Conversational Media Marketing

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," said Francis Church, and I know of at least two of his elves: Frances Flynn Thorsen, Community Manager at Trulia, Lee Odden, CEO of Top Rank Online Marketing.and the Blog Squad's .

Fran surprised me (pleasantly) by inclusion as one of the Top Ten Real Estate Speakers of 2009 which, considering that I'm not a Realtor, is a pretty phenomenal thing if you think about it. I join the likes of Bernice Ross, Ilyce Glink and Jeff Turner. It's an esteemed group to be sure.

Here is Fran's rationale...

A second present, one received by not only myself, but Bizzuka CEO John Munsell, is inclusion by Top Rank Marketing's Lee Odden on a list called Best Podcasts on Social Media for Bizzuka's User Friendly Thinking Radio show which airs every Friday at noon central on Blog Talk Radio. (BTW, though I'd never come right out and ask you to do it, there is the option to vote for your favorite, uh-hum.)

Last but not least, Denise nominated me for a Shorty Award. (And I think she meant the one for micro-content, not actual height. Considering I'm only 5'8" and that's on a good day, I suppose it's reasonable to think she could have meant it either way. :->)

Though there's a good likelyhood I'll see coal in my stocking come Christmas morning, these are serendipities I didn't expect. On that other hand, maybe I've been better this year than I thought. If that's not the case, don't tell Fran, Lee or Denise please.

I'm going to be speaking at BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Vegas, September 20-21. My presentation is "Conversations Create Clients: How to turn strangers into friends and friends into enemies customers."

I'm on the bleeding edge track, which is cool. I've never considered myself as "bleedging edge." (Bad to the bone, yes; bleeding edge, no.)

If you're unfamiliar with BlogWorld, it's like Disney World, only better. First, it's in Vegas and, well, that's kind of Disney for adults. The conference is geared toward anyone who participates in blogging, podcasting and social media at any level, whether "amateur" or "professional."

We're officially announcing the relaunch of the International Blogging and New Media Association today. This has been long in coming and I'm elated to see the day finally arrive.

Check out the press release and the blog post. If you feel so inclined, please help us spread the message.

One more thing...

I know there may be talk about how the executive board is comprised only of men, and middle-aged white men at that. And I understand. I can promise you the Advisory Council, which we will announce next week, is far from that. It's a diverse group in many respects as you will see.

Again, help us spread the word, the IBNMA is back Jack!

It's official...the IBNMA has relaunched and I am its president.

Several months ago I was approached by Rick Calvert and Jim Turner who asked me to consider becoming president of the International Blogging and New Media Association. After taking time to "count the cost" and after consulting with several trusted friends, I accepted the position.

But, there's more to this than meets the eye and I'd like to share the story if you're of a mind to read it.