This week I had the privilege of attending a Power from Within conference. The keynote speaker of the event was Anthony Robbins. He was the actual reason that i bought the tickets in the first place, but I can actually say that all 6 speakers brought something important to the table. So I’ll do a little blurb about a few that I found the most inspiring.
When Mitch Joel came out, I didn’t really know what to think, I’m not in the business of marketing in the professional world-although after hearing him speak, you could argue that we are all in marketing, we all sell ourselves to every person we meet, even if it is unconsciously.
When Google wanted to explain online marketing to the top retailers in the United States (including Wal-Mart, Costo, Sears and Sephora), they brought Mitch Joel to the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. Marketing Magazine dubbed him the, “Rock Star of Digital Marketing” and in 2006 he was named one of the most influential authorities on Blog Marketing in the world. Mitch Joel is President of Twist Image – an award-winning Digital Marketing agency based in Montreal, Quebec. He is a marketing and communications visionary, interactive expert, community leader, Blogger, Podcaster and believer in doing the impossible. He is also a passionate entrepreneur and speaker who connects with people worldwide by sharing his marketing insights on digital marketing and personal branding.-From the Power Within Website.
I have to say I was impressed. He spoke a lot about the power of conversation and expanding your social network. One thing he said that I thought was neat was that as children we are taught to “never speak to strangers” and as adults it’s so engrained in us that we tend to shy away from people. How many times do you look down when you’re in an elevator so you avoid having a conversation with someone else?
He also played this video. It’s interesting that the more “connected” we become (in terms of technology) the easier it is to be disconnected from each other. I’m sure some of you have seen this before, but for those who haven’t, take a look!
He encouraged everyone to attend 3 social networking events by the end of this week, and as most people groaned he reminded us that it can be as simple as turning around behind you and introducing yourself.And no he wasn’t giving out free hugs, that’s Juan Mann’s job!
The Bottom Line
Mitch’s message was clear, stop being afraid to have a conversation with someone you don’t know. There are so many free tools for us to use to market ourselves and our business, don’t be afraid to use them.
With the advent of the internet, we all have the same ability to market ourselves to millions of people, without footing a huge PR bill. So with that being said, if you’re into social networking sites and you want to hear more about my boring amazing life, follow me on twitter! Mitch also wants you to follow him scroll to the bottom of this page and find out where you can find him!
Even if you don’t believe a word I’m saying in this post, you have to admit that this video is pretty amazing! Juan Mann is the man in this video, and has appeared on Oprah! So go out and hug some one, it’s free.
Just a follow up…Today I actually talked to someone in our Kindermusik class who I’ve never had a conversation with in the 2 months we’ve been going. She’s a young mom of 18 month old twins and always seems to have her hands full. The music teacher helps her out during class but she’s back on her own after class is over.
Your post got me to thinking so I stopped and asked her if she needed any help. One of her boys and my boy sat in my lap while she put shoes on her other son. Then we switched so she had a couple of minutes to not have to worry about 2 at once. Then I helped her get them to the car — my son was being unusually calm so it was great he was cooperating!
This mom was so grateful for me taking a few extra minutes to give her the tiniest bit of help. I’ve been kicking myself all day for not asking her since day one of class if she needed an extra set of hands to help her get their shoes on and get into the car.
Thanks again for this post. It inspired me to take action!
It is so true that we go out of our way to avoid talking to “real” people in person. Think of all the interesting things we’ve missed by keeping our eyes down to the ground as we stand next to someone in line!
I heard the lecture series being advertized. Although I thought it would be interesting, I thought it was only one speaker, so I opted not to get a ticket. Next time.
So true about the not talking to strangers comment. I guess the challenge is how to socialize our children balancing safety and curiousity.