The Audience Conference -2010

By
Sandra McCarty
– August 17, 2010Posted in: Blogging, Editorials, Events
Insights on audience engagement from Chris Brogan, Chris Pearson, Dan Patterson, C.C Chapman, Brian Alvey and Jason Calacanis superbly moderated by Loren Feldman at Audience Conference 2010 in NYC.

It was with excitement mixed with trepidation that I got on the 7:28 am Long Island Rail Road train in Freeport headed for the Big Apple. I was off  to the Audience Conference at Carolines on Broadway, NYC – having a business conference at  a comedy club, that’s different I thought- hopefully this would augur well for the event.

It was my first foray at one of these things and I did not know anyone who would be there. A few days before I had ‘friended’ Heather from beautiful BC (British Columbia) on Facebook and sent her a message, when I heard she would be at the conference. I must confess I looked forward to seeing Heather, at least she would be a little familiar.  Soon I was walking down Broadway towards Carolines and noticed a group of excited people at Carolines door. “Good”, I thought to myself, ” the energy is high, this is going to be pretty interesting”

I had about 20 minutes to enjoy the beautifully decor of Carolines’  lobby and the delightful continental breakfast, before it was time for us to find a comfortable place to sit and absorb what we hope to be insights in audience engagement from the heavy weights in this industry. Heather from Beautiful BC identified me in the crowd. It was easy, she said, since my message on Facebook to her said to look for the black girl in pink top. It was such a beautiful feeling to see, finally, a familiar face.

Animated, high energy crowd at The Audience Conference 2010

The likes of Chris Brogan President of New Marketing Labs and Marketing Affiliate Guru, Dan Patterson Digital Platform Manager for ABC, C.C. Chapman Media Maven, Photographer and Digital Dad,  Chris Pearson the Founder and Architect of  Thesis, a WordPress design and Jason Calacanis entreprenuer and CEO of Mahalo.

They did not disappoint and I left the conference the better for attending. Here are some of my take aways:

Dan  Patterson –  Always seek to be better at our craft. Do not fall for the hoopla and be trapped into thinking that it is your talents that is drawing the crowd, when it is really the tools of the trade. Take the time to honestly evaluate your game, your writing and always try to improve.

Chris Brogan - President of New Marketing Labs & Veteran Blogger

Chris Brogan – Be passionate and authentic and your audience will find you. It takes many long hours to perfect the craft of writing,  so put in the hours and you will be sure to reap the rewards.

Brian Alvey – There is an abundance of tools but an absence of craft. We all have the same tools at out disposal but what sets us apart from the pack is our abilities, our writing skills, our passion and drive. How well we apply ourselves to becoming an expert, a super star at what we do will help us attract an audience and keep that audience.

Chris Pearson - Creator of Thesis a WordPress Theme

Chris Pearson- The audience exist as a reaction to a catalyst and that catalyst is us, the writer,  the blogger. However, we  have to be remarkable and exceptional in order to draw the crowd. If we do not allow our mental filters from keeping us locked into those behavioral patterns that stop us in our tracks, we can be both exceptional and remarkable.  Allow nothing , no one, social norms, fears or even ourselves to hold us back. If we go for stretch goals and we will be sure to inspire those whose lives we touch.

C. C. Chapman – In order for an audience to find us we must be passionate and human in our writings.  A passionate writer will always attract interested readers.

Loren Feldman interviewing Jason Calacanis (in black tee-shirt)

Jason Calacanis – Quality, quality, quality – always write quality posts which are well researched, with proper grammar, are easy to read and of  interest to your audience. Re-read  your post many times, sleep on it and email it to your inner circle to get feedback before posting.

Next post will be on audience engagement insights from Comedians like Harrison Greenbaum, Heather Gold and Rachel Feinstein.

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About Sandra McCarty

Founder of SM Business Solutions LLC, offering inbound marketing services that are both innovative and tailored to my clients needs. I use inbound marketing media such as blogging, emails and social media to help independent professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs successfully engage their target markets and increase their revenues. I am passionate about making sure my clients are satisfied and their companies experience tangible gains. A graduate of Martin J Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University, University of the West Indies and of the Royal Institute of Marketing, London. Some of my clients are; Retro Lounge & Grill, The Cybernet Place, Optic Masters, Balance & Power Inc, Long Island Entrepreneurs Meetup Group, Best Buyer's Brokers and Male Ego Ltd.