Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

July 29, 2007

BlogHer Chicks Rock!

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 10:16 pm

Dear Friends and Dear Friends to Be!

Two days at conference and I find myself with thoughts of the remarkable people whose paths I crosssed.

Elisa Camahort, Jory DesJardins, and Lisa Stone hosted a seamless and elegant conference in Chicago. It was first class all of the way. The Second Life strand was a special place for folks who couldn’t attend. Lots of folks who made their first trip to Chicago felt like they were well taken care of.

I got some quality time with dear friends. business blogger and hero to moms and dads, Wendy Piersall, travel blogger and the most joyful reality barometer, Sheila Scarborough, girl geek with a heart as big a Georgia, Robyn Tippins, and singer, blogger, inspiration, Christine Kane. Yeah, we got to hear Christine play again! (She has a new CD!) At the pre-conference speaker’s reception, I got a chance to spend time with Andy Sernovitz as well. I had a hug from all five before the conference had even begun. Not a bad start to any event.

Also at the speaker’s reception, I met new friend Mary Jo Manzanares of Fly Away Cafe. She’s a leadership speaker and a charming, thoughtful woman with a magnetic smile. As Mary Jo and I talked, Denise Wakeman joined the group a few minutes later. I bet you know her from the Blog Squad. Her sense of humor and delight in tackling problems makes her a fun part of a business conversation.

Early in the conference, Wendy introduced me to Plain Jane Mom, Erika. We sat together through a few business sessions. She must be a great mom. Her sense of humor is easy. Her intelligence is quick . . . and she put up with me.

Wendy and I spoke on a “Mentoring and Coaching” panel with Collette Ellis and Elizabeth Perry. Elisa chose well in putting us all on the same team. We made a connection that I’ll value, and I hope to find myself with that group again soon.

I also met up with Cynthia Samuels of Don’t Gel Too Soon. This network TV news veteran is a blogger, a producer, a consultant, a writer, a mom and a wife. After her session, she answered a question about talking to the media that I haven’t yet grown into.

Later, I met Kate Feltman from Wiley. She sat with Robyn and I by the lake as we talked through a SOBCon08 dream. She’s a quick study, who loves the power of ideas. She’s also fun to brainstorm with.

A great conversation happened in the hall with Leah Jones from Edelman. We met through that fiery guy of SOBCon, Ari Garber. Leah and I talked writing and publishing. Her insightful, warm way and easy smile would be a welcome break anytime.

And let me say, that the powerhouse of a genuine person Christina Jones, is everything she’s cracked up to be. Yep, a hero through and through.

Those are just a few of the people I met while I was missing all of you.

–ME ‘Liz” Strauss





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16 Comments to “BlogHer Chicks Rock!”

  1. July 30th, 2007 at 10:33 am
    Christina said

    LOL Liz - powerhouse is about the last word I would use to describe me - but it was incredibly nice to meet you too, and I am so glad we had a chance to have a one on one and get to know each other a little better. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. :)

  2. July 30th, 2007 at 11:39 am
    Mary Jo Manzanares said

    It was great to meet you, Liz. The conference was a wonderful opportunity to match up names, blogs, and faces!

  3. July 30th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
    Armen said

    Liz, it was such a pleasure meeting you in person! I’ll look forward to our paths crossing again soon.

  4. July 30th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
    Erika, Plain Jane Mom said

    Thanks! I’m surprised I conveyed anything coherent in all that madness :)

  5. July 30th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Christina!
    I wouldn’t have traded it for the world either. Now we have something really substantial to stand on when we meet at 6:30 in the morning. :) Too fun!

  6. July 30th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Mary Jo!
    How wonderful it was to see you in so many venues — speaking, chatting, and blogging. You’re a wonder!

  7. July 30th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Armen!
    I only wish we had more time to talk! Next time let’s plan ahead and find a time to sit with a cold beverage!

  8. July 30th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Erika!
    You were more than wonderful! You were great company and fun to be with, and you held my seat when I wasn’t there!

  9. July 30th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
    Robyn Tippins said

    Thanks for the love gal. I wouldn’t have missed hanging out for the world. Now, watch out for those moving sidewalks. I hear they are killer!

  10. July 30th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Robyn,
    Hanging out with you was taking fun to a new plane in the blogosphere. I’m still recovering. I keep hearing some southern voice say, “You cain’t go home, girl. C’mon.”

  11. August 1st, 2007 at 10:15 am
    Denise aka The Blog Squad said

    Liz, it was terrific meeting you and hanging out at the speaker’s event and prior to my session. I really enjoyed partying with you and Robyn!

    I’m recovering for a few days in Toronto before heading back to my reality. Looking forward to meeting you again at a live event.

  12. August 1st, 2007 at 3:03 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Denise,
    Meeting you was a special treat for me too! It was fun every minute, but I especially liked walking over in the Chicago night. :)

  13. August 2nd, 2007 at 10:20 am
    Cynthia Samuels said

    Liz thanks for the shoutout. For me BlogHer is such an affirmation. I spent years in the women’s movement yet somehow the solidarity among the bloghers is geometrically more inspiring - I think because it’s a so much more diverse group. I’ll keep reading your lovely blog. :)

  14. August 2nd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Cynthia!
    Welcome! How nice of you to stop by to see everyone. You were awesome at BlogHer! I so enjoyed listening to you tell about things broadcast and media.

    I look forward to seeing you again. :)

  15. August 12th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
    Leah said

    I’ve been too busy twittering to say thank you for your kind words! I’m thrilled to learn you are in Chicago and looking forward to talking more!

  16. August 12th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Leah!
    Glad to know that you’ve got me in the right city now! We’ve got to have our own blogger meetup at some point soon. :)

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