Finding my oxygen and taking a BIG breath …

For me, attending conferences can feel like a mix between drinking from a fire hose to finally getting a gulp of fresh air I didn’t know I was missing. The WIBN Go For It Conference in Vancouver this past week delivered both in equally glorious amounts.

conference_Vancouver_newadThis conference was bitter sweet for me though as it was my last official duty on the WIBN Team. On November 1st, I’ll be joining another team that will (happily) consume all my time. I’ve been part of all of Leigh’s conferences from speaking on a panel to being the speaker whisperer to emceeing to managing all the social communications – it’s been a faboosh ride with this insightful, entrepreneurial woman.

But just because I won’t be on the team, doesn’t mean I won’t be following Leigh wherever she goes. Being a member of WIBN is my oxygen mask in business. From the face-to-face events to the online connections to the experts who share freely on the blog, WIBN will remain an integral part of my success strategy.

If you missed the Go For It Conference in Vancouver, I saved a few nuggets from the day for you.

Che Marvil

  • Che MarvilThe girl you were at 9 is the woman you are at 40. Not the physical woman but the spirit of what makes you who you are – your hopes, fears, loves. Are you connected to your 9 year old self?
  • Struggling for direction in your career? What do people thank you for? Do that more and you’ll find your direction – and your life’s career.

Danielle LaPorte

  • Danielle LaPorteIf you allow your desire to trump your fear, you will find the power of who you are. Acknowledge it. Embrace it.
  • Don’t be attached to the praise you receive. Don’t be attached to the criticism you receive. Disconnect from both and you’ll be free to follow your passion without distraction.
  • Believe that Trust is a strategy and an open heart is a form of strength.

Panel – From socializing to making the sale

  • Carla YoungIf you don’t like a certain social media channel, don’t force yourself to use it. Find the one you love and learn that before adding anything else. (Carla Young)
  • Connect with influencers, be consistent with reaching out to your audience and share good content. Remember this is a one to one medium – not a broadcast channel. (Elena Verlee)
  • Embrace the negativity on social media and see it as an opportunity to win customers back. (Adria McKenzie)
  • As a business, your goal on social media is to educate people on what you have and why they need what you have. (Deb Lowther)

Anastasia Valentine

  • Anastasia ValentineRemember that ALL ideas are valuable but not all ideas are profitable.
  • Take off those love goggles and don’t invest in your ideas too soon. Date your ideas and dig deeper before falling in love with them. Seal the deal with a commitment.

Fay Chapple

  • Fay ChappleWhat do you do when something happens in life that’s not on your list? My top secret tool: a calendar! It allows for detours but keeps you on track. If it’s scheduled – it’s REAL.
  • You need two things to succeed in business: an idea list and a calendar. Pick your ideas and move them to the calendar.
  • You’re allowed to say “I can’t do it” if it’s not on your schedule.

Marsha Friedman

  • Marsha FriedmanSet yourself apart: Write a book, it’s a tangible way to define yourself and your message and it can be your BEST business card.
  • What message are you enthusiastic about? What makes you wake up in the morning and get you excited?
  • When you’re ready to share your message with the world, don’t pitch your product, business or book – always pitch the problem your expertise solves.

Leigh Mitchell

  • Leigh MitchellWrite down what you want to be known for and figure out what steps you have to take to get there.
  • Your personal brand has many elements from your resume to your email address. Make it’s all as professional as possible.
  • Stop hiding behind your business. Step out and stand out already!
  • A well branded woman can go anywhere she wants to go..YES!

Jessica Holmes

  • Leigh MitchellIf you go into a situation knowing it’s going to be bad, accept that it’s going to be bad and feel bad but then look for the funny. It’s there, you just have to find it.
  • Every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. ~ Dalai Lama

If you were at the Go For It conference in Vancouver and have blogged about it, please share a link to your post in the comments below. I’d love to read it! Let’s continue the conversation on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn (whichever one works best for you) or leave a comment below.