I just spent 4 straight days getting my mind blown at the Be the Change event (#BTCE2013 on Twitter) in Orlando, Florida.
The days were long (8:00am – 10:00pm or later on most days). The experience is almost indescribable.
There was a DJ, thundersticks, a marching band, cheerleaders and circus acts involved. Oh, and a whole lot of swearing.
Seriously, Suzanne Evans knows how to put on an event.
I laughed. I cried. I learned. I danced. Above all, I gained some serious clarity for my business and the direction I want to will commit to going in.
I took a ton of notes and came back with a library of resources. Following is my recap in the form of quotes (in the order that they were heard) and photos of my travel companion, Mr. Bacon. (Mr. Bacon totally partied the whole time, as you will see.)
“Indecision is a form of self-abuse – be ready to step up!”
The journey to Be the Change started in Maine with an awesome group of entrepreneurial women.
“Whenever you can make something more simple, do it.”
“Takers may eat well, but givers sleep well.”
~ Bert Jacobs
“Business is a tool to do what you love.”
~ Bert Jacobs
Mr. Bacon and I traveled from Portland to Orlando via Baltimore. We had an extraordinarily expensive lamb burger for lunch.
“Entrepreneurs are 300% more likely to have ADHD.”
~ Laurie Dupar, PMHNP, RN, PCC, SCAC
Squirrel! (Sorry. I got distracted.)
“Commit to telling your truth, not just the truth.”
“Truth never speaks to us through fear.”
~ Darla LeDoux
We stayed at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. There were ducks that paraded through the lobby. These wild ducks were just chilling in the pool.
“You create your own economy.”
~ Suzanne Evans
“God gave you a gift and he deserves a return on his investment.”
~ Suzanne Evans
“Find a problem that you can provide a solution to.”
There were long days with tons of amazing content. Suzanne kept us entertained with awesome props, loud music, dancing and entertainment.
“To make the best, most prominent transformation and live it!”
~ Scott Robley’s interpretation of the meaning of “Be the Change”
“Be flexible about how to do things, but inflexible about why.”
~ Scott Robley
“Anything you do fearless, you do in mediocrity.”
~ Suzanne Evans
There were several f-bombs dropped during the event. Mr. Bacon giggled every time. He’s wicked immature.
“The cash is always behind your fear.”
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
~ Suzanne Evans
“You cannot be a secret and be profitable.”
~ Suzanne Evans
Despite the long hours and information overload, Mr. Bacon’s enthusiasm (and mine) did not wane.
How would I sum up my Be the Change experience? Two words: Game changer.
While in Orlando I developed a nice tribe, and we plan on staying in touch to support each other and keep each other accountable.
Next year, Be the Change is going to be held in Las Vegas from April 23- 27, 2014. Do you know what I say to Be the Change in Las Vegas?
Hell yeah!
My kids now own many items that say Hell Yeah! on it. Because I’m a rockin’ mom.
If you are interested in getting a complimentary ticket to the event – you would still have to pay for your travel expenses and lodging, of course – let me know. My good friend and colleague, Bambi Thompson, is going to be a sponsor again next year and has a limited amount of tickets she can offer to people. You don’t necessarily need to commit now, but I can keep you in the loop as we get closer to the event.
Are you an entrepreneur? Have you ever spent 4 straight days committed solely to your business? What was the result?
[p.s. Mr. Bacon thinks he wants to start his own Tumblr blog to share his adventures with his fans. What do you think?]
This is my inspiration of the day! I love these quotes! And can you keep me in the loop about a free ticket? I would love to go if it’s feasible for me. I can’t even decide which quote I like best. I love the idea of being comfortable with being uncomfortable thought – and to commit to telling YOUR truth. LOVE.
ilene recently posted..In Praise of Pop Tarts
My head is still full from those 4 days. I think it might take some time to recover. I wish I could share every bit of what I learned and heard! Keep next year’s date on your radar. My friend will be looking for people who are serious about going. I will definitely keep you in the loop!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Volunteering as Currency
Oh wow! This is awesome! The event looks incredible! I wish it was NOT always scheduled the same weekend as March for Babies! I would love to go!
Ah, yes. Definitely not good timing for you! I hope your weekend went well. I haven’t been around to read about it!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Volunteering as Currency
Um, yes…free ticket to this event?! Yowzas!! I would love to go to this. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing these quotes, too! I’ll plan on next year (barring any unforseen cirumstances, lol).
Cyndi recently posted..The Goals I’m Not Sharing
Woohoo! I’d love for you to go, Cyndi. I’ll keep you in the loop as well. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Heading to #BTCE2013
Amazing quotes…and I love that Mr. Bacon made his way into so many photos!!
Michelle recently posted..Photography Limbo – What to do now?
Mr. Bacon had a ball! We were both inspired. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Environmentally-Friendly Blog Posts to Celebrate Earth Day
What great quote and fab pictures, I’m so glad you had such a productive and fun time!
jen recently posted..A-Z 2013 the letter Z
Thanks, Jen! It was awesome. Now I have to figure out what to do with everything I learned!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Boston: One City, One People, One Fund
I just love you for sharing the excitement and your creativity!
Ask Bambi to save me a ticket for next year!
See you around the corner,
Vicky
Thanks, Vicky! I will let Bambi know that you’d like to go. It’s so much fun and so much great content. Have you met Bambi? If not, we should all go out for coffee sometime!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Hello…Goodbye: Fostering Shelter Dogs
SOOOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!!! I loved how you shared these powerful quotes with Mr. Bacon in those incredible pictures!!!! Oh Jennifer- I am just so so happy for you! So so glad you got to take four FOUR days to really focus on your dream, your passion, your future “game changer” – your mission. YAY!!!! Loved those quotes- both convicting and encouraging all at once. WOOHOO!!
Chris Carter recently posted..Devotional Diaries: Week 4
Thanks, Chris. It really was an amazing experience! I got a lot of clarity and realized that I really am moving in the right direction. Yay!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Are you committed?
Wonderful blog Jen…summed up BTCE very well! And I never realized how well traveled Mr, Bacon is; glad I was able to help him along on his journey 🙂
Thanks, Bridget. So glad we got to spend some time together. What fun! (Mr. Bacon had fun with you too!)
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday (5.1.13): Fountains at The Peabody Orlando
Wow, Jen! You did a fine job on this blog entry. My head is still swimming from the event!
Melonie recently posted..April Brew Fest in Central Maine
I think I’m only now starting to come down from Be the Change! What an amazing few days. Can’t wait for Vegas next year!