Starting from Scratch: The Solo Conference Adventure

This past week, I did something I never thought I would: I went to my very first conference… completely solo. ✈️

No friends. No biz partners. No familiar faces. Just me, myself, and my suitcase.

And yes—it was scary. I had no idea who I’d sit with. I was sure I’d be the quiet one on the edge of the room. Honestly? I even questioned going right up until the day I left.

But you know what? I went. And it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve done all year.

I thought I was going for sales skills (and yes, I got some amazing ones).

But what I walked away with was even bigger: massive personal growth. 🌱

I’ve always been the girl who plays it safe—the stranger-danger girl 😅

Back row. No hand raises. No swapping numbers. Definitely not dancing during the breaks.

But this time, that wasn’t me. I:

Introduced myself to strangers

Took up space

Got uncomfortable

Took photos

Had powerful conversations

Danced (yes… me 😅)

Made real connections I’ll carry long after the event

The Solo Trip & Business Strategy Connection

Here’s the kicker: going solo to an event feels a lot like launching something new.

You stumble around clueless. 👉 You make bloopers. 👉 You second-guess everything. 👉 You feel like a rookie.
And then—slowly—confidence takes root.

Most folks quit when it still looks like nothing is happening. But if you hang in there, stay curious, and keep showing up, momentum happens. Just like in business, the unseen groundwork matters a lot—especially at the beginning.

Showing up alone reminded me: clarity comes from action, not overthinking. When you step into the room, you stop building in your head and start building in real life.

Jessica’s Tips for Getting in the Room (Even If You’re Scared)

What I suggest when you’re about to do the scary thing:

Book it before you’re “ready.” Courage shows up after the commitment.

Pick one goal for the event. Meet 5 people. Ask 3 specific questions. Keep it simple.

Create a tiny script. “Hi, I’m Jess. What brought you here?” (It works.)

Schedule buffer time. Quiet minutes between sessions help you process and recharge.

Say yes to one stretch. Sit up front. Ask a question. Join the breakout. Dance at least once.

Follow up fast. Send a voice note or quick DM within 24 hours so the connection sticks

Capture the Moments

And hey… 📸 snap a pic when it’s blooming. You’ll want the reminder. I captured little moments all week—the first brave hello, the notes that hit home, the goofy dance break. These snapshots are proof of what happens when you just show up, even if you’re nervous.

Reflecting on it all, the biggest reminder was this: sometimes the growth isn’t in what you learn—it’s in who you become by showing up.

So if you’ve been thinking about taking that leap—booking the ticket, walking into the room where you don’t know a soul—do it. Go. Grow. Your future self will thank you.

Cheering you on always,
— Jess 💚