By Sara Urquhart Photo by: Justin Hackworth
This series focuses on lessons I’ve learned about attending conferences over the years of organizing Alt. Read about how more isn’t always better here, and how relaxing will make for a better conference experience here, and the importance of taking action here .
In a previous post in this series, I suggested that you must take action after a conference. Acting on new ideas and new information is essential to changing your business and making the most of your conference experience. Do take action, but don’t feel like you have to try every new idea you hear. Realize that presenters will be speaking to bloggers of every level. If you’re a beginner, don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by advice that was meant for someone well on her way in her blogging career.
Wisely choose action items that feel like your next steps. Businesses are built brick by brick, so do things in the proper order, and remember the adage that milk comes before meat. Don’t race ahead to milestones you aren’t ready to reach; instead, focus on what’s next for you and your business.
If you leave an event with a to-do list so daunting it’s left you feeling paralyzed, you won’t progress. I’ve found that paralysis often accompanies too many ideas or ideas we’re not yet ready for, so trim your to-do list and choose action items that will stretch you, but that feel manageable for the size of your business. A great idea that you’re not ready to tackle will not do you as much good as a great idea that you can execute. Start there.