Archive for the ‘Conferences’ Category
Why Writers Should Attend Podcamp
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Attention all published and aspiring writers. Here’s the skinny on why it makes sense for you to attend events like Podcamp.
1. It’s FREE
and now for the real reason –
2.. The publishing world continues to change, and it isn’t enough anymore to just write the book. You have to be the publicist, the promoter, the marketer and, in some instances, the publisher yourself.
This year’s Podcamp has several sessions worth your time and attention to help you understand the online world of branding yourself AND your book, podcasting, building your online author platform, understanding the legalities of it all, how to network, the growing world of blogging and how it can affect your writing career and a lot more.
My particular session is called A Novel Idea: How Social Media Can Make You A Better Writer. I’m editing my 10-week course into a 35-minute session.
I walk people through what I call the four phases of a book’s life: 1. Concept and Research, 2. Writing 3. Publishing and 4. Promoting (getting people to buy it). I give examples, tools and tips on how certain networks can help you in each of these phases. Before you know it, you understand social media because you’ve integrated it into your lifestyle as a writer…on a daily basis.
I have a goal of my own for this year’s session: I’m hoping that those who attend it will also participate. All of our heads together are better than my talking head alone on the stage. As there are new apps and ways to leverage them coming to light all the time, my hope is that attendees will share their successes along this road.
I wrote a blog post called How to Pack for Podcamp that discusses what you can do to prepare for it, as well as what you can do once there to get the most out of it.
For those readers not attending this weekend’s Podcamp in Nashville, TN, I believe they will be posting the videos from the sessions. If not, I will definitely be bringing the goods to this blog shortly thereafter.
Going to Podcamp and other events like it IS part of your writing job better known as the modern life of a writer. Luckily, this one comes with booze.
Posted in Advice, authors, Conferences, marketing, Podcamp, social media, Social Networks, writing | No Comments »
How to Pack for Podcamp
Saturday, February 19th, 2011
Who needs a groundhog when you have merely to wait for Podcamp registration to open? I know Spring is just around the corner when the birds start singing (tweeting), the updated site blooms with sessions, and busy bees descend on downtown Nashville’s Cadillac Ranch to pollinate the town with a wealth of information, friendship and business.
If you’re new to Podcamp, and aren’t sure what it’s all about, be sure and read yesterday’s Siblings Not Spouses post “What the Heck is a Podcamp?” After you finish come back here because this post is about how to get the most out of your Podcamp experience.
So, how can you make the most of Podcamp?
BEFORE PODCAMP
Have an objective: Know what it is you want to learn — how to create awesome content, blog, build your online brand, social media and causes, WordPress websites, the world of mobile. Knowing what you want to get out of it will help you plan your day.
Do your homework:
1. Visit the site. I have always been impressed by the caliber of the speakers and topics covered at Podcamp, and this year is shaping up to be no exception. If there’s a gap and you have the expertise, suggest a session. If you see a session that speaks to the heart of your objective be sure to sign up for it when the sessions have been finalized.
2. Get to know the other registrants and speakers before the event. Check out who’s going, follow them on Twitter, and start or join the conversation.
AT PODCAMP
Be flexible: Sessions can change, get added or canceled. It happens. It is an unconference after all. Also, some of the best conversation might be happening outside a session. Be open to missing a panel if you find yourself in a great conversation with a like-minded attendee.
Speak up: Ask questions. Share answers. Meet people.
In addition to learning a lot from the sessions, Podcamp is an opportunity to brush up on your public speaking and networking skills as well as build and strengthen relationships. I find that being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are all eager to kick ass in their chosen fields is a huge confidence builder and motivator.
Finally, have fun. Eat the grub, drink the beer, dress casual. Oh, and bring money for parking.
Tags: confidence, networking, public speaking
Posted in Advice, Conferences, Podcamp |
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The Art and Practice of Effective Networking
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
I was talking to a reporter today about networking. For those who do it well, it’s easy to forget that there are others out there who panic at the thought of having to make conversation, especially with strangers…in public. I think certainly there are those extroverts with the gift of gab who know instinctively how to spin a good yarn that attracts people and prospects easily. However, I also believe that there is an art and practice that anyone can learn that can make them exceptional at networking.
There’s networking online and networking offline, and I’m a big fan of incorporating both to enrich your business and personal life.
Who Should Network
Anyone who wants to improve and expand their lives or business.
How to Network
Some people are great at networking in person, but have no idea how to do it online. Thing is, the approach should be the same. You’d never go to a party without knowing why you’re there — a birthday, a celebration, to find love, to eat the free food, meet new people, etc. Same is true online. Know why you’re on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc first.
Then, start with “Hello.” Don’t shove your book or product in someone’s face and say, you should buy this. Use the same manners and etiquette you were raised with — introduce yourself, find out what they do, who they are. Then, if there’s a fit (you’ve discovered that they could actually benefit from your product or service) then mention it. If they aren’t a fit, you’ve still made a valuable connection because they may know someone with whom they can connect you or they may have their own skill or service that you have been looking for all along. I have more on this topic in a SlideShare presentation called Make New Friends And Keep the Old: Climbing the Social Ladder Without Alienating Your Audience that has more on the subject.
With Whom to Network
1. Competitors — Yes, them. I actually wish people would stop using the word competitors. I should call them “potential business partners.” You’d be surprised how much stronger you can be together than apart.
2. Friends and Family — they can make introductions or may give you the frank advice you have been missing.
3. Find potential clients, peers and like-minded individuals on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or at Meetups, conferences and other events.
4. Mentors and Coaches — invaluable in getting you “there” smarter and faster.
The Benefits of Networking
I’ve mentioned some already, but if you have stage fright, trouble speaking in public or making friends, consider this homework or a goal — go to one offline event a month (at least). Another benefit would be that it helps you hone your elevator pitch — that two minutes or 140 characters you have to tell people who you are and how you can help. Finally, networking isn’t about you. It’s about how you can help others with your strength, skills or service. Think of it in those terms and you won’t go wrong. So what are you waiting for? Grab your party hat and get out there.
What’s worked for you?
Tags: meetings, networking, parties, social media tip
Posted in Advice, Conferences, goals, marketing, Social Networks |
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