Conference Confidental

Are you thinking about whether to go to conference in August? Wondering whether you should make the investment of time and money? Wondering what you'll get out of it AND, most importantly, wondering whether you'll be able to unbury the kids from the ceiling-high pile of laundry that will inevitably appear while you're gone???

I hear you and I think they are excellent questions.

We women know all too well the constraints on our time - we run the show not only in our business but in just about every area of our lives. Sometimes we just need that "Calgon" moment - time for us. Time to relax, unwind, and reinvigorate our minds, bodies, and businesses. That's one of the reasons I'm a huge believer in attending conferences and conventions. The change of scenery always helps me appreciate home. It also gives me perspective - on life and business. I always leave with my batteries recharged.

Conferences also give me the opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded women who are more than happy to share their successes and challenges - who let me know I'm not out there alone. I love getting girl-time to stay up late or sleep in a bit - what a luxury.

While my business is definitely feeling the pinch of the challenging economy here in Northeast Ohio, I've been putting away $25.00 from each job I've done since right after last August in my "Conference Fund" jar to help pay for expenses. How great to have a job where I can get a vacation/tax write off and professional enrichment!!

I'm looking forward to chilling out at the Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa and soaking in the sun while soaking up all the wonderfully fabulous ideas I know we're going to get. Have you read the great reviews on TripAdvisor about the resort? Sounds like heaven!

If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then I know I'll see you in Arizona in August - and I'm going to leave a shovel in the laundry room so they can dig themselves out!

Diana, Devine Designs

Comments

[Erica Cooper Your Style reDesigned]

I am so excited and honored to be on the Development Council. I love the SDP as an organization and all that it represents. It is a way for all of us entrepeneurs to connect, learn, share, and grow in our businesses as if we had a group of partners.
One of the best parts of contributing on the Development Council is the planning for Conference. There are so many wonderful classes, breakouts, sponsors and excitement planned for everyone- I can't wait until August!
What a great way to put a boost in your business- whether you've been in business 10 years or 10 days- to learn new ways to market, offer service and make money!! We not only get the business essentials, but the inspiration that keeps us motivated and creative.
So, don't delay, sign-up for the conference and reserve your spot... Of course don't forget to reserve your room at the gorgeous Resort where it is all being held at. You don't want to be left staying at the Motel 8 with the amenities at the Wild Horse Resort and Spa, oh no! (Yes, it will be hot at that time of year, but really, it's hot everywhere in August, besides, the Spa will ease the heat and stress away....)
Looking forward to seeing all of you in Phoenix!
Erica
www.yourstyleredesigned.com

[Kris Porter]

Don't forget to get your photos submitted for the Decorating Contest! There are 6 categories. You can learn more on the Home page in the "events" box, by downloading the pdf with all the "rules". Last year's winners were able to take home a hardcover book featuring the 5 Semi-finalist from each category, and could show everyone their winning rooms What a great way to "tell your story", and who doesn't love a good story. Create more buzz with Award Winning photos on your site, in your book, and everywhere you go.

Kris Porter, www.TheSDP.com and www.RedesigningInteriors.com

[Jeff Rice, Decor Designs, Inc.]

Ha Ha... Thank you Erica for including "men" in your post. Obviously, we're in the minority in this biz. But, aren't we lucky to work with such a talented group of women? Beautiful spaces really are gender-less and I'm looking forward to learning all I can at Conference to keep creating them! Thanks again!

Jeff Rice
www.decordesignsinc.com

[Erica Cooper Your Style reDesigned]

Absolutely Diana- I agree- the SDP conference will do for us what our redesigns do for our clients. Refresh, renew and inspire! We will gain new perspective, inspiration, and so much enrichment from each other that our businesses will get refreshed and renewed in the process. What else could we expect from a room filled with several hundred creative and fabulous redesigners?!

I have been to many conferences over the years for both redesigners and women in general. I can tell you honestly that the SDP does a fabulous job of making the conference one of the best there is. The classes, breakouts, speakers and information shared are all top notch and geared towards making our businesses more professional, profitable, and creative. (And the redesigners who attend are the most friendly and fun group for sure- nothing but goodwill and support for everyone there.) Money well spent for our businesses.

Being an entrepeneur can be extremely exhausting, daunting and challenging. The SDP is here to support and encourage all of us in that journey. As we grow in ourselves, our ablilities and businesses grow for sure. In what other field can you get that honest and heartfelt encouragement and support? We may be in business by ourselves, but as members of the SDP, we are never in business alone.

If you feel your business is going really well, you need to attend to encourage, share, and contribute your ability to succeed with others. If you feel your business could be doing better, you need to attend to learn from, connect with, and be inspired by those who are running a successful business. We can't have a sucessful conference without both of you. What we both get is priceless.

I am booked and ready to attend- I look forward to seeing all of you there for the connections, learning, and rejuvenation, that we all as women(and men!) business owners need to run a successful business! (And don't forget to book a few hours of spa time at the wonderful resort we are blessed to be staying at!)

See you in Phoenix!

Erica Cooper

www.yourstyleredesigned.com

[Jeff Rice, Decor Designs, Inc.]

Ladies,

Have we forgotten that we have men in SDP? Will be nice to see everyone again at Conference. Looking forward to meeting even more SDP members.