social media in design

I am not one for getting out there with the party goers, doing all that schmoozing and shoulder rubbing.  But it is said to be good for business.  It's hard work - well for me anyway.  For some it comes by naturally.

This week I completely stepped out of my comfort zone to see what this schmoozing business could do for me.  A while back I was invited to be in the audience of CityLine for a special show for only tweeters and bloggers.  It was on Tuesday, the 22nd and will air next Tuesday, March 29 at 9am on City TV.  We were asked to tweet during the show and were given the # (for those who tweet know) for the show. #clparty it was.  While there I managed to 'schmooze' with some vivacious, bubbly outgoing women of whom a few I actually 'knew' from twitter and blogs.  We ended the show with a swag bag of goodies and then got invited to The Ritz for lunch!

Well, how could I say no to The Ritz!  It did mean I would have to do that 'schmooze' thing though.  So I bravely walked over to a couple of ladies from Oakville that were looking for the subway and said 'let's go together - I know the way'.  On the subway ride over from Dundas Square to The Ritz we connected.  Bingo - that is what it's about, right?  They do design, photography and cook so we had that in common.  And following each other on twitter means we are privy to that many more events and get togethers where we can do more schmoozing, which I think turns into business eventually.  You know, just knowing people.

When we got to the Ritz I continued to keep that smile on and talked to several other people, including the gorgeous Tracy Moore, seen in this photo with me.

Which takes me to the next social event I attended on my own this week.  The official launch of Dabble magazine with editor Kimberley Seldon.  It was held at Elte, a place I frequent often for shopping with my clients and a place that I've been to for other presentations.  So I was not prepared for what this was - huge - over 1000 people!  We got another # for the night #dabblemag it was.

I got there feeling a little under-dressed - stilettos and cocktail dresses seemed to be on most women.  Luckily I braved my charcoal wide leg pants and a funky jacket instead of jeans and a sweater!  I suppose I was the most comfortable in my shoes literally, but not figuratively.  I picked up a martini on the way in but not having eaten very much before going I felt the booze three sips in and had to drive home, so I honed in on the food, put my drink down and just walked around seeing some familiar faces.  I said hi to a few I had just met two days prior at CityLine, and then squeezed my way to the front awaiting the presentation by Kimberley.  The music was loud so talking to anyone meant leaning in a la night club style - totally not my thing!

During the presentation I did see those two lovely ladies I had just talked with on the subway over to The Ritz so I talked with them a bit and after the presentation, grabbed another chicken skewer to make sure the alcohol was absorbed well (it totally was but it was an excuse for more food) and I left the scene. 

Phew!  I made it!  It is totally out of my comfort zone to go out like that on my own and push my way into small talk conversations.  But I did it and I think I feel proud of myself.  Will I do it again?  Probably.  Doing something you are a little afraid of is healthy once in a while not only for the soul, but I'm guessing for business to.  Will have to wait and see what comes of all of this other than a bunch of new twitter followers.  And if nothing else, then a story can always come out of it. :)