Chris Guillebeau and team curate the best conferences I attend each year (Pioneer Nation and World Domination Summit).  Memorable speakers, unexpected welcoming events (concert and picnic at the Portland Zoo after-hours), and unique name badges and goodies are hallmarks of these conferences.  Chris promises an event with impact and he delivers many surprises.  Here are a few moments from day one that resonated with my journey to empower those that inspire.

Chris Brogan

• You are depriving the universe by waiting for permission.  Permission has already been granted for you to act.
• Technology is just an ingredient in your enterprise.
• Mindset of a business owner: 1. Envision goals big and small 2. Commit 3. Act and be willing to fail 4. Communicate- share everything constantly 5. Connect- do not tell people you are valuable, let them experience the value 5. Serve- being of service to others is a hallmark of success.

Nathan Barry

• People become experts because they take time to teach, you do not need to be an expert to teach.
• Offering multiple tiers of pricing generates greater revenue.  In Nathan’s experience the highest percentage of revenue comes from the deluxe package but the greatest number of people purchase the basic level.
• Great stories matter.  People find an entry point with your story before investing in your products.
• Be willing to re-launch if your initial attempt failed.  Customers do not always remember a failed initial offering.
• People who sign-up to join your community with their email address are essentially offering a payment of their time and attention.
• Questions to consider: 1. Who is your target market? 2. What is their painful problem? 3. Are you a member of their tribe? 4. What can you teach the tribe?

Jen Adrion and Omar Noory

• Say ‘yes’ whenever possible.  Figure out the details after you have committed.
• Make things, Share things, Make profit.
• Connect with people outside your community to avoid the echo chamber.
• Collaboration is critical for expansion and scale.

Jonathan Mead

• Traits of a successful launch: 1. Courageous 2. Observant 3. Curious 4. Tenacious.
• The 5 launch commandments:
  • Must build excitement and suspense
  • Must know where you are going and demonstrate it to others
  • Must tell a story that other people want to be a part of
  • Provide quick wins and demonstrate your skills
  • Must make a compelling offer and create stakes
• Build buzz by working with affiliates, help them promote on your behalf, and collaborate with partners.
• Launchanythingkit.com

Shenee Howard

• Do the things you know how to do first.
• If you do not enjoy the project then kill it or you will resent/regret it later.
• Talk to 100 people who you intend on serving.  The input provided from these interviews provides tremendous insights.
• Create things that you want to see.

Laura Roeder

• There is a huge market of people who are looking to be a part-time/hourly part of a meaningful project.
• Add time to your 24-hour clock by hiring other people to lend you some of their time.
• When considering how to scale determine the profitability of the team.
• Business leaders will spend money to learn but resist to spending on action- fear of movement.
• Use launches and promotions as an opportunity to build a cash balance to fund initiatives.
• Have a vision for what is next.