First I see this event on Biznik, then I open a trade publication and read that Chris Brogan is a "must follow" source of "keen insights" into this amazing world of digital media. OK...you got me.....I'm in! Thank you again to the Biznik team for being so on top of things. I'm looking forward to the evening.

Brad, thanks for writing this article. And Yvonne, thanks for your insights, too. I agree 150% with both of you. I'm finding that our culture -- especially our business culture -- has become so "hooked" on these virtual communication tools that we've lost sight of the value of the old-fashioned phone call. Today I picked up the phone to talk over details with three of my clients and in each case learned something valuable that would have never been shared electronically, and I was "thanked" for calling!

Another piece I'd add to this discussion is equally simple: please answer your phone. The voicemail "back-and-forth" is equally as off-putting as the email dance. I'm working on a wonderful design project now with a client who found me through "google," but later told me I was the only person she called that day who actually answered the phone. I forward my calls to my cell when I'm out.......and you probably do, too......but I do it simply so that I can talk to people who call me. Granted, you're not going to be able to answer every call no matter what.....but if you're pushing all the buttons to get the phone to ring - you might answer it when it does!

Again, your articles are among the smartest I read on these topics. You always get me thinking in new ways, and this shifted thinking keeps leading me to be a better business person. Thank you.

Robert -

Thank you for another great article. I'm glad you told the "big secret" that few of us like to admit: we fear rejection. It very often keeps us from moving forward in many ways. Getting past my own damaging thoughts is best achieved with the process you outline: engage my imagination, establish a plan, and get to work.

It's not always easy, but I've found that my attitude is better when I'm spending my energies in these proactive pursuits. I'm certain this thinking is the reason I've landed my latest new clients. I know that, without a plan, a belief, and some action, I wouldn't have gotten out there in the first place. If I'd never gotten out there, I wouldn't have uncovered the opportunity.

Once I have the opportunity -- aha! now there's that challenging follow-through step. Following-up is tough......thoughts in my head like "if I'm so worth it, shouldn't they be falling all over me?" and "good girls don't have to sell themselves" can really immobilize me. I do the work, though. Follow the process. Send the email, mail the brochure, make a phone call, leave a message. Show up. Sometimes this leads me to success (a new client), but what I'm learning from this article is that "working the program" is, in itself, a real success.

Thank you for this article, Robert, and a big thanks to all the other "commenters." I learn so much from your sharing as well.

Hi John -- I'm already your client and think you do a great job. How about I put together a plan to redesign your office in exchange for setting me up as an LLC? (After all, it was your idea in the first place!)

Well, I had no idea! I'll certainly pay more attention to the messages I'm sending...and receiving. Thank you.

Thank you for this article. I agree that we need to be mindful of the information we're consuming as well as the amount of time we're spending doing so. I think, too, that we need to be mindful about all the "information pollution" we're creating with our own contributions to the glut of incessant twittering, blogging, and facebooking. Honestly, have our lives become that empty and meaningless that we have to continuously ping the internet void for minute-by-minute reassurance that we exist and matter?

This is great. I like the way you clearly explain how to reframe your thinking to consider your clients' point of view. I'm going to have to dig into this and come up with an "audio logo" that touches my client in a meaningful way. Thank you.

This is great info to have as I prepare to dive deeper into the world of social marketing. Also, Doug, I think a key point you make is that the content has to be "relevant and worth consuming." I am certainly giving this a great deal of thought. Thank you for the tips. Do you have any tips for creating relevant content other than reading what's out there and endeavoring to do better?

Thanks Doug for articulating this essential, powerful idea.

Hi all - I'm interested in joining your group...please let me know about next meeting scheduled. Thank you

Amy -- family emergency forces me to cancel at the last minute. My apologies. Next time.

This is a great article. Thank you. How do you go about creating and then posting a video on youtube?

Amy - I met you awhile back at another networking event, and am looking forward to reconnecting.

This is a great article.......it helps me reframe my thinking with a more positive spin and lightens my attitude. I'm seeing some good results by taking a more positive attitude into my personal and professional worlds. Thanks for sharing this information. If we "are what we think we are," this info feeds the best in us.

I'm so glad I attended this event. I had no idea the capability of the Biznik website, or that it was designed to interface so well with Google. I came right back to my studio afterwards, and spent an hour updating and tweaking my profile to incorporate your pointers. I'm very impressed with the intelligence behind Biznik - and completely agree that this is "business networking that doesn't suck." Thank you.

Hi David -- It was a pleasure meeting you at the wine and cheese event as well. I would be most interested in continuing our discussion about your local website search mojo. Include me IN! Thanks Marie

I've had last-minute interference on two previous Biznik events......but will not let this happen again. I'm looking forward to meeting you all.....and getting "dressed up" a bit. It sounds like it's a-ok to bring along a pal - so I'll be doing that. See you Saturday!