You don't know where your opportunities will come from
Can you attend a conference, a meetup, or a coffee this month that could lead to something great?
Last April, I was on a plane to America. I was listening to interviews of the speakers for the Epic Web Conference.
I had spent over $2500 to meet the inspiring people I listened to as I flew through the night. It was a significant investment for me, but I hoped that the connections I made there could lead to opportunities one day.
I couldn't guarantee that my journey would lead to anything in the future, but I could maximize the chances that it would.
I got to know every speaker ahead of the conference. I took notes about their story, what they would talk about, the topics they found interesting, and what questions to ask them.
I flew a few days early to get over the jet lag before the conference started. I made sure I was well rested with good meals and sleep. I got to the venue early and left late every day. I said hello to everyone I could, asked as many questions as I could, and tried to be as friendly as possible.
I made some good friends. I learned some incredible things about web development. I built confidence in myself. I started to believe I could one day contribute to this group of wise, welcoming, and motivated web enthusiasts.
I left, exhausted, with my cup full to the brim, without a doubt that I had made the most of the experience.
A few months later, Kent, the organizer and now a good friend, sent me a message:
It was another chance to hang out with the community Kent has built, strengthen the friendships I'd made at the conference, and make some new ones. But it was also another significant investment of time, money, and energy.
It was a unique opportunity I couldn't surpass. I said yes and flew over with the same attitude, preparation, and energy as my first trip. In this spirit, I gave an impromptu talk. It was terrifying in the moment, but I felt proud of stepping out of my comfort zone.
I left exhausted again but filled with inspiration and many new friends. "Who knows, maybe one day I could be one of these people I look up to and share the things I've learned." - a far-fetched, optimistic thought crossed my mind as I made my way back over the ocean to Europe.
For 2025, Kent opened the conference up for applications to speak. I made two applications—with no real hope of being accepted. I treated it as writing practice.
I told my sister-in-law: "I don't think I'll apply—I'll never get accepted anyway."
Her response: "Just do it. You can’t lose anything by applying—the worst that can happen is that you'll be where you are right now."
To my disbelief, they were both accepted.
A few weeks ago, I did the pre-conference interview with Kent – something I never dreamed would become a reality when I left the conference last year.
An incredible door of opportunity has opened. One that would not have been there if I hadn't spent the time, money, and energy to fly halfway around the world twice and had faith that maybe one day it could lead to something great.
Where can you put yourself out there more?
Can you attend a conference, a meetup, or a coffee this month that could lead to something great?
You don't know where your opportunities will come from.
I'm rooting for you as you find your next door to open.
Until next month,
Dev