In 2023, as I mapped out my goals for personal and professional development, I realized something unsettling. Despite attending countless conferences, classes, and workshops, I struggled to identify significant changes I had implemented. It felt like I had been racing from one opportunity to the next, leaving a trail of dust but no real progress. This epiphany prompted a critical question: How could I approach learning differently?
The shift: intentional networking and accountability
I decided to make a change—starting with a plan to engage more intentionally. At the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) conference, I resolved not just to attend sessions but to connect meaningfully with others. At every session, I initiated conversations, exchanged contact information, and discussed actionable ways we could collaborate. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, and connections began to form.
One such connection stood out. I met a fellow attendee who shared my enthusiasm for learning. He excitedly showed me a $300 camera bag he had purchased at the conference. Curious, I asked:
“Did you get a discount?” When he sheepishly admitted he hadn’t, I followed up with another question:
“How are you planning to get it home? Checked bags cost extra, and returns might be tricky.”
A quick online search revealed a cheaper option, and he promptly returned the bag. From that moment, we became accountability partners, exchanging advice, sharing recommendations, and supporting each other’s growth.
The lesson was clear: Two heads are better than one, and intentional connections make all the difference.
Accountability in action
This collaborative mindset extended beyond photography. At the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference, I heard David Avrin’s powerful reminder:
“Speaking is not the business—getting the gig is the business.”
Similarly, attending conferences alone isn’t transformative. It’s the application of what you learn that drives meaningful change.
With this perspective, I embraced accountability as a tool to turn learning into action. For example, I had been applying for the Fulbright program for years but never completed the application due to self-doubt. One of my accountability partners encouraged me to finish, even if it was an outdated version, and sent me daily reminders. His persistence paid off: I recently learned that I won! Soon, I’ll be partnering with U.S. Embassies in Egypt and Morocco.
Another accountability partner, based in Israel, shared his progress with me daily via WhatsApp. In just six weeks, he accomplished more than he had in the previous year. When he mentioned his dream of speaking at TEDx within the next decade, I sent him a link to apply and offered my guidance as a TEDx coach. Witnessing him take actionable steps toward his goal was incredibly rewarding.
Key takeaways for female entrepreneurs
For women entrepreneurs looking to turn passive learning into active growth, here are actionable steps to consider:
- Intentional networking: Move beyond exchanging business cards. Seek meaningful conversations about collaboration and actionable ideas.
- Accountability partners: Find someone who complements your strengths and shares your goals. Regular check-ins can keep you focused and motivated.
- Action over attendance: Conferences and classes are only as impactful as the actions you take afterward. Commit to implementing at least one idea from every event.
- Embrace different perspectives: Reciprocal learning from diverse viewpoints often leads to unexpected breakthroughs.
The road ahead
Reflecting on this past year, I’m proud of the shift from passive learning to active growth. The intentional connections I’ve built have enriched my professional life and inspired me to keep evolving. As the year comes to a close, I challenge you to ask yourself: What will you do differently next year to turn learning into action?
With a little intentionality and the courage to connect, the possibilities are endless. Accountability helps cut the learning curve. While we may work alone, the journey doesn’t have to be lonely. Let’s move beyond the dust of halted progress and create something extraordinary together.
Get involved in more intentional networking with February Lioness Networking: Fall Back in Love With Your Business.
About the author
Leila Kubesch is an educator, documentary photographer, and professional speaker. She regularly speaks on the 3Cs: Communicate, Connect, and Collaborate. If she is not writing for a magazine, she is writing a blog, a poem, a grant, or an app design! She is the creator of R8MyTalk, an app for speakers to help them connect with their audience members.
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