Things I learned at #SMAZ

By Linda VandeVrede on January 25th, 2010 In Social Media

IMG00136The 2nd Social Media for Business/AZ conference (on twitter at #SMAZ) took place today at Madcap Theater in Tempe.   I moderated a panel there for social media newbies, featuring four experts who answered questions from the audience – including @amandavega, @chewitt, @keomarketing, and @scottmcandrew.

I learned a lot today.   Here’s a slice:

  • You can get thru just about anything, no matter how bad you feel, with a bunch of hall’s balls, tissues, and coffee.
  • If you wear the largest heels you’ve ever worn to a conference before in your life, you will feel the same sense of power that tall people must feel all the time. 
  • Jay Baer’s reputation as a social media expert is definitely deserved.  He delivered a presentation about the “11 must do’s for serious bloggers.”   No puff – lots of good, solid tips.   Check out his blog at www.convinceandconvert.com
  • New clients to social media should focus on the message and the content, not so much the delivery vehicle.   Then, when choosing which tool to use, find out first where your audience hangs out.
  • There are definitely more guys at social media conferences than there are at pure PR or marketing conferences.   This is a plus, as well as the fact that the more balanced gender breakdown means no lines at the ladies’ restrooms!  (Note to self).
Things I learned at #SMAZ

Comments

Abbie S. Fink Says:
January 25th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

Definitely got my money’s worth today. If you weren’t there, be sure to get on tweetchat and check out #smaz. Lots of good info. I’m guessing there will be other blog posts as well.

Linda VandeVrede Says:
January 25th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Abbie, you got that right. It was a great get-together today. I met several people in person, finally, whom I only “knew” thru twitter before.

Sarah Sbordone Says:
January 25th, 2010 at 8:38 pm

I agree, definitely a great event. As a new social media enthusiast the information that was shared and discussed among presenters and attendees alike was invaluable. It was also a great opportunity to develop relationships with others just as excited about this still new way of communicating. Agreed… be sure to check out #smaz for a recap.

Andy Ptacek Says:
January 26th, 2010 at 7:23 am

Thanks for your list Linda! I was also impressed with the gender mix-up and even more so with the speakers’ presentations. I’m glad I decided to attend… the expert insights were so valuable.

Marie Goltara Says:
January 26th, 2010 at 9:14 am

Great post. I particularly like the first bullet: “You can get thru just about anything, no matter how bad you feel, with a bunch of hall’s balls, tissues, and coffee.” I’m also adding Jay Baer’s blog to my list of daily reading. :)

Kristi Hines Says:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:19 pm

The 11 Must Do’s for Serious Bloggers was probably my favorite session (with Social Media and SEO coming in close behind at second). Beginning bloggers and the more advanced probloggers can take a lot away from his suggestions.

On a personal note, I have to agree that being taller in heels does make me feel more powerful. I wasn’t sure how far I was going to have to walk from parking to the event, so I didn’t go with my 3 1/2″ boots, and my feet were thankful.

Jay Baer Says:
January 27th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Thanks folks. I really appreciate it. I’m wearing heels next time, too.

Valley PR Blog » Blog Archive » Plenty of “non-experts” – tons of social media expertise Says:
January 28th, 2010 at 10:34 am

[...] there was our very own Linda Vandrede moderating Social Media 101 a panel that included Amanda Vega, Chris Hewitt, Scott Andrew and [...]

The Unedited Social Media AZ Review #smaz | Sarah E Geiger Says:
January 28th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

[...] you are not already following his blog (which I highly suggest you should) check it out! Also, a complimentary post written about the event by @LindaVandaVrede on ValleyPrBlog today! Remember, know your audience (and [...]

Plenty of “non-experts” – tons of social media expertise « Says:
January 30th, 2010 at 12:48 pm

[...] there was our very own Linda Vandrede moderating Social Media 101 a panel that included Amanda Vega, Chris Hewitt, Scott Andrew and [...]

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