Expanding Expertise: The Benefits of Intimate Gatherings and Collaborative Sessions for Digital Marketers

Networking is one of the best aspects of any conference. However, the larger events may not offer you the best opportunity to hone your skills and expand your network as much as you would like.

Smaller events and thought leaders can offer unique benefits with more intimate networking opportunities, personalized learning experiences, and the opportunity to interact face-to-face with industry experts.

Get involved and learn how you can exchange ideas and collaborate with like-minded people at smaller events who can motivate and inspire you.

Jim Christian, a veteran digital marketer with over 26 years of experience and founder of the Digital Marketers Organization, and Stephanie Solheim, a dynamic leader in the SEO industry and co-founder of Mastermind Mansion, were with me at the SEJShow to share their insights on it the value of smaller SEO events and masterminds and how they can help professionals reach their full potential.

You build relationships that you might not necessarily build at a larger event. You have access to the people you want to talk to. So in Austin, that might mean going out for burgers with some of my buddies at midnight to talk about my buddies new software. It’s great you know. We limit our events to an estimated 40 people. – Stephanie Solheim, 6:45

People will remember the event they are here for, but they won’t remember everything. You might feel like you have a speaker and a few tips and tricks. But the real thing they will remember is that they will remember being on that balcony up on the 60th floor of the Cosmo Hotel. They will remember all the people who have been in that room and they will remember those conversations and those are the things that they will take home with them. What is valuable is the social media aspect. That’s why our support never stops at the event. The event is just the beginning. After that, it’s all about maintaining those connections, getting everyone involved in the community, and just sharing it with a larger audience. –Jim Christian, 34:54

Not everyone is a born conversationalist. Walking into a room with hundreds of people at an after-hours event in New York or a larger event in Vegas can be overwhelming. It’s a challenge to strike up a conversation with people you don’t know, especially when you don’t know if someone is a salesperson or not. At a trade show, exhibition or educational event, there might be a speaker presenting great material, but as one of hundreds of people in the room, it can be difficult to connect with them. With multiple tracks playing at the same time, it can be nearly impossible to have a conversation with the narrator afterwards. –Loren Baker, 7:23

[00:00] – About Jim and Stephanie.
[07:53]- How are the barriers at large events broken down at smaller events?
[12:08] – Do smaller events offer your company a higher ROI?
[18:17] – How to build a community after the event.
[21:35] – Issues that larger events are now facing.
[30:33] – The benefit of including non-search people in SEO events.
[33:51] – How did Mastermind Mansion come about?
[34:50] – How mentoring affects the events they run.
[37:08] – Tips they learned while promoting events.
[40:42] – How do you ensure that topics remain relevant during forward planning?
[44:02] – Ticket sales vs. waiting list: which works better?

Mentioned resources:

Digital Marketers Organization (DMO) Advanced – https://digitalmarketers.org/pages/dmo-advanced

Mastermind Mansion – https://mastermindmansion.com/

We seek to bring people from all walks of life together about digital marketing and then bring them together in a group designed to accelerate growth and learning. –Jim Christian, 16:33

Every time I go to my event, I can think of at least two alternative ways to make my processes more efficient. And I either go out with someone who can use my services or someone I can call if I need help with something. I know that happens across the board. I mean, you make really deep personal connections and understanding on a larger level. – Stephanie Solheim, 12:19

What we offer is truly a beautiful brand experience. There are no drink tickets, so let’s get out there and have a great time. And there is no limit. Or we can take you on a really cool excursion that you couldn’t do with 2,000 people –Jim Christian, 25:22

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Contact Jim Christian:

With over 26 years of experience, Jim Christian is a seasoned digital marketer passionate about driving client success through tailored, performance-driven strategies. He has worked in various industries including B2B, B2C, travel, luxury, e-commerce and retail.

Jim began his career in 1997, eventually becoming the SEO director at GoDaddy and running a $40 million sales channel. He later founded Blush Digital, a digital marketing agency supporting large corporations and global brands. He founded the Digital Marketers Organization (DMO), a community of thought leaders hosting conferences and masterminds across North America.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjimchristian/
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jim_christian

Contact Stephanie Solheim:

Stephanie Solheim, a dynamic digital marketing and SEO leader, owns Grow With Meerkat, a full-service agency known for its innovative approach. As the founder of Women in Marketing and co-parent of Sisters in SEO, she empowers women in the industry. Stephanie’s friendly personality shines at her Mastermind Mansion Brand events, where top SEO experts share insights.

As an active mentor, she participates in the Attagirl sorority and enjoys sharing humorous content. Stephanie has a passion for AI and prompt engineering and was recognized as one of The Content Factory’s “12 Powerful Women You Should Know”.

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesolheim/
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/solheimsteph

Contact Loren Baker, Founder of Search Engine Journal:

Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lorenbaker
Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenbaker