Running your business is probably enough to keep you busy on a day-to-day basis, but it's important to remember the importance of connecting with other business owners who are in the window film industry. Trade shows like the recent International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ held in Baltimore can help you uncover new ways to grow your business. While it may be tricky to take time away from the office to participate, it's a wise investment of your time to capitalize on the opportunities available to you. It's Educational Even the most seasoned window film installers can learn something by regularly interacting with others in the industry. Running a small business can be isolating, and it doesn't often expose you to other points of view. Learning about new products, techniques, and trends will help you stay up-to-date among your competitors, as well as expose you to new ideas that could help increase sales. Opportunity to Network Trade shows and industry meetings are a great place to talk face-to-face with your peers. There's an opportunity to connect with people who could prove to be valuable resources for referrals, or who share successful lead-generating strategies. In a society where most of us rely heavily on technology like emails and texts, there's something to be said for the power of making personal connections that can last beyond the conference. Enjoy Yourself While it's important to make money, being in business for yourself should also be rewarding and fun. Many industry conferences have activities including games or competitions, parties, dinners, and tours of the area where the event is being held. It's a great opportunity to explore a different area of the country, and mingle with interesting people! And if you just can't get away, thanks to technology, there are ways to follow these types of events live with social media. Many conferences, including the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ and the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, allow you to follow all the action using hashtags #WFCT and #SEMA2014, respectively. After the event, be sure to look for articles posted in online trade publications like Window Film Magazine, Madico's blog, or here on the Sunscape Dealer Support Center.