Day Two: Finding My Way to the Front of the Room

Over the past two days, I’ve been immersed in a local technology conference. The attendees range from users and customers to partners and industry professionals. I decided to dedicate my time and energy at the conference to learning about the people who speak at these events. I wanted to know: How did they find their way to the front of the room? What are their backgrounds? How long have they been doing this? How much experience did they have before they started?

There were people from all kinds of backgrounds: some who were seasoned professional speakers, some who had only been doing it for the past two years, and some I never figured out because I didn’t make it to their session.

I found the most inspiration from the people who were brand new. They started with an idea or a dream. I knew there was a lot I could learn from them because I saw myself in them. I saw different versions of a future me walking around the conference.

I spoke to a number of women and told them a little bit about my own dream. I told them that I’m building a personal brand and that I aspire to attend conferences as a speaker. I told them I’m learning how to tell my story in a way that resonates, connects with people, and inspires them.

I walked away from day two of the conference with a short, yet hefty, to-do list:

1. Develop a personal framework that I can reference and share with audiences.

2. Create a digital workbook based on the application of that framework.

3. Create a branded visual to accompany the framework.

4. Create a slogan or one-liner that succinctly summarizes the framework and is memorable.

5. Bring these elements together and publish them on my website, along with the workbook.

There is plenty of work to be done. Now I have some direction.

I’m starting loosely with the main principles of what I believe has allowed me to achieve—and continue chasing—my goals and dreams.

Get Out of Your Own Way

Overcome self-doubt and low self-esteem through continuous, persistent action and emotional regulation.

That’s the first principle. I have a feeling there will be many more.