My “Why”

I am conducting an experiment, and I need your help.  First of all, I am curious to see how applying the social media principles will change my business life.  Secondly, how long will it take to actually have results?  The results meter has a couple of positions, one is acquiring new customers and the second would be my overall influence growth.  And lastly, how much time is necessary to accomplish the first two points.  Then the final analysis – was it worth it?

In this experiment, I am using the model Julie and Julia where Julie Powell cooks her way through Julia Child’s first cookbook and blogs about it for 365 days.  September 1 2009 is my chosen “start” date for the 365 days of blogging using Chris Brogan and Julian Smith book, Trust Agents.  Besides the book, I will use Chris’ blog, podcasts, videos, etc. and write how I am applying his wisdom.

This blog is MY VOICE.  It is my interpretation of what is going on in the social media world.  Not only will I be assessing Brogan’s work but all the other influencers on the scene.  From the social media stew, I will craft a version which is actionable and produces results.  Maybe there will be a book forthcoming.  I do not know at this time.  I am sure I can create an information products out of the lessons learned from the experiment (both positive and the oopps).

Personal Fulfillment

I view this experiment as a means to achieve to continue my life goals; to be a person of significant influence.  The vision I have is – I am at a business lunch and I have brought together two individuals/companies who need to meet one another.  Based on that meeting, they start some sort of business arrangement.  I call this “magic,” and I would like to be apart of this type of activity several times a week.  But to achieve, that I need to build my influence sphere, both online and off line.  Fortunately, I have been this match maker in the past and have had moderate achievements.

The face-to-face world has been my arena for the last 25 + years.  I have consulted in all aspects of face-to-face, like trade shows, executive briefings, seminars and the like. My clients have been the Fortune 100 corporations down to mid-size and small companies.

The online world is fairly new to me.  I have been blogging with my site, Let’s Talk Trade Shows (www.letstalktradeshows.com) since January 2008 and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR http://blog.ceir.org) starting August 2008.  I see that this arena of social media will have a vast impact on how business is conducted in the future; therefore, it has captured my interest.

Here where you come into the picture.  I want your input via comments on the blog and share how social media impacted your business venture.  I will highlight your success (or failures) on this blog!!