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  • March 30, 2023

Savvy Solos, Saucy Speakers and Super-Sized Learning

February 24, 2014 by Karen Swim

The 2014 Solo PR Summit was an experience that I will forever cherish. It was billed as a one-of-a-kind event and it delivered. I have had the pleasure of working with Kellye Crane for about a year and she never ceases to amaze me with her smarts, passion and innovation.

Solo PR Summit

2014 Solo PR Summit

The Solo PR Summit was truly designed for independent practitioners. Yet, what made it over the top special was the attendees. I felt like I was truly among my tribe. Everyone from the speakers to attendees was welcoming and gracious. Knowledge and tips were freely shared, and no question was too small to be answered.

The top notch speakers over-delivered on their content but they were equally engaged participants. I cannot think of another event where the speakers remain throughout the conference actively listening and participating in all the sessions. Below are a few of my takeaways from this year’s summit:

Face time is valuable. I am a big believer in continuous learning but the Summit reinforced the value of in-person events. Nothing replaces the back and forth of face-to-face communication. You are using all of your senses and I believe it facilitates internalizing what you are learning. This summit had the added bonus of lots of opportunities to break bread, raise a glass or share a moment with really smart people.

Professional development is a two-way street. As we plan our professional development for the year it is often with a view of “what’s in it for me?” We want to invest our time and resources in ways that will offer the highest return. However, the summit reminded me that professional development is give and take. I learned but I also had the opportunity to share with others. As we share our own learning is reinforced.

Iron sharpens iron. There was tremendous value in being with people who have an independent practice or small business. I was enriched in a much different way than colleagues who work in corporate settings. We operate from a similar foundation and uniquely understood the challenges of triumphs of being solo professionals. I was pushed out of my comfort zone by what others were doing (hey they’re solo and they’re doing it, so I can too!) as well as encouraged by learning that some of my practices were on target (woo hoo I’m doing it right!).

We all need a shot of truth. I am done making excuses. I have pleaded cobbler’s kids’ syndrome so often because I did not put myself and business on my own agenda. Thanks to Shelly Kramer I now think “shame on the cobbler for neglecting his own when they should have been the best-heeled children of all!” Our own “house” should reflect what we offer to others. It is no longer humorous to plead “too busy with client work” as an excuse for not actively doing what I preach to others.

Lauren Vargas

Lauren Vargas – Solo PR Summit

Event organizers deserve combat pay. I had a seat behind the curtain and had the chance to see the myriad of details of pulling off a 2-day conference. I have been involved in facets of event planning but it pales in comparison to what Kellye Crane had to do to make the 2014 Solo PR Summit a reality. I have a new respect for people who are so passionate about enriching others that they tackle the task of organizing an event. There are so many details to be tended to and even with careful planning there are a multitude of things that can and do go wrong.

I highly recommend getting outside of your silo and investing in professional development. Even when you think you know it all, you have the opportunity to learn more.  I further encourage you to add at least one in-person learning opportunity each year. Go with a sponge mindset ready to absorb all that you can. The investment you make will pay off in your business many times over.

How about you. what’s on your professional development calendar this year? What do you most value about in-person events?

Read these other posts about the Solo PR Summit:

  • The 7 Commandments of the Solo PR Summit
  • Wildcards, Snowballs and Other Key Takeaways from the Solo PR Summit

Filed Under: Insights Tagged With: 2014 Solo PR Summit, Kellye Crane, professional development, Shelly Kramer

Positive on Purpose

March 31, 2010 by Karen Swim

Sandbox
Image by .michael.newman. via Flickr

Kellye Crane (warning, gushing may ensue as I am a huge fan of Kellye) had a great post on her blog with tips on how to maintain a positive attitude. While the post was geared toward solo professionals the advice is applicable to mobile and remote workers and even office based employees.

Having a positive attitude is essential to maintaining your sanity and peace of mind but also can boost your career success. You are better equipped to handle the challenges inherent to work life when you view things through a lens of focused clarity.

No matter where you are based or how big or small your company you need to make time to renew your attitude. There is no better way to do that than to spend time with other professionals in an environment where you can learn, share and support. Below are a few strategies that have worked for me.

I have mini water cooler moments throughout the day via social media. A quick conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Buzz or FriendFeed keeps me updated on social and industry trends, provides inspiration for new ideas and offers a mental boost that keeps me energized throughout the day. You can create your own water cooler moments with a little creativity. If you don’t have online access, seek out others in your company with great attitudes and spend 5-10 minutes brainstorming new ideas or sharing information about your industry.

I have two hours on my calendar every week for two of my favorite online chat sessions, #brandchat and #solopr chat. Both are on Wednesday and I try to structure my schedule that day so that I don’t miss out. Brandchat is at 11 am US Eastern and Solo PR is at 1 pm Eastern.  Every Wednesday both hours fly by as we share information, resources, tips, shortcuts and laughter. There is nothing more energizing than an hour with accomplished professionals with a great attitude. If you want to participate or just eavesdrop, I use tweetchat to participate, but some prefer tweetgrid. Solo PR and Brandchat both also have Facebook pages.

When I worked in Corporate I was a remote worker so all of my time was in the field, traveling or working from a home office. I made time to meet with colleagues for lunch or coffee. Those informal meetings were our time to share and support and we always left energized and renewed with new ideas.

Multitask. As a runner, I have found running groups to be a great way to combine mental and physical fitness. If you’re not into running, you can create “meet-ups” around your area of interest.  Get a group together to meet in the parking lot at work and walk; combine networking with volunteering; create a book club and meet at a local library or online. If you have kids, schedule a kid friendly networking event so that you are not sacrificing family time. How many parents would appreciate combining adult interaction at insanely challenging places like Chuck E Cheese?

Don’t limit yourself to your industry; make time to connect with others in completely different industries or functions. You’ll gain a fresh perspective that you can apply to your own work life.

Far too often I hear professionals say that they don’t have time for networking or professional socializing. Sadly, these are often the people that are stressed out and seriously in need of an attitude boost.

Kellye Crane is a great example of someone who took the initiative to create a community. If a community of positive thinkers doesn’t exist form your own!

What strategies do you use to stay positive?

Article Resources

  • Solo PR Blog
  • Solo PR Facebook Page
  • Brandchat
  • Brandchat Facebook Page
  • Tweetchat
  • Tweetgrid
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Filed Under: Business and Career, Social Media Tagged With: business, networking, Online chat, professional development, Social Media, social networking, solo professionals

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