SOBCon2010 – The People Who Have Made a Difference For Me

Let me just lay it all out on the table. I want to attend SOBCon2010 with all my heart. However, being in the start-up phase of owning my own business — Oh! Social — the funds just are not available. So, in the hopes that my entry is chosen and that my trip will be fully funded, I am setting out to write a blog post about people who have made a difference in my life. I am so very blessed with a strong network of support.

Dr. Greg Goffe — Goffe Chiropractic
Less than six months ago, I found out I had breast cancer and had to undergo two surgeries within a 30-day time span. This situation turned my life upside down. The day before I got the first test results telling me I had cancer, I remember visiting my chiropractor, Dr. Goffe, for an adjustment. He asked me if I knew the results yet. I told him I did not know yet and said: Dr. Goffe, if they tell me I have cancer, I am going to completely reinvent my life! I’m going to choose what I eat more carefully, exercise regularly, and eliminate stress…I’m going to start my own company and be my own boss. I’m going to start living fully. Without blinking, he looked straight into my eyes and said, “No matter if you find out you have cancer or not, THAT IS THE LIFESTYLE YOU SHOULD CREATE!” This truth is what I already knew deep inside, but having someone that I trusted and respected say this to me, was just the extra push I needed to take a leap of faith. The very next day I handed in my resignation at my full-time job and began the journey of creating my own business — Oh! Social.

Liz Strauss
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. I’m blowing smoke up Liz’s skirt in hopes that this will somehow sweeten the deal. This is not the case. When people ask me how I got the courage and inspiration to start my own company, I always point back to the day I collided with Liz Strauss on Twitter. When I met her online and began chatting informally with her, I had no idea what a big deal she is/was. I was just a newbie on Twitter and Liz came along side me…told me my voice was unique and valuable…she said she saw something special in me…she warned against trying to be/sound like someone else. To top it all off, she asked if she could feature my blog on HER blog. She believed in me before I started waking up and started believing in myself.

Debba Haupert
Debba is the founder of one of the most successful online communities I am aware of — Girlfriendology.com Debba and I had met and became friends many years ago, before Facebook and Twitter became a thing. We lost touch but found each other again online which has blossomed into a IRL (in real life) friendship again. We traveled to both Blissdom and BlogHer in 2009 and shared hotel rooms and transportation. She has been a powerful influence and mentor. She’s seen me take risks, make mistakes, fall on my face…in summary, like any good girlfriend she has seen the good and the bad but she continues to focus on my better qualities and celebrated those. Everyone needs a Debba in their life.

Daniel Johnson, Jr.
Daniel Johnson is my friend. He is also the founder of New Media Cincinnati — Cincy’s most vibrant and fun social networking group. Last summer I asked Dan if he would mind if I started a group here in Dayton called New Media Dayton and pattern it after his group. Dan is very big-hearted and kind, and of course said yes. He has been such a wonderful encourager and supporter of my group launch. Thanks to his stepping out and creating community in Cincy, I’ve replicated this model in Dayton and our group is growing and blossoming which is really helping the Dayton social media community to come alive!

And, last but SO NOT LEAST…the many, many people who I’ve met at conferences this past year: Blissdom, BlogHer and SummitUp. Here are pics of a few of the many people who have fed into my life and encouraged me to live life to the fullest!