Did you come back from Scaling New Heights (SNH) head spinning and eyes swimming? Good, you passed the normal test and are just like the rest of us! If not, then maybe it's because you already created an action plan.
It's so easy to get overwhelmed from all the outrageously amazing ideas. But now that the dust has settled and your caught up just enough, it's time to start an action plan, and I have a 10-step to help you implement changes.
There were lots of great topics at Scaling New Heights here is a reminder of a few:
• Technology development
• Marketing
• Advisory services
• Personal growth
In the last course of the day during SNH, Ingrid Edstrom moderated a discussion which was a perfect wrap up. The purpose was for each participant to focus themselves for how they were going to handle the nature of technology disruption.
I was lucky enough to be asked to facilitate one of the round tables for open discussion. Our table group explored how our individual experiences during the conference either changed or focused us for when we got back to home base.
Ingrid Edstrom (standing), Randy Johnston, Deborah Defer, Liz Scott and Jason Blumer (seated from left to right)
SNH Focus Panel
Just pick a topic of focus and then use these 10 steps to help put your goal into action:
1. Write it Down – Use mapping, post-its or a list, writing out your ideas makes them clearer and focuses you on desired results.
2. Start Simple – You can't completely change your practice in one day, so don’t try. It is easy to get over-motivated and take on too much which leads to giving up. If automation is goal pick one app, first implement the app and build on that.
3. Start as an Experiment – Withhold judgment until after a month has past. Experiments can’t fail, this allows you to have a different perspective without the fear of failure.
4. Commit to Thirty Days – A month is the agreed amount of time it takes to form a new habit.
5. Make it Daily – Consistency is critical if you want to make a habit stick. If you want to beef up your social media, do it every day, for your first thirty days.
6. It's OK to get Stuck – Be kind to yourself, new can be frustrating. Don’t expect all your attempts to be perfect.
7. Get a Buddy – involving the whole firm in a goal keeps everyone interested in progress especially if they understand why. Also, other buddies outside your practice can help keep you accountable and motivated.
8. Associate with Role Models– You become what you spend time around.
9. Acknowledge Success and Reward Yourself – release the dopamine and be proud of progress. Go ahead and buy that new coffee mug. You have earned it.
10. This Is What I Do. These simple words have a tremendous amount of authority. Instead of just wanting and wishing, this simple statement “This is What I Do” removes any guilt or self-doubt.
Slight changes can create ripples. Don’t be afraid to start little. It’s like my mother-in-law says there's no perfect time "you just have to go for it".
Just try these 10 steps, my round table is betting you will find them beneficial.