In the blog each of the last two weeks there were references to Podfest Multimedia Expo, which was held March 7-9 in Orlando. A great event, but what happens when you get back from a conference like that in your industry and you’re faced with either acting on all the notes you took or throwing that notebook in the bottom desk drawer, not to be seen again until the next conference comes along and you pull it back out to go take notes there? (Wash, rinse, repeat.) This week features a guest blog on how to be effective with what you learned once you get back home. It’s written by Wendy Wheeler from The World Is Your Classroom, which helps provide educational services to the lifelong learner in and out of the classroom, focusing on the skills necessary to ensure maximum learning and success.
Hot off the “best conference” you’ve ever been to? Is the fire still burning inside of you to take action? Now you want to improve your brand as a musician, an entrepreneur, a marketer, a real estate agent, an author? You’re ready to make your podcast better. (Wasn’t Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando a few weeks ago amazing?) You’re inspired to dominate Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Social Media Marketing World last week in San Diego?) You’re ready to write a hit song. (CD Baby DIY Conference!)
It doesn’t matter which conference you attended or what your field of expertise is. What matters is what you do next. So many conferences light a fire in you only to be quickly extinguished once you’ve returned home and the routines, busy-ness, and curveballs of life get in your way. Sick of not following through? There is a better way to maximize that post-conference glow.
The initial action is to prioritize your first steps. Immediately after the conference ends, preferably while basking by the hotel pool or flying home on the plane, make a list of what made it the “best conference.” Include the connections you made, the “gems” you got from speakers, the sponsors that you spoke to, the websites that others referred you to, and the actionable steps you know you want to take. Look through the program, the schedule, and any other papers that are in your conference bag to help spark what you might have forgotten. Go back into (if there was one) the conference app on your phone to trigger an “Oh yeah, that’s right.” This is a brainstorming session. Just write it down as it comes to you. When you think you have everything you can think of, walk away. Jump in the pool. Take a nap. Watch an in-plane TV show. Catch up on your turns in Words With Friends. Do something unrelated to the conference for 20-30 minutes. Then look back at your list. Add anything that came to mind when you were thinking of something else. Now, highlight or number each item according to how important it is to you, preferably in three categories: “Do Now,” “Do Soon,” and “Do Eventually.”
On three sheets of paper (yes, paper!) make three To-Do lists. Why paper? PBS, among many other reputable sources, says that when we physically use our hands to write words on paper, there is an increased opportunity for learning and memory. Plus, you can’t escape a physical piece of paper on your desk or work space, not to mention the satisfaction one feels from crossing items off said To-Do lists. To really maximize memory and follow through, use colored paper or colored pens. Your brain will be more tuned in to the colors, not to mention that it is so much easier to find a piece of paper that might have gotten buried if it is a different color than all the rest. And if you worry about not always having said lists with you, take pictures of them, but leave the lists on your desk. Don’t hide them away. Keep those physical reminders out where you can see them.
The second step is to schedule your “Do Now” list. These top priority items should not exceed what you can accomplish, start, or schedule in two weeks’ time. Schedule follow up calls, emails, or meetings with the most important people and connections that you’ve made. Put scheduled items into your e-calendar and make sure to set up reminders.
Any other items on this top priority list need to include action steps. What will you do? And, most importantly, when will you do it? Look at the list every morning. What is scheduled for today and when will you do it?
Meanwhile, for your number two list (the “Do Soon” list), after two weeks (Yes, put it on your calendar!) revisit the list. What do you still want to do and what, realistically, do you have time to do? Start incorporating it into your “Do Now” list. Or, if it has become less important, add it to the “Do Later” list.
As for that “Do Later” list, set monthly reminders to dig out that (colored) piece of paper and revisit the list. What will you still do? Add it to a higher priority list. What can wait? Keep it on the list. And what can be left undone? Cross it off the list.
Need more help with follow through? Find a friend at the conference and agree to be each other’s accountability partners (AP). Schedule a follow up meeting or phone call, or for that matter, schedule a recurring date to check on how the other is doing on their priority list. If you know you’ll be answering to someone other than “me, myself, and I,” you will be more likely to want to report back to your AP that you have done x number of things on your list.
It’s not too late to make the most of that last awesome conference!
Need help? Want more advice? Contact Wendy through www.TheWorldIsYourClassroom.net or the social media platforms linked to there.
What tips do you have for post-conference follow-through? Share them with others in our Facebook group.
Bruce
25 March 2019
By: Wendy Wheeler