Blogworld Expo - The Recap

20 Oct 2009

Lesson #1 Networking

I’ve got so much to share with you from my trip to Vegas that I don’t really know where to begin. For instance, I got a chance to hang out with some of the guys that helped me launch my blogging career, such as Darren Rowse (Problogger):

Chris Brogan:

Chris Garrett:

and David Risley:

Also included in that photo are a few guys that I hadn’t known before the event, but really enjoyed hanging out with (Lisa Morosky, Rich Lazzara and Tim Jones). Outside of that, I got to meet Shama Kabani, have dinner with John Chow and the Market Leverage team, and find an awesome new lifestyle coach.

Image Credit Lisa Morosky

I got a killer shot with Izea’s CEO Ted Murphy and snagged a photo op with Chad Vader “Day Shift Manager.”

As someone that used to work in direct sales, I’m used to being able to do business over a drink and a handshake, and that is what I really enjoyed about this conference. Every single one of the people in these photos were not only approachable, but they were helpful. I wanted to do my part to help them put a face to a name (my name in this case) and I think that can help people like you and I bridge the gap between being low on the radar and taking things to the next level.

I’m under no illusions that namedropping will catapult my career, but the truth is that getting to know the pro’s in the blogging world, or in any world for that matter, can help you elevate your game. It’s more than just how hard you work…there is a mindset required to become successful and hanging out with the people that do this for a living is a great opportunity to examine and adopt that mindset.

Lesson #2 Business is Serious

One of the most prevailing messages of this conference was that if you aren’t taking your business seriously, then you are on your way to a giant #FAIL. I take my business seriously now, but I don’t plan as much as I should. Rich gave me some great pointers about how to improve my website…things that I probably should have fixed but never took the time to address. I learned that you need to focus on the pieces of the puzzle that make you money and also to keep doing things that are working. However, if you aren’t paying attention to what works and what doesn’t, you won’t be able to identify either issue.

The guys that make the crazy cash doing this for a living might seem casual on the web, but when you meet them in person you can sense the intensity and purpose within them. Chris Brogan had an awesome keynote about how to elevate your game and I really liked what he had to say. I’ll paraphrase:

You need to quit putting yourself on a pedestal because you understand this game. Instead, get your ass out there and meet other people. Find out how you can help them and then learn how you can make a business model around that. Don’t limit yourself to little projects…change the game by thinking big. We’re just on the brink of greatness…all of us.

The essence of the conversation is that you need to have more than a short-term plan. Every post needs to have a purpose, as does every aspect of your website. Don’t just go with the flow…take consistently purposeful action and move towards your big goals. Make dreams come true for you and for yourself.

Lesson #3 The Little Things Do Work

I was able to spend time talking with many of these people because I consistently follow the actions mentioned in my Twitter course. I listen, respond, and listen more. I understand their game and try to work my way into what other people are doing. Once they know you (and this is how I got a post on Copyblogger and on Twitip), you can offer to submit guest posts. From there, you can stay in touch and see how you can continue to help them. Once they trust you, they’ll let you do more until eventually, you can launch a product together or ask them to do interviews for a book. It’s all about networking…one step at a time.

In closing, I just want to remind you to check out my updated Twitter Guide (Twitter for Game Changers) and be on the lookout for a new design very, very, very soon. Lastly, if you haven’t signed up for the Beyond Blogging pre-order list, check it out. Very shortly you’ll get a chance to win a Crush It wristband, a signed copy of Crush It, and some other cool stuff.