I’m going to Social Media Marketing World in San Diego next Tuesday through Thursday. I’m doing two OFFICIAL things that I’ll stop explaining because I keep getting it wrong. Beyond that, most of my time is my own (I’ve got two other formal obligations and a few friend obligations). I thought I’d write out what my hopes are for the event, in case you and I have some shared interests we should cover.
First and Foremost
I’m definitely there to meet and connect. If you SEE me somewhere and find some dumb reason NOT to connect with me, stop it. Go the hell up and say the hell hello. Okay? Permission! Do it! Add yourself to whatever circle we’re hanging in and come say hi. You are NOT allowed to be shy in that moment. You can be shy later. It’s okay. Okay? Okay!
What I Don’t Want
I don’t want to see your demo. Almost 95% sure. Unless I’ve already asked YOU. Then, I probably do. If you’re unsure, I don’t want to see your demo. If you know that I do, I do. If your demo has the words “social” or “twitter” in it, I don’t want to see it. Good? But who am I fooling? Most people who want to show me a demo don’t actually read my blog.
I don’t want to get a meal with you. Meals take an hour plus, and there’s one of me and thousands of really nice people. Group meals are even worse than one-on-one meals. I’ve got a few private meals scheduled, but you and I should meet for a hallway chat or coffee.
I’m not opposed to selfies with you, but is that what you really want? A picture? What could I TELL you or show you or share with you that would help you grow your business? Wouldn’t that be cooler? And THEN a selfie?
I don’t want to go for a run with you. I’m super slow. I might lift weights with you. I’m going to 24 Hr Fitness on Wednesday and Thursday mornings early. I lift basically powerlifter style (bench, deadlift, squats, chinups type stuff, depending on the day).
I’ll Tell You What I Want, What I Really Want
I really want to hear about the cool things you’re doing. Not the regular things. I want to hear that you’ve figured out some amazing way to move the needle. Like, I still have to finish a conversation with Martin Shervington, because he’s doing some really cool stuff. I have huge intentions to talk with Jon Loomer, because I still don’t really understand Facebook advertising. And if you’re doing something really cool that’s resulting in growth for you, I’d love to hear it.
I would LOVE to be helpful in whatever ways I can. I’ve been helping people lately turn content into business for them through my Online Course Maker project. I also know about blogging, speaking, book writing, digital business, and plenty of other things. Whatever I can do to be helpful, just tell me what you’re working on and I’ll see how I can be helpful.
That’s really why I fly 3000+ miles. Well, that and Stelzner. I love that guy.
And if you want to tell me what YOU want, drop me an email: chris @ ownermag. com. I’m always willing to hear. 🙂