2020 Fastlane Summit at Talking Stick Resort... Event Info

[MJ DeMarco]

IF YOU NEED A TICKET FOR THIS EVENT (IT SOLD OUT IN OCTOBER) PLEASE CONTACT THE FORUM AS SOME INDIVIDUALS MIGHT BE ABLE TO SELL THEIR TICKET.

As many of you know, last year's official Fastlane Summit was canceled. My reasoning was outlined here in this thread. Fast forward one year and I'm happy to report that forum usage (users) are up 57% since then, and regular user sessions up 27%.

At these metrics I believe the forum can support a Summit this year provided the following...

A) We get an ample selection of volunteer speakers who want to speak on a great topic

AND

B) We get a reasonable level of interest here at the forum.

Here are the details of the proposed event:

• Dates: February 7th and 8th (Fri/Sat) 8am -5:30pm (The next weekend is Valentines Day)
• Held at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale Arizona (Room rates for this event will be $239/night.)
• Hope to feature 12 speakers at 30 to 45m per speaker, perhaps some panel discussions or breakouts per topic.
• If you are selected to speak, you are guaranteed a ticket and guaranteed to get it at a discount (discount yet to be determined but minimally it will be 25% off, perhaps 50% or more - depends on my final contract costs with the casino)
• Max attendees: Shooting for 80 - 120 (might be able to do plenty more if demand warrants)
• Ticket price: Should range in between $349 and $549 dependent on hotel costs (which I'm ironing out now).
• Included: Food items items are yet to be determined, but minimally would include lunch, all day coffee, and maybe a dinner or two.
• In the past tickets were offered to INSIDERS first, then regular forum users. (In the past this event sells out in hours). INSIDERS might get a discount, or first dibs on tickets, still undetermined.

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So with this said, if you are interested in SPEAKING, please post here and included a synopsis of your talk and the value it might provide to a group of entrepreneurs! Expect to speak 30-45 minutes!

If you are interested in ATTENDING given the date, time, and cost details, let me know as well here in this thread so I can gauge interest. Typically if 100 people have an interest, 50 will attend. If you attended a past Summit, note that as well as that means you will likely mean a YES when you say YES! I will likely create a pre-order form with a required deposit to turn passive interest into real interest.

 

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[amp0193]

Here's my proposal (for real):

"Finding Personal Fulfillment in Life and Business"

The presentation will be in a narrative form and cover my journey over 8 years from:

• Disillusioned music teacher with no clear purpose anymore
• My many failed business attempts (chasing money)
• Building an ecommerce business to an exit in 2.5 years... and finding that success leaving me feeling hollow and empty inside.
• Starting and growing my current business, which aligns my purpose with providing value to the world... and how, despite the much longer and rockier road, it's fulfilling at a deep level.
• Beyond... My vision for the future, and how I hope to use this business to impact society over the next decade and beyond.

This would be a good presentation for those:

• who are just getting started in business, and not yet thinking "long term" or "big picture".
• who have had success and are wondering if there's something more than 4 hour work weeks and "passive income".
• who want to leave a mark on the world

 

[JAJT]

It pains me to say I won't be attending this year, but having attended previous events in the past - I urge anyone on the fence to absolutely get in on this.

It's a truly amazing experience with truly amazing people. Everyone is super welcoming and the venue is absolutely killer.

It shouldn't have to be stated, but the #1 reason to attend is the connections you'll make here. Yes the presentations are always amazing and worth the ticket price alone but the PEOPLE you'll be hanging out with and talking to and making friends with (and talking to AFTER the event is over) make this a damn steal at any price.

If I had 1 tip for newcomers it would be simply this - try to make 2-3-4 close connections. That's it. There will be 1-200 people here. You WILL NOT meet them all. You'll be lucky to get 2-3 sentences in with a quarter of them. It's a fool's errand to try and meet as many people as you can. Shake a lot of hands but make it your job to only focus on making a few close connections that you can stay in touch with after the event is over.

If you go back home without a single new, meaningful connection to stay in touch with - you did it wrong!

 

[Vigilante]

To you newbs (not aimed at any one poster in particular) if you plan to attend this, increase your forum presence and your participating and your sharing 1,000% between now and then so people can be interested in you.

There was one guy one year that came, nobody knew who he was, he didn't speak, he literally went off somewhere on breaks (which is really where the magic happens) and we still don't know exactly what his story was.

Don't be that guy.

If you want a shot at tickets, first you have to be an INSIDERS. INSIDERS go first, and the event has a likeleyhood of selling out on the inside.

Second, don't be that guy.

It's one thing to creep on a forum. It's a whole new thing to be able to meet some of these people in person.

It's a third thing to be able to add them to your contacts list AFTER the event.

And if you don't make at least one life long friend in Phoenix that weekend, you've done it wrong.

 

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[AllenCrawley]

So far it looks like none of those dates coincide with a trade show so I would be could to go!

As always, I'm in and available to speak.

Topics I could speak on:

• Revenue optimization (includes website and conversion rate optimization but not just)
• Email marketing
• Building out a wholesale channel (tips, pitfalls, finding a showroom/road reps, etc)

 

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[458]

I can talk about cold calling, phone sales, and closing deals for hours on end(I already do it every morning for an hour with my team).

You can add me in as a speaker, assuming someone else isn't already coming to talk about cold calling and selling..

Thanks!

 

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[million$$$smile]

If there is still a need for speakers, I'd throw my hat in too.
Really was considering just kicking back and listening to others at this one as I've had an opportunity to share twice, but you know, if MJ decides to allow me another round I would be glad to share.

I'd speak on:

"Creating a VISION, for your team, your business and your customers"

Painting that vision of who and what we are, albeit in ecommerce, B&M, product creation, or sales, can often times define whether we win or lose in creating and developing a growing and successful business.

"Without a VISION, the people perish"

 

[Scot]

My ability to attend depends on a couple factors that I will need to plan out and negotiate. But the later dates, the 21st and 22nd will probably be the most likely for me to attend.

That being said, I will be the first it looks like to volunteer as a speaker.

I have three topics that I feel I could speak from a place of authority on. One has the biggest relevancy, the second is more niche but my specialty, and the third will depend of it I'm successful at it by end of year.

1st topic idea: Wholesaling to traditional brick and mortar

• How to approach buyers and category managers to get consideration
• How to price your products MSRP and wholesale price
• How to work with distributors without losing your shirt

2nd topic idea: How to start a food startup

• How to gauge customer/market need and demand
• How to go from idea to mass production - Working with Copackers, Food scientists, and package design
• How to avoid being a me-too product and stand out in your market

3rd topic idea: How to do a fund-raise (will only speak on this if we successfully close our seed round)

• Creating your pitch - Pitch Deck, elevator pitch, and executive summaries
• How to find your target investors
• Crafting your fund-raise - Valuation, use of funds, how much do you need?
• Term sheets and negotiations

P.s. @Greg R if you're going, we're setting up a mastermind house AirBnB

 

[SteveO]

To you newbs (not aimed at any one poster in particular) if you plan to attend this, increase your forum presence and your participating and your sharing 1,000% between now and then so people can be interested in you.

There was one guy one year that came, nobody knew who he was, he didn't speak, he literally went off somewhere on breaks (which is really where the magic happens) and we still don't know exactly what his story was.

Don't be that guy.

If you want a shot at tickets, first you have to be an INSIDERS. INSIDERS go first, and the event has a likeleyhood of selling out on the inside.

Second, don't be that guy.

It's one thing to creep on a forum. It's a whole new thing to be able to meet some of these people in person.

It's a third thing to be able to add them to your contacts list AFTER the event.

And if you don't make at least one life long friend in Phoenix that weekend, you've done it wrong.

Agreed. Just to add to this. You see all these names and posters on the forum. The real amazement is when you meet them and see the real shit they are doing. It is mindblowing.

 

[Red]

I'll throw my (our) hat in here even though the business is in fledgling stages, as I hear this topic come up often:

How to be a Fastlane Couple (when your spouse wants nothing to do with it).


When we met, the husband was solidly in the "slow-lane" as outlined here. Regular job, working towards a pension, wanted nothing to do with business/ideas of business. Now we legit have to slow him down on his ideas & keep things focused on one... it's really cool to see & the process over the last almost 9 years might be helpful to someone who is struggling with a partner?

I can outline the process we've been through & what lead to the turnaround in mindset. I'm not sure this is of priority here, but it's an idea nonetheless. We'll do it if there's interest.

 

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[Greg R]

What you would learn from the summit would be far more valuable than going another year without new connections and knowledge. In the grand scheme of a duplex, $1k isn't anything.

@BellaPippin

So far I can directly attribute $200k of revenue made as a result of attending the last Summit and countless invaluable connections.

I'm so glad I went.

 

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[Kak]

@MJ DeMarco you can put me down to speak on the importance of leadership when thinking and building bigger if I am one of the chosen few.

I believe this stuff to the core of my being.

I'm still tentative, but actually rather certain I'll be able to make it this year.

 

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[ZCP]

Can we stop derailing this thread I appreciate it I promise I will think about it.

No. We need to get you out of your comfort zone.

Ask 'how can I?' ..... then find a way to earn the money to pay for your trip. Instead of doing less to 'save' the money, do MORE to 'earn' the money. Get into a producer mindset.

Quit the excuses and make some shit happen.

 

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[Greg R]

Since @Greg R didn’t volunteer, I’m volunteering him to speak.

Topic:
Buying a distressed business and turning it around.

I will put my hat in the ring.

Topic:
Buying a distressed business and turning it around.

 

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[Eskil]

Alright, my proposed topic for speaking:

Three YEARS in the Desert of Desertion - A Survival Guide
How hardships, hurdles, and perseverance can get you through the lowest point(s) of your entrepreneurial life, no matter what.

 

[JasonR]

This is great. A little on the pricey end especially for a broke 22 year old ...but definitely will be attending .This will be an exiting trip , coming in from the east coast

I was broke at 22 too, so I feel your pain.

However, you'll later realize that the ticket prices are very cheap.

I just paid $1500 for VIP early bird tickets to another event, and I'll spend another $1k+ on hotels and $2-3k on airfare.

My first Fastlane Meetup I put it on my credit card because I didn't know if I could afford it. I normally wouldn't recommend credit card debt as a means to finance anything, but events like these - the ROI is so high it's insanely worth it.

The friends and people I met literally changed the course of my life.

Find a way. You won't regret it.

 

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[AnneC]

I wouldn’t miss it. It’s my favorite weekend every year.

Those of you who are asking for recordings and video streams of the presentations... you are totally missing the point. I actually hate the presentations part. Sorry, I love you guys, but it’s true. I have a short attention span, and the presentations get repetitive year after year. Actually, @MJ DeMarco, if you offered networking-only tickets, then I wouldn’t feel so badly about taking an active forum member’s spot.

The value of the Summit is in what happens outside of the presentations.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing it is when you find your tribe — people who understand your trials and triumphs.

I’m honored to call many of the people on this forum my friends and chosen family. We joke that it’s a family reunion, but it’s really the truth. I’ve had the privilege of traveling with many of you, often overseas. I know that when I run into a roadblock, there are people on this forum who I can call for help. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.

There’s no substitute for meeting someone in person. Those of you who are ready to walk the walk, or are already doing it... I’ll see you there in February. The rest of you will keep making excuses, not only for this event, but most likely, for other aspects of your life as well.

 

[JordanK]

Two years ago I was a broke 19 year old really disappointed that I wasn’t able to attend the event. Especially afterwards when everyone relayed how good it was and how much they enjoyed it. Last year would have been a massive stretch financially for me if it had gone ahead. Traveling from Ireland isn’t cheap!

This year as a 21 year old who is finally making traction all thanks to the knowledge spread by MJ, reinforced by people here on this forum and having myself held accountable daily to friends I have made here. I’m happy to say that no matter the cost, weather, flight times, inconvenience to my business... you’ll see me in Scottsdale in February Where do I enter my card details?

@Fox Travel buddy?

Anyone else planning to go from Europe get in touch.

 

[Vigilante]

@Kak thinking bigger

@LightHouse process

@Arrabista what ever you want

@ChickenHawk transition from the gerbil wheel to independence

@Scot scars in the trenches of a startup

@AllenCrawley reinventing yourself

 

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[Fox]

Is there an interest in a talk on “how to build an online community around a business”.

I got a lot I can share on that between fb groups/youtube/email list/mastermind/courses/coaching.

The last two years have been crazy with still a lot of challenges to go but I think it would make for a fun talk with good value.

 

[G_Alexander]

I have had some crazy stuff going on in the last few weeks, but just got back on here. I know we're sold out, but I'm willing to buy ticket off anyone who can't make it. I'm also happy to put it to speak (if @MJ DeMarco doesn't get confirmations from others or they fall through / don't commit).

Topic:
SEO IS NOT DEAD

Subject matter:
How to build a ten figure business without spending any money on Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, Google Shopping, Etc. (and without being beholden to Amazon, eBay, etc.).
+My SEO tips and tricks
+Helpful Content for your customers is the key
+More

 

[Scot]

Would this be good for someone who doesn't currently have a business running? Or is it best for people who already have something and want to expand further?

If I remember correctly, there are several stories of folks who attended with no business, and by the next summit they had one. My memory isn't the best and I don't remember who or when I heard this, so maybe those folks could step forward.

@Vigilante said it perfectly at one Tampa meetup several years ago when we first met and its something I will never forget.

At the end of the meetup he said to us, "Lets do this again in 6 months or so. But if you leave here and don't do anything, don't bother showing up next time."

I took that message to heart. I was in the process of killing my first failed attempt at a business. And when the time came to where another meetup was likely, I wouldnt have gone unless I was working on something. And it pushed me to get my current business started.

So in the spirit of Vigilante... if you don't have a business, sure you're welcome to come. But if you have no intentions of taking what you learn there to start a business and wont have anything to share the second Summit.. don't bother coming to either.

 

[Envision]

The total cost of the event is around $1000. That's out my range. Any chance we can pay for a live stream?

You cant save up $1,000 before February?

If you want to be there, you will be.

 

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[tpuffer]

start by rewording your post ........ from weak to strong, passive to active, 'woe is me' to 'i am awesome' .....

@BellaPippin - People are dropping things to challenge your current mindset. Please think about them and really reflect.

For some reference on the cost for the summit -

I have spent $1,000 and $1,500 on educational courses. The first one was from Mr Landlord. Tickets to his conference with other speakers in Cleveland came with the course. At the conference I heard a speaker talk about self storage and HAD to buy his course. I also went to this conference in Indianapolis and TOOK ACTION and put the knowledge to use.

$2,500 and my time has turned into me bringing in about $2,500 per month from one storage facility. Additionally I just sold a piece of land that I got approved to build another self storage facility and put $130,000 NET into my bank account.

Had I not spent that initial $1,000 I would not be where I am today!

CREATE a path to get the funds to go. It could change your life trajectory.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

FYI: If you haven't been to a past Summit at TSR, it's quite the experience! Staying at the hotel is definitely recommended as once you arrive, you won't need to leave!

 

[Primeperiwinkle]

ME!!!!! I WANT IN!!!! I have people to hug and hands to shake and balls to break!!

Connections will be made!!!!

WHERE IS THE PREORDER FORM I NEED IT NOW YOU LOVELY MAN!!!!

SUMMIT!!!! WOOOOOOOOOT!!!!

 

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[ZCP]

submittal for a presentation:
@MJ DeMarco at a recent mastermind event, i spoke about
'how to brainstorm' .... we took someone that needed an idea on a business to start and i did it at the white board .... stopping along the way to talk about the science / method / etc.
it was a big hit and got everyone fired up and going

i could pull 6 or 8 people from the crowd, do it with them as the lab rats, and show the method to everyone

 

[jon.a]

I am genuinely happy for @MJ DeMarco and the forum.

Last year when MJ created the thread for 2019 Summit, the engagement was very low.

This year, the enthusiasm shown on this thread is just amazing.

Also, what happened to @jon.a ? Miss his one liners!

lurking

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Some updates...

Still awaiting to firm up the hotel/rooms/food costs and get my total cost numbers in so the prices can be locked in. I've learned in the past that what's promised by voice (or email) and what's promised in an actual contract often differs radically.

Once this is done I can start sending out speaker invitations complete with the finalized ticket discount. My goal is to get this done this week, but obviously I'm a bit handcuffed by some third-party entities.

For those who volunteered, thank you!

I will poll for volunteers after speakers are confirmed and paid.

 

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[Vigilante]

I wanna speak @MJ DeMarco

that was a very compelling offer. I’ll be on the edge of my seat waiting for your next four syllables.

 

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