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New after-conference rule: the 2-to-1 rule

By Becky McCray

Yes it was fun to be part of that conference, but once you get home, it’s time to implement. Photo by Becky McCray.

 

As you plan out conferences you want to attend this year, here’s a new rule to consider for after the event:

The 2-to-1 rule: Schedule two days for implementation for every one day of the conference. 

(I heard that from Marc Pitman, who said he heard it from Elizabeth McCormick. )

Your implementation days don’t have to be, and probably shouldn’t be, all right after the event. Spread them out so you have a chance to keep up with other demands.

They don’t even have to be full days. You can schedule half days, hours or even 20 minute blocks, as long as they add up to the same amount of working time.

What will you do in those implementation sessions? Well, the first session can be to go over your notes from the conference and pick out action items to work on.

Read our whole series on getting your money’s worth from a conference.

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About Becky McCray

Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
  • Zoom Towns: attracting and supporting remote workers in rural small towns - December 10, 2020
  • In an economic crisis, spend your brainpower before your dollars - November 25, 2020
  • Video: How to fill empty car dealership buildings for the holidays - November 6, 2020
  • How has 2020 changed the challenges rural small towns face? Tell us here - October 20, 2020
  • The Idea Friendly Method to surviving a business crisis - October 6, 2020
  • Join me for the Rural Renewal Symposium online Oct 13 - September 26, 2020
  • Cheap placemaking idea: instant murals - September 11, 2020
  • Refilling the rural business pipeline - July 7, 2020
  • Huge vacant buildings: grants to renovate? - June 9, 2020
  • Economic self defense for small towns  - June 7, 2020

January 8, 2018 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, planning

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Comments

  1. Beth Gehred says

    January 11, 2018 at 7:43 am

    During conferences I take notes that include prioritized action items that I determine I will follow up with once home. Making those decisions at the conference helps me to remember to get contact info from the speaker, permission to use slide decks and photos while I’m there and everything is at my fingertips. Then it is easier to get my follow up work started when I get back to cold, busy reality. One action item is often to share a brief summary of the top three or four best conference takeaways with the City Council and a mailing list of interested people who couldn’t attend. The interested people may jump in and become implementation partners, and the Council has a heads up that this is a best practice from other places so field tested, even if it is a new idea to them.

    • Becky McCray says

      January 11, 2018 at 8:35 am

      Great tips, Beth! Another benefit of your sharing with others is that it demonstrates the value of the events you attend. Great when you need others’ approvals to attend future events.

Trackbacks

  1. Getting your money’s worth from conferences says:
    January 9, 2018 at 9:49 am

    […] Follow the 2-to-1 rule in scheduling your follow up. […]

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