If you haven’t heard of Jessica Rasdall you are missing out! She is known in the industry as the Public Speaker Strategist! In my recent interview with Jessica we yielded insight into her topic she will be sharing with our audience at The Signature CEO Conference 2021! TOPIC: “Your Billboard Statement…the Secret to Captivate and Close More Clients”!
Get your tickets today…to get the full scoop on creating your “Billboard Statement”!
With the vast number of panel discussions, fireside chats, webinars, talks, and conference options that exist, why does The Signature CEO Conference continuously 
attract and excite newcomers, while welcoming back attendees who return, invigorated, year after year?
The answer lies in the hearts and minds of loyal attendees.
Hearing from attendees, and understanding their expectations and motivations, is key. Their words empower me to strive harder, dive deeper, and dream bigger to optimize the conference event, through intellectually stimulating content enhanced by engaging, transformative experiences.
Why attend The Signature CEO Conference? As the founder and managing director, I could go on and on, expounding on all of the amazing benefits, but instead, let’s hear from one the platform’s most faithful attendees.
Here’s a powerful endorsement from 4-time attendee, Shelby Tuck-Horton Certified Life and Business Coach (who celebrated a birthday with us during The Signature CEO Conference 2020 – Virtual Experience).
Shelby’s sentiment…
“I have been a fan of The Signature C.E.O. Conference since I attended my very first one. To be truthful, I mainly attended to support Tara for her first conference. However, that was one of the best conferences I had ever attended. “
Shelby’s take on the high-impact content…
“I loved that some of the speakers were not in the wedding industry, but had valuable information, strategies, and tips for business growth. As many conferences as I have attended in the wedding industry, I walked away with a notebook full of notes with strategies I could easily implement for business improvement.
Sometimes I learned something new or confirmed something that I already knew. There was information shared that could be easily implemented to see immediate changes in your business.”
Her thoughts on engagement…
“Since I missed last year’s conference, I was really looking forward to this year’s Signature C.E.O. Conference. When the decision was made to make it a virtual conference due to the pandemic, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it as much. I don’t particularly like staying online for long periods of time.
However, the speakers were engaging, informative, and authentic in their presentations. There was still interaction between the speakers and attendees, fun, games, and entertainment. I ended up taking tons of notes.”
Her feelings about the dynamic speakers…
“All of the speakers were great and I learned something from each one, but I really enjoyed Britney Jeanine, a creative brand consultant. She presented on building a 
plan-based business and brand. Her presentation was informative and authentic.
She helped me to see some mistakes I was making in my branding and confirmed some things that I was doing correctly. I loved her energy and willingness to share her expertise in such an easy to comprehend manner.”
On the ROI…
“Needless to say, I have become a loyal attendee who only missed one year due to a conflict. I love The Signature C.E.O Conference and look forward to attending next year. It is worth the investment in you and your business.”
I’m proud to share that Shelby Tuck-Horton was a 2020 Financial Sponsor Award Recipient. Her unwavering support over the years is her greatest testimony. It is a tangible demonstration of her belief that The Signature CEO Conference has the ability to change the trajectory of someone’s life by harnessing the collective power of the brightest creative minds.
DAY THREE: IMPACT: A powerful, positive and purpose-driven influence that makes a contribution towards a better future
Rested, and ready from Monday and Tuesday, our creative community tuned into day 3 anticipating more action items to enhance their personal and professional lives.
They were encouraged by emcee, Marilyn Patterson, to “Stop and Woosah”. In other words, take it all in, review notes and consider: “What steps am I going to immediately put into place?”
She emphasized identifying small changes that will make a greater impact over time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY THREE SPEAKERS::
Speaker, Michelle Gainey, Founder of Lemiga Events
Topic: “Having a Red Carpet Brand… Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous”
⇨Key Takeaway: “When Oprah calls you don’t want to have to get ready. Be ready.”
Michelle’s overarching theme was to always be intentional about the projects you accept. Whatever your journey is, it doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. What’s important is that you stay true to the life you want to build. Your business should be a reflection of that. It should fit your lifestyle.
The agenda switched gears midday from single speaker to a Peer Panel Discussion format to further engage.
This year’s peer panel was comprised of heavy-hitters: Shaune’ Hayes of Red Carpet Ready Makeup by Shaune’ Hayes + Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images + Benjamin Davis Yamean Studios.
Panelists covered key areas of business, such as: systems, marketing, vendor partnerships, customer relationships, personal well-being and entrepreneurship.
⇨ Key Takeaways: There were many golden nuggets of wisdom shared, but here are a few standouts:
During the midday break, Perfekt Blend Band had us floating on a natural high. The end of the day was drawing near, and their performance of “Before I Let Go” by 
Maze was a bittersweet sign that we would have to soon part ways again until 2021.
Speaker, Ticora Davis, ESQ of The Creator’s Law Firm
Topic: “Protecting Your Smarts…Business Legality Misconceptions”
⇨Key Takeaway: “The law is a sword and a shield, and if it is used correctly it can protect your business, clients and team.”
Ticora empowered our creative community by setting them on a path toward understanding how to secure their rights; especially protecting our brand: names, logos, designs or phrases. Ticora delved into:
Speaker, Monica Barnett, Founder of Blueprint for Style
Topic: “Paid Marketing vs. Brand Evangelism”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Marketing is all about doing great business and building lasting connections and relationships.”
Monica clarified the differences between two of the oldest and most widely used forms of marketing: Paid Marketing and Word of Mouth; both with the end goal to increase brand awareness, visibility and awareness.
It’s not and either/or strategy. You need both. The key is to use them in the right proportions:
Think through the pieces that define what your brand is about. What is going to differentiate your product or service?
Speaker, Natarsha Wright of Natarsha Wright Photography
Topic: “Brand Clarity for Creative Professionals”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Your mission and vision will drive everything you do in your business. Develop an authentic brand voice to master personal branding like a boss”
Natarsha warned us, “Don’t do another thing to your visual brand until you’ve built the foundational elements of your business.” First clarify:
Natarsha was very transparent in showing the growth and development of her own brand identity over the years, and how she overcame old ways of thinking that her brand was “all about her” – as opposed to her new mindset, “Your brand is not about you. It is about who you serve and how.”
Speaker, Teshorn Jackson of Teshorn Jackson Photography- “Crush the Competition…Get Found Online (SEO)”
⇨Key Takeaway: “SEO is like playing sports, you can’t score a basket if you’re not in the game.”
We’re all looking for ways to level up by elevating our online presence. Teshorn shared many technical insights on how we can use SEO to better position our brands online. These are a few things to take into consideration if you’re rebranding or building a website:
With his techniques, we will be able to go from not showing up on google to hopefully showing up on the first two pages.
At the conclusion of Day Three, attendees were brought on screen to share overall impressions of the mind-expanding, virtual event. An attendee remarked that having the lineup of topics top of mind, was value added – and appreciated being shown by peers how they activated various tools, techniques and strategies within their brand strategies.
Accolades were plentiful! No matter if an attendee was a seasoned business owner with 7+ years of experience or an emerging entrepreneur, more new to the game, we were all enriched by the robust wisdom imparted. We “walked away” inspired to use our lives as conduits to make an even greater IMPACT!
We bid one another a fond farewell – resonating with innovative ideas to refine our businesses for the remainder of 2020, and beyond.
DJ Derron of Washington Talent Agency sent final farewells, through a fantastic musical playlist.
Special Recognition and Acknowledgements for our Virtual Experience:
I would be remiss if I did not thank all of #TSCEO2020 sponsors. attendees and speakers. I am especially grateful that all of you rode this wave with me as we bravely traversed the unprecedented Coronavirus.
Every single year, I hand select each speaker, and intuitively, I know they will knock it out of the park. After witnessing this year’s presentations and absorbing the knowledge that was shared – the speakers did not disappoint! I thank each speaker from the bottom of my heart.
As a creative community, we are at the end of the 2020 virtual conference experience, but also at a new beginning to re-energize our entrepreneurial business journeys.
It is my hope that you felt that I saw each and every one of you. This platform was specifically created and curated especially for you – for every level that requires a different you. Take time to rest and digest. Then, continue to set audacious goals. Change mindsets. Build relationships.
Dare yourself to be bold each and every day.
It was a remarkable 3-days. We will continue to rise, and reconvene, fully renewed, in 2021!
DAY TWO: LEAD: “To bravely trailblaze a path forward as a shining example for others to follow.”
With the energy still running high from day one, attendees leapt into day two – and were met with the thrill of two exciting announcements, as I shared my bright, new vision for the future of The Signature CEO Conference:
We embarked into day two, in rousing style; with an entirely new cavalcade of captivating speakers awaiting.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY TWO SPEAKERS:
Speaker, Britney Jeanine Canidate, Founder of Britney Jeanine & Co. | Topic: “Building a Plan Based Business & Brand”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Get clear about your business. Confusion causes customers NOT TO BUY!”
In order for you to have a better business and brand, it takes a PLAN! A plan is your “roadmap” that guides you step by step, through each aspect of your business.
Britney outlined how to craft a plan for your business in 3 focus areas:
Britney’s mic-dropping gem, “Visually branding for my business has nothing to do with me – everything to do with my people. How am I going to attract them?”
Speaker, Nadia Anderson, C.P.A and Founder of Virginia Grace Events | Topic: “All About The Benjamins” – Financial Statement, Ratio and Tax Tip Review
⇨Key Takeaway: “Having a regular practice of looking at your numbers will make you feel empowered as a business leader who is on-top-of-things.”
Nadia cleared up fuzziness around finances and boosted confidence by clarifying technical accounting in simple terms.
She delved into the following areas of business finance:
During the first break, we were thoroughly entertained by the Perfekt Blend Band. The band did not fail to surprise once again by performing chart topping hits, ranging from the legendary Stevie Wonder’s, Superstition to ‘A lil east coast swing’ from boy band Boyz to Men.
Speaker, Fabiola Hesslein, Founder of Tryon Entertainment | Topic: “Turn Up Your Creative Greatness…What Entrepreneurs can Learn from Entertainers”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Shift Happens. 2020 is a special year with a specific message. Old ways won’t open new doors.”
Fabiola’s words encompassed a healing appeal that reminded us that it is time to let go of operating on autopilot, and not be motivated by competition, greed and running the “rat race”.
Now is the time to transition from survival mode toward “alignment mode; that is how we tap into our creative greatness. How do we manifest ideas and opportunities that serve us?
Fabiola explained alignment as a belief system that offers:
Speaker, Lauren Constantine, Founder of Three Hellos Creative Co. | Topic: “Pinning for Profit with Pinterest”
⇨Key Takeaway: “The truth about Pinterest… Pinterest is not a social platform; it is a search and discovery platform.”
Benefits of Pinterest:
According to Lauren, you should approach content by doing the following:
What is your clear and concise end goal? What steps do you want them to take as they click through and evaluate your strategy
After a round of awards and special recognitions, attendees were ready for the afternoon “turnup”; that offered break out sessions to get better acquainted with industry peers and colleagues, through networking and engaging in lively discussions.
The afternoon networking activity was followed by a compelling, in-depth and very timely interview with Speaker, Bree Clarke of the Iman Project. Fireside Chat Topic: ”Diversity with Inclusion…the Culture of Business”
We had the opportunity to get to know Bree Clarke on a more intimate level; as the bridge builder and a connector who creates welcoming spaces for anyone and everyone, no matter background, ideas or opinions.
Bree achieves this by way of designing events and workshops that are focused on diversity, community, and bringing people to the table through crafts and art – “because whenever you use your hands and heart, you create something magical.”
⇨Bree shared a few action steps for creating more diverse and inclusive work environment, community and society:
“Don’t make diversity and inclusion a ‘token’, or reduce it to a hot topic or a trend. Diversity and inclusion is more than a black box, hashtag, or a committee – and more than just getting a group together to talk about something that’s going on right now.”
Speaker, Brian Green, Founder of By Brian Green | Topic: “Navigating the Dynamics of Change”
⇨Key Takeaway: The only constant thing in life is change. Change is something that happens all the time. This time, with the Coronavirus, we were hit in a visceral way. But navigating the dynamics of change are always the same. Change is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t view change as a hindrance.”
Brian’s mic-dropping gems:
In order to choose focus over fear, we must:
Speaker, Alex Cheng, Founder of Boutique Websites | Topic: “The Holy Grail of Websites…What to look for in YOUR Website and What You can do to Improve Your Bottom Line”
⇨Key Takeaways: “What is a supercharged website?”
If you better manage your own website, build a new website or improve the performance of your website, do so in a manner that attracts higher quality leads. Start with:
At the end of Day Two, attendees were brought on screen to smile, wave to one another, and share. We compared notes and reflected on our favorite key facts, points, or ideas that emerged from the comprehensive sessions and discussions to LEAD us forward.
The day was wonderfully topped off with evening music from DJ Derron of Washington Talent Agency.
(View full photo gallery, here. Photography by Ana Isabel Photography | Video by Capital Films DC | Day One Recap )
If you were one of the numerous attendees of The Signature CEO Conference 2020 – Virtual Experience, you were a part of history in the making! Although I was faced with the challenge of re-aligning to a virtual event in the midst of a global pandemic that gripped the event industry, the “socially distant” world we currently live in did not discourage me. While I missed connecting face-to-face with industry colleagues, I am pleased to share, the 5th annual event was a resounding success!
The 3-day, content-rich agenda was packed with a plethora of multifaceted topics. From marketing best practices to the latest in technology, and health and wellness, there were insights, strategies, and inspiration for everyone to accelerate their business’ impact – with ample opportunities to create long-lasting connections.
The 2020 theme “Mission Possible” not only set the tone – it raised the stakes!
Attendees radically shifted their mindsets toward reaching their highest potential, by shedding limiting beliefs and re-imagining what is possible for their personal and professional lives.
The slogan: “Aspire. Lead. Impact.” encapsulated the conference’s guiding ideals. These three concepts reminded attendees to always consider the impact of their work in terms of the legacy it leaves behind and the positive implications it will have on their sphere of influence.
If you are like most of our conference attendees, you were too engrossed in the experience to fully take notes. With all the game-changing gems that were dropping, who had time? You were immersed in the sessions, live-chatting, sharing on social, catching up with old friends, networking to make new connections – and maybe even presenting? With 18+ hours of game-changing content, and over 20 fascinating speakers, sessions and activities, there was a great deal of information to absorb.
We created a 3-part blog series, to fully explore memorable moments from each day, and enable you to further ruminate, contemplate and process the multitude of ideas and concepts still buzzing in your head.
Enjoy re-living the experience! Reflect and Reminisce!
With a full agenda of energizing topics awaiting attendees on Monday morning, I kicked off day one to the tune of the iconic theme music from the movie, Mission Impossible. I can still hear each sharp percussive blast of brass and woodwind sounding like a charging step to get everyone pumped up!
Emcee DJ Derron of Washington Talent Agency and co-host, Marilyn Patterson of Joyous Events welcomed everyone with bright smiles and cheerful greetings.
Marilyn’s opening remarks invigorated the audience, “If you have vision, passion and hope, you are in the right place today! We are here to stimulate, elevate and activate our professional posture. We experienced a shift in the venue, but not the VISION!”
Next, I shared a heartfelt yet energizing opening keynote. I stood poised behind a sleek, acrylic podium within my home; elegantly transformed for the momentous occasion with luxe drapery and stylish balloons furnished by Fabrication Events and Anelia Rose.
The behind-the-scenes tech team, Jazmine Peaters of Jazmine Karess Events and Christina Galloway of Galloway Event Services ensured we were ready to launch without a hitch. And, the media team, Ana Isabel Photography and Capital Films DC, were in position to capture every exciting moment along the way!
“We finally made it!” my face beamed, full of enthusiasm, joy and gratitude. My next remark, “Every next level of your business demands a different you,” was the perfect motivation for what was in store for the 3 riveting days that lay ahead.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY ONE SPEAKERS:
Speaker, Beny Blaq, Founder of Rebel Fit USA
Topic: “Be the CEO of Your Own Body”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Mindset is the Key to success! You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you are living a healthier lifestyle, you’ll have more energy and focus to do your best work.”
Beny Blaq’s whole-body plan inspired attendees to be more proactive and take greater charge of their lives.
He motivated attendees to set and achieve their goals, whether they were focused on losing weight, becoming physically fit, or simply living their best life possible!
Speaker, Tara McMullin, Founder of What Works and YellowHouse Media Topic: “Manually Managing Projects, Goals and Tasks to Create Habit & Take Ownership”
⇨Key Takeaway: “What is Ownership? Ownership is taking responsibility for how you show up, how you spend your time, and how you lead.”
Tara’s mic-dropping gem,“Vision is a filter for decision-making.” Those words resonated with our attendees, through two overarching questions that were explored:
Next up was an electrifying live performance by Perfekt Blend Band. They raised the roof – and the energy in the room during our first break. They entertained attendees with a wide range of upbeat covers of popular music across genres. Attendees rocked in their seats, as they filled the chat box with great reviews, such as: “Whooo!” “Yes! They are great!” “The music is great!”
Speaker, Chip Dizard – Founder of Chip Dizard Weddings
Topic: “Effective Social Media Advertising (FB & IG) to Transform Prospective Customers into Loyal Ones”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Content is King but engagement is Queen and she rules the house.”
Chip demystified digital marketing by illustrating a variety of proven tactics and targeting methods. His techniques showed attendees how to transform prospects into a “team” of loyal customers.
Speaker, Jacquette Timmons, CEO of Jacquette M. Timmons & Sterling Investment Management Inc.
Topic: “The Hidden Impact of Pricing You…How to Price Your Genius”
⇨Key Takeaway: “Your business’ financial success should translate down – and have a positive impact on the health of your personal finance as well.”
Jacquette’s insights helped attendees understand how to make the right connection between our business and personal finances, by using pricing as the mechanism to do that.
She revealed how many entrepreneurs and small business owners are confined by industry pricing and market misconceptions.
Key Question: “What should I Charge for This?” The question is ubiquitous. The answer was not, as she shared her pricing framework.
Speaker, Myrna Daramy, Founder of Myrna & Co.
Topic: “Optimize Your DMO (Digital Marketing Optimization) & Build Traction for Your Business with Blogging”
⇨Key Takeaway: The Question, “Why Blog?”
Myrna delved deep into the following answer, outlined as bullet points below:
She successfully delivered not so easy to comprehend tech information in a way that was relatable, digestible, and easy to implement.
Speaker, Darnyelle Harmon, Founder of Incredible One Enterprises LLC
Topic: “Sales is Not a Dirty Word”
⇨Key Takeaway: “The idea of selling should not seem distasteful. It’s not about selling products, it’s about helping people become the best versions of themselves – filling someone else’s need, providing real benefits or services, or doing something useful by helping your customers. There is nothing dirty about that.”
Darnyelle’s mic-dropping gems:
Here’s a glimpse into Darnyelle’s Sales Success System:
At the conclusion of Day One, our creative community was challenged to fully take in their newfound knowledge. We ASPIRED to implement our new skills, to grow and evolve personally – and take our businesses to higher plateaus.
Washington Talent Agency placed the perfect musical punctuation at the end of a magnificent first day.
(additional photos of TSCEO 2020 virtual conference, click here)
“WOW…where has the time gone? It seems like only months ago we were just jumping on the road headed to the Washington, DC to attend the Signature CEO conference…. And Why you ask? Let’s take a look…
From the time clients visit your website, search your social or even watch your videos on YouTube…it’s all about the overall client experience. There’s no better way to make this happen then investing in continued education.
Recapping our time, we’d have to say that we were able to take away things that we know we could implement into our business right away. As we always say, it isn’t just about spinning records and flashing lights!” DJ Toryn L for Exquisite Sounds Entertainment (2018 attendee and sponsor).
Register today for our 2020 Conference! March 16-18! Click Here for More Details.
