Meeting of the minds (and they let me hang out too)

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting some of my blogging heros in person. This is something that I've done before with other groups of friends and this experience was equally powerful. I was able to spend an afternoon with David Armano, Herb Sawyer, Rohit Bhargava and Noah Brier as they were giving a presentation at PROMO Live in Chicago.

The funny thing about meeting people in person after engaging with them in the blogosphere is you have a relationship you instantly pick up on. There is no awkward introduction or uncomfortable pauses. You almost know how they'll sound through their "blog voice" and you have a ton of ideas to chat about, experiences to share and learning to do. Each of the guys pictured above were gracious, humble and smart as hell.

Their presentation is embedded below. Each came at the same topic in a unique way. Enjoy!

This applies to companies who decide a blog is a strategic way to connect with customers. You create a dialog online that translates instantly offline. You have a connection that is deep and personal (if done right), but on the other hand a misstep could have more dmaging, long-term impact.

A blog's not right for everyone. You have to:

• Have something to say
  
• Want to say it
  
• Say it often and uniquely
  
• Say it in your own voice
  
• Want to listen
  
• Actually listen (active listening)
  
• Respond proactively with the customer in mind
  

Who would you like to meet that you've interacted with? Have you met people offline and found the same connections?

Technorati Tags:
David Armano, marketing, Matt Dickman, social media, Techno//Marketer, Rohit Bhargava, Noah Brier, Herb Sawyer

Comments

[Herb]

Matt - it was great meeting you as well and I'm glad you could make it up. And you're right...there was no weird introduction time...we all just rolled like we new each other.

Hopefully we can meet up again soon.

[Rohit]

That was a great lunch - good meeting you guys. It got me thinking that someone should create a podcast that is just about bringing 5 marketers together on a table to talk about all the good and bad marketing out there at a fast pace. There were several points during our lunch where I was thinking it would be great if someone was videotaping it and producing as a marketing show. Like The View, but for marketers instead of housewives. Armano could be Whoopi (I'll buy the wig) ...

[Noah Brier]

Hey Matt, Great meeting you. If you ever find yourself in NYC drop a line.

Rohit, love the idea (especially with Armano playing Whoopi). I'm in . . .

[Valeria Maltoni]

Matt:

Do put in a good word for me with Rohit, will you? I've not been able to engage in a dialogue with him at his blog ;-)

Does anyone ever come to Philadelphia? I am quite hospitable, promise. And one more thought -- not everything is meant to be used in public. I think it's great to have off line conversations that are left to the imagination and processing of each individual. I'm sure it shows up eventually in your individual work.

On the other hand, Armano as Whoopi does have some appeal :D

[Matt Dickman]

Herb -- That's the real power of social media. Deeper connections in the off line world. I'm sure we'll meet up soon.

Rohit -- I was thinking the same thing. I even brought my audio recorder, but forgot I had it. Oh well, next time I'll be more prepared. Armano as Whoopi eh? Interesting indeed.

Noah -- Thanks for that. I will drop you a line.

Valeria -- Should I find myself anywhere near Phili you will be the first person that I call :) You're right on the off line comment. Some things are best in the off line world, but sharing the output through online is a powerful way to add value to the community as a whole.

[Lewis Green]

Matt,

Good post. You are right about how easy it is to engage in person those who we've met through blogging. Also, your bullet points are on target. Thanks for sharing.

[Matt Dickman]

Lewis -- It's pretty amazing the bonds that are formed online. It really does enhance the off line as well.

[Herb]

Great idea, the podcast. Maybe we should try to get people together once/twice a year randomly. I'll donate for the Whoopi wig as well...

[David Armano]

I'm game—who's buying the wig?

[Herb]

Matt - I was thinking about this over the weekend...getting people together. And not that I think we need to create another conference, but there is something about getting together in person and chatting it up.

Have any interest in brainstorming how we could do this? Like organize a lunch network that brought people together at conferences outside of the presentation rooms...

Or, maybe create mass blogger drinks/lunch/drinks chat in a city somewhere once/twice a year. No conference fee, but something that gets people together.

I know, I should grab my notebook and start jotting down ideas...

[Matt Dickman]

Herb -- That's a great idea and one that's being partly explored in the "Blogger Social 08" idea that CK and Drew are holding in NYC. I do, however, think that more of these small, intimate gatherings when people are all together are both cool and highly valuable. Wonder what kind of network we could set up to do this.