EVO was amazing. I can’t say that enough. It was my first conference, and the bar has been set high I think. I am glad I spent my hard earned money on attending EVO with some help from Collective Bias (they sponsored my ticket, and helped some of us book a suite together which cut down my costs considerably). It’s probably the best $700 I ever spent.
When we had to choose sessions for Friday I was nervous. It was a tough decision, but I went with my instincts, and am so glad I did. I wondered if on a few hours sleep I would be able to make it through the session, but I shouldn’t have worried. I could have sat all day listening to Liz Strauss, Ghennipher Weeks, and Carol Roth. They were so inspiring.
The challenge they presented us with was to be irresistible while knowing our message, and building a scalable business-not just a jobbie (Carol’s awesome word for a hobby that is disguised as a job or business). There were even a few brave souls who stood up and claimed their space-telling us why they were irresistible. (I was not among them.)
Their insights helped me think, I mean really think, about what I’m doing. That’s why it’s taken almost a week for me to write this post. I have been ruminating, readjusting to life, and trying to work out a business plan.
I haven’t always been smart about blogging. I had no idea what I was doing when I started, and to some degree I still don’t, but I don’t think social media knows where it’s going either, and that’s a huge part of why I love what I do. There are no rules, no “right” way to do things, aside from basic morals, everything else is about making choices. Social media is like the wild west-there is excitement, and everyone is talking about it, people are nervous (mostly big brands), but no one knows what will happen when the dust finally settles. Will our brands languish after a promising start and turn into a ghost town, or will our brands become the seed for a new town that grows into a major force in the world?
I have always known that it is entirely up to me. I can spend my day on twitter, surfing the ‘net, ignoring my overflowing email inbox and essentially turn my brand into a jobbie, or I can spend my time being authentic, irresistible in my knowledge all while being paid.
I choose the later. Even when it means there are piles of unwashed laundry, the fridge is empty, and my kids are going crazy-it feels right. It’s what I’m meant to do.
So today I’ll stand up and share what makes me irresistible. I’m a mom of 4, struggling like so many of us do to balance working from home, motherhood, and all my other obligations all while digging our way out of debt one dollar at a time. That’s irresistible because it’s real. It’s a struggle so many of us are going through.
I always joke that I’m building an empire, but I’d really love to do it all. I want to write/talk/speak about money, still a taboo and scary subject for so many women, and social media. Writing a book, my blog, twitter, media appearances, speaking, consulting, and more. Of course I want to do it all while being here for my kids, and if I can do it while wearing skinny jeans all the better.
What about you? Why are you irresistible? What do you want to be when you grow up?
Kelly
Because you couldn’t all be at EVO ’10, please watch this video of Liz Strauss by Kelly Olexa from the session. It’s chock full of goodness. Then keep looking-the videos of Carol are equally brilliant.
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