Jeff Cutler - columns, essays and opinions » tweetup http://jeffcutler.com/jeff Content Specialist, Social Media Journalist Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:27:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Running a Tweetup for Business. A Recap. http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2011/05/running-a-tweetup-for-business-a-recap/ http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2011/05/running-a-tweetup-for-business-a-recap/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 21:19:17 +0000 Jeff Cutler http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/?p=1463 ---yes, there's more---]]> As many of you know, I create content for a living.

More simply put, I write stuff and people pay me to do so. I’m also a social media trainer, guest speaker and event organizer. To that end, I keep an event calendar over at WithJeff.com and schedule dozens of speaking gigs and training sessions each year all over the United States.

In my role as content creator and event organizer, I’ve put together numerous Tweetups. These have included events for Nissan, Society of Professional Journalists, Egg-Nog Fanatics, the audience of NomX3 and even Ford Motor Company. But recently, I jumped up a level and was honored to be able to merge a few of my skills at an event for Novell – it was what I like to call a Focus Group Tweetup.

The invitation-only event (tweaking the literal definition of a Tweetup with its exclusive nature) brought together 16 technology, community, social and business professionals to talk about a software product. I planned the event at the amazing Brasserie Jo in Boston - and I will tell anyone who will listen that it’s as close as you can get to dining in Paris without flying 3000 miles.

So, right off the bat I had upped the ante. Here are some photos from the night, some facts about the discussion, a link to the product if you want to try it out, and my evaluation of how things went. If you’ve ever wanted to organize a Tweetup, anyone can do it. You just need some organizational skills and the energy to pull it off.

I expect to be doing similar events in Salt Lake City and Austin, TX over the next month or so, and will be doing a few Ice Cream Tweetups over the summer in Boston. Just follow me on twitter if you’d like to be sure not to miss those Tweetups.

——————————-

Novell Vibe Cloud Outreach Tweetup – Boston, MA – April 25, 2010

The food was amazing – a Prix Fixe menu prepared with four courses and select beverages from Brasserie Jo.

The guest speaker for the evening was the talented Doug Haslam. He talked about community and collaboration – two of the facets that the Novell team is trying to foster with their Vibe Cloud product.

The Novell team was on hand to discuss how to use Vibe Cloud and to answer questions from various social media luminaries. Essentially, Vibe Cloud is real-time social collaboration made enterprise-secure.

Here are some shots of the evening…

IMG_0137 IMG_0139 IMG_0138 IMG_0144 IMG_0145 IMG_0143 IMG_0135 IMG_0131 IMG_0125 IMG_0129 IMG_0142 IMG_0140 IMG_0132

The list of attendees included…

Doug Haslam

http://twitter.com/dough

http://doughaslam.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/doughaslam

David Karp

http://twitter.com/limeduck

http://www.limeduck.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dkarp

Steve Garfield

http://twitter.com/stevegarfield

http://stevegarfield.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegarfield

Meg Fowler

http://twitter.com/megfowler

http://megfowler.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megfowler

Bobbie Carlton

http://twitter.com/bobbiec

http://www.carltonprmarketing.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiecarlton

Ellen Rossano

http://twitter.com/ellenrossano

http://ellenrossano.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenrossano

Shwen Gwee

http://twitter.com/shwen

http://www.med20.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/shwen

Todd Van Hoosear

http://twitter.com/#!/vanhoosear

http://itsfreshground.com/about/todd-van-hoosear/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/vanhoosear

Christine Major

http://twitter.com/cmajor

http://www.christinemajor.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemajor

Stephen Dill

http://twitter.com/srdill

http://stephendill.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/srdill

Cappy Popp

http://twitter.com/cappypopp

http://www.thoughtlabs.com/about-thought-labs/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/cappy

In all, I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the event met or exceeded the goals we set at the beginning.

Have you ever attended an exclusive Tweetup? What are you thoughts about how businesses might start using this meeting model going forward?

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]]> http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2011/05/running-a-tweetup-for-business-a-recap/feed/ 1 Downtown Boston Rotary Club http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2010/09/downtown-boston-rotary-club/ http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2010/09/downtown-boston-rotary-club/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:03:20 +0000 Jeff Cutler http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/?p=1253 ---yes, there's more---]]> You know the phone call you get as you’re pulling into your driveway after your commute home? Phone perched in the crook of your neck, you’re reaching for your briefcase, shutting off the radio, grabbing the keys and trying to remember if the guy on the end of the line is named Matt or Mark.

(Photo used is from this blog post – http://blog.slashboing.com/bk/2010/01/26/iphone-shoulder-rest/ )

Legs crossed because you have to pee, you hobble away from the car, take the phone in your hand and put the keys on your pinky so they’re ready for the front door. Mark is talking about charity and his organization and how he met you at some conference and looked up your credentials. He wants you to be a guest speaker at his next event.

Flattered, and with the bathroom in sight, you ask him to email you the details and promise to figure out a way to make it work.

That’s not QUITE how it went down last spring when Mark Connell contacted me to speak at the Downtown Boston Rotary Club, but the result is the same. I’m presenting tomorrow at their formal meeting at the UMass Club and they’ve let me know that the meeting is open and anyone can attend. Here’s the sign-up/event page.

If you can make it, great. If not, you’ll be missed and you’ll be missing an opportunity. No, not to see me…to see the two guys I’m speaking with AND to connect with Rotary Club members who might present opportunities for you to do business.

Also on the docket (and ignore the way the page is written – I am NOT a guru and the discussion will be a collaborative panel, not just me sharing social media knowledge nuggets) are David Cutler and Mike Langford.

Each guy comes at the business world with extensive experience — and each has found a way to meld that experience with strong social media insight and skill. It’s a powerful combination of knowledge for anyone trying to run a business in 2010/2011.

While the model is slowly changing, social media is becoming an operational facet for many companies. But many are still behind the curve. Tomorrow’s discussion will provide some pointers – and a forum for you to ask specific questions – about social media and today’s businesses.

Hope to see you there.

*By the way, there’s also a charity component I’ve been asked to share. The Downtown Boston Rotary is organizing a race down the Greenway (2.6 miles or so). It’s a non-profit event and here’s the link if you’re interested in running or contributing.

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]]> http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2010/09/downtown-boston-rotary-club/feed/ 0 Perfectly Seasoned http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/perfectly-seasoned/ http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/perfectly-seasoned/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:25:37 +0000 Jeff Cutler http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/?p=817 ---yes, there's more---]]> Last night was #nogup2. An event that had its roots in an impromptu suggestion from Christine Major and Amy Greenlaw in late 2008.

Back then, both women were excited (and still are) about their connection with the Boston social media scene. Although they live in the desolate, far reaches of New Hampshire…tickling the Canadian border and perhaps the Arctic Circle, they asked if somebody would host/organize an eggnog-themed Tweetup.

4192812976_bf952bda22

See all the amazing photos by searching the Web for #nogup and #nogup2. And you can see Derek’s photos of the event HERE.

If you’re unaware of the word Tweetup, it’s essentially a party/meeting/gathering that takes place practically anywhere and for any reason and is organized using the social media tool Twitter – among other communication devices.

Well, the original #nogup took place at Tommy Doyle’s in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. The attendees numbered ten (if you count @robertcollins who was lost somewhere on the chilly metro-Boston street and @clownface3 who suggested that we stop worrying about Bob and put our iPhones down long enough to enjoy some Nog).

As reminiscence breeds affection, Christine asked me this year if I thought another Nog-up was in order. I contemplated how tough it would be to get ten people together at a bar in the middle of winter and jumped at the opportunity. Holy cow, holy night, unsilent night!

What transpired was memorable, fun and actually charitable. Here are some of the things I recall from last night’s #nogup2 (a list of attendees can be found below that and you can see the invitation and charity details at Eventbrite). Further, if you were there and have some details I missed while I was singing “Pour Some Eggnog on Me” or digging into a massive bowl of Shepherd’s Pie, add them in the comments. Thanks!

The bar staff ran out to buy eggnog at the local Trader Joe’s when they realized I was serious that 75 people were expected.

Steve Garfield gave out copies of his book…………….cover on little cards to those in attendance early. (Get Seen is coming out soon and is available for pre-order on Amazon)

Christine, Kelley, Josh and others sang in front of other noggers – Karaoke is DANGEROUS.

The 50/50 raffle, the book donation bin and the gift cards – all done for Room to Grow – were magnificently successful.

The Yankee Swap was a little less successful and was called ‘Poopy’ by one attendee. I immediately blamed the economy, the patrons in the Asgard who were not at #nogup2 and the deceptively cuddly badger – which looks really cute on Animal Planet but is really mean.

Trooper Gradon Tripp who had to put up with me from noon until 10PM as he attended NomX3 at Bar10 and then kicked off the #nogup with Mike Langford and myself at 4:30 (start time wasn’t until 5:40).

People put everything from Baileys to rum to Amaretto in their eggnog – and because we did this year’s Nog-up in the traditional low-key manner (no name badges and no sign-in list) it was a great way to identify who was there for noggin’.

Derek Peplau won the evening’s Susan Boyle award when he belted out 99 Red Balloons in German, IN TUNE and with amazing spirit. He thanked the academy and announce that he was soon appearing on Dancing with the Stars – his other great love.

Others on stage – namely me – were less able to carry a tune, follow lyrics on a screen or even remember the phrase ‘Pour some eggnog on me’. Were it not for backup singers @pistachio @ellenrossano @stales, I would have been booed off the Karaoke stage faster than @eric_andersen checks into Foursquare.

Rich Sands – for turning a four-hour flight from New York to Boston into a cameo at the Nog-up. Great to see him.

And also, a hearty smile to both Bob Collins and Gretchen who are now considered Nog-up vets.

Shwen popped in for a moment – great to see him.

There was even a Dmitri Gunn sighting, another friendly face.

Finally, the holiday fairies delivered a burst of snow that made Cambridge resemble a winter wonderland for a brief moment on a chilly December eve.

All-in-all, I want to thank everyone for coming and reinforcing my belief that Boston is the best social media city in the world.

Happy Holidays!

Attendees – or not. As I mentioned, I didn’t sign people in. But these folks signed up to attend and there were many more who showed up without signing up.

Anya Downing

Ted McEnroe

Matt Bertuzzi

David Fisher

Jenny Dambek

John Smith

Albert Willis

Laura Fitton

Allison Frasso

Chris Eustace

Allen Bonde

Shwen Gwee

Jennie White

Kerry Israel

Michelle Heath

Laurie Davis

Sarah Greenwood

Andy Carvin

Steve Garfield

Liz Carver

Mike Langford

Greg Nolley

Jamie Bradley

Mick Darling

Leah Rodriguez

Thomas Clifton

Erin Hines

Shava Nerad

Jayna Dinsmore

Rachel Levy

David Gallant

Thomas Edwards

Lisa Johnson

Maggie Battista

Alicia Benjamin

Kara Brickman

Rick Allen

Tamsen McMahon

Lil Pecan

Jim Storer

Rachel Happe

Tracy Lee Carroll

Susan (Sooz) Kaup

Josh Bob

Justin M. Whitaker

Nicholas Peterson

Jenny Frazier

Rich Sands

M. Durwin

Paul Harvey

Christine Major

Biana Bakman

Phumelele Trasada

Kelley Kassa

Derek Peplau

Meredith Kench

Bobbie Carlton

Selina

Renee Hopkins

Joe Cascio

Leslie Poston

Marissa Lowman

Carissa Caramanis O’Brien

Melissa Massello

Ellen Rossano

Alicia Staley

Zach Braiker

Gradon Tripp

Karen Costa

Jeff Cutler

Keep reading!

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]]> http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/perfectly-seasoned/feed/ 2 Phases http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/phases/ http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/phases/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:01:15 +0000 Jeff Cutler http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/?p=810 ---yes, there's more---]]> This past week was pure insanity in regard to number of obligations on my calendar. Usually the weeks following Thanksgiving slow down a bit and the focus turns to holiday preparation. Not this week.

MoonShots

In a nutshell, I was working part time doing some copywriting and proofreading; I had a marketing communications project due for a client; I was appearing on two radio programs and one podcast; I had a few doctor appointments; my car had been ticketed twice so I was taking care of those; there were a few random Tweetups in town I wanted to attend; I was planning to cover a technology conference; and the Movember Gala was on Thursday night.

Add to that the care and feeding of two cats, the importance of personal relationships and the day-to-day operations of the Bungalow, and you’ve got a week that’s too full for words.

Which brings me to the title of this post. Phases.

Each of us runs into times that cause us to refocus our energy. For me, this week was a wake-up call. I’m feeding content vehicles all over the Web. I have three client projects underway, and I’m attending Social Media events as if my schedule was completely free. That’s about to change.

The next phase of Jeff Cutler – not 2.0, but more intelligent – will feature an enhanced panel and speaking calendar; a diminished social calendar (within the Social Media space); and a focus on client and journalism projects.

It’s not to say I won’t show up at the random Tweetup, but that’s something better left to people who define themselves as Social Media Superstars. Let them ride the T to five events each night in an effort to be everything to everyone. I choose to be the best in my current endeavors.

I’ll be great on NomX3.com, in my role as Social Media Trainer for the Society of Professional Journalists nationwide, as a continuing education teacher (also in using social media tools to communicate), a conference panelist, a skilled writer, a dedicated reporter, and a guest on various broadcasts that cover media, lifestyle, technology and passion.

For most of you, this won’t change what you see on the blog or where you see me. Most of my readers have been smart enough to adopt this method themselves and are discerning when choosing which events to attend and when. I’m just following your lead.

See you at a Tweetup or two, a tech conference, or better still…let’s connect over tea and spend some F2F time together.

While social media is a great way to connect, if we do nothing to move beyond the superficial first hello, then we’re not really moving forward. We’re just running around the city smiling and waving, then moving on to the next fleeting greeting.

I’m choosing to make my presence more significant. And this post marks the start of that phase.

Keep reading!

**Oh, yeah. I’m working on a book too. That’s gonna take up some of my time as well. :-)

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]]> http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/12/phases/feed/ 11 Gary Vaynerchuk, Crushit, NomX3 and Awe http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/10/gary-vaynerchuk-crushit-nomx3-and-awe/ http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/2009/10/gary-vaynerchuk-crushit-nomx3-and-awe/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:30:27 +0000 Jeff Cutler http://jeffcutler.com/jeff/?p=776 ---yes, there's more---]]> Last night, Mike Langford and I hosted an event for 150+ people at the Estate in Boston. The event was organized to celebrate the release of Gary Vaynerchuk’s book “Crush It” and to do a live taping of NomX3 and WingmanTV.

In a nutshell, we drank some questionable wine, we taped two television shows, we had some laughs on stage and on the floor, Gary signed about 150 books, we hobnobbed from 6PM to nearly 1AM (afterparties at Silvertone and PF Chang’s), and learned a lot about how far passion can bring you in life.

JeffandGaryV

The evening was a rousing success. Our sponsors made it possible to have Gary V in town and I’d like to thank them again for participating. They are:

PerkettPR, Ace Ticket, Brilliant Video, Tweetworks, BuzzBall, Emmi and Sweetwater. Give these links a click to see what these organizations are about.

If by some circumstance you missed it, here are some of the people who were there – (taken from the eventbrite signup list) – and we’ll have the episode of NomX3 with Gary V up shortly.

If you were there, please leave your comments about the night here on this post.

Thanks to everyone who attended!

  • Kathy Lamphier
  • Kamille Carthy
  • Charlotte Birkner, Babson College
  • Larry Sax
  • Pamela Crowley
  • Clair Wyant
  • Ali Pincus, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
  • Carissa O”Brien, Red Box Communications
  • janine silvera
  • Genni Kurtzman, Hooksett NH Public Schools
  • Joyce Elven
  • Jodi Teal
  • Jennifer Montfort
  • Jenny Mackintosh
  • Jennifer Troutman
  • Katherine Sadler
  • Ian Hyman
  • anthony caturano
  • Chris Tassone
  • Michelle Shapiro
  • Alice Hu
  • rich silver
  • frank turano
  • Amy Petty
  • Jean Terranova

  • Elizabeth Michaeli
  • Steve Horwitz, morgan stanley
  • sheri singer, bloomingdales
  • Ellen Rossano, Crisis Media Consultants
  • tom genereux
  • david adams
  • Howard Nager
  • Cathy Huyghe, Red Whtie Boston

Keep reading!

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