How much value does one place on an opportunity to meet and connect with amazing, inspirational, passionate and successful entrepreneurs… and learn about business (and oneself) too?

I’m enjoying some down time as I sit in the San Diego airport, early for my flight home to Toronto.  Having just completed a 2-day “intensive” event, my brain is saturated with ideas, and my business card file is  ever-expanding with many wonderful new connections.

The 2-day event I attended held a 150-person audience, and was packed full of excellent information and structure to develop and hold large-scale training events… something that I’m researching in my endeavour to reach as many entrepreneurs as possible with our power learning (marketing for small business owners) series.

When I looked around at the attendees, I recognized at least a dozen large and very large names in the entrepreneur-training space (anyone heard of John Assaraf, Mike Koenigs, or Eric Berman?).  The opportunity to speak with some of the people I respect in the industry was an unexpected (and much appreciated) bonus for my 4-figure admission price.

However, the largest “bonus” that I gratefully receive whenever I attend an event of this magnitude is the connections made. Here are just a few of the amazing and inspirational people  I met:

Rae Luskin, an unassuming and gentle-woman based in Chicago, is working to help parents guide their younger children in developing strong self-esteem and finding self-expression through art (if you have kids 3-12, you should really check out her workbook.

Although her focus has been on helping abused children heal, the creative workbook she has developed is not only beautifully designed (as a graphic designer, it caught my eye), it’s an amazing tool for any child’s creativity. Being a Mom to two young children myself, I couldn’t pull out my wallet fast enough when I saw the workbook.

Sue Landis, a re-located New Zealander, former Olympic medalist (polo – UK) and talented business owner, is soon to include “published author” in her bio. Sue has chosen to step back from the successful real estate business she and her husband have grown in California to embark on her mission of helping people to take action to live their own dream. Who better to help you find your path than someone who has walked a dream-centered path herself?

Lynne Klippel, author, is another talented and heart-centered woman who works with those who wish to get themselves published. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Lynne has been training and serving an impressive list of authors for some time.

And one other to mention on this post (though I could go on!)…

Nattacia Mantei, a resident of Calgary, who helps people rediscover vibrant health. Having a personal story with heart-rending “medical challenges” and success with integrative medicine, she’s an inspiration and a fascinating woman.

The knowledge within the group was extensive, and I’m sure I learned as much if not more from the attendees as I did from the event itself.

So, how much value does one place on an opportunity to meet and connect with amazing, inspirational, passionate and successful entrepreneurs… and learn about business (and oneself) too?  I, for one, find the value priceless.