The Buzz In The Air Was Palatable

So as I sat down for a much deserved breather after my panel presentation yesterday, I was able to just sink into the scenery and just watch and listen. The air was fully charged with a unique spark of energy and excitement that unless you were minus a pulse was hard to ignore. The enthusiastic hum of more voices than I could count was filled with serious thought-provoking discussions coupled with light banter and humor with a little sillyness sprinkled in for good measure.

People were interacting. People were creating. People were connecting.

Million dollar ideas were being tossed around like bags of Cracker Jacks at a baseball game.

Criticisms about this product, service or presentation were being lobbed back and forth in heated discussion and debate.

People were investing time and big dollars in their liquid appetites just to be there. Hmmm....Dad send money!

Tongues were loose. Hugs were not uncommon. Smiles were all around.

Strangers that no longer were.

SXSW and the other unique unconference conference things that are occurring in Austin right now is proving to be both fun and exhausting. But I am not complaining mind you; in fact far from it.

For a people watcher like myself, these past few days have proven to be nothing short of amazing. It has been intoxicating just to be a part of all the buzz and excitement and I can't wait until next year!

Alone In a Crowd

Do you ever feel alone in a crowd? I know that I sure do. In going to some SXSW Interactive Conference festivities yesterday, I know that found myself feeling lost in a sea of people and I was the odd man out having forgot my "fitting in" life vest. But then I remembered, I knew how to swim without it.

I literally had to remind myself that a new connection is likely never to be made unless I personally do something about it. That meant that I knew I needed to consciously pull myself out of my naturally introverted shell and make an effort. Otherwise the sea of people, the crashing waves of conversation and the turbulent energy of all the goings on around me would leave me stranded on the beach of "loneliness and could have been."

Easier said that done right?

Heck I wrote an entire book on this stuff and I still find myself wanting to retreat into my shell when faced with hoards of people I don't know. Connecting can be at times....scary. But people, trust me when I say....it is so worth it.

They say the first step to recovery is to first recognize that you have a problem; then do something about it. For me that meant reminding myself nothing happens in a vacuum - you need to connect with others in order for something cool, good, profitable (take your pick on description here) on happening. I anchored myself with both a deep breath, remembered to smile, opened my mouth and simply started talking to people. And you know what? Once I made that first connection that connection introduced me to someone else, then I met someone else and so my afternoon went. Until I had met more people than I could remember and found myself smiling inwardly as I recognized I was no longer alone in a crowd and my dog paddle was replaced with a comfortable buoyancy that allowed me to float seamlessly amongst the sea of people.

It felt good.

So whether you are at SXSW, attending that Chamber of Commerce Luncheon (watch out for the powdered eggs and rubber chicken!) or simply meandering your way over to the company coffee pot...reach out and connect with someone today. You might just find that like me, you no longer are alone in a crowd but part of it. And who knows what that might just bring to you.

Ripple On!!!

SXSW Time!

Every year Austin hosts the SXSW Interactive Conference. Last year I had the honor of speaking on a panel and doing an official book signing for The Ripple Effect (second best seller at the conference last year by the way!). Though my travels have cut into what I could commit to do this year, I will be participating in a couple of unofficial events this year and planning on hanging out and listening to some great bands and of course, meeting some incredible new people. After all an event like SXSW is an excellent opportunity to meet so many amazing people from all around the world....you know the Ripple Guy can't miss that!

Here is a link to a great website that offers some of the various activities you can participate in and around SXSW even if you didn't sign up to be a part of the conference. If you happen to be outside of Austin I hope you will still check out the conference and make plans to come on down to Texas next year and be a part of SXSW. It is such a unique blend of personalities and interests that it simply can't be missed.

Well off to a jam-packed day of Rippling!

Ripple On!!!