Tuesday, September 6, 2016

I still don't like events, but...

I'm an introvert.

That means I'm quite comfortable here behind my keyboard, thank you very much, but not as comfortable in other places where you might find, say, people. Like the real world. But, at least once a year, I try to leave the comfort of my keyboard and venture to Content Marketing World in Cleveland. That's where I am today.

And, as is typically the case, I have already learned some things and received some value from attending. The funny part? Yeah, the show hasn't started yet.

While the sessions are always well done, given by very smart and well-respected people in their given fields and well attended, the most value I get from #CMWorld, as it's called, is from the time before, after and between sessions.

This is the time you get to meet people you've 'talked' with online for a year or more. But you actually get to look at them, and they at you. You get to see the body language, the head nods, the smiles. And it makes all the difference in the world.

So, while I would typically rather lose a toe (the small one, if you please) rather than willingly sign up to attend a 'trade show', Content Marketing World is different. Is it because I feel more comfortable? Probably. And that's because of the people.

From the Content Marketing Institute folks who host the show (who, btw, are fabulous) to the speakers and moderators and presenters who are genuinely interested in helping people learn, I think this show has a little something different going on.

I can't tell you what that something different is, but it's there, just the same.

For you, it may be a different show in a different town covering a different topic that's near and dear to you. And that's great. I would encourage you -- especially those of you in club introvert, like me -- to find your CMWorld. Find the people you call your people and you will learn from them, and they you.

I've found mine.