If you've read my recent post on the importance of investing in conferences, you will see that there are so many exciting conferences coming up. I'm now in the process of handpicking three to four conferences that I need to attend so that I can increase my network and learn new things.
The first live conference that I went to was a blogging conference called Blogger Bootcamp. I had such a great time at the conference, but honestly I was so unprepared. When you go to conferences, you have invested a lot of money and time in it, so being prepared can help you get the most out of your experience.
Besides making sure that your hair, nails, face, and eyebrows are on fleek, and that you have a nice outfit, there are so many things that you should take care of before the big day.
Here are a few things that you need to do before you attend your next conference.
1. Make a hit list
Prior to the conference, make a list of at least six people that you should connect with. These people can either be panelists or people that will be attendees like yourself. You can find panelist information by going to the conference website or social media. The list of people that are attending the conference will not be public, but with social media, you can use the power of hashtags to find out who is coming. For example, when I went to Blogger Bootcamp, I used the conference hashtag on Instagram and Twitter and was able to see who was coming. Then I did a little Instagram and Twitter stalking - don't judge me, we all do it - and I was able to get some background information on the people that were going.
In addition to writing down at least six people to connect with, I write a quick blurb on who they are, why we should connect, and a conversation starter idea just in case my mind goes blank when I see them. No one enjoys boring conversation starters about the weather.
2. Work on your elevator pitch
We all know the importance of the elevator pitch, but sometimes we forget that you need to mold your elevator pitch so that it is fitting with the event or moment. For example, if you are at a women's conference, it may be important to craft your elevator pitch in a way that speaks about you, discusses what makes you valuable, and what it is about you that others can benefit from (as it relates to the purpose of the conference that you are attending).
Here is an example pitch: Hi, my name is Brittani, and I am a manager and journalist that loves to empower and lead women through educational and inspiring content.
Keep in mind, your elevator pitch should be short, to the point, and should not be boring or sound rehearsed. You don't want to sound like you are reading from a teleprompter!
3. Get business cards
This may sound obvious, but trust me it is not! At my last conference (and even at networking events that I have been to), I have met so many people that do not own personal business cards. Even worse, I met some people that have business cards, but it is their card for their 9-5 job. You should never take along your job's business card unless you are at the conference on behalf of your job. If you take your job's business card to a conference, keep in mind it is your company's email and phone number that is on the card. If you give someone your company's business card, but then you leave your company within the next year, the person who you gave the card to won't be able to connect with you anymore.
Always, and I mean always, invest in personal business cards. Even if you are not an entrepreneur with a booming business, you can still have personal business cards. On your business card, keep it simple and sleek and include your full name, phone number, email, what you do, and your social media handles. Too many times, I have been handed some of the most ratchet business cards from people that doesn't include an email or phone number. Yes, you read that right. There are so many people that fail to include the most important, basic information! Don't make that mistake. You should make it easy for people to find you and connect with you.
You can get really inexpensive business cards from Office Depot/Office Max, Vista Print, and Moo. Check them out, they are all pretty inexpensive and make quality cards. While you are at it, don't forget your business card holder!
4. Connect with panelists and attendees
You've made your hit list for the conference, but make sure you follow them on social media as well. Use the time before the conference to do a little networking, and it will also make conversations go even smoother once you see them in person.
If you have read any of my articles, you know that I am in love with LinkedIn. If you don't have one, get one now and update it with your job experiences, skills, and portfolio work. Prior to the conference, scour over your LinkedIn and make sure that it is fully updated - you should also do the same for your other social media accounts. For example, if you plan on giving someone links to your Twitter and Instagram page, go on there and make sure the message that you are delivering is the message that you want others to get from you.
If you have your own website and blog, update it as well with recent information. If you are a blogger, add new, refreshing content and maybe curate content that will be relatable to the conference. Also, on your website, make sure your social media and contact information is up-to-date.
6. Make a hit list for the conference schedule
Conferences that are really big and popular tend to have several different panels and events for people to attend. Look at the conference schedule closely and mark off events that you have to attend. Make sure you pay close attention to the location where the event or panel will take place and the times. You don't want to over schedule yourself or poorly plan and end up missing really important events.
7. Read industry news and know what's going on
If you are planning on going to a conference in a specific industry, search for recent news pertaining to that industry. At the conference, you will want to successfully and intelligently engage in all types of conversations. You can find industry news by reading publications, looking online, or listening to, and watching podcasts.
8. Prepare your tech kit
Going to a conference, you want to make sure you have your technology emergency kit. This includes your laptop or tablet, charger, and portable charger for your cell phone. In addition, make sure you include a durable bag to put all of that in as well. I even recommend bringing a pen and a journal (just in case your computer crashes).
9. Plan ahead with perfect shoes
Going to conferences, you want to look your best. Most importantly, you want to wear something that makes YOU comfortable. I am a believer in being cute, but comfortable. Everyone cannot wear high heels, and that is okay - there are so many cute flats available. You do not want to be caught at a conference walking like a three-year-old in heels. Find shoes that you know you will be comfortable walking and standing in for hours.
Click here to catch a list of conferences that are worth attending this year.
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If you've had some doubts or don't know where to start, here's a quick guide for prepping to make your homeownership dreams a reality:
1. Get your mind right.
A 2022 Bank of America survey found that while 48% of Black women "feel confident about their finances," only 28% actually "feel empowered to take action" fueled by this confidence.
This first step is often overlooked, but oftentimes, when we're starting any new journey, especially one that involves a big change both physically (i.e. moving to a whole new environment) and financially, you'll need to set your mind on positive thoughts, confidence, and boldness. You have to know that you can indeed be a homeowner, that you deserve the desires of your heart, and that you are more than capable of navigating the process.
With high rates of student loan debt, rental income disparities, and a lot of the home responsibilities falling on us, among other challenges, it can indeed seem like a tough feat to go the homeownership route, but it is certainly doable with the right mindset, strategy, and support.
Lean into affirmations, prayer, therapy, coaching, and real-life inspiration to clear your mind of doubts and fears and use that energy to progress toward your dream home purchase. Open your mind to all the options, resources, and programs that are afforded to you and the alternative ways to reach your goals.
2. Get real about your finances.
Many experts agree on this second step, as you'll need to know where you are financially in order to be sure of what type of house you want, where you want to live, and whether you can afford the mortgage. Usually, this includes having (or creating) a budget and getting to know your expenses versus your take-home pay. If you don't already have a budget, create one and start to really get focused on knowing exactly what money's coming in and what's going out.
Also, getting into a savings routine and looking into investing, even if it's as simple as signing up for your 401K with your job, opening a retirement account on your own via companies like Fidelity or JP Morgan, or starting brokerage accounts with platforms like Charles Schwab or Robinhood. This will allow you to get into the habit of building wealth and having multiple sources to tap into in terms of financial assets.
3. Stop counting yourself out due to reasons like "bad credit" or low income.
If you need assistance with budgeting or learning more about money management, there are free resources out there (try here or here). You can also tap into local resources like nonprofits, financial advisers, or the professionals you bank with, especially if it's a credit union.
There are also resources for strategizing how to improve your credit, boost your income, and develop better financial fitness habits, so tap into those as well. You can do this! Sit down, write out your goals, work with a coach, and start one small step at a time.
Bad credit and other financial challenges don't necessarily bar you from achieving your dreams of owning a home. Look into rent-to-own options or financiers who offer home loans to people with credit under 620. There are also federal lenders that are ideal for those with low or no credit.
Go into your current bank and get to know your options so that you'll know what's actually available to you and what's possible beyond the fears or negative self-talk. Take a free class via the National Urban League or other local resources through a quick Google search. You'd be surprised what options are out there when you simply make a few appointments, do a bit of research, network, and ask.
4. Figure out your plan for your first payment and the right mortgage fit.
A down payment is often required (or at least encouraged) when you're buying a home, so once you've gotten clear on your financial status, what type of house you want, where, and how much you can afford based on your income, think about how you'll save up (or pay) the first payment for the investment.
Twenty percent of the total cost of the home has often been mentioned as a place to start, but experts say you don't necessarily have to have that much. However, be aware that when you put down less than that, you'll have to get mortgage insurance, and it will likely add to your monthly mortgage payment, so keep that in mind. There are assistance programs on the state and federal levels that can help you navigate this and even assist with the cost, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. (Start here for more great information on this.)
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When it comes to your dream home and consideration of a mortgage, think outside the box. Your dream home might be a $500,000 ranch-style home in a major metro area but if that's going to have you living above your means or struggling to pay the down payment and monthly mortgage in tough times, considering an adjacent city or county in the same state or the same type of house in an area that's more up-and-coming.
There are also different types of mortgages that might be a good fit for you based on various factors. For example, conventional loans offer low minimum down payments but have more stringent qualifications, while FHA loans are mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are generally easier to qualify for but have stricter requirements related to mortgage insurance. (You can research more information on types of loans and how to qualify here and here.)
5. Start the pre-approval process and ask lots of questions before agreeing to a loan.
You'll also need to get pre-approved, so once you've found the right type of loan, do your research on who to partner with on your mortgage. Be sure, for example, that if you're going for an FHA loan, the loan provider is FHA-approved. According to NerdWallet, prospective home buyers should consider how a lender’s sample rates compare with today's mortgage rates, determine the closing costs, and "compare mortgage origination fees.” Become super-aware of the terms and timing for the loans and how these might change over time or in the future. Ask lots of questions or get help via a reputable consultant or coach.
Preapproval is necessary for getting the "real numbers," because lenders have access to detailed information about your finances. The process will include a hard credit inquiry, which shows up on your credit report, however, when you apply with multiple lenders around the same time, according to Bankrate, it only counts as one hard pull. This is because credit scoring models "take mortgage rate-shopping into account" and "group multiple inquiries together" if the credit checks all happen within a 45-day period. You'll need documents including W2s, pay stubs, and others (listed here.)
You can use the pre-approved lender at the end of the process, once you're ready to buy, or you can use a new one if, by the end of the process, you've found a better deal.
6. Research and vet your real estate agent before contracting with them.
Experts recommend interviewing multiple buyer's agents to be sure you're getting someone with your best interests at heart. Ask family, friends, and coworkers for referrals, look at the agent's online reviews, and be sure they're licensed in your state. Check out their Zillow or other professional profiles online and look at their track record. Ask them questions like "How long have you been in business," "How well do you know the area," and "How will you be corresponding with me, and how often?" (Here's a full list of interview questions for getting started.)
There’s a difference between a buyer’s agent, who represents a homebuyer in a real estate transaction, and a seller’s or listing agent, who is responsible for looking out for the seller, including pricing and marketing the home. Many agents do both, but some specialize in one or the other. Some states don’t allow dual agency, and it can there are some risks associated with that. There are referral agents who provide leads to other agents for a fee.
7. When shopping around, take your time and don't make hasty decisions.
Work with your real estate agent to view properties and think along the lines of making a long-term investment. You'll more than likely be living in the house for quite some time (even if you plan to sell and move on later) so you'll want to have some forethought on your why and how you'd like to live in the long term. Think about the community, how you'll live in the home, and what will best suit your long-term needs.
Real estate agents also recommend looking for red flags when viewing a home like poor tiling, evidence of leaks, or covering of flaws (such as "strong perfumes" or gaps in tile, for example). Be aware of potential issues like bodies of water nearby (possibility of flooding) or paint bubbling around windows (possible problems with ventilation). They also recommend looking past the aesthetics, lifting carpets, or asking about recent property maintenance.
While this guide is simply a snapshot to get you started, allow it to encourage you to go boldly for your dreams of homeownership with confidence and a plan. Be sure to utilize all resources afforded to you, do your research, and walk proudly into your next elevation to owning the home of your dreams.
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