I just got back from Fargo, ND and I’m reflecting on The Partner Event conference for Microsoft Dynamics partners. The Partner Channel always does a fabulous job with events. Even though I was very skeptical about the prom-themed reception (and chose not to wear a prom dress myself) I have to admit I did enjoy seeing everyone else who was brave enough to take “the prom plunge.” Those pictures will be a worth a fortune in hush money someday.
I want to thank The Partner Channel, The Partner Marketing Group, and especially Cheryl Strege, for inviting me out to present Duct Tape Marketing’s “Seven Steps to Marketing Success.” Both sessions I ran generated a lively discussion. Can blogging really be effective? Is social media even appropriate? Are CFOs online? Who will read this stuff? What great questions! I could have gone on for another hour, but instead those ideas are forming into becoming a next session.
For the Partner Day at Microsoft Convergence 2009, I would love to be able to run two sessions just on blogging. The first session would be on “Business Blogging – Is it right for you?” and another showing people the actual process of setting up a blog – a hands-on how-to-do-it session. I think the challenge with conference material is that sometimes you learn what you should be doing – but you still have no idea HOW do it. If Microsoft won’t sponsor it, maybe I’ll see if there are enough people interested in attending a pre-conference session. Email me or leave a comment below if you are interested!
I truly believe that businesses in general (and Microsoft Dynamics partners in particular) will be making a huge mistake if they choose to ignore this new era of business blogging and social media. Web 2.0 is a game-changing phenomenon. Never before has it been so easy, and so affordable to promote a small, regionally based business. The early adopters will reap the rewards. Even those who don’t start their own blogs need to learn how to listen in and join the conversation because bloggers might be talking about your firm and the products and services you represent.
To follow the theme Bonnie Robertson set for this conference, Gen Y’ers are leading this push of online social media marketing, but Gen Xers (like myself) are seeing the light, and baby boomers will soon follow suit – simply because they want and need to communicate with us young’uns. My father-in-law now follows me on Facebook. My mom text messages me when she wants to reach me. And my dad is extremely internet and email savvy. He’ll be on Facebook the second his friends show up and he can start an online bridge game. All are well into their 70’s.
The Gen Y’ers have shown us how efficient it is to have human interaction without the human voice – and do it in a way that is warm, engaging and useful. Revolutions always start with the young. The question is: Will you join the revolution? Or will you be content as an old dog that refuses to learn new tricks?
A few of us are making strides in the Blog/Twitter/Facebook social media world and dragging others with us. Hopefully more will follow.
Mark
Mark Polino
September 17th, 2008
I also enjoyed The Partner Event. And I would definitly like to see a session on “Business Blogging – Is it right for you?”. This would be great for the owner of my company to hear. But keep in mind that many marketing people at VAR’s do not attend Convergence. So plan to do that session as a webcast for us or at The Partner Event 2009! Thanks
Anya
September 19th, 2008