It’s All About Conversation: My MIT Speaking Engagement
November 4, 2008
It was just a year ago that I was sitting in undergrad classes wondering where I would be and what I would be doing in fall 2008.
Then came the birth of Life Before Noon in February, 2008. Fast forward my life to living in four states in five months when I made the transition(s) from undergrad to internship to grad school. What has been a common thread through my transitions are blogging and the blogosphere community.
Last night I was lucky enough to speak at a Social Media Workshop at MIT set up by Dhruv Garg, a MIT 
student. I shared the stage with the talented Dan Schawbel, personal branding expert, who also discussed his new book Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success.
What I learned while preparing for this presentation is that blogging is not just about making connections and establishing an online presence, but also about starting a conversation with people through developing technologies. These conversations have guided my development professionally and personally.
My presentation focused on blogging as a conversation. Blogging should be an investment in yourself, your career and your network. However, if done correctly, it’s not a one time deal. Continuing a conversation is key.
Below are a few slides at the end of my talk about how students can set up their own blogs following a framework I created- R.E.A.C.T.
Although I still have a lot to learn about blogging and the digital space, I am glad to have started my conversation and will hopefully inspire others to do so as well.
-Carla
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1.
Trace Cohen | November 5, 2008 at 11:30 am
Hi Carla,
First off, congratulations on being a speaker at the MIT workshop, I hope it went well. I just wanted to say that I agree with you and your R.E.A.C.T. model because there are so many people out there at think that quantity trumps quality in terms of online interaction. While there is a tipping point, it is crucial that you not only interact with other people but continue your conversations as well, which is exactly what blogging was created for. Good luck!
2.
Dhruv Garg | November 5, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hi Carla,
It was a pleasure interacting with you this past Monday. I find your perspective about conversation very interesting and look forward to working with you in the near future.
Thanks!
Dhruv
3.
Corey | November 5, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Carla,
Glad glad it well. Your model is strong.
4.
Theresa | November 5, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Carla,
I am so glad you had a great time at the MIT workshop. I spoke with Dhruv and it was a huge success. Thank you for presenting and we would love to collaborate with you at more SocialMediaCampus related events.
5.
carlablumenthal | November 5, 2008 at 12:58 pm
@Trace- I agree completely. I think for both online and offline relationships, quantity is more important than quality. Continuing those conversations is key to establishing a network. I really appreciate your comment!
@Dhruv- Thanks so much for hosting! Looking forward to seeing everything you are doing at MIT.
@Corey- Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.
6.
carlablumenthal | November 5, 2008 at 1:02 pm
@Teresa- I would love to take part in more SocialMediaCampus events. Looking forward to collaborating in the future.
7. Social Media Workshop at MIT at SocialMediaCampus | November 5, 2008 at 1:18 pm
[...] Carla Blumenthal, a marketing and blogging specialist, shared her thoughts and findings on the importance of blogging. Carla spoke about focusing on how blogging can be similar to a conversation. This allows us to truly communication and build relationships with each other online. Below are a few slides from her presentation on setting up a blog and starting the conversation. | View | Upload your own [...]
8.
GMCA Stacey | November 11, 2008 at 10:59 pm
So I just wnt to say that, A.) I am very impressed that you spoke at MIT about blogging. What a great thing to have accomplished at such a young age. And, B.) you have inspired me to start my own blog. As of right now I am using it as more of a way to stay connected with friends and family but hopefully it will develop into more.
9.
carlablumenthal | November 12, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Stacey,
Thanks so much. I am very excited to see you in the blogosphere! If you need any help, you know where to find me
Carla
10.
Samantha Gutglass | November 13, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi Carla – I am so proud of you. I wish I could have seen this presentation because you’re such a great speaker. Somehow, I don’t think this will be your last one. You’re a superstar. Here’s to more conversations.
-Sam
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