Comments on: Integrating Social Into Traditional: 10 Tips For A Remarkable Blogger Event

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:48:03 +0000

Elaine, what a great addition! Funny that you mention ‘greeters’ because I organize them for the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of NYC events and they make the difference between total chaos and hospitality.
During one conversation this week, I learned that an event organizer subtly pairs people up for events to help them overcome introvert awkwardness.
That and a glass of wine !
Thanks for your comment.
CB

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:37:21 +0000

Trog, I love what you keyed in on. As you say, there’s so much work that goes into planning, organizing and implementing the event that the followup really does get lost. Part of that emotional aftermath. Thanks for adding to this discussion. CB

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:57:29 +0000

One simple thing that is often overlooked at meetings, Christine, is to have greeters at the entrance. Some people may feel more comfortable socializing on a computer screen than to do it in person. Having greeters at the door, introducing people, can go a long way in ensuring that everyone feels welcome and relaxed. Of course, a glass of wine can do the same trick!

By: Matthew Trogdon

Matthew Trogdon — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:22:53 +0000

I really keyed in on this part…”continue the relationship post-event.”
So many times we prepare, labor and slave to put on a good event and then when it is all over, we are so elated (or bummed ) that we forget to cultivate the relationships that were established. Which was the main reason we had the event in the first place.
Great reminder.
Trog Trogdon
Director of Business Development
OnMessage – http://www.itsonmessage.com

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:26:44 +0000

Managed Services, your reactions are greatly appreciated! Thank you. CB

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:46:59 +0000

Strategic Growth Advisors, many thanks for your comment! I’m so pleased you found this helpful. CB

By: Strategic Growth Advisors

Strategic Growth Advisors — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:21:39 +0000

Nicely written and very informative. Any business player who wishes to hold a remarkable blogger event will find this post very useful.

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:22:19 +0000

Elizabeth, what a fantastic example you share! I love the description re: how the evening evolved! Wow. Social media becomes an enabler for connection and intense conversation. Thanks for contributing this story. CB

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:11:22 +0000

I work at a restaurant and last month Twitter held an event for the active local individuals to meet and get together.
We had a table with name tags people could fill out. It was quite interesting to see the interaction and people putting names with faces. Some individuals only went by their blogging names and disclosed their actual names an hour into the event.
The tip about starting the event with interaction is vital because most people were hesitant at first, but by the end of the night, phone numbers were exchanged and an event was planned for the next month.
Several of the bloggers commented that they enjoyed the event because it was not centered solely around social media. Yes, they discussed emerging networks and sites but they loved the interaction with people they only knew from the internet. They all share a passion for this. It is its own niche community.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:11:14 +0000

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:07:52 +0000

Jeanne, that’s if you can even find the digital picture! What’s important is, as you say, to focus on basic social graces. Social networking means paying even closer attention to those important basics. Thanks so much for adding to this discussion. CB

By: Jeanne Byington

Jeanne Byington — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:03:09 +0000

Your suggestions are filled with good common sense. Social networking doesn’t mean forget social graces in an attempt at being cool or cutting edge. Badges are basic not only for clients but bloggers, too. Not everybody looks like their digital photos!

By: C.B. Whittemore

C.B. Whittemore — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:34:39 +0000

Sonny, I love your addition! Having that voice interaction does make a difference, altho I find that it is more effective after some initial digital contact has taken place.
Your comment about the effectiveness of the phone reminds me of how much more effective the mail has gotten given how much ‘junk’ has been eliminated lately.
Thanks for adding to the conversation and I’m looking forward to meeting you in person at the MProfs DMM.
Best,
CB

By: Sonny Gill

Sonny Gill — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:54:42 +0000

I’d say not to stop at emailing but go as far as calling up the blogger and hear their voice, interact with them one on one, and get a better feel for the person. Creates a much more personal relationship before even meeting.
I’ve talked to a few people as of late that I’ve connected with in the social space but wanted to take it a step further before I meet them at the MarketingProfs DMM.
The phone probably gets least used nowadays so it’s nice to actually talk with someone vs. sticking to email or Twitter.