Enhancing the Experience: The Edge of Intimate Gatherings and Collaborative Sessions for Digital Marketers
Networking is one of the best parts of any conference. But bigger events may not give you the best chance to improve your skills and expand your network as much as you’d like.
Smaller-scale events and masterminds can provide unique benefits with more intimate networking opportunities, personalized learning experiences, and the opportunity to interact with industry experts on a one-on-one basis.
Join us to learn how small events can help you exchange ideas and collaborate with like-minded individuals who can motivate and inspire you.
Jim Christian, a seasoned digital marketer with over 26 years of experience and founder of The Digital Marketers Organization, and Stephanie Solheim, a dynamic leader in the SEO industry and co-founder of Mastermind Mansion, join me at SEJShow to share their insights on the value of SEO micro-events and masterminds and how They can help professionals reach their full potential.
You’re building those relationships that you wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to build when you’re at a bigger event. You have access to the people you want to talk to. So in Austin, that might mean I’m getting burgers at midnight with a bunch of my buddies to talk about my new boyfriend’s show. It’s cool, you know. We hold our events with probably 40 people. — Stephanie Solheim, 6:45
People will remember the event they are here for, but they won’t remember all of it. They may feel like they’ve been given a megaphone and some tips and tricks. However, the real thing they will remember is that they will remember being on this balcony on the 60th floor of Hotel Cosmo. They’ll remember all the people that were in this room, they’ll remember those conversations, and those are the things they’ll take back with them. The thing that holds value is the social aspect. And so, for us, guidance never stops at this event. The event is just the beginning. After that, it’s all about maintaining those connections, getting everyone involved in the community, and only engaging with the larger audience. – Jim Christian, 34:54
Not everyone is an instinctive conversationalist. Getting into an after-hours room can be difficult in New York or a larger event in Vegas with hundreds of people. It’s hard to have a conversation with people you don’t know, especially when you can’t tell if someone is a salesperson or not. At trade shows, exhibitions, or educational events, there may be a speaker presenting great material, but as one of hundreds of people in a room, they can be difficult to deal with. With multiple paths happening simultaneously, talking to the speaker afterward can be near impossible. Lauren Baker, 7:23
[00:00] About Jim and Stephanie.
[07:53]- How are barriers removed in large events in small events?
[12:08] Do small events give your company a greater return on investment?
[18:17] – How to build community after the event.
[21:35] The struggles that major events are facing now.
[30:33] Benefit from including non-researchers in SEO events.
[33:51] – How did Mastermind Palace start?
[34:50] – How mentors play out in the events they do.
[37:08] Tips they learned while promoting events.
[40:42] How do you ensure that topics remain relevant when planning for the future?
[44:02] Ticket Sales vs Wait List: Which Works Better?
Mentioned sources:
DMO Advanced – https://digitalmarketers.org/pages/dmo-advanced
Mastermind Mansion – https://mastermindmansion.com/
We try to attract people from all different walks of life when it comes to digital marketing and then bring them together in a group designed to accelerate growth and learning. – Jim Christian, 16:33
Every time I go to my event, I come up with at least two alternative ways to do my operations more efficiently. And I go away with anyone who can use my services or someone I can call when I need help with something. I know this happens across the board. I mean, you’re making those really deep personal connections and understanding on a higher level. — Stephanie Solheim, 12:19
What we offer is truly a great branded experience. There are no drink tickets, so we go out and have a good time. And there is no limit. Or again, we can take you on a really cool trip that you wouldn’t be able to do if you had, you know, 2,000 people – Jim Christian, 25:22
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Connect with Jim Christian:
With over 26 years of experience, Jim Christian is a skilled digital marketer who is passionate about driving client success through customized, performance-based strategies. He has worked across multiple industries, including B2B, B2C, travel, luxury, e-commerce, and retail.
Jim started his career in 1997, eventually becoming GoDaddy’s Director of SEO and managing a $40 million sales channel. Later, he founded Blush Digital, a digital marketing agency that helps large companies and global brands. He founded the Digital Marketers Organization (DMO), a community of thought leaders hosting conferences and masterminds across North America.
Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjimchristian/
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jim_christian
Connect with Stephanie Solheim:
Stephanie Solheim, a dynamic leader in digital marketing and SEO, owns Grow With Meerkat, a full-service agency known for its innovative approach. As the founder of Women in Marketing and co-parent of Sisters in SEO, she empowers women in the industry. Stephanie’s friendly personality shines through at her Mastermind Mansion brand events, where top SEO experts share insights.
As an active educator, she participates in the ‘Attagirl’ sorority and enjoys sharing humorous content. Passionate about artificial intelligence and fast engineering, Stephanie was recognized as one of the “12 Powerful Women You Should Know” by The Content Factory.
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesolheim/
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/solheimsteph
Connect with Lauren Baker, Founder of Search Engine Journal:
Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lorenbaker
Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenbaker
