10 Thoughts on the Web 2.0 Expo

1.) Customer service = win. I had an awesome customer service experience with the staff (esp. Sara Nerius) at the Web 2.0 Expo. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and understanding. Thank you.

2.) More often than not, that networking thing that you’re trying to do, well, it’s just going to turn into a pissing contest. Get ready to hear about all of the remarkable things that people have done, are doing, and will do – just remember not to speak while they’re tooting their own horn. So, what do you do again?

3.) Don’t get hung up on the little details. Think about the bigger concepts. Focus in on the idea, then start thinking about implementation.

4.) Presenting to other people – on or off the web – is difficult. Having the courage to publish or be heard is just as challenging. Do not belittle it or trivialize it.

5.) Chances are, you’re not a social media expert – and that’s *breathe* ready? Okay. It’s okay.

6.) Don’t forget that all of the people up on that stage or in that conference room are human. They have feelings. They have thoughts. They are not alabaster and unapproachable. Say “hello” if you want to. Ask questions. Introduce yourself and make a connection. Start up a relationship. Don’t ask for favors (thanks to Chris Brogan for reinforcing this in both his keynote and his session).

7.) Have respect for other people. I know you live in Manhattan and you have your own really edgy, innovative company/software and your laptop is more expensive than my car, but please, let’s be ladies and gentlemen here.

8.) Bus rides + concussion + cold symptoms = ick.

9.) Come to each event with an open mind. You never know what you could learn. Never think that you’re smarter than everyone else in that room.

10.) Finally, you don’t have to settle for the status quo. Attending the Web 2.0 Expo and interacting with others there made me think about something concerning the communications/media/advertising/PR/social media industry. You don’t have to become cut throat in order to survive. That’s what everyone else is doing. That’s what everyone else thinks is right. You also don’t have to be a jerk and get into pissing contests with other people when you meet them. You can have conversations. You can talk with instead of at people. Sure, call me naive, but I’m pretty sure that most of the speakers up on those podiums weren’t doing what everyone else was doing when they make the leap to do something awesome.