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What I Learned at the Small Business Expo:
How to Prepare & Show Up with Purpose
Courtney Villapando
April 28, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
Last week, I attended the Small Business Expo in Boston — & it was such an energizing experience.
I didn’t just show up without a plan. My friend LaToia, an executive coach, walked me through some key tips beforehand that helped me feel clear, focused, & ready.
Here’s what I learned about making the most of a business conference:
1. Prepare with Intention
Ahead of the event, I set two main goals:
Learn as much as I could from the workshops
Network in a way that felt natural, not transactional
I also packed some business swag to hand out if the opportunity presented itself — a simple way to stay memorable without being pushy.
2. Stay Open While You're There
At the Expo, I reminded myself to stay present & let conversations unfold naturally.
I wasn’t focused on pitching — I was focused on connecting.
I attended sessions that felt aligned, asked genuine questions, & stayed open to meeting people without forcing an agenda.
3. Follow Up Thoughtfully
The next day, I reached out to a few contacts on LinkedIn who felt like strong potential alignments.
Following up while the connection is still fresh keeps the momentum going — & shows you're serious about building relationships, not just collecting business cards.
Final Thought:Conferences aren’t just about being seen — they’re about being intentional with your time, your energy, & your follow-through. Preparation, presence, & thoughtful action afterward can turn a good event into a real business-building opportunity. If you’ve got an event coming up, I highly recommend setting your goals ahead of time, staying open, & following up while it’s fresh. You'll thank yourself later. Cheering you on, CVilla |  |