Last month, I attended the Firebrand UNconference hosted by Matchstick Labs at Vibe Coworks. Nearly 80 entrepreneurs from all kinds of industries showed up for the second annual event.
Last month, I attended the Firebrand UNconference hosted by Matchstick Labs at Vibe Coworks. Nearly 80 entrepreneurs from all kinds of industries showed up for the second annual event.
An “unconference” flips the normal model on its head. Instead of a predetermined schedule, attendees answer a few questions from the organizers. Those sticky-note responses shape the four breakout sessions, and off we go. You choose what you want, follow your curiosity, meet new people, and pick up ideas to fuel the year ahead. I left with plenty of notes and plenty of people to follow up with.
But like New Year’s resolutions, those ideas will die a slow, silent death unless we hold ourselves accountable… or worse, let apathy creep in.
It’s easy to get fired up in a room full of motivated people. The energy is real. The spark is real. And then we all go home to our already full lives and immediately start paddling just to stay above water.
If you’re like me, you’ve got closets filled with half-filled notebooks from conferences over the years. Great ideas but barely touched.
What happened?
The same thing that happens to most resolutions. No matter how well-intended the goal – exercise more, eat better, declutter the house (my sworn enemy) – nothing sticks without two things: a compelling emotional “why” and a system of accountability.
So, let’s fix that with a simple three-part plan of attack.
I go to conferences for two reasons: to meet people and to learn new things.
The chance to reconnect with friends and clients in an energized space is fun and productive. Meeting new people is how business gets built. And I expect to leave each event with at least three good ideas. Fewer than that means the investment wasn’t worth it; more than that becomes overwhelming.
Right after the event, remind yourself why you went. Doing this immediately keeps you aligned as you take the next step.
This is where most great ideas go to die.
Implementation is where the rubber meets the road, and most of us never get the car out of the driveway.
If you met people you want to see again, schedule the next call or meeting within a week. Better yet, schedule it on the spot with your phone out. Business cards don’t drive action anymore; attention spans are too short and distractions too plentiful.
And this goes well beyond conferences. Anytime you meet someone you want to follow up with, schedule the next touchpoint in that moment. If you don’t, odds are you never will.
The same principle applies to new ideas for your business. If you wait more than a few days, your chances of implementing them drop fast. Not because you don’t like the idea, but because perfection sneaks in. We want more time. Better timing. The right moment.
When you’re 80% ready, go. The remaining 20% is dysfunctional. Success, not perfection, is the target. Even if the idea fails, you’ve gained insight. But you can’t succeed or learn if you don’t move.
This is the hardest part.
We’re terrible at holding ourselves accountable, and the people closest to us rarely do much better. Spouses, family, co-workers, and friends may start strong, but eventually they get tired of reminding us… or tired of hearing us talk about what we’re “going to do.”
Real accountability requires vulnerability. It’s uncomfortable, and that’s why it works.
I’ve always needed coaches in business because I know myself. When you pay someone to hold you accountable, fatigue is never an excuse on their end.
Nobody becomes brilliant alone. Even the most driven and capable leaders need someone who will help them stay on track, push through discomfort, and finish what they start. The most successful people aren’t the ones who know everything, they’re the ones willing to ask for help.
As you plan for the new year, look back at the biggest areas of growth and opportunity you had over the past twelve months. What ideas did you abandon too early? Who did you mean to follow up with but didn’t?
Now’s the time to act.
Invest a little time today to knock out the first step. Then use this simple three-part system—identify why, act, and get accountability to make sure you’re getting value from the events, people, and ideas you engage with in the coming year.
The ideas are there. The opportunities are there. The people are there. The spark is there.
All you need now is the follow-through.
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