Craftcation Conference 2017 is coming around again and the time to start planning is now. craftcation 2017Networking with other creatives, crafters, and business owners is important to continually grow your online business. Whether you attend meet-ups, masterminds, or conferences, getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people is one of the secrets that many small business owners and entrepreneurs use throughout their businesses to maintain consistent growth and help drive sales. My guest on the show this week is Nicole Stevenson, co-founder of the Craftcation Conference in Ventura, California. You may remember her from Episode 116 back in February. Nicole rejoins me to talk about the importance of attending conferences throughout the year and how they can impact your business. We also discuss what inspired her and her business partner, Delilah Snell, to plan and organize a conference specifically for small, creative business owners. As Nicole says, “You have to put yourself out there and make connections”. She shares some valuable tips for entrepreneurs about what they should consider before registering to attend a conference, how to put yourself out there and connect with people before the conference takes place, and also how to determine how many conferences you should aim to attend in a given year. Nicole also shares the inside scoop on exactly what the upcoming Craftcation Conference 2017 has in store for attendees, how you can register to attend this exciting and rewarding event, and what fun activities are planned before and after the conference. [bctt tweet="Making connections with people before an event gives you a way in" username="ConvoMePodcast"] Craftcation Conference 2017 – Topics Discussed Different types of conferences available to business owners Logistics of planning and developing a conference, and specifically Craftcation How many conferences Nicole recommends business owners attend annually Nicole explains why assessing your business goals can help you determine which conferences to attend – and how many Why it is important to build and sustain an online presence before attending a conference The importance of researching and connecting with conference presenters Resources Mentioned Free Business Cards: Moo Contact Nicole Website: DearHandmadeLife.com Facebook: Craftcation Conference Use promo code: EtsyConvo to register for Craftcation Conference 2017 Conference and get $20 off your registration fee! Register to attend the exciting, educational, and rewarding Craftcation 2017, held at the beautiful beach-side hotel – Ventura Beach Marriott in Ventura California from April 27 through 30, 2017! This four-day conference is jam-packed with over 80 different workshops and presentations to help you learn everything from building and growing your social media strategies and branding your business to learning new skills like block printing and embroidery. At Craftcation 2017, in addition to the amazing presentations and workshops, you can also enjoy: Fun networking lunches A dance party Morning daily yoga A Fun Run And much, much more! Don’t forget to enter the discount code – EtsyConvo – to receive a $20 discount just for being an amazing Etsy Conversations Podcast listener! Visit Dear Handmade Life to register. Please take a minute to subscribe and leave an honest review of the podcast in iTunes and Stitcher. That really helps to get the word out about the show. Connect With Me: Twitter: Follow @ConvoMePodcast Facebook Group: Etsy Conversations - This is where I'm connecting with you after the podcast. Lots of fun convos here too! Facebook: Like the Etsy Conversations Podcast Facebook Page Pinterest: Etsy Conversations Podcast Instagram: @EtsyConvo Google+: Etsy Conversations Podcast Email: Use the Contact Form OR interview [at] convome [dot] com For more help growing your Etsy-based business, check out these resources: