This article comes from one of our speakers, Kathryn Lang. She shared her WordCamp experience with her readers on her website in 2016. Do you have WordCamp experiences you would like to share? We would love to hear from you. Let’s get the WORD out about how amazing these events are!
Are you looking to learn how to grow your website and build your content? WordCamp provides a number of ways to learn, to grow, and to share!
WordCamp offers more than tips on using WordPress – although those are abundant as well. WordCamp brings together a community of sharing individuals that love words and are working together to find better ways of getting the words before readers.
My experience with WordCamp began in 2013, and each year I have gained more from attending and then volunteering. Wordcamp Birmingham 2016 was no exception.
10 Things I Learned from WordCamp Birmingham 2016
- I learned that the key to everything- in business and in life – is to know your purpose. Unless you know why you are doing what you are doing you will struggle in the doing. Cory Miller was the keynote speaker and he kicked off the event by reminding us that the two keys to future success are having the ability to pivot and the focus of purpose.
-
I learned that one of the biggest challenges I face is a crisis in confidence. Nathan Ingram shares ideas to help me see past what I deem my limitations (by only focusing on those ahead of me) and to see my proficiencies by looking around at those that are behind (and those that are beside me as well.
“Crisis of confidence will steal joy and satisfaction” @nathaningram #wcbham
-
I learned that the way to know what I am good at doing is to take the time to look at what I am doing. Nathan Ingram again opened my eyes to the understanding that where I stand out from the crowd is usually the place that is most natural to me so that leaves me wondering why anyone would ever pay me to do it. He suggested that if I take time to look at what I am doing and be alert and aware of what I am doing then I will be in a position to discover my greatest proficiency.
- I learned that time doesn’t necessarily equal money – which made sense but was still a challenge to understand. Kyle Johnson shared thoughts on ways to separate the time aspect out of the income equation. He recommended focusing more on things that didn’t require additional time to help increase income potential.
- I learned that my brand is an experience – and if I want people to be brand ambassadors then I better make sure that the experience is a positive one. Kristi Oliver at FlySoloMedia.com shared some amazing tips on how to define a brand and create that experience. She said that when people understand what you are about then they are drawn to you and they have an experience with your business that meets their expectations.
- I learned that I need to keep learning. Kristi Oliver kept pushing me to be more than I am right now. She challenged me to perfect where I am but to keep investing in learning – even within the craft that I had perfected.
- I learned that not all learning goes on in a classroom – or session. Amazing lunch conversations with the dynamic duo from Junior Davis & Associates, Inc. provided me with some information to chew on and also some challenges for moving forward.
- I learned that the after party is not just about having a party. I had the chance to visit and engage in a way that doesn’t always get to happen in a rush between sessions during the meat of the conference. These engagements reminded me that when I laugh and share I connect in a way that will build foundational relationships that allow me to continue to build and grow on this journey.
- I learned that we are all struggling in something. A developer may not understand (or want to understand) the content side, and vice versa. And not only are we all struggling but we all have something to offer each other – so if I am willing to learn then there is always something to learn from everyone that I encounter.
- I learned that I am not always as funny as I think I am – at least others may not think I am as funny as I think I am – but I also recognized that it’s okay because that just makes me want to laugh more and try more because it all is better with a little laughter thrown in.
WordCamp Birmingham provides more than conference information. It creates a platform for engaging and connecting with others. If you have never attended a WordCamp, now is your chance. Tickets are on sale for WordCamp Birmingham 2017, and this year has all the makings of the best WordCamp ever.
See you there.
Kathryn
# # #
Get your tickets HERE
Learn more about the speakers HERE
Check out the Birmingham WordCamp 2017 schedule HERE