by Brendon Shank

Every week or so, I get emails from CCPA about events. And every time I read them, I come up with the same reasons for why I can’t go. But the reality is, I usually can go. Moreover, I should go. The meetings rarely disappoint, and many events have been part of my business success over the last few years. And, just as importantly, I’ve made some great friends along the way.

So in the spirit of encouraging myself – and you – to come to CCPA events, I’m posting my 5lame excuses I tell myself every time I hear event that I should go to:

1. “I’m too busy.” And taking two hours out of my day to attend a CCPA event usually doesn’t make me any more busy than I already was. Plus CCPA and its members are often one of the reasons that I continue to be happily busy with client work. So going to CCPA events is a good way to keep the pipeline full and keep me busy in the months and years to come.

“I’m not interested.” Okay, I’ll admit it. There are some topics I’m just not that into. Trends in disability insurance? Not so much. Drafting a better contract? Meh. But the topics I’m not interested in are precisely the topics I should know more about. Even if they don’t get me fired up, they probably have an impact on my business. And that does get me fired up.

“I already know all about it.” This is the polar opposite of “I’m not interested,” and it’s a bonehead excuse for two reasons. First, I never know all about a topic, so I’m bound to learn something. Second, the people who attend these events are – by definition – good client prospects for me, so it’s a prime networking opportunity.

“I already know everybody.” What’s more fun than going to a party where you know everybody already? Just because I know most of the people going to a CCPA event doesn’t mean I can’t deepen relationships, find out about new projects and catch up with friends.

“I won’t know anybody.” I pull this excuse out when I’m feeling shy. But I have yet to go to a CCPA event where I didn’t know one face in the crowd. And the more events I go to, the more people I know. Plus, CCPA folks are friendly. I remember feeling welcome at my first CCPA events, so this excuse is potentially the lamest of all.

If you commit to not using these excuses (okay, just using them less), so will I.