Be a Joiner

I remember having this conversation frequently over the years.

People would come up to me and ask me what was my secret to knowing (seemingly) everyone. They noticed that every place I went -- networking event, seminar, even the central train station -- I'd be saying hi to someone I had met, and have a quick catch up conversation whenever possible.

The secret is quite simple, actually -- be a joiner. 

Whenever I meet new people, I don't simply shake hands and nod politely while my gaze is roaming somewhere in the distance. People want to be heard, seen, noticed, they want to count, not just be counted.

I make it a point to follow up by checking out your online presence, or learning more about your favorite project and cause. I stay in touch over time -- sending a book, an article, a connection, a note, whenever I find something you'd find useful. One way to show I care.

And, when the opportunity arises, I join in -- a cause, project, learning experience, story that can make me smarter, and support you. That's why I joined Third Tribe Marketing (affiliate link).

With some people it happens instantly, in other cases, the perfect opportunity presented itself years later. Relationships to me are long term. I've joined many, many initiatives, causes, and people over the years. And continue to do so also with my online presence -- sharing links, ideas, making connections.

You leave a comment here, connect with me over a topic somewhere, and you can count on me remembering the exchange. Italians have a very long memory.

Events where I speak are no different. I join all those in attendance, in real time.

Talk about lifestream! I can update walls and streams later -- what's important are the people in front of me, in the room with me, right that second. Which is one of the reasons I tweet very little from conferences, and blog even less, live. 

If we haven't met in real life, and you are going to be at one of these upcoming events, come up to me and introduce yourself, especially if you're a silent reader. I actually enjoy knowing what you think. Here's where I will be in the next couple of months

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I'm a character most of the time. I'll be even more of one at the #140conf next week at the Manayunk Brewery, where I will share my personal life changing story on the Real-Time Internet and the effects on business.

I see from the notes on the meet up page that I'll be in the same room with some Third Tribe members. It's really good when networks converge and I look forward to shaking hands and being in the same space.

There's still a few spaces left, so make sure you grab one. Monday, March 8 @ 5-7PM. Be there.

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You know that I have something up my sleeve for SxSWi, so make sure you say hi when we cross paths at the many opportunities to learn, network, and connect next week in Austin.

I was honored to be invited to judge the Hive Awards recently to support the work of Alan Walk, and will be at the party.

The bloggers lounge will be one of the places where you'll find me there.

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Social media presents great opportunities and challenges to organizations of all sizes. Unfortunately most firms are ill-prepared to deal with the new realm created by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Yammer and other web 2.0 technologies.

As a result, they may ignore the mediums, waste considerable time experimenting with vehicles that deliver little value, under or overspend on technology, and even fail to see legal potholes.

This panel set up as a town hall meeting is co-sponsored by IABC, PHRPS and RIMS. I'm honored to be a Board Member at Large of IABC Philadelphia, and have worked for many years in risk management consulting, even took the associate in risk management designation.

I was helpful the last two panels Rick Alcantara organized, so I got invited back. Wednesday, March 17 @ 8-9:30AM, The Hub Cira Center.

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We're going to talk about how to connect with customers through content -- my favorite -- at the J. Boye Conference.

There are three main things about connection:

1. it's on demand
2. it comes from engagement
3. it prompts us to action

Yet so many Web site owners don't think about online content and marketing as a system. Many companies struggle with how to integrate content in different media and technologies with the brand's need for consistency online (and off line). You want to sell -- your community wants to engage. These two distinct aims needn't be mutually exclusive. Our session will provide you with practical tips to strike this balance. In real time. Every time. My session will be May 6, 10:30-12PM.

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We'll learn why social media is important for brands and how to develop, implement, measure, and manage a program at the Social Media Plus summit executive track.

Social media has changed the way companies and brands are discussed and considered. This presents a challenge, but also opens a number of opportunities for companies ready to harness the power of human interaction. Human involvement is what gives brands the strongest competitive differentiation today.

Executives will learn about the advantages of integrating the social component in their business strategy. This session will cover how to develop, implement, measure, and manage a cross-functional program with goals and metrics that map to impact and track to ROI. Participants will get the inside scoop on finding and activating brand evangelists, gaining competitive intelligence, managing resources and time, while boosting conversions. May 25 @ 7:30AM-5PM at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

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And you can join the rest of the gang at the #kaizenblog Twitter chat every Friday @ 12Noon ET.

Do you want to be on the map? Put yourself there -- being a joiner is not a spectator sport.