4 Responses to “Celebrating the First “Bridging Heart and Marketing” Soft Sell Internet Marketing Conference”

1. Vicki Lennox Says:
   March 16th, 2008 at 2:40 am

   Hi Judith and Jim

   Thank you for the photo of half of the attendees of the inaugural BH&M Conference. As I look at it, I am instantly transported back to the Westin Hotel conference room and immersing myself in the amazing energy that we collectively generated. Seeing the faces of the fabulous people who make up this wonderful new community of Soft Sell Marketers is a real treat as I remember each unique personality and the common traits we shared like the openess with which we shared thoughts, experiences and ourselves. The genuine spirit of giving and sharing from the extraordinary lineup of speakers and delegates alike that permiated the entire event had to be experienced to be believed.

   If I may make a suggestion for the next BH&M conference, could we perhaps take the photo of the whole group at the beginning of the conference and maybe even have the photos printed and presented with the names and contact details of everyone in a row by row format available so that we have the whole group in the photo next time. Having the names and even just the email and website addresses would negate the need to have someone collect the business cards and make a list like Matt did so generously for us. The photo could be taken at the beginning of Day 1, then orders and payment taken, then the photos could perhaps be available on Day 2, which would give us time to gather signatures and mre comprehensive contact details as required. It’s just a suggestion as I think the group photo is such a fabulous momento that can be kept forever.

   By the way, I think having Mary there to take photos was a great idea. I am about to submit my order for the photos she took of me and different individuals. Do you suppose we could view some of the candid shots she took throughout the conference? Or maybe you want those for another purpose

   Thank you for giving birth to the brave new movement of Bridging Heart and Marketing. I definitely intend to be there in September and now that the commitments I made before deciding to attend BH&M in February have been fulfilled, I am making it my mission to gather more Australians to make the rewarding trip with me in September.

   Now I’m off to implement what I learned. Thank you for all the wonderful knowledge and advice as well as bringing so many magnificent people together to Bridge our Hearts and our Marketing efforts.

   All my love
   Vicki

2. Jeff Molander Says:
   March 16th, 2008 at 9:56 am

   The ‘hard goods sellers’ NEED to understand what soft sellers have mastered and are now transferring to the Web marketing channel. Themes like authenticity, seller reputation, transparency — these are all being FORCED upon ‘hard goods’ sellers based on the social nature of this thing called the Web. We’re always on and hyper-connected as humans and, most of all, seeking out AUTHENTIC experiences, goods & services. Hard goods sellers are being forced to change their crass ways and take on strategies mastered by the “soft community.” It’s exciting and, IMO, will make our lives more enriching.

   Congratulations to ALL of you and especially Judith and Jim who really have (if you will allow me!) their hearts in this conference. Sadly, I was not able to be there for this inaugural event but hope to as we look forward. Why? Judith and Jim are remarkable people and their message is needed — and not just within the soft sell community. Bravo!

3. Jim Says:
   March 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

   Vicki,

   Thank you for your generosity of spirit in your comment. You exemplify the women and men who were there.

   And thank you for your tactical suggestions. Yes, taking the group photo earlier — a seemingly obvious technique — was clearly not that obvious. We WILL follow your lead next time.

   I (Jim) have been reticent to use the word “movement” because it appears grandiose and premature. But given what we’re hearing from all over the country and the world, Bridging Heart and Marketing is striking a powerful chord and must be respected as such.

   And to make this real, implementation is essential. We must employ the ideas and tactics we all believe in to insure the emergence of Soft Sell marketing as the way of the future.

   It was a delight meeting you in person and we look forward to standing face-to-face again in September.

   Because It’s All in the Connection,
   Judith & Jim

   PS — Be sure to download this Special Bonus —
   “How To Build Your Soft Sell Marketing Platform”
   Go to
   http://www.bridgingheartandmarketing.com/platformbonus

4. Jim Says:
   March 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

   Jeff,

   Central to the Soft Sell approach is not just the nature of the relationship between seller and buyer, but that “relationship” is key. Not at an arm’s-length distance but a growing and developing intimacy.

   There’s more to the relationship than just knowing what the buyer wants and giving it to them.

   It’s also about, and in majority about, the seller’s being aware and taking responsibility for the consequences of the promise he or she makes — a promise that is not merely a “tool” to close the deal, but as the sincere investment by the seller in the well being of the buyer. In other words, the relationship between two interdependent human beings instead of just between the functionaries — seller and buyer.

   The relationship will categorically enrich all of our lives.

   Thanks for your support, Jeff, and we plan to see you at a future Bridging Heart and Marketing conference.

   Because It’s All in the Connection,
   Judith & Jim

   PS to All — Be sure to download this Special Bonus —
   “How To Build Your Soft Sell Marketing Platform”
   Go to
   http://www.bridgingheartandmarketing.com/platformbonus

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