So Iâ??m back at my desk. Safe and sound in Montreal after 4+ days in NYC. The whole visit was planned to coincide with Kris Hoetâ??s trip to NYC. His visit to the NYC was built in as an extended layover on his way to Orlando. Why? So he could meet up with CK.
As it turned out, pretty amazingly actually, the timing was great. All three of us contributed a chapter to The Age of Conversation. A fourth contributor, David Reich, was also able to hook up with us for a short time.
So there we were, a Belgian, a Canadian and two Americans. In New York City, on a Tuesday, celebrating the launch of the book. Think about that for a second. If the power of blogging lies in its ability to help you build relationships, this has got to be the epitome of that.
Hereâ??s a quick breakdown:
David and I had a chance to catch up on Sunday night. He drove into town so we could have a drink in Union Square. We talked shop, about the book, life in general and just hung out. A few months ago, we didnâ??t know each other, now after meeting him twice, I consider him to be a friend.
This was the second time meeting CK too. Actually, I should say, the Amazingly Brave CK, after she overcame her fear of heights to join Kris and I at the Top of the Rock (the observation deck at Rockefeller Plaza). Up there, the three of us took in the sights and had a great discussion about social media, relationships, Microsoft, and different bloggers.
Before meeting up with CK, Kris and I hung out for the afternoon. After grabbing lunch at his hotel, he brought down his computer and showed me some of the new things Microsoft has been working on. As a devoted Mac user â?? for as long as I can remember â?? I have to admit that my knowledge of Microsoft is pretty limited. Theyâ??ve just never been on my radar, in fact, I barely even use Office. After seeing some of their work and listening to Kris, Iâ??m definitely more open to experimenting with their work.
Tuesday was a powerful day. One more those revelations, more proof that what weâ??re doing online is just as real offline.
A Belgian, a Canadian and two Americans. Sounds like the beginning of a joke.
But, Iâ??ll tell you, itâ??s anything but.
Side note: I met each of these three people through the Marketing Profs Book Club. In each case, we met through this social network and kept up the relationship through our respective blogs. So if anyone wants to question the power and potential of building real online relationships, send them by way. Or to CK. Or Kris. Or to David. I’m sure one of us can straighten them out.
July 20th, 2007 at 11:11 am
What a wonderful meetup…and I got over my fear of heights (well, at least at The Top of The Rock). Yes, the blogosphere–and Book Club!–have brought us some very advancing and VERY real relationships.
And to meetup during the week that AoC launches? Well, that just makes it all the more special ;-). Thanks be going to you for adding so much to this grand conversation and for being such a great pal. NYC already misses you (hope you enjoy your t-shirt!)
July 20th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Now I can officially say it, CK. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt! Thanks so much for the special gift, the great talks and just overall being so cool. Until next time. (Blogger’s Social?)
July 21st, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Oh Blogger Social for sure. Word on that coming in a few, short weeks. Thank you again for coming down and for treating us to the top of NYC. I value you and I’m better for knowing you ;-).
July 21st, 2007 at 4:16 pm
My pleasure, CK. Until the next time!