20 Take-Aways from re:Vision 2010
It is now 2 days after re:Vision 2010 and I have had ample time to reflect (and get organized). These are my take-aways from the conference.
1. Grab talent from the audience.
Reject that invisible line that separates the “experts” from the “participants” at professional development gatherings. The re:Vision 2010 conference organizers saw value in grabbing talent for their program from the pool of amazing young social entrepreneurs attending the conference. The results were fantastic.
2. Adapt in ‘real time’.
Day 1 of the conference got to be a little too program-driven and structured. But organizers and volunteers listened to the feedback they were hearing from participants and changed the game plan to respond to our desire to simply connect and talk – allowing learning to happen organically. Very cool.
3. Pens are overrated.
Blue pens. Red pens. Any pens. Totally overrated. Use crayon instead.
4. I am not alone.
Hallelujah! During one of the workshop sessions, a tension surfaced that – when viewed in black and white – seemed insurmountable. But one participant shared the shades of grey – suggesting that there is always an opportunity to educate and influence. I truly believe this and it was especially heartening to hear it come out of someone else’s mouth for a change.
5. Awkward turtles are hilarious.
I can’t say anymore than that.
(Pictured above: The Biz Crew)
6. The people make the experience.
I think the people make EVERY experience. I met some rad folks at re:Vision 2010. Organizers. Gurus. Creators. Initiators. Agitators. Architects. Connectors. Innovators. I walked away having made truly meaningful connections.
7. We are all born motivated.
Motivation comes from within. It is useful to remember that when developing strategies to build a better world. Remove the barriers to accessing that motivation. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)
8. Two words: ‘elevator striptease’.
I have often struggled to find the words to communicate what I do in a succinct way. (Yes I am talking about the all-important elevator pitch.) And then I find myself frustrated with not being able to explain and maintain someone’s interest with only 30 seconds on the clock. I took a different approach at re:Vision 2010. I tested out an “elevator striptease” whereby I began with one overarching statement about what I do and then exposed more – little by little – using enticing language and examples. (via Kelly Parkinson of Copylicious)
9. Know your ABCs.
When it comes to connecting with PEOPLE, know your ABCs. Autonomous – people like to have their independence respected. Bigger – people want to feel that they belong to something bigger. Competent – people need to know that they are contributing their own knowledge, skills, experience, etc… and that it is valued. (via Tim Higgins of In2:InThinking)
10. We are here to ‘revolutionize the fishing industry’.
“Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry.” (Bill Drayton via Celia Cruz of Ashoka Canada)
11. There’s no one-stop shop.
I experienced the biggest reality check when it comes to looking for a mentor who gets both parts of the “social mission” and “enterprise” equation. They likely don’t exist. Duh. This is an emerging field. So quit waiting for the perfect person and grab as many people as possible from whom you can take different bits of learning. (via Mark Simpson of The Institute of Entrepreneurship & Community Innovation @George Brown College)
12. Everyone has her own sphere of influence.
When it comes to collaborating, you’d better have a serious framework for governance. Nothing kills an initiative faster than in-fighting. (via Tonya Surman of Centre for Social Innovation)
13. Never underestimate the power of 140 characters.
Need I say more tweeps?
14. Social ventures are sector agnostic.
Don’t get caught up in sectoral positioning. Most social ventures transcend boundaries of conventional sectors anyway. (via Cheryl May of Social Innovation Generation @MaRSDD)
15. You never know what can happen when the lights go out.
Although I was dead tired by the time Earth Hour rolled around on Saturday night, I ended up making three amazing connections with people NOT part of the re:Vision 2010 conference that I hope will grow into something bigger for iNSPiRED PRACTiCE down the road. You never know what will happen.
16. Share.
Be generous with others when sharing your network, energy and ideas and others will share alike.
17. Set your own schedule.
I didn’t worry about “missing out” on content at re:Vision 2010. If a conversation was taking place that seemed meaningful, I went with it. Sometimes the program isn’t as important as the people.
18. Soak up the inspiration.
Lots of great personal stories of people “living the dream”. Listen. Absorb.
19. Don’t flinch.
The trick to succeeding when playing Waffles is – don’t flinch.
20. Take advantage of free hugs.
People-huggers are what tree-huggers aspire to be.
Filed under: Social Entrepreneurship
Empowering!!
Amazing! Love all of them – #3 and #20 will be my new mottos….
Raising a child whose disability often means that I can’t wrap my arms around him makes me value the power of a hug so much more….in giving and getting and that power transcends barriers in both business and personal settings…..
Thank you for the incredible post!
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