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Plan B: An SMB's Guide To Making Do During The Recession

Start The Discussion | Fredric Paul | May 13, 2009 06:05 AM

bMighty's Fredric Paul presents his unique guide to affordable alternatives to the technology you really want.

Plan A: Trade Shows <font color="#ba2124">|</font> Plan B: Virtual Events

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Plan B: An SMB's Guide To Making Do During The Recession

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Plan A: Trade Shows | Plan B: Virtual Events

Going to a trade show is a great way to learn about new products and services, get the inside scoop on the latest tech trends, and press the flesh with key people in your industry. But who can afford travel these days?

Enter the virtual event as Plan B. As technology advances, the experience of virtual events continues to improve. And quite frankly, with travel budgets locked down tight, the prospect of making professional connections and learning about new products, services, trends, and best practices without leaving the comfort of your desk has appeal.

If there's a live trade show that you really need to be at, then it's up to you to figure out a way to make it there. If your most important customers are there, you need to be there, too.

But we all know that most trade shows and conferences aren't quite like that. For basic learning and connecting with vendors, virtual events deliver the goods must faster and more conveniently. Oh, and did I mention that, unlike live shows and conferences that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to attend, they're typically free?

Bottom Line:: Don't let anything keep you away from the trade shows and conferences that really matter to your business. For everything else, think virtual events. And if your company typically exhibits at trade shows, you might want to consider moving that effort to virtual events as well.

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