So the brain has been on overload after ASE09 and I came back to a full plate of work and a possible kidney stone (thankfully, it was not). So I have had a little time to decompress and go back through my notes documenting all the speakers I heard and people I met and I must say that ASE09 brings a lot of great people and great thinking together in an open and structured environment.
It was my first show and I can't imagine missing future events as I transition into the brave new world of "open & transparent" social media and affiliate marketing as a key revenue driver in my business.
So with no further ado here's my "Top 9 Memorable Things I Heard or Learned at ASE09"
*Disclaimer: My notes are my notes which means sometimes I can't even read them so if I don't quote exactly as it was said. My apologies to the one who said it. Rest assured no creative license of mine was used in the making of this list. That will be saved for a later post.
#9 "Its all chips- table stakes for the next game" -Julien Smith & Chris Brogan
This was huge statement that instantly shifted my thinking because it made me realize that the last 12 years in my business had tremendous value despite not ending the way I had wanted. My last company hit a wall after growing like mad & I nearly lost everything... The new gig is much bigger and I am NOT starting empty handed, I have a large stack in front of me and I can play with the Hellmuths, Negreanus & Chans.
#8 "I am not ADD I am ADOS- Attention Deficit Oh Shiny" -Peter Shankman
This just hit home as I am A2D2 (Adult Attention Deficit Disorder) as I am easily distracted.......(86 seconds later).... OK..... back now, as I was saying..... Entrepreneurs....
#7 "Educate, Entertain & Engage" -Jay Berkowitz
Great reminder for developing relevant content. Didn't get to see Jay speak but heard this repeated and thought, yeah I like that....
#6 "Rubik's Cube Vs Pet Rock Mentality. I would rather align myself with the long term and sustainable." -Paul Moss
Personally I think you can have both- the key is to be aware which things are which so realistic expectations are set. I may go deeper on this in a post at a later date. I am working through projects that are clearly both right now...
#5 "What is old is new again" This seemed to be a recurring theme throughout presentations that I heard and conversations that I had.
Trust, Connecting with people, being real, relevant and giving. These things still matter
#4 "Social Media is Better than SEO- More pure, more real and search engine supported" -Brent Csutoras
Killing two birds with one stone. Social may take up a lot of time but at the end its efficient in connecting to your audience, peers, brand building, spreading ideas and boosting organic traffic. Yeah!
#3 "Be part of everyone's 150" -Julien & Chris Again.
Great advice here, I gave this a lot of thought and am identifying my 150. Making sure I start there and ensure I become part of their 150 if I am not already. Also- to work hard on providing relevance to my work, reach & influence so I can't be missed on anyone's 150 list. Also- huge props on their new book- "Trust Agents" Its a great read so far.
#2 "Social Media- The ability to screw up big with a lot of people real fast" -Shankman Again
True but being being 51% optimist I turned this into- Social Media is also the ability to win big with a lot of people real fast. Just be good! It will all work out
#1 "Are you going to the ShareaSale party?" -Pretty much everyone
Made some great new friendships at the SAS party and enjoyed great food, music and NYC experience. Looking forward to working with the ShareaSale team going forward. Their people on the hall floor stood out as the most friendly & caring of all vendors there!
This is just the TIP of the iceberg. The ones that really stand out, there is much more then presented that make the foundation of what ASE was to me on this first time freshman visit.
Please leave comments with your Top Memorable Quotes!
