We don’t have bosses telling us we need to go to a conference or seminar to get up to speed on new tactics. If a Solo PR Pro’s skills are lagging or one’s ideas are out of date, it’s unlikely anyone will say so — they just won’t hire you. Though conferences are just one source of education (it’s also important to read leading blogs, news of your industry, etc.), events can be an especially intensive way to immerse yourself in the latest thinking. Of course, not all conferences are created equal, but those with a high caliber speaker roster are typically worth the time involved (and many events these days are reasonable in cost).

While most of us enjoy our often solitary work environments, it’s important to occasionally come out from behind the keyboard. Tomorrow morning (Monday, November 9), I’ll be a guest on the “NO GURU ZONE” BlogTalkRadio show where we’ll be discussing this very issue – if you’re available, call-in and join in the discussion! Also, be on the lookout for coverage of PRSA hot topics in the coming days here on Solo PR Pro.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite conference or networking event that you never miss? How often do you try to engage in continuing education activities?

Photo credit: Adam Tinworth

This week’s discussion was packed with information and helpful tips– if you weren’t able to participate, be sure to check out the transcript here in PDF, or online. We addressed the following topics:

1. Do solos need a business plan? And, if so, what are the essential elements? Do you have a budget for your business?
2. From a PR perspective, what have you found to be the single greatest utility of social media?
3. What is your biggest inspiration right now? What’s motivating you today?
4. Are you planning ahead for the holidays? Time off? If so, how are you handling?
5. What blogs (or other sources) have you found yourself reading most lately?

And as a bonus, the chat also included some expert commentary on the difference between goals and objectives. One of the most appreciated tweets from this week’s chat came from Callie Oettinger, who stated “You have to practice what you preach. If you have a plan for your client, have a plan for yourself, too.” Excellent reminder for all of us.

A special thanks to this week’s top contributors:

@cherissef

@shonali

@krisTK

@LuAnnGlowacz

@hopwood

@rockstarjen

@CallieOettinger

@VirtueIMC

@MichaelWillett

What was your favorite quip from the chat? Or would you answer any of the questions differently? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to the expert moderating abilities of accomplished PR consultant Cherisse F Rivera, this week’s #solopr Twitter chat included tons of tips on the following topics:

1. How do you go about building your media lists within a solo’s budget?
2. Do you have a mentor? If you do, how did you approach or build relationship?
3. How often do you find yourself consulting on more than just PR and what does it tend to involve?
4. What are your key resources you use on a daily basis? Specifically online? Social Media?

The chats are held each Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern, and anyone with a Twitter account can join in! Welcome to all the new chatters who joined this week, and a special thanks to this session’s top contributors:

@cherissef

@LuAnnGlowacz

@robinskann

@ruthseeley

@BettyEllis

@rockstarjen

@Rachel_366

@MichaelWillett

@SarahDawley

@goldinpr

If you weren’t able to participate, be sure to checkout the transcript either in PDF or online. My favorite quote from the chat came from Sarah Dawley, who noted “I consider everyone who participates in these #solopr chats mentors. We’re sharing exp & knowledge with each other.” I couldn’t agree more!

How would you weigh in on these topics? Be sure to let us know your advice in the comments.