I try to attend as many domain industry conferences as my time permits. It’s a great way to meet people in the industry, and the benefits extend beyond the conferences. I wanted to share a story that just happened last week to illustrate this.
At TRAFFIC a year ago, I had the chance to meet the guys from Domain Holdings and get to know them a little better. I knew several of the people who worked there, but being at the conference allowed me to learn more about the company and the people who work there. We’ve been in touch since, discussing various opportunities as they come up.
I just returned from a “vacation” in south Florida. I say vacation in quotes because this business never sleeps, and as you could see from my blog posts over the last couple weeks, I was doing some work most days.
I decided to take a drive to Delray Beach to see the guys from Domain Holdings while on vacation. I had no agenda, and I wanted to go and shoot the shit about business for a couple hours. While in the office, I was asked if I had any names for sale, and I mentioned a recent acquisition and let them know I was in the midst of a private negotiation on the name. I was told that they could probably get my asking price if I gave them a bit of time.
I let them know I intended to continue negotiating with my buyer, but if they could get me my asking price ASAP, I’d sell if I hadn’t reached a deal privately (clearly had I agreed to sell it to my buyer even for less, I would have done so).
The next morning, I was told that they have a deal with their buyer if the name was available, and since I hadn’t come to terms with my buyer, I agreed to move forward with them. The name is now in escrow and is awaiting payment.
From a few meetings at TRAFFIC, to a chance meeting in Florida, to a nice sale, I want to reiterate the value of attending conferences to get to know other domain investors personally.