Thanks Nicole,
Appreciate the reply and will look for something closer to home for now.
Cheers,
Kaz

Hey Kaz. Whew. That’s a tough one.

It sounds like you’re still in the beginner stages when it comes to income. You’re not making much yet, but from looking at your blog, you’re obviously smart as far as knowing what to do and are headed in the right direction.

The travel is the tough bit. I think the cost of NAMS itself is worth it just for the audio training that you’d get and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for that reason alone.

BUT – when you throw in the $4000 in travel — I’m thinking you should check out an event closer to home if a big part of your goal is to start networking. I can’t suggest you spend that much when it doesn’t sound like you have it to easily invest in your business at this time. Perhaps NAMS will make its way closer to you in the next year or so. If so, maybe David will invite me as a speaker and we can meet then. 🙂

Hope that helps!
Nicole

I’d like to come to NAMS but just sitting on the fence a bit at the moment and wanted to find out if you had any words of wisdom (?!).

My considerations:
1. I’m in Australia, so the virtual sessions in Jan would be held at times that I most likely will not be able to see and so I’ll be watching back replays only.
2. The live session in August is a long way away! If I commit to purchasing then I’ve decided I must commit to attending the August session, which will cost a significant amount of money (I’m estimating $4k all up).
3. The costs associated with the international travel mean I can’t bring the whole family and so would need to leave my partner and 3 year old at home.

Where I’m at – I have several blogs (that is a problem in itself! although I’m only really focusing on 2 at present), have made the odd bit of money here or there but not a consistent or significant income from online business (though I do pretty well from other means!). I have learned a lot over the last year about building websites, email lists, article marketing, social media etc but now really need to push onto a level where I am seeing results for all of the efforts, with consistent and significant income.

So – your words of wisdom, is NAMS the sort of conference that i should go all out and spend a few thousand to get to?

I know that’s a tough one, I just wanted to seek someone’s advice…!?

The mingling is the best part! 🙂 That’s where you get to pick brains.

To your emailer – yes, NAMS is well worth the time, effort, and money. The sessions are relaxed and friendly. And NOBODY looks down their nose at you because you’re a humble blogger who just wants to figure stuff out. I didn’t think I belonged there at first because I had no desire to become a high-powered internet marketer or affiliate manager, etc. etc…. I just want to blog, and I want my blog to start making me money.

Yes, there are people there who want to set the world on fire, but there are people there also who just want to get their blog moving in the right direction – like me. The fun is you might just set your blog on fire anyway. I noticed that after NAMS I felt more focused, yes, but what I felt even more was that I was a part of a REAL community – yes, even the gurus are human; right Nicole?

Anyway, there is something for everyone at NAMS – bloggers, affiliate managers, marketers… everyone.

You also get A LOT of time to mingle and have fun. It’s not all work, work, work. As a matter of fact, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who know how to laugh and have a really good time.

That was my experience at NAMS. That’s not to say that I wasn’t confused and overwhelmed by some of the sessions, but eventually, it sinks in… or it doesn’t… but either way, you’ll know more than you did before. Also, there is no pressure by the presenters to prove anything; you won’t be ‘tested.’ You can just relax and learn.

You can always tell a blogger by the length of their comments. HA! So, I end my rambling and hope next year’s NAMS attendees will have a wonderful time once again. Signing off…

Oh please do come in August if at all possible. Meeting these people in real life is so much different than the virtual stuff. Seriously, big deals and JVs come out of them. NAMS is where I’ve met most of my biggest affiliates. 🙂 It’s also where I’ve hired several VAs and writers/editors, too, because we had a chance to meet.

I do hope to see you in August!
🙂 N