or contacts to solve
problems, make money or save money.
If you haven’t yet had that experience
then describe the results of colleagues. If you don’t have those stories then
explain how the issues and topics align with the priorities of your
organization.
If that fails you could always appeal to
the experiences of your boss in attending conferences and conventions.
Most importantly you must do your
homework. Don’t simply waltz into the boss’s office with your crazy request. Be
well prepared to answer the question, “Why should I approve your request?”
You could also ask your association for
help in getting the approval you need to attend the conference.
Here are some tips from conference organizers
to get your approval:
One of the best ways to get management
support is to submit a formal proposal to your direct supervisor, outlining the
benefits of your attending the conference to your organization. First,
investigate if your organization has a formal professional development policy,
form and/or designated amounts for their employees. Second, review the daily
schedule for the conference online or in the registration brochure to identify
the education sessions and networking events that address the specific needs
within your organization. Review your organization’s current initiatives, such
as streamlining processes, building relationships or implementing a new
process, and find the corresponding sessions. Then, finally, start preparing
your proposal. Read
the rest
The CGI Insurance Exchange Conference is
more than a gathering of product users—it’s a purposeful and strategic program
for increasing the return on investment in your CGI solution. For many, having
to discuss the value of attending is a necessary step in securing approval. Following
are facts and tips to help you make your case: Read the rest
What have you done to receive management approval to attend industry conferences or seminars?
Add your comments below
George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment