BlogHer - conferences - Comments

Beth Engel — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:48:30 -0500

I agree - and that's why I focus on Facebook, which is a lot more appropriate - in fact it's perfect - for casual connections.

My mame is Beth Engel. I've been running my own online business, Epic Merchandise, where I sell personalized, engraved gifts, since 2003.

Love the Different Approaches

paulag01 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:46:56 -0500

Penny - thanks so much for the kind words. SO glad you loved the panel. Yes kindred spirits with parts of the story indeed.

Beth & Julie - love your approaches with the social media. I do follow up some in that way as well, follow Twitter for folks that I want to, FB, etc. Here's a question though -- considering the netiquette for LinkedIn is different, in that you really should only be connected with people you know well -- I know I don't personally rush out and add people to LinkedIn. What do others think?

Thanks for the lively discussion!!

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Julie Heinrich — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:39:44 -0500

I usually sort through my business cards and contacts' list within a few days after I attend a conference or event.

I look people up on LinkedIn and add them to my network. I always include a personalized note with my network request for them.
I directly email contacts that I do not find on LinkedIn and, again, I write a personalized email (not a cookie cutter email note.)
If I really hit it off with someone, I make a note about them and try to have lunch or dinner with them when I am in their city while travelling.
A great book I would recommend about networking and staying in touch with people is Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

Facebook!

Beth Engel — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:22:07 -0500

My typical follow up plan is tracking people down on Facebook and adding them as friends. I think Facebook is an extremely convenient platform for keeping this type of connections alive.

My mame is Beth Engel. I've been running my own online business, Epic Merchandise, where I sell personalized, engraved gifts, since 2003.

kudos to you

muddslide — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:00:43 -0500

Hi Paula,

You also made a really positive impression on me at the presentation where you were on the panel - maybe because we both were in corp. world for 17 years before bailing ;-) And I know I'm a very talented woman despite the rocky unrewarding road I traveled there (bosses were mostly cold fish).

I really appreciated the energy + ideas you put out. Fear does shut a person down - sometimes for YEARS. It's sad.

My Mother used to say "too soon old, too late smart" - hopefully I can combine your advice + hers.

Penny Mudd

@calliopeconsult

I know!

paulag01 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:46:11 -0500

Ah good point JD but perhaps you can do all our follow ups so we don't need to since You Do Things Since We Don't Have To! (I literally couldn't help myself!)

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Great Post, Paula!

I Do Things — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:52:20 -0500

Our attention spans get shorter and shorter and we move on to the "next thing" so much more quickly than ever. It's important to follow up in as timely a manner as possible (tho, like Denise, I'm behind!) and to do it right. Thanks for sharing these great tips.

JD at I Do Things So You Don't Have To

Thank You & Timing is a Personal Thing

paulag01 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:33:25 -0500

Hi Whitney, Thanks so much for the kind words - would love to put them on my speakers sheet :-)

What I do is each day/break -- make a note on the back of cards (or a notebook if someone has one of those darn glossy things I can't write on!)... where I was when I met them and a quick abbreviation of what we talked about. I have code words for some particular follow ups (like if someone wants to connect about my services) so I can recall better when I follow up. While each conversation is memorable after 3 days of jam packed information and cocktail parties and then 3 days vacation well the mind can only do so much! I find it helps me a lot and takes the pressure off.

Denise - you just confirm what I shared about timing. Timing is well personal based on what you need to do post-event, the type of job responsibilities, etc. That is my general rule of thumb (because otherwise I know I'll lose energy about it & let it slide), but truly the point is timely -- as in when you email the person they will know who you were. For instance time has past for those BlogHer '08 follow ups ;-)

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Follow ups are coming in...

Denise — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:18:50 -0500

I get pitched a lot. Some pitches rock. Some pitches not so much. I like the 48 hour follow up plan but... forgive me to those of you who follow this rule, I haven't had time to read the follow ups you're sending. :-) But I will. I promise. They're all safe and sound in a folder in my inbox and I'll read them this weekend.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

I'm totally with you

whitneymoss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:16:52 -0500

Paula,

I was in the session during which you were on the panel. You were one of the most professional, focused panelists at the whole conference. Thank you for that.

I am in total agreement with your suggestion and have been panicking about how the memories of conversations I had there are fading as I haven't gotten to the action items I had noted during the conference.

Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Whitney

http://www.rookiemoms.com

Still need a pass

CajunMama — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:15:18 -0600

Hey Pam. I'll be there supporting you and Sheila. No worries on that end. Room is booked and paid for (w/ comp internet and daily breakfast) and I'm driving RedBugg in, since it is waaaay cheaper for me. Now if I could only get someone to sponsor my pass.........

Inspiring you to explore. www.travelingmamas.com

Crossing "figure out airport transport" off my list

debontherocks — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:46:26 -0600

Awesome. Good reminder that I need to get my plans locked down. I'm going to be looking for you there!

Deb
www.debontherocks.com blog
www.3smartgirlz.com consulting

Good Advice

Doris — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:39:14 -0500

Thanks so much for the advice. I've attended many conferences, but I'll be attending my first Blogher conference in New Orleans and it's nice to have a plan.

Doris

The Leaky Cauldron

Sex 2.0

amberlrhea — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:16:54 -0500

I definitely recommend the Sex 2.0 conference in Atlanta on April 12 - and not just because I'm the one organizing it! :) You can find out all the details at http://sex20con.com, but here is a synopsis of what it's all about:

Sex 2.0 will focus on the intersection of social media, feminism, and sexuality. How is social media enabling people to learn, grow, and connect sexually? How is sexual expression tied to social activism? Does the concept of transparency online offer new opportunities or present new roadblocks — or both? These questions, and many more, will be addressed within a safe, welcoming, sex-positive space.

Respecting the confidentiality and protecting the identities of participants who wish to maintain a degree of anonymity will be a top priority at Sex 2.0.

Y'all come!

I love all the writing about

Super Jive — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:44:22 -0600

I love all the writing about this. "Something" is happening. But what?

Your Pop Culture Librarian also writes almost daily at I, Asshole.