I’m finally home from almost two weeks of conferences. Good heavens!
As I sit here (working, I might add) on my first day back, I’ve been doing a review of what we wanted to accomplish at the conferences versus what actually did occur. What are the lessons I learned and can apply in the future.
One of the things I insist on—for us and our customers–before entering any event is to determine the 5-to-10 objectives you want to accomplish while you’re there. Then the event happens for you rather than to you. You’re more focused, and your outcomes are more likely to align to your intent.
However, when I started this personal review, I was startled by the incredible number of unexpected things that showed up. When I examined why this happened, I realized that my actions enabled the unexpected to materialize.
Note to self…and you.
- Be open to the unexpected…then it will arrive.
- Stay after the event’s “official” hours. Don’t be all in a rush to head home or move to the next thing on your calendar. Some of the best stuff happens in the halls, after hours and over meals.
- Eat meals with people you don’t know or only know a little. They are brand new sources of information, referrals, opportunities and affiliations. Leave your posse so the expected can arrive.
- The airport is actually part of the conference. Look around you, particularly on your way home. Is there a conference person just across the way? Go say hello. (I had a totally fulfilling conversation with a client that just made my day. Thank you, Lauren.)
- Sitting in the lobby by yourself? Grab a near-by chair and push it out a little away from you. Make room for “someone” to arrive. Someone will arrive to sit in that chair. You don’t know who they are right now. The Universe will send them. (This is one of my favorite-favorites of all time. Thank you, Will.)
August is just the perfect time for the unexpected. Many of us are in the heart of summer vacation before the end-of-year reality and drive of September kicks in.
Make room for the unexpected. It’s looking for you when you give it the chance to show up.
Go forth and do great things,
Martha and Chris