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To return or not return….

To return or not return….

[0:02] To return or not return…that is the question. Today on episode 232 of the In a Weekend Podcast, I’m going to talk about how to determine whether or not you want to return to a conference or a live event you’ve just attended. Plus, I’m going to share my top takeaways from podcast movement. 2019.

 

 

[1:00] Shoutout to Hani Mourra of Repurpose.io that invited us to attend Podcast Movement 2019 to help him at his booth!

 

[1:35] Attending Podcast Movement 2019 with my 16-year-old

 

 

[3:19] How to decide whether/not to re-attend an event again

 

 

[4:16] Consider your goals for attending in the first place

 

 

[4:52] How showing up differently for PM2019 made a huge difference

 

 

[8:20] How connecting with people and not attending sessions made a difference

 

 

[12:01] Yong’ declaration to the world 🙂

 

 

[12:36] Takeaway #1 from Podcast Movement 2019

 

 

[16:56] Takeaway #2 from Podcast Movement 2019

 

 

[21:41] What events have you loved attending?

 

 

[21:47] What events would you recommend for Yong to attend in the future?

 

 

[21:55] Let’s continue the conversation at http://www.yongpratt.com/232

 

Times They Are A Changing

“Everything changes and nothing stands still. It is in changing that we find purpose.” These are the wise words of late 6th century Greek philosopher, Heraclitus.

 

He also said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” 

 

Each day as we learn and experience life, we change ever so slightly as does the world around us. 

 

Welcome to episode #231 of the In a Weekend Podcast. I’m your host and queen of changes, Yong Pratt.

 

When I set out on this podcasting journey way back in 2013, I couldn’t even imagine where this road would lead and the changes it would bring to not only my life but yours, my dear viewers and listeners.

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, podcasting is one of the very best gifts I could have given myself. Back on episode 099 I shared all the ways in which podcasting has been a gift. 

 

How do you feel about change?

 

I crave change and found that those around don’t quite feel the same. 

 

Back when I ran my brick and mortar performing arts school (which I did for 17 years) I was constantly changing our look – I’d move furniture, change up the art on the walls, change the window coverings and displays, rearrange things in the office in search of more efficiency, and more. 

 

It used to drive my staff, mostly those in admin positions, nuts!

 

As a creator, as a choreographer and teacher, I found my ability to create was impacted tremendously by my environment. If things stayed the same for too long, I would feel stuck and lack the necessary inspiration to create, especially to the degree I needed.

 

Changes Around the House

 

Whenever I made changes, I felt lighter, refreshed, and able to create freely one again. It didn’t do the same for my staff, though. It often stressed them out as I pushed them to grow and change and become more flexible – a necessary skill for those in business….

 

At home, I do the same. I make changes and move things around usually about once per quarter – sometimes more often, sometimes less.

 

Mostly I make changes in the kitchen, which drives my family a bit bonkers. My office often gets moved around as well.

 

Whenever I move and refresh these rooms, I feel so much inspiration. It’s at these times that the ideas for this podcast, the blog, for books, and for programs begin to flow and the process of creating becomes incredibly effortless.

 

If I’m not feeling like making a huge mess and need some quick inspiration, I’ll grab a book or head outside.

 

 

That’s not to say that there haven’t been times when I’ve resisted change, especially as it relates to business and the podcast.

 

I take my job as a podcast host seriously and want to provide value always. When it comes to changing things up on the podcast, I can get a bit uptight.

 

So here’s the deal. 

 

Things here on the podcast are about to change as I’ve changed and evolved on this journey. The podcast is about to enter into its 4th iteration as we pivot to focus on the topic of podcasting.

 

A podcast about podcasting?



Yep, and I’m super excited though it’s taken me some time to wrap the idea around my head.

 

I’ve really been resisting this pivot in focusing on podcasting because I didn’t want to proclaim my title as a podcasting mentor because I have been on a path of teaching how you can Multiply Your Message by repurposing the content you already have. Plus, in all honesty, I felt unworthy.

 

And I know what you’re gonna say, it’s all in my head. I’ve made up these stories about myself, my worth, and the value I bring as a podcaster and teacher.

 

How do I know this? 

 

I’ve spent a great deal of time lately interviewing people that have gone through our programs and those that have taken action using all our free resources to launch podcasts or ebooks.

 

Their outside perspectives into my business, the podcast, and my gifts, really helped me to see and understand my value as a teacher, as a podcaster, and as a mentor guiding others to become podcasters themselves, regardless of age.

 

That means we’ll be talking all things podcasting on this podcast and you’ll be hearing from many guest experts.

 

We’re also changing and up-leveling the services we offer. We’ll continue to offer done for you repurposing services PLUS we’re adding a done-for-you, hands-off, podcasting service which I’m super excited to offer. 

 

This new service, the name is top-secret for now, is not something I had ever considered before. 

 

When I launched our new facebook page, podcast automation ninja, I had a colleague reach out and present this idea to me. Again, it took an outside perspective from a trusted source that could clearly see my blind spots and opportunities I was missing.

 

Don’t worry, our signature program, Podcast in a Weekend will continue to be a top priority. In fact, enrollment in our next round opens up early this fall after the kiddos are back in school. Get on the Waitlist now 

 

For now, the podcast name will remain In a Weekend though a new name is coming soon because ch-cha-changes are constant and I’m embracing them.

 

What changes are you considering in your business or podcast?

 

Let’s continue this conversation about changes by commenting below.

 

Stay tuned for next week’s podcast where I’m gonna unpack our experience at Podcast Movement and share our top takeaways.

 

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Conferences

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Conferences

When it comes to choosing the right conferences and professional development events to attend, do you have a system?

As Yong and oldest daughter Sophie prep to attend Podcast Movement in Orlando next week, she shares her top 10 tips for choosing the right conference on episode, #230 of the In a Weekend Podcast.

* This post may include Affiliate Links.

#1 Determine your goals

What do you hope to gain/learn from the event? Is there a specific skill, system, or person you want to meet? Ultimately, choosing the right conference depends on what you are looking to accomplish

#2 Cost 

With so many conferences and professional development events being offered online and off, the cost of the event must be considered. The cost goes beyond a ticket to the event. Take into account the cost of travel, food, lodging, and any extras like outings to enjoy the city or surrounding areas.

#3 Location

Where is the event being held and how easily can you get there? Will you need to fly, drive, sail, etc to attend? 

 

#4 Length of conference


If you have a family, the length of the conference can make/break your attendance. Don’t forget to take travel time to/from the conference into account.

 

#5 Who will be there?

Will you know someone there so you won’t feel so disconnected? Will you share a room?

#6 Who are the speakers?


Are the speakers at the event ones you wish to learn from in person? Will their experience/knowledge help you move the needle forward in your business?

 

#7 The number of sessions and topics included

Are you attending to learn a specific topic? Consider the number of sessions being offered. Are there enough sessions to help you reach your goals?

 

#8 Format


Will the conference be in lecture format, round table, Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, all of the above? Consider your preferred method of learning and your goals to determine if a conference is right for you.



#9 Networking opportunities


One of the best parts of going to conferences is meeting people. Does the conference you’re considering give you opportunities to connect with attendees before, during, and after the event? Will there be social activities to connect with interesting people (i.e. future guests on your podcasts, collaboration partners, a biz bestie)? 


#10 Be open to opportunities

Once you’ve gone through these tips, don’t forget to stay open to opportunities that may “fall into your lap.” This was the case with Yong and Podcast Movement. Though she had always considered attending, it wasn’t until she was asked to help at the Repurpose booth (her fav automation software) that all the pieces came together.

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