Hi, <<First Name>>,
1,600 people.
62 countries.
72 sessions.
2.5 days.
Not exactly an introvert's dream event!
But that was me, last week, as an attendee and speaker at the International Coach Federation Converge17 conference in Washington D.C. It left me mentally exhausted, in a good way. There were so many good take-aways! Here are a few of my favorites from the sessions I attended, some with my own spin or interpretation... and it doesn't matter if you're not a coach; these pieces of wisdom apply to everyone.
- Invest in your business, especially in ways that help you to look (and feel!) successful. A cohesive brand message and sharp visual identity cuts through the noise. (Ora Shtull)
- If you haven't been wrong recently, you're not pushing yourself out of your predictable bubble. You'll grow in your perspective when you're asking questions you don't have immediate or "right" answers to. (Hal Gregersen)
- Clients (and friends, family, colleagues) don't seek us out for support because of our words; they come to be met. They come to be seen and heard as they are, not to be fixed or lectured. Our gift is in seeing and listening to them. (David Drake)
- When we identify our "resilience access points," we can call on them in challenging times. Examples include our skills (optimism, humor, ability to compartmentalize); strategies from the past that have worked; support systems (people and practices, such as friends, meditation, journaling); and sagacity (wisdom and knowledge through books, music, poems). (Carol Pemberton)
- "Yes, and" moves the action and creativity forward. "Yes, but" and "No" stop it in its tracks! "Yes, and" doesn't mean agreement; it simply provides a springboard for expanding offers and ideas. (Carrie Spaulding)
But wait, there's more! I interviewed a few of my fellow introverted conference goers to capture their advice about managing energy in a big event. Stay tuned for that podcast episode in a few weeks.
In other news: As summer winds down, I've got a few opportunities for you to join in conversation and learning with me and other introvert entrepreneurs.
If what you're craving is encouragement, trusted community, and accountability, I've got good news: my next 5-week Virtual Book Group starts on September 13. We'll work our way through "The Introvert Entrepreneur," supported by group discussion, reflection questions, and bonus materials. Registration closes Fri, Sept 8. Space is limited to 6 participants. Will you be one of them?
Virtual Networking for Introverts returns on September 28, with guest speaker and popular podcast guest Kwame Christian of the American Negotiation Institute. Bring your thorniest dilemmas, and he'll give you his best advice! Register soon, space is limited.
Before I sign off, a final invitation: seek out opportunities to be in an "I don't know" place this coming week. Ask yourself at least one question you don't know the immediate answer to, and spend a few minutes reflecting on it. Stretch your curiosity. Take action that might not be "right" but will start a feedback loop. Who knows what you'll discover!
Introvertedly yours,
Beth Buelow, PCC
TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com
PS: The presentation I gave at ICF Converge17 was very well received, and I want to bring it to more groups and coaching associations. The topic: clarifying and navigating personal and professional boundaries in the coaching partnership. In other words, how much of myself do I share with clients? And how do I self-manage during "Me, too!" coaching moments? If you're interested in learning more, contact me!
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