It Started with an Invitation to Speak in Davos
Davos, Switzerland, 21 February 2011, II World Forum “Communication on Top” took place in Swiss Davos at the end of last week. Trend-makers and key figures from communications industry participated in the Forum. Among them are top-managers of world-known companies like GALLUP, ENEL, EDELMAN, SPN Ogilvy, DELL, leaders of large-scale political and social projects in various countries, and world-famous “stars” in the area of consultancy and communications.
Last year, I received an invitation from the project manager of the annual World Forum “Communication on Top”, held in Davos, Switzerland. The content is in the field of Communications, PR, Marketing, Social Media, and Corporate relations: http://www.forumdavos.com
The invitation offered me a keynote session and asked if I would be willing to participate as a nominee for the C4F awards ceremony in the category “Titan of Web 2.0.”
Being asked to speak in Davos is quite a heady experience. Switzerland is famous for great minds meeting at important events.
Such as this interview in which:
Garrett Johnston discusses
- aritificial intelligence and the singularlity
- understanding the reasons people consume what they consume
- creative and uncreative consumers.
- companies who do well in the crisis
“It’s a question of making the choice easier and more accurate for the consumer. It works for everybody and reduces friction.” he says.
Who Wouldn’t Want to Be at an Event Like that?
Unfortunately Switzerland is also an exclusive ticket to an entrepreneur in the launch phase of a new business. Though I’m usually quick flexible and creative at solving problems in ways that everyone wins, I also had a prior commitment to speak on the other side of the world in Las Vegas during the Davos event.
And my word is my word.
So we agreed that the keynote might wait until next year. Then we’d have proper time to plan for the event. Participation in the nomination moved forward, I met with Helen Brandt of the Davos Top of Communication World Forum Team — It was an early morning interview — 7 time zones apart — on Skype about what being a Titan of the Web might mean.
Here’s a bit of that … Liz Unplugged.
- a titan – brings images of building things with elaboration and fluency
- It’s not a titanic labor to raise a blog; it’s a titanic responsibility. You write a blog to connect with people. It’s conversation.
- I love to show companies how an invitation is more exciting than a pitch. I love to teach the fun of negotiating from the same side of the table.
- I love showing people how their values attract people who have the same values as they do.
“I love bringing people back to the common sense. There’s so much we can do to bring the world back to the community,” I said.
I had done all I might do to be ready for the Titan of Web 2.0 nomination. Now what was left was to be online during the presentation.
Enter the Titanic in the Titan
When I got to Las Vegas, I was set and ready. I tuned in before my event to watch an learn from the speakers. All was well. Then came the time for the presentations — 7pm in Switzerland / 10am in LasVegas and the livestream in my hotel crashed.
The rest is history. I wasn’t a part of the awards — the skype connection we prepared disappointed us with no service. It was time to go speak on my panel before the wifi came back up.
The panel at the conference in Las Vegas went well. The people were outstanding both on the panel, including that Leadership guy Terry Starbucker, and in the audience. We talked about how social media can change the face of a business and bring customers closer — close enough to build a brand up.
An hour later, when the panel was over, I discovered via Twitter this lovely tweet …
And my partner, Terry, who was the first to say “congratulations,” now calls me Liss.
And every life event is worth the worry if you get a great story out of it.
Will I be at Davos next year? You can bet on it. I will be there not only to give that keynote, but to say a proper thank you, share my gratitude for this prestigious recognition
And I’ll try to learn some titan speak.
Blushing just a little, and saying thank you to the Davos Forum, to my friends, partners, and readers, — all of you who make everything I do worth every minute I spend doing it.
You’re the titans that keep this titan on the web.
Related links for more information about World Forum, “Communication on Top,” Davos, Switzerland:
http://forumdavos.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/comm_on_top (hashtag #topcom)
http://www.facebook.com/ForumDavos
http://www.youtube.com/user/forumdavoscom
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Congrats Liz!! – As you say “Head, Heart and Vision” …. you’ve got them all and you so freely share them with others ๐ Thanks for who you are and all you do ๐ !!!
Hi Cate!
Thank you for being there with me every minute since the second I met you. ๐
Hi Liz,
What an amazing story – one for the books for sure. That’s an invitation that anyone on the planet that would have anyone’s head spinning. You handled this with such grace. What a great lesson. Not every moment is to be acted on. When gut instinct and integrity reign, I truly believe anything is possible. There is joy in just the invite. Some would lose site of that – you did not. Looking forward to seeing you in the spring at #SobCon.
Hi Judy,
It was an amazing experience … one that I’m certain will be leading to some life-long friendships. I’m delighted to be part of something so special. Thrilled really. But as you say, even when your head is spinning you have to go with what is instinct and integrity. I so look forward to seeing you in just a few weeks too!
You lead by example. You have an intrinsic ability to identify and articulate truths that compels people to listen.
You’re an amazing barn builder and collaborator – so pleased that you’re receiving this recognition. It’s well deserved. Kudos! My best, M.
Hi Molly,
That’s really some praise coming from a woman of vision and collaboration like you. I thank you.
Liz,
When I think of Titan I think of the words, “immense” and “universal” because of mythology – and you represent both to me. The impact you and SOBCon had on my career was immense in so many ways, and the truths and wisdom you share is undoubtedly universal.
Congratulations on such a wonderful honor and I’m looking forward to seeing you again in April!
All the best,
Lisa Petrilli
Hi Lisa,
It’s meant a lot to my life to have you in it. Thank you for your comment. The feeling is mutual about the impact. I look forward to seeing you again too!
Congratulations! Well deserved!
Thank you, Andy.
It’s truly exciting!
Warmest congratulations on a most well-deserved honor; you’re a titanic Web presence and a monster friend.
Wait, that came out wrong….:)
I’m SO very happy for you and can’t wait to see you head to Davos to keynote in 2012.
Hi Sheila,
I love how you said that. ๐
Beautiful, Liz! Listening to the video, I felt your vision come through so powerfully of greater human connection, greater individual opportunity to be a person in business settings, both as an employee and as a consumer. It’s no longer a “take it or leave it” world, its a world individuals can shape. I know this award will give you even more opportunities to advance your cause. Congratulations!!
Hi Susan,
I so believe that we all have so much to contribute and I know you know that. If this little bit of noise helps me do more and add more to that contribution, I’m all for geting more going! We’re here to make a better world. You know it!
Liz, I am so happy for you! You are one of the most inspiring and amazing people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I am still flying high on your words of wisdom at EventCamp! Thank you and congratulations!
Hi Carla,
I enjoyed our short conversation at Event Camp to … it’s people like you who inspire me right back. ๐ Thank you!
Wow! Congrats Liss ๐
That’s a wonderful honor you no doubt deserve. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Bradley
It sure helps a blogger keep going!
Yeah Liz!! This is awesome ๐
I am way too busy launching my ipad/iphone apps but am so glad I caught this.
Congrats! From the bottom of my heart ๐
Maya!
I’m glad to have you even for a second. Thank you!
Yawn — what took ’em so long?! ๐
BawldGuy, I will forever love you.
Congratulations Liz on winning such a distinguished award. So richly deserved and I look forward to watching for all the other awards you are going to winรขยยฆ
Davos! Wow!!!! You made a tough, but noble decision. You’re right, getting invited is the main thing.
Liz – A million congratulations – what a tremendous (and incredibly deserved) honor! Kudos!
A million thank yous, Danielle!
WOW, Liss!
Congrats on the Davos gig for next year, and congrats on your huge award.
You Titan, you.
The Franchise Kingรยฎ
Congratulations Liz! What an interesting story of how can things can turn just right when everything seems to go wrong! I love the way you interact as well as your transparency and authenticity. A well deserved award!
thank you, Yolande!
I’ve made so many new friends thought this experience. I’m one lucky blogger. ๐
HOLY SHIT, Liz (Liss)! This is huge!! Congratulations!! I’m very proud to call you friend and confidant!
WOW! Congratulations Liz. This is a great honor and very much deserved.
Congrats Liz! (I so can’t call you Liss! But I will grin whenever I hear Terry call you that!)
Davos. Wow! ๐
Thank you, Lucretia,
We know that you can only call me by my Liz, Liz Strauss name. It’s become your signature introduction …
But you’re welcome to grin when Terry gets my name wrong on purpose. ๐