How to implement what you learned for success

Rolling back from a photography conference with a camera bag full of fresh ideas and your head spinning with creative techniques can feel like you've just hit the jackpot. But here's the kicker – "Education without implementation is just entertainment." In other words, if those snazzy new skills and visionary concepts don’t see the light of day (or the flash of your stobe), they're about as useful as a lens cap on your camera in a photoshoot.

So, let's shake things up and ensure those conference gems get their moment in the spotlight. Here’s a helpful guide to turning those inspired learnings into positive outcomes.

Start before you leave for a conference

1. Pre-conference Prep

Objective: Prepare a roadmap for success before you leave.

Action Plan:

Set Clear Goals: Outline what you aim to achieve by attending the conference. This could range from learning specific skills, gaining insights into new trends, networking with peers, or scouting products that could streamline your business.

Product Wishlist: Create a list of tools, software, or services you've been eyeing that might help your business run more efficiently. Research if they'll be featured at the conference and plan to check them out.

Networking Intentions: Make a list of people you'd like to connect with, including those outside your usual circle. Plan to invite a conference newcomer to lunch or set aside time for meals and outings with individuals you rarely see but whose insights you value. If you are new to the conference, make plans to introduce yourself and be outgoing. Most photographers are very welcoming to inviting you into their circle.

2. Schedule a Free Session with a Past Client

Objective: To apply new techniques in a real-world setting without delay.

Action Plan:

Before attending a conference: Reach out to a trusted past client who is open to experimentation and growth. Explain that you're attending a conference to learn new techniques and would like to offer them a complimentary session upon your return to apply these new skills. This sets up a real-world testing ground for your skills without any pressure.

Timing: Schedule this session for shortly after your return, ideally within the first week. This urgency ensures that the knowledge is fresh and the application is immediate.

After the conference

1. Reserve Time for Review and Planning

Objective: To consolidate learnings and strategize implementation without the interference of daily tasks.

Action Plan:

After the conference: Block out a day or two in your calendar specifically for going over your notes and materials from the event. This dedicated time is crucial for reflection and integration without the distraction of regular business activities.

Process:
- Review your notes and identify key takeaways.
- Categorize these takeaways into immediate (short-term) and developmental (long-term) goals.
- Create a task list or action plan for implementing these goals.

2. Set Short-term Goals

Objective: To achieve quick wins and maintain momentum.

Action Steps:

From your list of immediate goals, identify one or two techniques or business concepts you can apply right away. These should be actions you can take without needing extensive preparation or overhaul of your current processes.

Implement these techniques in your business, starting with the free session you've scheduled. Monitor the outcomes and refine your approach as needed.

3. Plan for Long-term Integration

Objective: To ensure sustained growth and improvement over time.

Strategy:

With your long-term goals, outline a timeline for when and how you'll start integrating these into your practice. This could involve further training, adjustments to your business model, or gradual introduction of new services.

Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. This makes the process less overwhelming and helps in tracking progress.

4. Continuous Reflection and Adjustment

Iterative Learning: Recognize that the implementation of new techniques and strategies is an iterative process. Regularly reflect on what's working and what isn't, and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.

Feedback Loops: Incorporate feedback from clients, peers, and your own reflections to fine-tune your approach. This ongoing cycle of feedback and adjustment is vital for continuous improvement.

Wrap up

The journey from acquiring knowledge at conferences to effectively implementing it is pivotal for leveraging your professional development investments.

By arranging a free session with a past client, dedicating time for thorough review and strategic business planning, setting achievable goals, and committing to an ongoing process of reflection and adaptation, you craft a structured approach to integrating new insights and skills into your practice.

This methodology ensures that the education received transcends mere entertainment, culminating in tangible improvements and growth in your professional capabilities.

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

From Inspiration to Action: Turning Conference Wisdom into Profitable Milestones

How to implement what you learned for success

Start before you leave for a conference

1. Pre-conference Prep

2. Schedule a Free Session with a Past Client

After the conference

1. Reserve Time for Review and Planning

2. Set Short-term Goals

3. Plan for Long-term Integration

4. Continuous Reflection and Adjustment

Wrap up

Archive