Have you organized your conference materials yet?

Whenever I get back from any conference, and Author 101 University is no exception, I have a pile of notes, handouts, marketing materials, business cards, and emails to deal with. I usually pull the stuff out of my bag and put it on the table; being a bit overwhelmed it just sits there for a day or two (or more) – Sound familiar – Have you Organized your conference materials yet?

So since I’m a Franklin Covey Facilitator I thought I should practice what I preach!  I set up a system to organize all my stuff from the conference.  I thought this might help others so I thought I would share my step-by-step process (if’s always easier to break it down)!

Here are 5 steps to help you organize your conference materials:

1) Gather empty file folders and labels and label them with the different speakers or programs or subjects for instance I have folders for each of the speakers (or their subject title which ever works best).  So I have a folder for: Starley Murray, Tom Antion, Move People to Action, Morgan James, Right Book Right Now and so on.  Then I just put the papers in the folder (from my pile) that they go with.  I also have a folder for my Website, my book, and my products where I put ideas, content, etc. into. Then I put them in a folder organizer (not sure what these are called so I included a picture) next to be desk – since I’m a visual person, I like to see them!

2) Set up the same folders in your emails. Use the same categories you have for paper as you do for emails – it will be so much easier to find them!  Then move your emails from you in box and your sent box into the associated folder. If you don’t know how to do this – email me at juliewood@eseedling.com and I can help you out!

3) Go through your notes and file in the appropriate folders (or you can scan and save them electronically). You probably have pages of notes to organize (if you’re anything like me) so you may need to sift a little before filing.  One thing I try to do when I’m at a conference is keep my note pages so that I only have one speaker on a page so I can easily organize when I get home.

4) Go through your pile of business cards and enter them in your email software (hopefully have one such as mail chimp, constant contact, aweber, infusionsoft).  If you don’t have one – get one now! If you are using a true CRM system – enter any pertinent information you want to keep track of (you won’t remember it a month from now)! I recently learned about an app called CamCard that works well as you can take a picture of the card and then it fills in the contact information in the app for you. You can also categorize cards so people are easy to find.

5) Make a Master To Do List and prioritize!  Either as you are organizing or after you’ve organized make a Master list with all the things you want to do.  Then go back and prioritize.  Once prioritized, assign deadlines and measures (goals) so that you stay on track.

I hope this list helps you organize your conference materials. Want to learn more about Julie Ann Wood’s company and books focusing on youth entrepreneurship,  visit eseedling.com.