Learn to Eat Shit, Three Steps for Survival.

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson shares three steps to surviving life after Corporate America.

I don’t claim the steps below are original, just that they fit! I actually heard these from Ron Jones, Composer TVs Family Guy, American Dad, Star Trek the next Generation, and Duck Tails. And Walter Murphy composer arranger “A fifth of Beethoven” TVs Family Guy, American Dad, Film: “Foodfight!” During a session at the ASCAP Expo, LA.

The question posed to them was, “How do you make it in television as a composer?” The response that came next resonated with me as a small business owner, and former Corporate America drone who left in 2004 to pursue a full time career as an independent event and marketing professional.

Today, as my former co-drones face job uncertainty, company layoffs, bankruptcy, and the nagging feeling that there must be something more to life than stressing over a job that is not your passion. I find myself being asked a similar question. Only the question sounds more like:

• How have you survived life after Corporate America?
• Is this the best time to start a business?
• What if I’ve lost all of my savings?
• What have you learned from your mistakes and successes?
• How do I market myself as an event professional?

Instead of telling them about:

1. The word of mouth referrals I received that kept me busy as a conference planner.

2. The former supplier, who trusted my marketing advice and then hired me to carryout the initiative.

3. The agency that kept me busy doing CME meetings that helped me make connections.

4. The joy I find in doing what I love and sharing it with others.

5. My ability to sacrifice things, and still have joy.

6. The downturn in business (2006) and the client who flaked on a huge invoice that forced me to look at ways to put my M.B.A and obsessive internet usage to use.

7. The faith that allows me to think positively about the future even through devastating personal loss, financial struggle, and borderline depression.

No, instead of boring them and you with the details of my life and business, I choose to share the steps that my new musical heroes spoke so eloquently.

Step 1. Learn to eat shit

Step 2. Learn to enjoy the taste.

Step 3. Learn to pass it on.

I wish you all the best!

Cheryl Lawson

Learn more about Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson by visiting www.Theperfect-date.com
or follow me on twitter.

www.twitter.com/partyaficionado

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson’s Event Planning students continue to learn by volunteering.

Event Specialist and RCC Community Education Instructor, Cheryl Lawson provided students with the opportunity to volunteer for high profile events in Los Angeles.

Thanks to all of my RCC Community Ed students who participated in the events below. I was very proud to have so many people interested in volunteering. I hope you learned a little more about event management and had a bit of fun as well.

• "I Create Music" EXPO - April 18th, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel, LA
• Pop Music Awards - April 22nd, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel, Los Angeles
• "I Create Music" EXPO - April 23rd - 25th, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel, LA
• Film & TV Music Awards - May 11th, 2009 at the Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles
• Rhythm & Soul Music Awards - June 26rd, 2009 at the Beverly Hilton Los Angeles

Please feel free to share your experience by commenting on this blog post.

See you soon.

Cheryl Lawson

To learn more about Cheryl Lawson and RCC Community Education’s event planning classes offered visit http://www.theperfect-date.com/aboutus.html

How Twittering Helps Grow Business? The Party Aficionado Weighs In

Event Specialist Cheryl Lawson answers the question. How Twittering Helps Grow Business?

I received this question via email from someone who wanted to know how event leaders specifically were using Twitter. Since I thought more people might have the same question. Below is my response.

Twitter, like any other social networking site brings like minds together to network and share ideas, deals, links, etc. I think Twitter was first used in an event environment to allow the audience to ask questions to the speaker live!

Let's say you have just completed a presentation as a speaker at a large conference. Smart phone and laptop users can log in at the end of the talk and put in a hashtag that associates with your event, and ask the speaker questions… live for a very interactive Q & A session. No need for microphones (and staff roaming through the audience) this video from Ted.com speaks to how Twitter is being shaped by its users. An example of how Twitter is used in an event is displayed towards the end of the talk.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/evan_williams_on_listening_to_twitter_users.html

The speaker can then log on to Twitter search page, and look up all of the tweets with the conference tag on it. See examples of rally day tweets here.

http://search.twitter.com/search?q=rallyday

I have used just about all social networking sites for events.
One of my client's attendees was 18-24 year old female dancers. From 2005 - 2007 Myspace was where they lived! Having a site set up for the event drew in thousands of fans of the client. As a result, attendance grew and the audience expanded.

Twitter, can be used in a similar way to:

1. "tweet" about a particular event or events. I and Many people "tweet" live from conferences or events to share experiences, information, etc.

2. "tweet" a website link that you find important or interesting. (And yes even funny)

3. Just recently, I used twitter to save $50.00 per night on a hotel room for my brother's vacation in Miami.

I often tell people; if you use twitter (or any social network) to talk about when you’re going to the bathroom or what you're eating at the time. That's what you'll get back. But if you use it to find resources and/or to become a resource, that's probably what you'll get back!

Like any other Marketing strategy, before you start using Social networking sites, you should have a strategy.

Determine what you want to achieve with the social network. Are you attempting to connect with attendees, clients, industry professionals, people who share common interests, or advocates for a particular cause? Regardless of your choice, you’ll likely find someone else interested in the same things.

I really do believe that people prefer to do business with others whom they share social experiences. It’s not just a catch phrase.

So if the social experience is online or in person, networking is networking.

I hope that helps.

Cheryl Lawson

Learn more about Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson by visiting www.Theperfect-date.com
or follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/partyaficionado