March 15th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
My friend and colleague Liz Strauss is doing it again! She is hosting the conference of the year for bloggers who want to get to the next level. Here is what they are saying:
Part seminar, part conference, part deep networking event, SOBCon08 is even more about YOU!
We’re bringing back what you valued last year, and we’re adding more depth, more coverage, more opportunities. Take a look inside. Here’s some of what’s at SOBCon08 for you this year.
- Enjoy Entertainment & Open Comment Night
before the information flow begins.
- Build an actionable plan of working models
presented by experts who use them.
- Share ideas and forge working relationships through the unique integrated team-based approach.
- Show your expertise in the speedspeaking event
that invites attendees to present their best practices.
- Be part of the most incredible group of participants any conference has ever known.
They are calling it, Biz School for Bloggers. It’s good to know the business of running a great blog whether you blog for money or entertainment. Check the schedule. No term papers are required.
Whether for love or money, if you blog for readers or community, you’re in the business of blogging. This conference can help you achieve your goals, faster with more confidence, and more predictably.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up here.
P.S.
If I know Liz, she is going to make this an unforgettable event!
P.P.S.
I won’t be there personally due to previous client engagements, but I am hoping you guys will let me know how awesome it was.
Posted in The Best Video Blogs, Business Blogs, Info Blogs, Training, Coaching, Mentoring, Seminars, Web Entrepreneur Community | 2 Comments »
March 11th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
I just wrapped up my first South by Southwest (SXSW) conference ever and aside from being a bit overwhelmed and tired, I am truly excited. One, it has inspired me to blog more and continue sharing my expertise. Two, it allowed me to meet some amazing folks. Here are the top 5 things I learned at SXSW 2008.
1) There are some amazing people in my field- I sometimes take this fact for granted, but one of the reasons I love what I do (marketing) is because of the people I get to interact with, and SXSW was no exception. I got to meet some phenomenal bloggers and colleagues. Here were some of my favorite people at SXSW:
- Jonathan Fields- This was the first time I met him. Jonathan is not only a fantastic writer but also a warm hearted individual. His blog is a very good reflection of him. If you subscribe to it, you will see exactly what I mean.
- eMom- eMom, also known as Wendy Piersall, is a passionate entrepreneur. She is planning some groundbreaking things to help parents succeed as entrepreneurs and I sincerely wish her all the best. It’s rare to run into such a caring individual!
- Shoemoney- Jeremy Schoemaker is one of the most popular bloggers on the net. He is also a great guy to have lunch with. I have been reading Jeremy’s posts for a few months now, but meeting him in person was a real treat. We chatted about his businesses (he has a lot) and how he got started with the blog. He is a real straight forward guy with a lot of knowledge. I am hoping our paths cross again soon.
- Scott Allen- It was great fun meeting Scott again. A technology entrepreneur and author, this guy knows the virtual world better than most. I will be reviewing his newest book soon.
To keep this list from growing out of control, I will briefly list the other great people I met. You can check out their blogs to see why I feel they are such rock stars-Brian Massey, Eric Doggett, Thom Singer, Alex DC, Jose Castillo, Liz Strauss, Shashi Bellamkonda, Mohammad Saleem, Rohit Bhargava, Dave Evans.
2) Schedule tentatively- I attended only 3 of the panels I had originally planned on checking out. As with any huge conference, it’s best to plan tentatively and go with the flow. I skipped panels to eat with friends. I attended different sessions due to recommendations. I spent a lot of time lounging in the BlogHaus lobby. I also didn’t attend any of the parties I was so excited about. Why? Well, because I am not really a party person. I don’t drink, and I am usually in bed by 11 pm. As excited as I was about the prospect of attending one of Google’s infamous parties, it just wasn’t me.
3) Leave panels that are boring- Rudeness is not one of my hallmarks, but I was disappointed by some of the panels at the SXSW. My view on panels is this: if you can say it in an article that would take me 10 minutes to read, don’t do a panel on it. I left some of the panels I was eagarly awaiting because they were utterly boring. Time is valuable and best spent at panels that deliver solid content with strategy. Interactive panels were the best. My two favorite ones were Art of Speed with Tim Ferris as moderator and Social Media Revolution with Charlene Li.
4) Don’t be afraid to ask- My favorite part about SXSW were the lunches. No, not the food, but the company. Twitter friends would randomly ask who wanted to do lunch and we would all meet (often for the first time) and head to a local haunt. The conversation and company was unbeatable. Sometimes all you have to do is just ask!
5) Set an intention but not an agenda- An intention is a goal held without any expectation of the outcome. An agenda is a set of goals in a to-do list form. An agenda is worrisome and feels heavy. An intention is much more light hearted and allows for change. I went to SXSW with an intention to meet fellow colleagues and to learn something that may help me help my clients. Both things were accomplished. I also noted people at the conference who seemed to have an agenda in terms of who they wanted to meet and what they wanted from them. It didn’t look too promising. Go with intentions over agendas any day!
Posted in Web Entrepreneur Community | 9 Comments »
February 14th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
I usually don’t do posts of this nature on this blog, but today being Valentine’s day, I feel compelled to show my gratitude and heart-felt thanks to a few people.
You- Yes, you. Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for visiting my site. Thank you for spending a few of your precious moments reading my thoughts. Thank you for having the courage to seek knowledge and for always wanting to better your life and your business. Thank you for letting me be a part of that life and that business.
My Team- Maureen, Fawn, Afzal, Krishna, Kandan- I couldn’t do without you guys. You are what makes After The Launch special. You are the reason our clients keep coming back to work with us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Robert Middleton- Robert, you have been such an inspiration to me. Your service, dedication, and love for what you do is such a motivator. I am proud to call you my mentor.
Jay Hargis- Colleague, Client, Friend, you are just an all-around great guy. Thank you Jay for always trusting me.
Pam Slim- Pam, you have been such a rocking influence in my life. I want you to know that I deeply appreciate all your words of wisdom and kindess.Thank you for always allowing me to believe in myself.
Suzanne Falter-Barns- Many of my readers may not know this, but Suzanne is the one who gave the boost to start After The Launch. Thank you Suzanne for your candidness, your talent, and your belief that everyone can get known now!
Philippa Keannealy- Philippa is the doctor’s doctor. And my good friend. Thank you Philippa for always encouraging and being there. Your support means a lot to me.
Jeannette Maw- People like you are rare Jeannette. You are kind, compassionate, and generous. Thank you for teaching me the things you know.
Liz Strauss- Liz, I feel like I have known you a lot longer than I actually have. Thank you for your spirit.
Nancy R. Fenn- Nancy, you truly have a gift. Thank you for sharing it with me and allowing me a glimpse into my own heart.
Drew and CK- Thank you for welcoming me into the marketing writers arena with such gusto.
Heather Juma- For being a true friend. I am glad you are along for the ride!
This list should be a lot longer, but this will have to do for now.
Happy Valentines Day and Thank you!
Posted in Web Entrepreneur Community | 6 Comments »
