Harry Connick Jr. Performs When the Saints Go Marching In and Who Dat?
Thank you, Harry Connick Jr. for delighting us with “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Who Dat?” at BlissDom 2010.
A few favorite things about Blissdom
The anticipation.
The drive here with my friend, Molly.
The volume in the room as people see each other.
Meeting someone in person who I have only known virtually.
Reconnecting with the people who made this a special event for me last year.
The belly laughs.
Tweeting from across the room - it is like passing notes in class.
Learning that writing is a craft, not simply a gift.
The dancing.
Harry Connick Jr….I mean, seriously.
Having roomies - it is like a college flashback.
Video. Video. Video.
Connecting. Smiling.
Speaking on my first Blissdom panel with some amazing women: Audrey, Jo-Lynne, Jendi and Esther
And of course…..
The hugging. I’m a hugger. I love the hugging.
Did I mention the hugging?
The Katalyst
I am a “public speaking’ junkie - meaning I LOVE to listen, observe, and learn from people who have turned this particular ‘job’ into an art form.
You know….the kind of person who wraps their words around the room to keep any other thoughts from entering your brain? You are focused. You are inspired. You are engrossed. You laugh and if you are as sensitive as I am, you might feel you eyes well as they share.
I heard one of those people today at Blissdom.
His name is Kevin Carroll. On his site, he is described as an “author, public speaker and an agent for social change or a ’Katalyst’.” His story is riveting.
His message: to apply the lessons you learned on the playground to your daily life (like maximizing your day speaking up and expect the unexpected) and to embrace ‘play’ and passion. I love that.
I mean, I really love that. I thrive on hearing stories like his and love to walk away inspired.
And that is what I am doing.
He is, as billed, a Katalyst.
Talk Live - Lose the word ‘um’
Talk Live 1 - Background
Talk Live 2 - Lighting
Talk Live 3 - Distractions
Talk Live 4 - Public Speaking - Know Your Audience
Get your Bliss ON!
One year ago, I approached the Blissdom Conference with mixed feelings. I was excited, but markedly nervous. I’m a pretty social person and yet, I was so……afraid. The thoughts and emotions jumbled in my head and heart: I don’t know anyone. What if they hate me? What if they laugh at my blog name? What if I stumble while telling them my blog name? What if everyone knows waaaaaaaay more than I do? What if no one talks to me?
If there is an insecure thought in the world….I had it the day I walked into the Preston Hotel in Nashville last year. I was brand new. I didn’t know a soul.
Five minutes among these women and I was reborn. The confident ‘me’ surfaced. My smile became a permanent fixture. I introduced myself. I shook hands. I told people about my blog, that I was new and here to learn. No one laughed.
In fact, they opened their great big Blissdom arms and wrapped me in the comfort of new friendships, of shared dreams, of inspired camaraderie. People were kind - like the special kind of ‘kind’ that only comes when you are right where you are supposed to be. I felt as though I was a part of something huge.
And this year, I know I am.
I am a member of this community. I laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry. I rejoice in your successes and wipe tears when things go wrong. I arrived in Nashville today and have hugged and been hugged dozens of times. I am thrilled to be back at Blissdom, I am awed by the way my new friends have embraced my dreams and my weaknesses. I am spurred on by their desire to teach me and willingness to drag me along when I just can’t catch up.
I am looking forward to an amazing weekend. I hope you are too. (Looking forward to giving you a huge hug!)
I am Blissful. (and, I’m thinking…..so are you.)
Talk Live Episode Four - Know your Audience
Talk Live 1 - Background
Talk Live 2 - Lighting
Talk Live 3 - Distractions
Hallmark Goes Interactive + Giveaway
The countdown is on. Valentine’s Day is officially less than two weeks away and you just might be tired of sending simple cards to the ones you love.
Why go simple when you can go INTERACTIVE with Augmented Reality? And just what is Augmented Reality? (Think amazing, and magical animation) Take a look.
Make a Difference Monday
In just a matter of days I will pack up my car and head to Nashville - setting my sights on the Blissdom Conference.
This will be my second year…
Last year I knew no one and was absolutely petrified. And if the Twitter chatter is any indication, there are a lot of people in that exact same frame of mind heading into this year’s conference.
How does this fit in to Make a Difference Monday? Well, there is something you and I can do to make a difference for some of those people, mainly women, brave enough to venture away from their computers and engage face to face.
Start here: Smile. Ohhhhhh….the relief that climbed from my toes when someone smiled at me. That simple gesture says a million things: “nice to see you”, “I like your dress”, “we’re glad you’re here”, “come on over and chat”.
And you know what? All of those things make a difference. Especially when you are new, especially when you don’t know anyone, especially when you are looking for someone to confirm that you made the right decision to come.
This I know for sure - some of those people who first smiled at me are among those I adore today.
(I’m looking at you Rachel, Mishelle, Megan, Alli, Amber, Robin, Jyl, Carissa, Josh and Rebecca, Anissa, Kim
Smile. You have the power to impact an entire event for someone…..and they just might turn out to be your new ’somebody’.
Wouldn’t it be nice if they remembered your ear-to-ear?
What are you doing to Make a Difference this week? Do share. I’m always most inspired when I hear what others are doing for good.
Genesis of a Great Idea
Edited with Winner: Below
The task: To tap into your deepest levels of Social Media Creativity and come up with a BIG Idea for a brand new campaign for Genesis Today. The winning idea walks away with $10,000.
The results: 5 amazing ideas selected from over 50 submitted. These are highlights from today’s presentations:
Talk Live Episode Three - Distractions
