OK. let me try to offer my vast knowledge of steem conversions... should take about half a brain cell for you to get it lol!
Open your wallet, That top tab for STEEM has a drop down menu, as does the one STEEM DOLLARS down a little ways. There, you can transfer to other steemit accounts with minimal fees and maximum secirty. One of the accounts you can transfer to is blocktrades. They will convert your steem or steem dollars to other cryptos for you. I have heard people complain about the service, I have found them quick, helpful and honest. More about why you want to send them money in a minute.

Next tab is transfer to savings, not something I recommend. It is hard to get your funds in and out quickly.

Next tab is POWER UP under the STEEM drop down. When you have funds in that account, you can directly transfer them to your steem power account. That steem power account is just what it sounds like. That is your clout around here, it determines how much your vote is worth and is how you become a dolphin or whale.

They are in different places on the tabs, but "MARKET" is an option, and I have not played with that except to get quotes.

The "BUY" and "SELL" options will take you to blocktrades trading window. That is where I have done my transactions, and it is pretty intuitive. If you give it a try and have any questions, I will try to answer but they are very helpful.

For now, I recommend "power up" all you can until you get to $500 STEEM POWER. At that level you get a slider bar, and you can give out 10% votes, or 1% votes, whatever. By the time you get there, you will know why you want it... LOL!