Imagine walking into a room full of entrepreneurs who have tons of experience and trying to introduce yourself. To add to these circumstances, imagine being the only college student in the room. Aware that first impressions can determine everything, I tried to make a good presentation of myself by dressing business professional and carrying a huge blue notebook with several pens in case I wanted to take notes. I had never attended any sort of business conference before; I had no idea what to expect as my boss, Amy Korin (aka interactiveAmy), and I walked into the Westin Hotel off of Michigan Avenue last week. Immediately upon entering the Alterian Engaging Times Summit, I was not only inspired and well educated about social media, but I also realized that I found a passion for it. Throughout the day, I made friends from all different companies and learned that being in today’s business world requires so many positive traits, but one stands above the rest: having guts!
Energetic and highly motivated, I was not at all nervous as most people might be about stepping outside of their comfort zone. I was eager to learn, meet, and remember new faces. I was fortunate enough to listen to Stan Rapp, Don Peppers, and many other influential entrepreneurs. Did you know that according to Stan Rapp, iDirect marketing was formed at the conference of digital marketing, and that the total concept of engagement begins with the magical letter “i” (i.e. inspiration, interactive)? Or Don Peppers and his concept of how eBay works and how we are social animals who thrive on trust and reduce obstacles? His example of how customers are bees and companies are the flowers? To get the bees to the flowers, a company must have bright colors and a good smell. What keeps a bee or the customer coming back is the quality of the pollen (i.e. the service). I also really enjoyed listening to the case studies of various businesses and how they used social media to better their company and relate to customers on a more individual basis by using such engagement.
Don Peppers, Stan Rapp, Kristen Smith, Jeannette Kocsis, Irfan Kamal with moderator Ginger Conlon
As if the speakers alone weren’t motivating enough, the Alterian employees made my experience even more fun and memorable. This conference was ideal for a business student. I learned what it takes to network, educate, and perhaps most importantly, how involved social media’s role is in helping companies gain clientele and maintain relationships with their customer base. I was so incredibly lucky to be exposed to a conference such as Alterian Engaging Times Summit 2010, and I know that I have learned above and beyond what college kids are learning at school and in other internship experiences. I’m looking forward to the next Alterian conference – I will be first in line.
Marni Levine & interactiveAmy at the Alterian Cubs Rooftop Happy Hour after the Summit
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I felt the same way as a recent grad at SMMS10- not too many of us were there. I was surprised- you would think that there would be more digital natives present for a social media conference. I’m bummed that I missed the Alterian conference, but I’ll join ya at the next one!
No worries. Anytime you can make any of these conventions- it is well worth it. You learn so much about different companies as well as yourself. I think introducing yourself and letting others know that you are willing to sit and listen and learn shows a great deal of motivation. In my opinion, you should learn something while working for a company- Alterian truly showed me that as well as the case studies at this particular conference.