Are you going to any events in 2022?

I've had loads of really interesting conversations with readers after last week's question "what is it that you actually do?" I think it's such an important one. We all need that clarity in our messaging.

In today's newsletter, as always, I am sharing the latest news and tips in the live video, podcasting and?social?media?world, but we're also talking about being visible and in particular, going to events.

??? Thought of the day...

Not all of us have been able to go to any in-person events recently. Some of us have. Some of us haven't. And it might be, that you're not going to be able to for a while yet. But hopefully, at some point, you will.

With that proviso out the way, I want to talk about the magic of in-person events. Now, don't get me wrong, I think there is HUGE power in virtual events when they are done well. I was live producing Janet Murray's Courageous Content Live conference online a few weeks back, and the feedback has been AMAZING. But, there's something very magical about in-person events. And it's not the content, the speakers, the food, or even visiting somewhere new and exciting.

It's the people.

It's that opportunity to meet new people, to meet old friends, and talk openly and honestly. To share the DOWNS as well as the UPS. To mastermind, to build partnerships, to learn and grow. Now, you can do all of that virtually. But I think we all need to actually meet people in person from time to time in order to kick-start or frow those relationships.

I remember how attending?Social?Media?Marketing?World?in San Diego back in 2015, changed my life. I was REALLY nervous about going. I probably had a bit of imposter syndrome and I came up with loads of excuses. But when I got there, I met so many amazing people - many of whom have become great friends and who have been a massive support over the years.

I often don't attend in-person events to go to the presentations or to learn from them. I come to meet the people - and to learn from and share with them. It's not that I don't have anything to learn, it's just that I find the biggest value in the relationships. But it's also about being visible. I, like many, have felt a bit like a hermit over the past 18 months. As an introvert, I have to admit I've enjoyed some of that. But being comfortable isn't going to propel you forwards.

And so, that is why I hope to invest in speaking at and attending more in-person conferences next year in the US, UK and Europe. I'd love to know from you if you're going to be attending any events next year? Let me know!

?? ?Latest Podcast Episode: OUT NOW!

How to Podcast with Confidence

Do you want to get brilliant with your public speaking? Whether that’s on stage, on live videos or podcasts?

In this episode, I am joined by The Presenter Coach Kate Cocker. You’ll learn how to present yourself amazingly on your podcasts (and of course, live shows).

Kate helps people in business get brilliant at speaking in public in this digital age of Facebook lives, podcasting, and linked in stories. In short - she says she wants to help people change their corner of the?world?on the platforms they have available to them.

Have a listen!

?? ?Interesting Things I've Seen This Week

• You can now insert dynamic ads into your podcasts with Captivate FM
• LinkedIn rolling out?Creator Mode?and?Newsletters?feature to all.
• YouTube building new live shopping expereince

?? Theme Song of the Week -??Podcast with Confidence

It's an '80s synth song today!

Have you discovered my weekly theme song videos? If you didn't know, I trained as a professional classical singer. So each week I release a silly theme song on Instagram Reels based on the theme of my podcast.?Have a look at today's theme song here.

?? Joke of the Week

I thought I'd try something new and add a joke. This may be a totally brilliant idea or just very, very bad...! Anyway, here goes...

I've been reading a really interesting book at the moment on the history of cannibalism. It's by Henrietta Man.