Pre-trip to Bloem 2024

Mindset & Goals

My mindset is very positive at the moment. I’m really looking forward to an uplifting and transformational trip. Every experience on this trip will be a learning opportunity. I will need to focus on how to overcome each challenge and make sure that I document each event on the trip as well as the value I obtain to teach others as I go along. My goals for this trip include:

  • Finalize my DMO (Daily Method of Operation)
  • Finalize my system including how I prospect, who I prospect and ensure that I never focus on this sort of thing at the expense of daily action.
  • Develop a sense of purpose in my business so that I never feel like I have “made it” and that I am always looking for more opportunities to showcase the benefits of my business through my actions, results, and the stories of how I overcame challenges, which I can share with others to help them overcome their challenges. (After all, what good is overcoming challenges if you can’t use what you’ve learned to help others?)
  • Develop a sense of urgency so that I don’t just go through the motions when taking action, but I actually do things at a pace and precision that generates growth in my business and in myself.
  • While preparing for how I am was going to take full advantage of this experience, the idea came to me to read a book before I get back. It is only natural that I ended up deciding to read “I Dare You” by Frazer Brookes. I’ll set goals in terms of how far I’ll read on each day.

Clearing my mind

If I am to be fully focused, I will need to finish up on all things that I would be doing at home if I wasn’t leaving the family and home for a few days.

Firstly, I went shopping for groceries so the cupboards were full and the family have what they need at home.

Next, I finished up on any greenhouse related tasks so I could leave knowing I’ve put in some real work to pick up on when I come back.

Finally, I prepped all my blog posts by creating these posts in advance, and set reminders for each post including a link to update them and a few points to start writing about.

Planning ahead

DayAction Plan
ThursdayBlog post updates:
> Pre-trip
> On the road to Bloem ’24 (Includes all images from the social media posts section and those images that didn’t make the cut but are still relevant)

Social Media Posts:
> Pre-trip: Bags are packed
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Leaving Home & Family [Cape Town to Paarl]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Leaving Cape Town [Cape Town to Paarl] Image: Table Mountain
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Du Toitskloof Mountain Range [Cape Town to Paarl]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Paarl Rock [Paarl to Worcester]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Huguenot Tunnel [Paarl to Worcester]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Hex River Valley [Paarl to Worcester]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Brandvlei Dam [Worcester to Laingsburg]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Matroosberg [Worcester to Laingsburg
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Laingsburg Flood Memorial [Laingsburg to Beaufort West]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Three Sisters [Laingsburg to Beaufort West
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Karoo National Park [Beaufort West to Colesberg]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Gariep Dam [Beaufort West to Colesberg]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Colesberg-Kemper Museum [Colesberg to Bloemfontein]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Gariep Dam Nature Reserve [Colesberg to Bloemfontein]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Naval Hill [Final Stretch to Bloemfontein]
> On the road to Bloem ’24: Bloemfontein’s City Hall [Final Stretch to Bloemfontein]
FridayBlog post updates:
> What I learned: Day 1 at Bloem ’24
> What did I eat?

Social Media Posts:
> Friday night post: Accommodation analysis
> Friday night post: Leaving for Day 1
> Friday night post: Arriving at the venue
> Friday night post: During the event
> Friday night post: End of Day 1
SaturdayBlog post updates:
> What I learned: Day 2 at Bloem ’24
> What did I eat?

Social Media Posts:
> Saturday post: Accommodation analysis
> Saturday post: Leaving for Day 2
> Saturday post: Arriving at the venue
> Saturday post: During the event
> Saturday post: End of Day 2
SundayBlog post updates:
> What I learned: Day 3 at Bloem ‘Convention’24
> What did I eat?

Social Media Posts:
> Sunday post: Accommodation analysis
> Sunday post: Leaving for Day 3
> Sunday post: Arriving at the venue
> Sunday post: During the event
> Sunday post: Conclusion by candlelight
> Sunday post: Pre-trip back
> Sunday post: On the road back
Itinerary

Pack wisely

What should you take with you to an event like this? I think that a lot depends on how you are going to travel. If you travel by road, then you’ll have much more time to account and plan for. There will be more opportunities but it will also be more tiring so plan to take time off to rest as well. If you’re travelling by plane, then you will have less opportunities to write about, but you will also have a different set of opportunities like meeting new people which should take preference over burying your head in your phone, book or eye-lids. Make new friends and meet their friends.

So what did I pack? Some of the essentials include:

  • Food and beverages: Both while travelling and once you are there. What are you going to eat and drink?
  • Notebook and pen: Going to a place where you will learn a lot, and not taking notes makes no sense. Make sure to pack in enough books and stationery. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and post about your trip online to share your experiences with others.
  • Chargers, laptop and other techno items: Make sure you have a plan for keeping your devices alive during the trip. In some cases you won’t be able to use your laptop for example, but you could still carry a powerbank to keep your phone charged.
  • Plan for emergencies: Know your emergency numbers and come up with an action plan for a few scenarios. For example, did you know that if you dial 112 from your cellphone, they can put you through to the most relevant nearest emergency services center?
  • Networking Strategy: Plan how you will approach networking. Identify key people you want to connect with and think about how you can add value to their experiences.
  • Content Creation Plan: Outline a plan for creating content during the trip. Think about what kind of posts, photos, and videos you want to create and how you will schedule them. Much like I have done in the table above (although mine might be a bit overkill, come up with one that matches your level of expertise).
  • Travel & Accommodation: Make sure that your travel and accommodation is finalized. That means its paid for and confirmed for the days and times they’ll be needed.
  • Budget Planning: Plan your budget meticulously. Track your expenses to ensure you stay within your financial limits and avoid unnecessary stress.
  • Have a checklist: Last but not least, have a checklist of what you’re taking with which you can then also use to pack your things and ensure you don’t forget anything.

That’s all I have for now. Comment below if you have any further ideas I could add to my post or what I might consider for the next trip.

Bloemfontein Trip articles