- Nadia Bilchik & Michelle Sandlin
As you know, I am a very enthusiastic social networker. I am on Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter, and a few other popular sites. I thought it appropos to share a story with you that I think truly exemplifies the benefits to be gained by the proper use of the social media.
About 5 weeks ago, as I was starting preparations for my trip to Chicago for the RDC and Worldwide ERC conferences, I posted some messages through my LinkedIn page and my Facebook page in hopes of reaching out to people who were planning to attend the conferences. Much to my surprise, one of the people I heard from was Nadia Bilchik. We did not know each other, but she told me that she was going to be one of the speakers at the ERC conference, and in an effort to better understand the relocation industry, she had come across my name. Naturally, I did my homework as well, and learned that she was a former reporter and current editorial producer for CNN. Over the course of the next several weeks leading up to the conference, Nadia and I continued our correspondence, both looking forward to meeting each other in Chicago.
So, fast forward to 10:00 pm the evening before she was due to speak at the conference…I received a phone call from Nadia, who had just arrived at the hotel, and asked me if I was available to meet her. “Of course,” I said, and hurried to meet her in the lobby of the hotel. Immediately she asked me if I would like to go with her to a party. Again, “Of course,” I said. She was oddly insistent that we stop at her hotel room first, but she wouldn’t tell me why. So up we go in the elevator until finally arriving on the top floor. When she opened the door to her room, I stepped down on marble floors, walked passed a baby grand piano, passed the bar, fireplace and pool table. She told me that she was so excited when she saw this room that she had to share it with someone, and the only person she knew there was me!
Very long story short, she invited the party that was taking place down the hall to join us in her gorgeous suite. We met so many people, and she told each person the story of how we had “met on-line” and had such a great connection. It was a wonderful evening, and we became fast friends.
The next morning, I very enthusiastically walked over to where her session was being held and planted myself near the front of the room. Her session was entitled, “Enhancing Your Career Relationships.” She kicked off her side-splitting (she is very funny) interactive session by again telling the story of how we had met. While I was very fortunate to have all of the great free PR, her session offered so many thought-provoking take-aways. Her session focused on taking your social networking and career relationships to the next level. One of the things that she emphasized was the importance of really connecting with people vs. just meeting a new contact. Anyone can push a business card into someone’s hand, but unless you take the time to really talk to that person and connect with them, you might as well throw that business card away.
If you were lucky enough to attend her session, please leave a comment on my blog to let me know if you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you didn’t, but are interested in knowing more about her, I would suggest visiting her web site: www.NadiaSpeaks.com.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Michelle,
It was a great session and a great example that we all need to be doing all the things you are doing in social media. It was great to see you at ERC!
Thanks Angie! Great seeing you again too!
Great session and yes, you did get alot of PR. LOL. Gave me the opportunity to sit and get to know you. The best idea I walked away with what to ask people when you meet with them for the first time and that is “what obstacles are you facing”. Personal or professional there may be a connection that is mutually beneficial.
Hi Michelle, I enjoyed meeting you at the RDC/Corporate Reception. I’m working on a blog and hope to be as successful with it as you are. I really enjoyed the session too! By the way….would love to be your friend on Facebook!
Hello Friend,
Another great article. I really enjoyed our time together at ERC and am so sorry I missed Nadia’s program. I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in March.
Carol
Hi Michelle,
I was in that first session with Nadia. Amazing how the power of taking a moment to speak with someone standing next to you can open up a world of opportunities for not only friendship but knowledge. Then of course when Nadia asked for volunteers I gladly got up. Instead of having “fear” I took the moment in the spot light and have gained some new friends because of it. Nadia was a lovely person to meet, and I am sorry that I didn’t get the chance to say hi to you. Your story is an inspiration to all of us, that sometimes wonder if networking and reaching out to others is a good thing. Thank you so much!
I was not able to attend ERC so I am doubly glad that you shared your story and Nadia’s link. It is exactly the type of connection and information that I hoped for from my social networking. Makes me feel like I am still in the loop even if I can’t be at every event. Some of Nadia’s ideas were very helpful – some affirming and some new. And, just knowing that I can’t really connect with every single person makes me value the business connections I have even more, and, also take the burden off of trying to have too many ‘friends’ and not doing justice to each of them. Thank you for keeping me in the loop.