I know most folks associate Kansas with the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, but I think the other end must be in Oklahoma. I recently returned from a very successful presentation titled, Social Networking, Myth or Moneymaker? which I presenting in Tulsa to the Oklahoma chapter of the National Speakers Association.
What made it successful? I can tell you in two words, Hospitality - Professionalism.
The chapter leadership team really piled on the VIP treatment for my visit. From the moment Programming chair Shari Alexander invited me to visit until President John Storm made sure I got on the right plane headed home everyone made me feel like I was a rock star. Shari Twittered my arrival to her Tweps as I stepped off the plane. The team invited me to join them for dinner. Dick Alexander had no problem creating my very special room setup. They even "procured" a huge balloon arch from a nearby event to lend a festive flair. At every point the went out of their way to make me feel at home. (Click the photo above to get the full effect.)
I always arrive an hour early to my sessions to ensure a smooth setup. I was shocked to see the entire leadership team in place when I arrived. The biggest challenge for this event was the room change. Apparently the social networking topic was so popular the session was moved from a small salon to a section of the main ballroom. The move was swift, invisible and accomplished without drama.
The hospitality extended beyond the leadership team. NSA member Christine credited her pal and visitor Scott for helping her make social networking work. Network marketing expert Michael Butler, Sr shared valuable tips gained from his use of social network marketing. Monique inspired the session attendees with her use of Twitter to "break the fourth wall". During an interactive activity, she called on her social network to answer the question, "How do you use social networking in your business?"
It was a cold day in Tulsa, but the warmth of the folks I met that day made my visit, "Just Another Day in Paradise". I'm grateful to the leaders, members and visitors for helping me find gold at the end of the rainbow. Thanks for making my session a success!
