Now you might think this comment went right to my head, but actually it inspired me more than anything. As I pondered her remark, I began to think about the comments I had made and the questions I had asked to try and understand why they may have impressed her as "interesting". I realized that and the things I had said arose from my passions. The session was on writing great content for the web and my favorite things are building websites and blogging. I was engaged in this topic and had already pioneered areas in this field while some of the other participants in the group where still trying to figure out how to do it. Naturally I had a lot to share.

One of the things I realized through this whole experience is its fun to have like-minded people to discuss and bounce ideas back and forth. Not only can I glean from others experience, I can share and collaborate from mine. It is a win-win for everyone involved! The conference I enjoyed bonded professionals from all over the world in community. As I left to drive home, I was sad thinking that it would be another year before I got together again with these people to share and learn. Like a lightning bolt the thought dawned on me that it didn't have to be so... I could create community right here, right where I lived.

And that is exactly what I've set out to do! Just this month ACES kicked off its first Marketing User group. People of like-mind, interests and careers joined me in a roundtable discussion of relevant marketing topics. We spent the better part of two hours mapping out a topical road-map to cover in our next meetings together. The group is comprised of talented individuals from around the area and beyond. We are currently meeting the third Wednesday of the month at 9:00am at ACES. The group is open to anyone interested in anything to do with marketing, such as; website development, SEO, e-marketing, blogging, social networking, and a plethora of other things. All you need is a desire to collaborate and an interest in being introduced to new technologies and ideas. Whether you need help with your efforts or you are a successful marketer, you are welcome to join, learn and share your experiences.

My inspiration came from a conference and not a twelve-step program, "...and that's...okay." But like Stuart I'm taking my inspiration to the next level otherwise I'd be "should-ing all over myself." So mark your calendar to join us on July 21^st for a demo of targeted email messages. We hope to see you there, I know it will be a good time, after all, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog-gone-it, people like me.