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Slide Notes
Still got that high from the conference you attended?
You know, the one where you got all of these amazing ideas from all of these people are making it happen?
Or maybe you are feeling the post-conference slump where you didn't do anything with all of those notes you took and you are back to the same ol' s#!t you were doing (or weren't doing!) before the conference?
Either way, it's not too late. Dig up those notes from the conference and follow these steps to help you get focused on taking action you need to take to get you and your business where you want to go.
You know, the one where you got all of these amazing ideas from all of these people are making it happen?
Or maybe you are feeling the post-conference slump where you didn't do anything with all of those notes you took and you are back to the same ol' s#!t you were doing (or weren't doing!) before the conference?
Either way, it's not too late. Dig up those notes from the conference and follow these steps to help you get focused on taking action you need to take to get you and your business where you want to go.
Turn your ideas into ACTION
Published on Nov 19, 2015
Getting the MOST out of the conferences you attend.
A step-by-step process to help you narrow down and implement your ideas after attending a conference.
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Ideas Into Action
Improving Your Conference ROI
Still got that high from the conference you attended?
You know, the one where you got all of these amazing ideas from all of these people are making it happen?
Or maybe you are feeling the post-conference slump where you didn't do anything with all of those notes you took and you are back to the same ol' s#!t you were doing (or weren't doing!) before the conference?
Either way, it's not too late. Dig up those notes from the conference and follow these steps to help you get focused on taking action you need to take to get you and your business where you want to go.
You know, the one where you got all of these amazing ideas from all of these people are making it happen?
Or maybe you are feeling the post-conference slump where you didn't do anything with all of those notes you took and you are back to the same ol' s#!t you were doing (or weren't doing!) before the conference?
Either way, it's not too late. Dig up those notes from the conference and follow these steps to help you get focused on taking action you need to take to get you and your business where you want to go.
Photo by jdlasica
Untitled Slide
If you are someone who has stacks of notes filled with ideas from conferences you've attended and haven't taken action on any of it, this is the right presentation for you.
Photo by Dvortygirl
What You'll Learn
- BEFORE: Prep to get the MOST out of your experience.
- DURING: Tips for capturing your ideas.
- AFTER: How to turn your ideas into ACTION.
We'll spend most of our time on the AFTER part, but if you implement even one of these ideas, you'll improve your return on your conference investment.
Here's the thing, you can spend a lot of time, money and energy attending a conference. You wouldn't want to waste either of things in any other aspect of your life or business, so why do it here?
There is so much we can learn from others, but that learning doesn't do you much good if you don't do anything with it.
And I see that all the time when I'm at conferences. People are fired up by the new ideas AND overwhelmed by them all at the same time.
That's why I spent my time creating this for you. I don't want you to waste yours anymore. And if you get just one thing out of this hour together that will help you learn more and turn that learning into action, all of the time and energy I've invested into this will be worth it to me.
Here's the thing, you can spend a lot of time, money and energy attending a conference. You wouldn't want to waste either of things in any other aspect of your life or business, so why do it here?
There is so much we can learn from others, but that learning doesn't do you much good if you don't do anything with it.
And I see that all the time when I'm at conferences. People are fired up by the new ideas AND overwhelmed by them all at the same time.
That's why I spent my time creating this for you. I don't want you to waste yours anymore. And if you get just one thing out of this hour together that will help you learn more and turn that learning into action, all of the time and energy I've invested into this will be worth it to me.
Photo by Dvortygirl
BEFORE
Be Intentional
Getting the most out of your conference experience starts BEFORE the conference.
As with any investment in your business, when you are intentional and purposeful about it, you are more likely to get something out of it.
As with any investment in your business, when you are intentional and purposeful about it, you are more likely to get something out of it.
Photo by LadyDragonflyCC - >;<
Be Intentional
- What's your BIGGEST problem?
- What are your GOALS?
- Who do you want to CONNECT with?
Before you hope on that plane, it helps to ask yourself a question: What's your problem?
Seriously. What is the biggest problem you need to tackle in your business?
What is getting in your way?
What would your life and business look like when it is solved? Don't worry about how to solve it, just think about what things would be like when it's solved.
There's a great focusing question from Gary Keller & Jay Papasan's book, The ONE Thing, that can help here:
What is the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Another way to phrase it for this purpose:
What is the ONE promlem I can solve such that by solving it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Seriously. What is the biggest problem you need to tackle in your business?
What is getting in your way?
What would your life and business look like when it is solved? Don't worry about how to solve it, just think about what things would be like when it's solved.
There's a great focusing question from Gary Keller & Jay Papasan's book, The ONE Thing, that can help here:
What is the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Another way to phrase it for this purpose:
What is the ONE promlem I can solve such that by solving it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Photo by Patrick Hoesly
DURING
Be Organized
There is a wide spectrum when it comes to organization. You don't have to come loaded up with a whole set of colored pens, an audio recorder, a video recorder and your iPad.
But some sort of system for taking notes can be helpful. Here are some tips on helping you organize your ideas and actions DURING the conference so that your work AFTER the conference is much easier.
But some sort of system for taking notes can be helpful. Here are some tips on helping you organize your ideas and actions DURING the conference so that your work AFTER the conference is much easier.
Photo by juhansonin
Quality
Something you won't lose
You are likely to receive some sort of booklet at the conference. And there will probably be a place for you to take notes in that booklet.
The problem is everyone else there has that same booklet. So it's easy to get yours mixed up and loose your notes.
So, bring something to take notes in that you care about. That you wouldn't leave behind.
A quality folio
Your iPad/Surface/Tablet
Your laptop
When you are actually taking notes, consider one of the following techniques.
The problem is everyone else there has that same booklet. So it's easy to get yours mixed up and loose your notes.
So, bring something to take notes in that you care about. That you wouldn't leave behind.
A quality folio
Your iPad/Surface/Tablet
Your laptop
When you are actually taking notes, consider one of the following techniques.
Photo by trilanes
Action Section
Quick & Easy
Create a simple "Action" section on your note taking area. Anything that you want to follow up on goes here.
Sometimes if I start writing something down in the main area of the notepad that I want to do something with, I'll just draw an arrow over to the action section so I know I want to do something with that info.
Sometimes if I start writing something down in the main area of the notepad that I want to do something with, I'll just draw an arrow over to the action section so I know I want to do something with that info.
Use Symbols
As You Go
Create little codes to put next to important information.
ACTION = something you want to act on as soon as you get back. Sending something to someone you met at the conference OR e-mailing someone to invite them to lunch.
IDEA = Some sort of project or initiative you think would help solve your big problem. Like starting a blog OR hiring an assistant.
RESOURCE = Information you could use in your business. This could be a link to a website OR a book someone referenced OR a quote you loved
Tip on quotes: Don't try to write down the whole quote. Just capture who they are quoting and few words from the quote. Google it later.
ACTION = something you want to act on as soon as you get back. Sending something to someone you met at the conference OR e-mailing someone to invite them to lunch.
IDEA = Some sort of project or initiative you think would help solve your big problem. Like starting a blog OR hiring an assistant.
RESOURCE = Information you could use in your business. This could be a link to a website OR a book someone referenced OR a quote you loved
Tip on quotes: Don't try to write down the whole quote. Just capture who they are quoting and few words from the quote. Google it later.
Use Tabs
Like Things Together
Using tabs can help you put all similar info in one area of your notebook. It means flipping pages, but it might be worth it to have everything sorted for when you get back.
You can also use highlighters or little flags to bring your attention to stuff you want to follow up on later.
Does anyone have any tips they want to share before we move on?
Don't worry about doing any of this perfectly. Just pick ONE system and try it out. Do you best. Bringing even a little organization to your note taking will go a long way AFTER the conference.
Speaking of which...
You can also use highlighters or little flags to bring your attention to stuff you want to follow up on later.
Does anyone have any tips they want to share before we move on?
Don't worry about doing any of this perfectly. Just pick ONE system and try it out. Do you best. Bringing even a little organization to your note taking will go a long way AFTER the conference.
Speaking of which...
AFTER
Turn Ideas into ACTION
You survived the conference and now you are back to work! Hello INBOX!
Tip: Consider staying "out of the office" on your first day back so you can do a conference download use the steps we're about to talk about.
Or block off your first Friday back to do your conference download. Either way, do it within the first week or two of returning from your conference.
So, first things first.
Tip: Consider staying "out of the office" on your first day back so you can do a conference download use the steps we're about to talk about.
Or block off your first Friday back to do your conference download. Either way, do it within the first week or two of returning from your conference.
So, first things first.
Photo by confidence, comely.
What's my problem?
Refresh yourself on your biggest problem.
This will help your brain focus on solutions.
OK, now onto the work...
This will help your brain focus on solutions.
OK, now onto the work...
Photo by BruceTurner
BRAIN DUMP
Whether you took copious notes or stored all those ideas in your brain, it's time to go through and get everything in one place.
Find a whiteboard.
Get out a pen and paper.
Open up a blank doc on your computer.
Whatever you want to do, just get it all in one place.
It helps to go through your notes and re-process them to see what still speaks to you now that you're back in the "real" world.
Find a whiteboard.
Get out a pen and paper.
Open up a blank doc on your computer.
Whatever you want to do, just get it all in one place.
It helps to go through your notes and re-process them to see what still speaks to you now that you're back in the "real" world.
Photo by Stuck in Customs
QUICK SORT
Is it a great idea for you or just a great idea?
Sometimes a great idea is just a great idea...for the person who shared it with you.
It might not be a great idea for you.
Did someone become wildly successful by using blogging as their main marketing vehicle but YOU hate blogging? Great idea for them. Not a great idea for you.
Did someone become wildly successful by hosting events and you love gathering people? Great idea for them. And *maybe* a great idea for YOU! You'll only find out if you try it out.
Do quick sort of your ideas so that you are only focusing on those ideas that you are pretty sure are GREAT FOR YOU.
It might not be a great idea for you.
Did someone become wildly successful by using blogging as their main marketing vehicle but YOU hate blogging? Great idea for them. Not a great idea for you.
Did someone become wildly successful by hosting events and you love gathering people? Great idea for them. And *maybe* a great idea for YOU! You'll only find out if you try it out.
Do quick sort of your ideas so that you are only focusing on those ideas that you are pretty sure are GREAT FOR YOU.
Photo by FACEBOOK(LET)
GREAT IDEA FOR YOU
- It is in line with your WHY
- It is in line with your values
- You can imagine the results
- It excites you
More than anything, a great idea is one that allows you to live your PURPOSE. If you aren't clear on your purpose, it will always be hard to decide what you really need to do in your business and life. So, figure that out!
Likewise, it is important to factor in your values. If you try to implement an idea that contradicts your purpose or values, you'll either stall on actually doing it OR you won't be able to sustain it, no matter how successful it is.
Another sign of a good idea is being able to envision it once it's successful. What would it *look* if this idea was wildly successful?
And, finally, being excited about at least some of the work it will take to make it happen is important. It's ok to be scared-excited, but some excitement is required.
Likewise, it is important to factor in your values. If you try to implement an idea that contradicts your purpose or values, you'll either stall on actually doing it OR you won't be able to sustain it, no matter how successful it is.
Another sign of a good idea is being able to envision it once it's successful. What would it *look* if this idea was wildly successful?
And, finally, being excited about at least some of the work it will take to make it happen is important. It's ok to be scared-excited, but some excitement is required.
Photo by Camera John
Pick Your Top
Based on solving your biggest problem.
You've done the hardest part now, great job.
You did the brain dump.
You sorted out the great ideas for YOU.
Now it's time to think about your biggest problem again and see which ideas will have the most impact on that problem.
Find the top 3 ideas that will either solve or support a solution to that problem.
Save the rest of your ideas somewhere:
--Type them into an "Ideas" doc
--Create an "Ideas" notebook
--Save to Evernote
You did the brain dump.
You sorted out the great ideas for YOU.
Now it's time to think about your biggest problem again and see which ideas will have the most impact on that problem.
Find the top 3 ideas that will either solve or support a solution to that problem.
Save the rest of your ideas somewhere:
--Type them into an "Ideas" doc
--Create an "Ideas" notebook
--Save to Evernote
Photo by Leo Reynolds
Crystal Ball Time
- What would it mean for your business?
- What would it mean for your team?
- What would it mean for your workload?
- What would it mean for your family?
- What would it mean for your life?
For each of those 3 ideas, take a moment and think about what it would look like to have each idea fully implemented.
What would it mean for your business?
What would it mean for your team?
What would it mean for your workload?
What would it mean for your family?
What would it mean for your life?
What would it mean for your business?
What would it mean for your team?
What would it mean for your workload?
What would it mean for your family?
What would it mean for your life?
Photo by KayVee.INC
Narrow to ONE
Now pick the ONE idea that you are going to get started on.
You'll tackle all of them eventually, but if you get LASER FOCUSED on just one idea and actually implement it, you'll be so much farther along than if you try to implement all three at once.
Again, the focusing question helps here:
What is the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
You'll tackle all of them eventually, but if you get LASER FOCUSED on just one idea and actually implement it, you'll be so much farther along than if you try to implement all three at once.
Again, the focusing question helps here:
What is the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
Photo by tombothetominator
What is the NEXT ACTION you need
to take to make this
ONE THING happen?
Got your ONE idea?
Now ask yourself:
"If I had NOTHING else to do the rest of the day, what would be the FIRST step I need to take to make this idea a reality?"
And I mean the very next step. This is something that is actionable in one work session (90-mins or less).
It could be sit down and outline what you *think* needs to be done to make this idea a reality.
Or it could be a phone call that you need to make or an e-mail you need to send.
Your next step is SIMPLE.
Keep the steps simple and small so you can make small mistakes, learn and adjust.
This is gonna be a one step at a time kind of journey...like all journeys.
Now ask yourself:
"If I had NOTHING else to do the rest of the day, what would be the FIRST step I need to take to make this idea a reality?"
And I mean the very next step. This is something that is actionable in one work session (90-mins or less).
It could be sit down and outline what you *think* needs to be done to make this idea a reality.
Or it could be a phone call that you need to make or an e-mail you need to send.
Your next step is SIMPLE.
Keep the steps simple and small so you can make small mistakes, learn and adjust.
This is gonna be a one step at a time kind of journey...like all journeys.
Photo by hannaneh710
Schedule It
Share it
Do It
Next Action
OK, so maybe you actually do have other stuff to get done today. So you'll need to schedule the NEXT ACTION toward your big idea.
Share the big idea with someone so you have some support and accountability.
Complete that first action. See how it feels. Determine what the next action is and do it.
Share the big idea with someone so you have some support and accountability.
Complete that first action. See how it feels. Determine what the next action is and do it.
Photo by srgpicker
Then what?
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Keep this up and you'll get on a roll and before you know it your big idea will be implemented.
And then you can go back to your great ideas list and see what you want to tackle next!
In other words: lather, rinse, repeat!
And then you can go back to your great ideas list and see what you want to tackle next!
In other words: lather, rinse, repeat!
Photo by N. Lee the Adequate
"We think good ideas to death, when we should be acting them to life."
– Brian G. Jett
Photo by g0ddest
I CAN HELP
You don't have to do this alone. Everyone who registered for this call will receive a link to my calendar. You can use this link to schedule a complimentary 30-min consult to work on anything we discussed during today's webinar.
The link will only be active until 10/31/14, so be sure to grab your spot right away!
The link will only be active until 10/31/14, so be sure to grab your spot right away!
Photo by katerha
Untitled Slide
Do you need help with your conference download?
Do you need help uncovering and articulating your purpose?
Do you need help clarifying and communicating your values to your team?
Head on over to my website to learn more about how I can help you!
www.EliseTouchette.com
Elise@SALCoaching.com
Do you need help uncovering and articulating your purpose?
Do you need help clarifying and communicating your values to your team?
Head on over to my website to learn more about how I can help you!
www.EliseTouchette.com
Elise@SALCoaching.com
