Posts Tagged ‘sxsw09’

Notes From Geek To Peak At SXSWi

// April 9th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // blogging

One of the better panels that I attended at SXSWi was called ‘Geek to Peak’, and centered around increasing and building my business as a consultant or freelancer. I found it really interesting, and ended up with a ton of notes. One thing that I’m currently working on is moving from saying ‘I am the Symbian-Guru’ to ‘I built Symbian-Guru, and I can do that for you.’ Don’t get me wrong, if there are any Symbian-Guru.com readers here. I’ll never sell the site, or shut it down. However, I think it’s better kept as a hobby than as a full-on business, for several reasons.

Either way, in 2 years, I’ve successfully built my own website, learned a lot about WordPress, both in how to set it up and use it, and in how to manipulate it to how I want it to work. I’ve taught myself how to edit CSS, PHP, and HTML, and have customized my own theme a few times. I have also installed, customized, and managed a vBulletin community, complete with integration into the WordPress community I had already built. I’ve learned plenty about SEO, advertising, and writing in general.

I’ve also now spent 2 years being a blogger, and a connected one, at that. I have seen a handful of companies that really did blogger relations ‘right’, and have seen more than a handful do it completely wrong.While I still enjoy blogging, I’m starting now to branch out a bit. Geek to Peak encouraged me as I’m moving to offering my services and knowledge to other companies. I know how to build a community, but more importantly, I know how to maintain it, and what it takes to really do well with it.

Checking in from SXSW

// March 14th, 2009 // 12 Comments » // blogging, Mobile, Social Networks

Checking in from SXSW 09, it’s halfway through my first full day and thus far, I’ve met a TON of cool people, looking forward to meeting more. This has already been quite a discovery trip for me, as I’m experiencing new ways to use tools like SMS, web, and especially my phone. It’s fascinating to me how much of this event is planned via sms, Twitter, and similar services. It really is all about who is included in your network.

Another thing that I’m finding is that there are tons of people just like me – people who, at one point, had ‘real jobs’ and are now working in this thing we call the web, specifically in mobilizing and social networking/marketing. On some points, that’s a good thing. I’m encouraged to see more people struggling with the same things that I do, and excited about the same things that I am. It’s always good to feel like you’re a part of a larger community, and I’ve joined the ‘connected geeks’ quite well, I believe.

On the other hand, this discovery is really depressing. While I’m working in various directions to build and prove that I add unique value, the truth is that there are hundreds upon thousands of people who are also well-equipped and looking to accomplish the same goal. The realization that what I’m working towards is not ‘new’, as I’d like to think that it is.

More thoughts from SXSW soon.

I’m Going To SXSWi

// March 9th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Mobile, Social Networks

I’m going to South by Southwest this coming weekend, more specifically the Interactive….part? If you don’t know what the heck South by Southwest (SXSW) is, you can get more info here. Basically, it’s a conference for social media people, from what I understand. I like Social Media, so I’m going. I’m renting a car, driving down on Friday, and sleeping on a friend’s couch for the weekend.

I’m taking with me my Dell Mini 9, the Nokia E71, N79, and probably the E63. That’s it. I’m really only taking 3 phones so that I have the ability to quickly switch to a fully charged phone while the other recharges. I’m imagining I’ll have some heavy data usage during SXSW. I’ll have Gravity loaded up on all the phones, to keep up with Twitter without completely going overboard, and will obviously make sure to have Qik or Kyte or Ustream or something loaded up for spontaneous video capture.

I’m also rather pumped that I’m driving down there (it’s a good 4+ hour drive) by myself on Friday afternoon. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a good solo road trip, and while I love my wife more than anything, it’ll be nice to have alone time to just drive.

If you’re going to SXSW this year, be sure to let me know. You can email me at ricky(at)rickycadden.com, or follow me on Twitter and be sure to say hello with an @rcadden message, so I know who you are. I’ll report back soon.