My Own Private #Blogathon ATX Goal

I attended Blogathon in Austin on Saturday, April 29, 2012.  For the event I came up with my own private  goal to write five blog posts in one day and post them on the Some Assembly Required Blog.  The purpose of the event is to bring bloggers together for a day of education, information, and networking... but I decided to make it about pushing my writing creative effort.

Sometimes it is hard to know what to write when you write a daily blog.  I get worried if too many posts will overwhelm people, while too little may bore those who visit regularly.  I know some of my posts are better than others, but I appreciate the response I get from readers to most of my work.

I set the goal and although I could not get them all done before I left the event (I had to leave early), I did finish all five posts before the end of the day.

In addition to meeting my goal, I also met several interesting people, reconnected with many old friends, and had a lot of fun.

To review the posts please visit my blog:   http://thomsinger.blogspot.com/search/label/BlogathonATX

Which post do you like best?

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Who Excites You?

There are not that many people who excite. We live in a "vanilla world" and people cannot escape from the being blah.  You cross paths with hundreds of people a week, but most do not stand out.  Too many of us have turned down our "tone" to ensure we fit in with the crowd.

Safe.... but not exciting.

Every now and then we run across someone who is inspiring and exciting.  These people get our attention and are remembered.  I think of us many wish they fell into this category, but we fall short.

This is true in the world of celebrities.  Some are just more interesting (I am talking about "in a good way"... not "in a Kardashian way").  A real stand out actor, author, politician, or other celebrity makes us feel something inside.  They get under our skin.

In my profession (professional speakers), some can emotionally connect with the soul of an audience and get them pumped up while also delivering meaningful content. Other speakers just go through the motion and deliver a report.  Maybe it is "good" information, but not "exciting".

But beyond the tabloids or conference stage who is it that gets you excited?  (I am talking business here, folks!).  Think about the conversations you had the last few days, was there anyone who had that spark in their soul that reached out and got you thinking and feeling in a different way?  What was it about them that was exciting?

I am always looking for people who have that unique aura around them that motivates me to try harder or think deeper.  We should champion those who bring excitement to an otherwise dull routine.  But I question if most people are comfortable with those who inspire.  What do you think?

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Attention on Ideas

A friend and I were talking about ideas.  Specifically, we were talking about how some people put their attention toward ideas, while others talk (gossip) about people.  The real thought leaders we know are always focused on ideas. Those who talk about people are often cataloging what others do (and not always the good stuff).

Idea people are the engine of the future. They do not care about what type or car another person drives or where their house is located.  These folks are less impressed with the subject someone majored in college than they are with the concepts the person can bring to a conversation.  Sharing ideas, and expanding on them (and taking action), are how anyone can change themselves and the world.

It is hard to focus on ideas.  They are often obscure.  Difficult to quantify.  And most of all an idea without action is not worthy of much.  People are sometimes scared of their own ideas being ridiculed by those who do not cherish the power of thoughts.

Putting attention on ideas is a struggle, but the results are the building blocks of legend.  

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Protagonist of Possibilities

Who is your Protagonist of Possibilities?

Few people are really present in our lives who recognize and support our personal and professional goals.  We may think that those near and dear to our hearts understand what we strive to accomplish, but too many are caught up in their own "stuff" that they are blind to everything else.  It is rare to find those caring souls who are helpful to us along our journey toward success.

Antagonists seem to be everywhere and it is common to encounter people who want to dismiss our dreams and desires.  People gossip about those around them and question the legitimacy of the success enjoyed by others.  Have you ever felt undermined or dismissed by someone in your network?  It happens.

The people who have your back and go out of their way to follow through on their intentions are worth their weight in gold.  I talk often about those with "Follow Through DNA", and the term resonates with audiences because most people find few people who have this trait (of doing what they say they will do).

Recognizing who in your life lifts you up, pushes you along, and applauds your victories is important.  Never take these folks for granted.

We all need "protagonists of possibilities" - but they are rare.

Are you one who helps others or are you caught up in your own stuff?

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Three Tips for Networking at #BlogathonATX (or any other event!)

No matter what the industry, a main reason people attend business oriented events is for the "networking opportunities".... and yet once they arrive they suck at making the types of connections they had desired.  They sit with old friends and get buried in their electronic devises.  At the end of the one, two, or three day event they look at the stack of business cards (or other list of connections) and are not sure what to do with the information.

Additionally, those who self identify as being more introverted mistakenly think that the social aspects of attending events is just for those pesky extroverts.  They can be nervous (or pained) by the thought of having to chat with strangers who may just drone on and on about themselves.  But the truth is that introverts are BETTER networkers.  Yep, I said it.  Introverts are much better at networking (and I say this as an extrovert), and once they embrace their power in this area they can easily maximize the time they invest in attending conferences.  Introverts tend to ask questions and listen better.  When you learn about others you have a higher opportunity of being able to discover ways to establish an ongoing connection and help each other succeed.

Meeting someone once does NOT make them part of your network.  Meeting someone once makes them "someone you have met once".  There is a big difference between people you have met once and those with whom you cultivate a long-term and meaningful relationship.  But you have to start somewhere!

For those at Austin's Blogathon there are three things that we can all do to make today a better event (and it is already GREAT...as Ilene and her team have done an amazing job in coordinating).

Three Tips for Networking at Blogathon

1.  Do not sit with your closest friends in the room.  Look at your friends and say "I love you, you are the coolest, and I appreciate our relationship.... but I am going to move to another table with people I do not already know".  Putting yourself at tables with strangers who are not part of your inner-circle will expose you to new creative minds that can inspire you in ways you never imagined.

2.  Say hello to people.  There is POWER in the world "HELLO".  Others might be shy, but they are happy when you smile at them and say "hi".  Nobody who invested time to come to Blogathon is an asshole (okay, nobody might be an overstatement).  Greet people and ask them questions.  Listen to them.  And be aware of the difference between a chat and a meaningful conversation.

3.  Plan for the follow-up. When you have one (or more) of those meaningful talks, embrace the idea of following up with the person.  Follow-up does not happen by accident, someone has to "own the follow-up".  It is like dating... if one person does not ask for the first date, second date, etc... there is no relationship.  Be sure to get a business card or other contact tool (be respectful, as not everyone like to "Bump" or Google Search you later. Business cards are still a useful tool, but if you did not bring any (or are freakishly opposed to business cards), find a way to make sure you both can get the needed info.

If you read this while at Blogathon I hope we meet.  Come and say "Hello".

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Live Blogging at #BlogathonATX

I am attending BLOGATHON in Austin.   I believe this is the fourth annual event, but it is the first time I have been present.

This is an event that was organized several years ago by Ilene Haddad (and others) to bring together people in Austin who write blogs and are otherwise engaged in the local social media community.  Austin is full of creative people, and anytime you can be around amazing people you cannot avoid being inspired.

The event is being hosted at Tech Ranch and there are nearly 100 people crammed into the meeting room with their laptops and iPads open and fingers flying.  There are panel discussions, experts, advice bars, one-on-one advice, and an inviting atmosphere.

I am hungry to get fresh ideas, find motivation, and meet new people.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer