Even though this website is mainly about parenting, relationships and family, much of my time online and off is spent researching, learning and networking with those in the social media world.

Here are just a few things I learned from the San Diego Social Media Camp this past weekend:

1. Jonathan360 has a police scanner – and he’s not afraid to use it.
2. The Sony Skyview Cafe has great sushi (according to Chris Husong).
3. DowntownRob hasn’t always lived downtown.
4. Sven Johnston has over 5,000 connections on LinkedIn.
5. Sugar Jones was really a drinking name but has now become a recognized brand.
6. WordCamp is coming to San Diego this summer.
7. The camera does add 10 pounds, but unfortunately, does not add volume to my hair.
8. You’re never too old to learn something new.

Many of the above references might go over your head if you didn’t actually attend the Social Media Camp, but of course, that’s the whole point. You had to be there.

When you think of the word “social,” face-to-face networking usually comes to mind. Parties, meetings, social gatherings of all kinds take place offline and are now carried over into the online world as well. It’s a mixture of real time comments, photos and sometimes, live video highlights, and audience members – all over the world – connecting. It’s pretty awesome.

Social Media professionals are growing in number, and work in an industry that was created organically from people in various backgrounds. My professional experience in social media goes back to my role as Marketing Director for a children’s book publishing company in La Jolla. I was employed with them from 2001-2008.

Using traditional marketing practices and incorporating ideas using new (at that time) technologies, I began a Blogger Outreach program that helped establish our brand with many bloggers in the various industries we were trying to reach (educators, booksellers, librarians, parents, and those who work with children in any capacity).

For others who now consider themselves Social Media professionals, their backgrounds and history also varies. Some come from a business background, public relations, advertising, or education. No matter what industry you’re in, social media can benefit you and your organization.

From resource tools to networking with fun and informed people, Social Media Camp was a great place to be and I highly recommend you check out future events hosted by the Social Media Club in your community.

One of the things I learned when working for the publishing companies years ago is that networking offline is just as important – if not more important – than connecting online.

Traveling for my job was something I got used to pretty quickly. I would be gone for 4-5 days at a time about every six weeks, usually over weekends. This meant that I would be working for sometimes 14 days in a row without having a day off, but getting to sit and chat with people in the same industry, working toward the same goals, was priceless.

Coming to the Social Media Camp, and attending other conferences throughout the year, just confirms for me that “going offline” is good for you and your business. Of course, those of us who work in social media don’t tend to be offline for too long at a time.

The panel I was on discussed “passion,” and how important it is to be true to yourself in establishing your brand or in selling yourself to a brand who wants to use you to create a buzz around theirs.

I learned a lot from the panel that spoke just before ours. Sukhjit moderated a discussion with a wise and wonderful group who talked about Brand & Community Management, Influence, and Social Strategy.

There were a handful of topics discussed, ideas shared and introductions to be had. Unfortunately, you couldn’t be in each of the four meeting rooms at the same time, but there was ample opportunity to network and mingle both in real time and following along on Twitter, or Ustream, before, during, and after the #SMCampSD took place.

If you’re curious about how to get more involved in Social Media, simply follow the speakers who attended the one-day event, subscribe to their blogs and engage.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Related Posts via Categories

• Putting your money where your mouth is
• Global Opportunity Quilt honors mothers around the world
• The Best of 2011
• Playful Learning – fun & educational projects for kids
• Fantasy Football Rules!
• Spotify
• How to get your book published
• It takes two to Rango
• Celebrate Children's Book Week
• Carb Lovers Unite