By: Eric Benderoff, SMB Chicago 2 Moderator
I’m always honored when I’m asked to speak on a panel or moderate an event in front of a roomful of people. It can be intimidating, however, as hundreds of ears tune in for the pearls of wisdom you hopefully offer. Usually, no one throws rotten fruit in my direction.
Last week [Oct 20 09] I had a new honor, and this one was exceedingly fulfilling. The organizers for Social Media Breakfast Chicago have created a program where the moderator leads a discussion for about a dozen attendees in a small room, not a discussion with four panelists who pontificate in front of a ballroom crowd. This approach allows everyone to participate as the moderator–me, in this case–asks questions that the group can embrace and illuminate upon. Everyone is involved to the degree that makes them comfortable.
I’m a journalist by training (these days, that makes me an editorial consultant), so the approach is ideal: I was able to do what I do best, ask questions and then sit back and take notes. My panel discussed mobile marketing trends, one of the hottest topics of interest to communication professionals. Our group included a small business consultant, a media analyst from a major retailer, a non-profit “policy wonk” (his words!) and marketers with international clients.
While I could fill a few pages with take-aways from the SMBChicago event, I’ll leave just one: Attend the group’s next breakfast seminar. You’ll learn much when everyone gets to participate.