In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," Jennifer Glass sits down with Daniel McCraine and Patricia Reszetylo to tackle a topic every entrepreneur and professional faces: the value of paid versus free events. The trio explores how the cost of attending—whether it's free or requires investment—impacts both mindset and outcomes for business networking, learning, and growth. They share personal experiences, debate the merits of barrier-to-entry pricing, and discuss how prioritizing time and seeking out the right audience can shape event choices.

Listeners will gain fresh insights on what to consider before committing their time and money to any event. The episode dives deep into the psychology of event attendance, why some people gravitate toward free opportunities, and how VIP upgrades can help you connect with others who are equally driven. Whether you're looking to maximize connections or evaluating which conferences are worth your resources, the conversation encourages professionals to think strategically about where—and with whom—they spend their most valuable asset: time.

Keywords: events, free events, paid events, networking events, business programs, event attendance, time value, money value, resource triangle, partnerships, relationships, speaking engagements, banks, flyer, cost to attend, time commitment, minimum wage, VIP upgrade, networking, education, connections, mindset, evaluating events, audience, barrier to entry, investing, stage host, chamber events, local events, suggested donation, long-term relationships, successHere are 3 key takeaways for anyone deciding which events to attend (or host!):
🔹 Evaluate ROI, Not Just Price: Daniel McCraine shared that whether an event is free or paid, the real question is: What’s the value for YOU? Time and usefulness should be your primary criteria.
🔹 "Free" Isn’t Really Free: Jennifer Glass highlighted that attending any event comes at the cost of your time. Consider whether the attendees and opportunities align with your goals, since people who invest in themselves (even just a small fee) tend to value the experience more.
🔹 Invest for Deeper Connections: Patricia Reszetylo emphasized that she’s willing to pay more—sometimes much more—when she knows the event offers valuable education, connections, and access to other like-minded professionals (hint: always go for the VIP experience if you want to network up!).
Bottom line: Your time and energy are limited—make smart choices about where you invest them.
How do you decide which events make your calendar? Let’s hear your strategy in the comments! 👇
#Networking #BusinessEvents #ProfessionalGrowth #TimeManagement #PodcastTakeaways