The Storytelling theme attracted our attention.

What is it?

The formula was a new one on me.  This is taken from the PechaKucha website:

PechaKucha 20×20 is a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. The images forward automatically and you talk along to the images.

It was indeed a fast-moving series of fascinating, sometimes confusing, rambling, varied presentations loosely based around the theme.  Some shared information; most told stories or shared ideas, opinions, passions on book format, design, font, imagery, sculpture, art, thoughts, childhood, business and more…

I liked it.

1. Consciously Construct Your Sentences

It’s amazing how much web copywriting is composed with no consideration for sentence construction.  Click here to see what happens when you get it wrong.  Sentences will end mid-thought.  Unless you are a professional writer, and therefore know how to break the rules, stick to these simple principles:

1. In the simplest of sentence constructions (the ones we learn in children’s storybooks) the order is Subject-Verb-Object, as in: The cat(s) sat(v) on the mat(0).  This is isn’t a bad format to follow, if you are new to copywriting.
2. Restrain your ideas to one thought per sentence and one concept per paragraph.

2. Decide Whether You’re an Amateur or a Professional

Yes, we all know we need to spell check and proofread, but how many of us do it?  Basic spelling errors don’t make the writer look cool (as often) propounded online, especially by bloggers.  They exude unprofessionalism.  The English language is not for mavericks.  The rules were decided long ago.

1. Any text editor you work with will include a basic spell check tool.  Alternatively, ask someone else to read your work, before clicking Publish.
2. Look up words whose spelling or meaning seems uncertain in Merriam Webster.

Read Apostrophe Atrophy if you still can’t grasp the purpose of the apostrophe, one of the most misunderstood and misused punctuation marks in the English language.

3. Pick an English Language to Write In

Some clients will prefer British English, some will prefer American English and some will stipulate International English.  Make yourself aware of the differences among the three.

4. Eliminate that Pesky Officialese Infection

Many who write are plagued with this persistent problem.  They don’t talk in a pompous tone.  They can relax at the weekends.  And, yet, when they sit at a laptop, pomp and ceremony take over.  Far from appearing professional and educated, they end up mired in gobbledegook.

We’ve blogged this several times before.  See the following:

The Ten Worst Business Phrases of All Time

The 8 Worst Written Business Phrases of All Time

5. Practise Before Launching Your Copy on the Web!

Writers write.  In order to become skilled at something, you need practice.  Begin a blog. It can be kept private from the world, open (but anonymous, to invite comment) or written under your own name, whatever your preference.  It’s a simple way to begin copywriting.

• Pick a subject you are interested in.
• Blog once a week, every week.
• Ask for input from colleagues or friends.

Want to Join ScribeTribe?

Perhaps you’re already a writer?

Technical writer?  Blogger?  Journalist?  Editor?  Indexer?  Copywriter?  Proofreader?  Business or professional writer?  Then ScribeTribe is for you!

Click for more information and to register your place.  ScribeTribe will launch in Belfast on 08 Mar 2011.

Alternatively, join us on Facebook.

It’s a bit like Speed Networking

I’ve always found speed networking to be entirely useless as a medium, as five minutes is insufficient to get any real sense of what your counterpart does; you only get a short time pre-determined by someone else) to spend chatting with each person.  The difference at BizCamp is that you can choose the time length yourself.  This may while rushing inbetween talks, to say a quick “hi”; it could be over a planned coffee; or, during a longer (planned) lunchbreak, or post-event coffee.  It’s an opportunity to network with a multiple of people (320 by all accounts).

It’s a bit like Training

BizCamp is all about learning.  There are multiple speakers and themes.  And, as on training courses, you’ve all day to network casually, as you discuss the learning points, get into groups, argue, discuss, debate, ask, provoke…  There’s plenty of scope for things to open and continue a conversation with, which makes it much easier for the introverted to engage.

It’s a bit like Dating

You can get into a real, intense, private conversation with someone should you wish, due to the relaxed nature of events.  There is no requirement to attend talks all day.

You can meet all sorts there.  Social media is a great method of carrying on the relationship in the virtual world, making it much easier to relate when you meet that person again.

It’s a bit like Schmoozing

Schmoozing’s a worthwhile activity, don’t knock it!  You know the deal. We all schmooze a little.  We befriend and hang out with the cool cats. Often the cool cats turn out to be cool people too, and just good to be around because of the energy, smiles, fun, insight, positivity, friendliness, life, noise or cupcakes they exude.  And, business and referrals too.  Thanks guys.  :)

Oh, this wee app will now make Schmooozing easier.

It’s a bit like Chilling with Your Mates

In all, networking at BizCamp is so unlike any other networking activity.  Maybe it’s because there’s no unspoken dress code?  Maybe it’s because there are no heavy expectations on you as an attendee.  (If you want to volunteer to help you can.  Future organisers will only be too glad to give you a job to do, I’m sure.)

In all, it’s about as far away from traditional, structured networking (which works too) as possible.  You NEED to be at the next one!

Meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the event.  Who did you hear that really blew your mind, and inspired you to great things?  What elements of the day worked well, or not?  Are you a cupcake fan, an oreo fan, or a gingerbread man fan?  Have you been inspired to speak at the next BizCamp?  And, what about?  Answers on a comment below please!

Some Links to the Presentations:

Kathryn Leech: http://www.slideshare.net/bzinetiis/social-media-for-business-5785544

Jordan McClements: http://www.ppcni.com/bizcamp.pdf

If you know of any others, add them to a comment, and we will add them in here.

Image credit: Neil Harrison Photography, the one-man energy machine, who leaped around all day taking excellent pics.

Last night, I attended the second meeting of the Social Media Association for Business, at UUB.  Here are my thoughts on the evening.

What is the Social Media Association for Business?

The SMAB is a grassroots organisation that spontaneously germinated in the mind of our very own Martin Gilchrist of Gilchrist & Co Accountants, to bring together those who are interested in, knowledgeable about using social media tools, to assist organisations in Northern Ireland with their understanding and employment of social media as a marketing and networking tool.

Who was there?

Come along to the next one and meet them all!  I’m currently wracking my brain to see if I can remember all the new people I met.  Watch out, I’ll be trying to make contact next!

Social Media Association for Business Facebook Page

What is the current format?

1. Registration/Free Networking over tea/coffee
2. Welcome
3. Speaker
4. Questions to a Panel
5. Open Mic
6. Free Networking

Who spoke?

Tim McKane from Navajo Talk

Who sat on the panel?

Jon Paul Bruce from BizNet IIS

Nichola Bates from Grow Sales Online

And, me.

What did I learn?

I need to get rid of one Facebook Profile I had retained for personal friends and family, as really, something I’ve known for a long time, is that it’s not really kosher to have two.  Thing is, personal friends and family have slowing been adding me as a Friend on my other professional Profile for a while, so it won’t be that difficult to close it down.  Many thanks to Jill Culbertson from Navajo Talk for pointing this out again.

Join me on Facebook

I share stuff I’m doing, things I’m interested in, what I’m reading, people I find useful, and the odd opinion or rant.

“Like” Sensei Learning and Performance on Facebook

We share tips and hints for SMEs who are interested in maximising the web for their business.  You’ll also be kept informed of new blogs and upcoming events, ones we’re running, and other useful business events across Northern Ireland.

Is there any grub?

Tea, coffee and delicious traybakes.

Vibe?

Relaxed, but structured (due to Niall McKeown‘s no doubt renowned meeting management skills) and informed.

Where can I get further information?

Ask the organisers:

Martin Gilchrist

Nichola Bates

Niall McKeown

Image credit: webtreatsetc.