I work with people from around the world to help them create an Internet marketing lifestyle that will change their lives forever. My goal, of course, is to see them become successful and independent, with an online business that allows them the time and financial freedom that many of us enjoy. Some achieve great results, while others flounder. In many instances it can all come down to three little words:
I know that.
I sat next to a student recently at a marketing conference. Regularly she would nudge me to let me know that she already knew what the speaker was presenting. She would give me a knowing smile, and then go back to listening and taking a few notes. At the end of the day another one of my students asked her what she had thought of the information shared from the stage. Her answer? “I already knew most of that.”
Knowing something and doing it regularly are two very different things. Be careful of dismissing sound marketing ideas and strategies because you feel like you are already aware of how they work. Instead, take action on what you know and what you are reminded of so you can come to your own conclusions.
What is your experience with this?
My attitude when I attend conferences is always “what can I learn from this person”? I find that it opens my mind for the right information at the right time.
Even if the presenter is teaching a topic that I’m intimitely familiar with – then I’ll study the WAY they’re presenting it to see what I can learn about their teaching methods. How they give examples. How they connect with their audience. How they craft their powerpoint slides.
There is ALWAYS something that I learn when I become an active participant rather than a passive one. 😉 Plus, anyone who has studied Psychology knows that there are layers of “knowing” something. Recognition of information is a totally different level of knowing than total comprehension is. Total comprehension is to me like being fluent in a foreign language. You know it so well that it’s just a part of you. Until you become fluent in every area of business (which is, of course, impossible) – then there’s still learning to be done.
Great topic. It’s one that my friend Lynn Terry and I have discussed often. In fact, some of the above was probably inspired by her.
Nicole,
You brought up some very important points here. I agree that we can learn something from everyone who is presenting at a conference, no matter what the topic or where we are at that point in time. I attended an event on traffic generation last year, and realized immediately that this information was way over my head. I listened, took copious notes, and asked questions for three days. When I looked over my notes from that event recently, I realized that I had learned so much and now understood a great deal more than I did last year.
Thanks for your comment.
Connie
Exactly! I often candidly tell people how I wasted the first 4 years of my ‘venture’ for exactly the same reasons. Then one day, a good friend said the same thing. I believe she put it like this – you don’t really know it unless you experience it. I was floored but most of all, instantly humbled.
Recently I made myself sit through a 1.5 hour class on something I know like the back of my hand. I don’t only know the subject but practice it every day. Towards the end, I learned just two tiny things that would change the way I approach the task – and make my work a lot easier too. Even if the presentation contains nothing knew, the presenter’s experiences getting where they are will be different. I find tremendous value learning about the challenges they encountered that I may not have.
Well said, Lynette. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on this.
Connie