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:
- In 2021, The Signature CEO Conference platform will be designed to continuously educate creative entrepreneurs throughout the year, versus once a year, by hosting the annual signature event, The Signature CEO Conference, in conjunction with a new educational series, “Elevate in the Boardroom”
- #TSECO2021 dates are: March 15, 16, and 17th, and will be held at The River View at Occoquan
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:
- Business (Clarity before design. Be strategic. Don’t put design ahead of the plan)
- Branding
- Marketing
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:
- Financial Statement Review
- Ratio Explanations
- Taw Law
- Tax Preparation Process
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:
- A seamless cohesive boundless process
- Ideas, encounters and relationships that best serve us and our creativity
- Rewards that expand our imagination
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:
- It is a search engine that holds ideas
- Pinterest content is Evergreen
- It levels the playing field with major brands
- Pinterest is a path to purchase
According to Lauren, you should approach content by doing the following:
- Set a realistic schedule
- Research Keywords
- Image Creation
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.”
- It is an ongoing conversation.
- It’s not just a moment, or a movement; it’s a lifestyle
- Brands cannot live without diversity
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:
- When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
- You should not be an entrepreneur if you are afraid of change
In order to choose focus over fear, we must:
- Manage our state of mind
- Stay grounded in reality
- Remain flexible
- Stay positive
- Put things into a rational perspective
- Identify a plan to respond to change
- Ground yourself in your core values
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?”
- It’s ranking for highly relevant keywords for your business.
- Love at first sight, for customers to book now
- High conversions
- Easy and Intuitive for users
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:
- SEO
- User experience
- CTA’s
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 )