Meet In Person

Social media and mobile tools are great for making and cultivating connections, but we still live in the real world, and a friendship is more than a "like", "link", "share" or "follow".

While participating online in the remote webcast of the 2013 PCMA Convene Conference I shared chat conversations with a smart person from Canada.  I began following her in other social media communities, and we regularly saw each other's updates in Twitter, etc....  We both work in the meetings industry, and our paths continued to cross online over the past several months, but since I live in Texas, we had never met.

Meredith Low is a strategy consultant who works with association and other conference planners to improve their meetings.  She lives in the very cool city of Toronto.  In planning for my trip to the Blue Mountain Resort (2 hours north or Toronto) to speak for the Toronto Chapter of Meeting Professionals International at there two day education conference, I reached out to see if my virtual friend had time to grab dinner before I flew home to Austin.

It is great to make the face-to-face connections with people you only know online.  Humans are so much more than their Twitter stream, blog, or Facebook status.  We had fun talking about our businesses, the meetings industry, and life in general.  She is delightful, and I look forward to keeping in touch and watching her consulting business continue to grow and thrive.

When you travel for business or pleasure it can be fun to meet the people you know from your online activities.  And since humans are experiential beings, we create friendships when we share an experience.  While not everyone you know online will transform into a friend, it is often worth the investment of time to get to know people.  Sometimes it is as easy as asking if they have time to get together.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do: Sara Singer - ACG Chapter Executive Extraordinaire

Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

My wife, Sara Singer, is the Chapter Executive for the Central Texas Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).  She has been in this job for six years, and does a great job of running the programs for the association (which includes both Austin and San Antonio).  She had spent over 10 years working in the hotel business, so her meeting planning experience comes in very handy in her current position.  (I always say if you want to find someone who knows how to work hard, seek out someone with experience in the hospitality industry!).

Each June the chapter hosts the Central Texas Growth Awards, which honor companies of all sizes in the region that have demonstrated outstanding growth.  In good times, and in bad, the Central Texas region continues to have companies that are expanding.  This year there were 12 finalists selected from a huge number of nominees, and four companies were honored at the gala luncheon on June 12, 2013.

This awards lunch is now in its 8th year, and is the largest event that Sara oversees in her role as Chapter Executive.  The luncheon has grown to 200 attendees, and is consistently one of the best local networking meetings for middle-market companies in the region.

While there are many people on the ACG Central Texas Board, and other volunteers, who contribute to make this event a success, I am impressed by the work Sara does behind the scenes to ensure that all the pieces come together.  The event runs like a well-oiled machine, and she makes it all look so easy.

I am excited to include Sara in one of my "Cool Things My Friends Do" blog posts.... as she is both cool... and my friend!  If you have never attended an ACG event in Austin or San Antonio, I am sure she would be glad to tell you more about their monthly lunches, the Toast to Private Equity, the Annual Golf Tournament,  or the Awards Luncheon!

Have A Great Day

thom singer 

The 2013 National Speakers Association Convention - Are You In or Not?

A friend of mine wants to be a professional speaker.  I have never seen him present, so I cannot vouch for his skill level, but he is very passionate about inspiring others.  I do not think his desire is "ego based", but instead I think he has been touched by others who present, and wants to be one of those who makes a difference.

His interest in the speaking industry is real, but he has not taken much action.  He has questions, and excuses, around what it takes to be in the business.  Study, inquiry and skepticism all have their place, but they can only take you so far.  As we talked, I remembered being in the same position.  I reviewed the business of speaking for a long time, but I was not committed.  I assumed I knew what it was to be a speaker, because I had observed those who speak, yet the reality was I had no clue.

What we see from the outside is mainly the celebrities who speak, or local business professionals who talk at Rotary Clubs, business showcases, etc...  But that middle ground, the working professional speakers, is harder to observe, and thus the day-to-day of being a speaker is often misunderstood.

It was only when I joined the National Speakers Association that I fully grasped what it meant to be a speaker (since I am not a celebrity).  The organization has allowed me to associate with others in the profession who are devoted to serving their audiences in a variety of manners.  The biggest lesson is that no two speakers have businesses that are exactly the same.  There is not magic formula that once can follow to ensure success.  

The next step was to understand the greater concept of the "Meetings Industry" and how I fit into that as a speaker.  My association with MPI, PCMA, ASAE and other groups helped me realize that speakers are actually "Event Professionals", as great speakers have a material impact on the success of a meeting.  I had to gain both knowledge and respect for the business of meetings before I was able to find my own success.

I asked my friend if he was interested in attending the National Speakers Association Convention this summer? (July 27-30 in Philadelphia).  He was unsure.  The cost of attending made him question the value (and he was unsure if he was ready to invest).  I know from experience that if he participated in the event, and looked for others who are newer to the business, he will make connections that can help him learn and grow.  It is not about stalking the celebrity speakers (as while they are nice, most wont really be able to assist), but instead finding people who one can "grow up" with in the business.  

Is he in or not?  I am not sure.  I do know that if he attends he cannot hang out the whole time with me and my friends, as he will need to create his own social circle (as tagging along never allows one to find success at a conference).  But with over 1000 speakers in attendance, everyone should be able to find people with whom they can establish real and lasting friendships.  Had I not joined NSA 5 years ago I am not sure that  I would have succeeded.  Not because of the organization, but because of the people who have helped me along each step of this journey.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

"The ABC's of Networking" is Now Available in Spanish

New Year Publishing has announced the release of my book, "The ABC's of Networking" in Spanish.  It joins the Hindi and Romanian versions of the same book (which were licensed to publishers in India and Romania), and the Russian version of "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships" (also licensed foreign rights).

The ABC's of Networking - Spanish Edition, will be available soon via Amazon.com and other booksellers.  Several of my friends who are Spanish speaking business speakers and trainers have inquired about using this book in their classes, and yes.... the book will be available for bulk purchase pricing through NYP.

I have enjoyed seeing the foreign language editions of these books, and there more are on the way... as NYP continues to market the books for international audiences.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Creativity in Business

Creativity.  It is a powerful and mysterious word in today's business world.  We all want to be around people who possess that creative spark, and while it is hard to describe, we always know the unique when we see it.  Creating new solutions to old problems changes the world, and we have seen a lot of that in recent decades.  Those people who can visualize what has not been done before (think Steve Jobs, and others) are legends.

But the school system I remember worked hard to get most of us to "stay inside the lines".  I was a creative kid, and I loved to draw, make up games, pretend, create, act, and play.  But somewhere along the lines I got in line with the "norm".  The creativity did not die (it is alive and well, just had been packed away), as my teachers and peers did not seem to cherish and celebrate those who pushed the envelope.  My parents also, as great as they were, guided me toward a traditional path.

Today, as I raise two daughters, things seem a bit different.  I work for myself which means I must seek creative ways to keep the lights on ever day.  My kids are encouraged in their education to explore and discover the things that interest them.  They see their parents working to forge a new path, instead of working in regular jobs, and I hope we set good examples. Their options appear more expansive and complex, and their teachers seem to cherish the quirky things that make them each unique (although, I am not sure that the peer thing has changed much...as those that are different still seem to get pushed out or pulled back - see The Lobster Story - a 2005 post on this blog).

This month's (June 2013) FastCompany Magazine is the annual issue that highlights the 100 Most Creative People in Business.  I read the article and was interested in how many areas of our world these creative superstars come from and the different things they do for a living.  Creativity is not just one thing.  It is not only in art, but is present science, government, manufacturing, construction, etc.....

A friend posted a Tweet Link to a story about a TIME poll that shows Americans value creativity above all else, but it went on to show that while it is important, most people do not understand what it is to be creative.

My work within the Meetings Industry has shown me first hand there are people out there who are willing to try new things. Those who plan events are some of the most creative (and under-appreciated) people I have ever met.  However, while many value creative ideas, the thought of trying new things scares some people.  There are those that love the idea of shaking up their conference agenda (and do it), but others fall back to the known and tried when they have to make the final decisions.  This is not just true for conferences, but in all business sectors.  We want to be creative, but too few of us will go out and take the risks.

I enjoy creativity, and am working hard to unpack my own experimental qualities so that my potential is not stifled by false walls.  How about you.  What have you done that is creative this week?

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do -- Jessica Pettitt Launches "Shebango!"

Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

One of the best parts of being a professional speaker is the wonderful friends I have made in the speaking industry.  Jessica Pettitt, CSP is one of those special friends who has enhanced my life by her presence.  She is a former college administrator and stand-up comic who became a professional speaker.  I met Jess about 18 months ago at a National Speakers Association event, and we have become fast friends.  She is one of those people who is always willing to help others and takes joy in the success of those around her.

Jessica has launched a series of product offerings for closing a conference called "Shebango!".  Together we share a belief that the speakers selected to open and close a conference set the tone for the whole event, and impact how people remember their experience (which leads to how they talk-up the conference to their peers and influences if they return the following year).

Where my "Conference Catalyst" program typically kicks off an event, her "Shebango!" closes the conference (Holy Cow -  I can't wait until the right planner comes along who uses us both at the same event!!! Talk about fun for all).  She participates in all aspects of the conference and then summarizes the vibe of the multiple days with her unique mix of humor and motivation.

Here is a quick video where she shares more information about "Shebango!"

Want to see Jessica in action?  She will be the Facilitator of Awesomeness (and yes, the Shebango!) at the America Talks Business Conference in Philadelphia on July 24-26, 2013.

Congrats to Jess.... this is cool (and so is she).

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Meeting Planning: Focus on the "Conference Attendee Experience"

In yesterday's blog post ("The Good-Old Days of Blogging") I mentioned seeking inspiration from reading another person's blog, and then writing more about how that post gets you thinking about a topic.  I knew today I needed to take that action.

A recent post on the ASAE "Associations Now" Blog by Samantha Whitehorne was my muse... it got me excited about the topic of improving meetings (well, I am ALWAYS excited about meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows.... and ways to make them better!).  Her post, "7 Ways To Make Your Next Conference Great" should be read (and re-read) by all who plan events.  

Jump over and read her post.

The key point, which is mentioned more than once in her article, is that meetings are about the people who attend the event, not the organizations that plan the conferences.  While this sounds elementary, the reality is that it can easily be forgotten when there is a committee involved and decisions are being made around conflicting agendas.

A friend recently attended a conference where the keynote speaker was not very engaging (AKA: Dull).  She mentioned her opinion to the person in charge of the event who responded by saying that "the speaker was very smart, and we were all lucky to hear from him".  Apparently the reality that the audience did not respond well to the presentation did not matter.  That is not good!

All decisions that are made in planning an event (speakers, venue, food choices, entertainment, timing of breaks, etc...) should all be made with the "conference attendee experience" in mind.  I was involved in organizing an event several years ago and too many sessions were planned, so it was suggested that we eliminate coffee breaks.  Could you imagine an event that went from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM with no breaks?  That was not suggested with the audience at the core of the planning.  (This was not the final solution, but heavily considered).

I enjoy working in the meetings industry (yes, being a professional speaker is a direct part of the meetings business!).  I especially like working with planners who think big and seek out ways to shake up the "same old / same /old" traditional ways of organizing meetings.  Just because something was done before, does not mean it needs to continue.  Looking for ways to get people more engaged is exciting, and everyone in the business can have an impact.

What do you think?  Have any input on this topic?  Reach out and contact me.  I love chatting about this stuff.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com 

The Good-Old Days of Blogging

In the early day of blogging it was common for bloggers to read something on one blog, and then use that as inspiration for their own post.  They would link back to the muse, give credit to the other blogger, and then add their two cents.  Bloggers would comment on each other's sites and look for ways to help promote others who were also writing blogs that caught their attention.

Early blog guru's like Darren Rowse of ProBlogger and Brian Clark of CopyBlogger got their start being a peer to others who were exploring blogging.  It was not a competition, nor about being a self-focused activity.  Blogging was about community.... really, it was!

Those days are long gone.  Most bloggers seem to only promote their own thoughts and ideas while they pontificate.  There seems to be few outbound links to other writers of blogs, and rarely do people seem to site their inspiration...., unless that other person is famous.  There seems to be a mistaken notion that famous people will see a post and "discover" the person who wrote about them (yeah, it doesn't happen that way too often).  I still see people link out to the most well read blogs, but it is no longer common for bloggers to promote their peers.  (See my Blog Roll on the right side of this page, and click through to see some great blogs!!!).

It also seems like with the addition of so many blogs, that few people are as interested in reading what others have to say as they were in the past.

I miss the old days.  It was fun.  There was a feel of the Wild West, but it was a community of people seeking to learn, share, and connect.  Lots of people were blogging about blogging.... and there was something cool about having a blog.

It was the topic and the writers opinion that mattered, not the flash of who was the cool kid on the block.  But then it all got stale.  Too many corporate marketing consultants pushed a ton of non-bloggers into creating their own portals.  This shifted blogging to be more promotional, and the intrigue of finding an interesting blogger who could be shared with friends vanish in the over-crowded sea of pre-scheduled posts.

And yet I still write.  It is cathartic for me, and it allows me to explore thoughts. ideas and observations.  I try to promote others (which is why I created the weekly "Cool Things My Friends Do" posts), but I do not link out as much as I did in the past.  I wish that culture of quoting and linking was still active.

It is still exciting for me to read posts by the people who I admire, but I rarely find new bloggers that catch my attention.  By reading posts on other platforms I am encouraged and inspired and I plan to seek out some thought provoking sites and use them as my muse.  Look for more posts here where I that take concepts I find elsewhere and add to the conversation.

Your thoughts?

Have A Great Day

thom singer

ACG Central Texas Awards Lunch - Sign Up NOW

The 2013 Austin Outstanding Corporate Growth & Emerging Companies Awards Lunch, hosted by the Central Texas Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin.

This annual event is always one of the best gatherings of the year for the Austin Business Community, and it is a great place to network and to learn about local middle market companies.

This year's keynote speaker is Brian R. Smith. Brian serves as the managing director of S3 Ventures, an earlier stage venture capital firm with $95M under management. Brian oversees all of S3′s investments. S3 invests primarily in Texas and the southwest.

The master of ceremonies... well that is ME. (This will be the 32nd event of 2013 where I have been the speaker or the EmCee... so hopefully by now I know what I am doing!!!). 

Award nominees include:

Bigcommerce, CLEAResult, DNT Construction, Flare Industries, InGenesis, Institute for Women's Health, Invodo, Lake Truck Lines, Mission Pharmacal, Mutual Mobile, RateGenius & Scentchips Register now at http://www.acg.org/centraltexas/events/event.aspx?F_d=06%2f12%2f2013&F_y=2013&F_m=6&EventId=5970&

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do: Bill Singer Saxophone Repairman - 30 Years In New York City

Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

The song says "If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" in regards to succeeding in New York City.  To be on top of your game in the Big Apple for thirty years is quite an accomplishment for anyone, and this month marks three decades that my brother has been the premier Saxophone Repairman in New York City.

Bill Singer moved to New York City to play music, surround himself with the best musicians in the world, and to repair instruments.  He has always loved the saxophone, and over the years his hands have saved many thousands of horns from disrepair.

Bill is 12 years older than me, and his constant practicing and playing music (and his love of Jazz) echoes in my childhood memories.  I can recall being unable to hear the television even though he was playing in his own room.  Not being able to hear The Flintstones meant complaints to the parents (maybe whining and tears?), and Bill was often sent out to the garage to practice.  I can still see the image in my head of him in exile down the driveway on rainy nights belting out tunes. 

To earn a living he began repairing horns.  The saxophone is a delicate instrument, and Bill's commitment to each repair is evident in the artistic manner in which he applies his craft.  I have watched him work, and he treats each horn repair as a work of art.  The passion of that kid learning to play that saxophone in the garage is evident today in the way he runs his business.  All jobs get the same level of attention, no matter how big or how small.  He enjoys working with the new aspiring musicians as much as he does the celebrities (He has repaired the horns of many of the most renowned saxophone players of our time, some referring to him as "the Music Doctor").

All of his clients find him through word-of-mouth, and he is known far beyond boroughs of New York City.  It is not uncommon for those coming the area to bring their saxophones with them for an appointment.... but an appointment is always needed, as his calendar is booked months in advance.  He is a great example of how "Word-of-Mouth Marketing" can book you solid.  Do great work in a niche business and the customers will find you!  While he is not the only repairman, his dedication to the craft of saxophone repair has made him "the" repairman of choice.

Bill has seen a lot of changes in New York City and in the music industry.  He has survived the good times and the bad with a strong focus on overcoming all odds. Quitting has never been an option. 

Passion, plus hard work, has transformed his love of the saxophone into his career. While Bill Singer works hard, I do not think he considers what he does to be "work".  He always seems to be having fun!  

Doing something you love and being your own boss can be pretty cool...thus he is today's entry into "Cool Things My Friends Do".

Congrats to my big brother on 30 years in New York City!!!

Check out the attached video created by one of Bill's clients.... it has over 18,000 views on YouTube and shows a great personal side of Bill in action!!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

(Note the below photos of a repair)