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Events / Humor

How Chicks Who Click Are Changing Society

By Amber Johnson on 36 Comments

I received my first email account in a college Communications class back in 1994. While I thought it was innovative to interact electronically with my classmates and professor, I did not know anyone else who was online. I decided then and there this Internet thing was just a fad.

I assure you it is the only time I have ever been wrong.

Last weekend, I was reminded just how incorrect I was. I attended Chicks Who Click, a Boulder-based conference that hosted some of the top social media mavens in the industry.

Don’t understand what social media or social applications are? If you’re reading this blog post, you are a part of it. The same goes if you have ever used technologies such as email, instant messaging, picture-sharing and forums. Don’t know what a social media application is? Think Google Groups, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr or Twitter, the latter of which is a micro-blogging and social networking at its finest, in 140 characters or less.

The great thing? All these tools are putting moms who may not have had a voice in the driver’s seat to make a large impact on society.

The Chicks Who Click conference started out as Chicks on Sticks with a ski day at Eldora. Most attendees ended up bailing out at the last minute (for reasons beyond me) so I shared a 20-passenger beast-of-a-limo with social media phenom Gwen Bell, Barbara Jones of One2One Network (one of the most powerful word-of-mouth marketing networks for women) and Metzger Associates planning guru Denise Smith.

Oh, yeah. And there was me. The one who predicted the early demise of the Internet.

I thought our epic ski day would be the highlight. It wasn’t.
chicks
I spent the next day listening to informed and inspiring speakers, meditating in my “bubble,” networking with fantastic women from all walks of life, and collaborating in group break-out sessions. I was put in a group of five and we were given the task to devise a social medial plan for a company. With fellow Mile High Mama Aimee Greeblemonkey at our helm, our group took home the top prize: an “I kicked social media a$$” trophy. I can assure you it is the only trophy I have ever received with the word a$$ in it.

Good thing they didn’t “reward” me for all those a$$-kickings my sports teams received over the years.

What were the most important things I took away from the conference?

*Traditional media is evolving and newspapers, television and film are no longer the only informants and whistle-blowers.

*A small percentage of people using social media’s tools are becoming the very voices that are changing the landscape of society. They are a force to be reckoned with, as was evidenced when powerhouse Motrin apologized for an ad many mom bloggers and twitterers found offensive.

At The Denver Post’s Mile High Mamas, we are an example of how traditional media is evolving. We are committed to connecting moms to each other and the rest of the world with the very social networking tools that are changing it. In the next few months, we will be doing a redesign to make our interface more friendly, our forums more interactive and repurposing our live Twitter feed with your minute-by-minute updates, while our mama bloggers (and token dad) keep you laughing on our blog.

Not yet blogging or on Facebook and Twitter? Start now and here is how to do it! Twitter in particular is becoming an integral social media tool to deliver real-time updates from people and organizations you care about.

Like Dora the Explorer.

My children never thought they would have to live in a world without their perpetually-perky senorita and were devastated to learn that Nick Jr. (Dora’s station) had been pulled from Dish Network. I wrote a quick tweet on Twitter complaining about this and within moments, a representative from Nick Jr. direct mailed me and explained the situation.

Bottom line: social media = power.

Now, for my next Twitter experiment: I WANT A MILLION DOLLARS.

The jury is still out on that one.

How many years have you been online? What social media techologies do you use? I.e blogging, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, etc. We want to hear about your favorites and/or your social media anxieties!

Amber Johnson
Author: Amber Johnson

Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.

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Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.

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36 Comments

  1. I too had an awesome time at Chicks Who Click! Can’t really put it into words how inspiring it was to be with such awesome women…Amber & Aimee! I am taking your advice and starting a blog. Kind of scary, but thanks for the advice. You ladies have done an excellent job!

    Click! Olivia

    http://www.congratsfromcolorado.com

  2. Oh wow, I have been online since 1995 or 96, Rocky Mountain Internet was my first ISP, dial up (ew), I have had a website since 2000 and my blog since 2008, I don’t twitter, facebook or myspace – I don’t see the point or the power…

    My brother was “online’ with prodigy in the 80’s I guess it was not the internet but it was something similar…

    I am thrilled to be blogging it is so much faster than updating my website that saw its demise in 2005 when my updates became few and far between…I like the network of friends in blogger land, I don’t mind missing a few days without posting but prefer to post daily – my anxiety stems from the the thought of losing all I have done to perserve wonderful family memories and am currently researching many blog to print options trying to find the best one!!!

  3. Okay…back in 1994 I made the joke that I was, “broken down” on the information super-highway. My best friend’s husband quipped, “Lauren you are ROADKILL on the information super-highway. I went for 12 years and never touched a computer (even though we had one and my husband used it)…and then, finally in late 2006 I finally learned to e-mail. From that I learned about blogging and I have never looked back. I only blog, though…Facebook overwhelms me.

  4. Hurray for Olivia starting a blog!

    Terra–I thought the same thing about Twitter and Facebook until I became active. Now they are giving me even more of a voice than my blog.

  5. Lauren–I think it’s hilarious that you went from “nothing” to “all.” Seriously. From not even touching a computer to starting a blog? You have surpassed most. 🙂

  6. We got our first computer in 1989 and started our Family Newsletter. When my SIL and her husband were in Africa in the early 90’s we communicated via e-mail.

    I’m so grateful for this form of communication, and am very glad that I haven’t been left in the dust.

  7. I use Facebook and then my blog. I’ve read about Twitter, but I’m not sure if I really want to add something else to my online time.
    I had my first email account at Ricks College (now BYU Idaho). My friends and I would head to the library computer room and email each other back and forth. So much easier than actually having a conversation 😉

  8. That sounds like it was a great conference. I’m kind of jealous!

    Alright, ready to be blown away? I got my first e-mail account in 1987. Yep… I was just a kid, but my mom was in charge of all the computer systems at her job. Since she had to travel on occasion, she set-up e-mail accounts on the old VAX systems for my brother and me so we could send her messages.

    I created my first web page in 1994. I’ve had my own domain(s) since 1997. I have had my blog (as an “official” blog format) since 2001. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and just about any other platform that you could find. Except I don’t plaster myself on YouTube…

  9. Like you, I got my first e-mail account at BYU in 1994. I thought it was the best thing ever. 🙂 In 1995, I decided to write a research paper on a topic that the BYU library didn’t have any information on – niche marketing to gays & lesbians (trying to stir the pot). I had to use Lexis Nexis, which is now only for lawyers. In 1998, I signed up for my first free e-mail account on hotmail & I still have it. 🙂 Now, I blog & love Facebook.

  10. How many years have you been online? Got an email account at the University I worked at in 1994. It was a blue screen with white type.

    First saw a website in early 1995. It was so quaint!
    I thought I would be able to visit every website.

    What social media techologies do you use?
    In order of the time I spend:
    Blogging
    Twitter
    Facebook
    YouTube as a means, not an end

    Social media anxieties
    That I will cease being a REAL presence to my family in lieu of being an online presence spread too thinly.

  11. I remember using AOL in high school and chatting with friends. That was in 1994ish. I don’t remember really visiting websites until college. Email became a big deal during college when I used it to keep in contact with high school friends who spread all over.
    And then in 2003 when I started grad school it seemed like I used the internet all the time. I use Facebook, but mostly to find people and ask them if they have a blog 🙂
    I started blogging about a little of a year ago, at the encouragement of a friend and spend way too much time doing it. Now it seems like everyone has a blog! I love reading about friends and making new friends. 🙂 But I too worry, like Lori, that I’m becoming too much of an online person, not a real life one. 🙂

  12. Ahhh, AOL. I have such fond memories of getting into shouting matches with their crummy customer service reps!

    Great feedback, everyone. Keep it coming!

  13. The internet became a big part of my life as my husband was getting ready to join the Air Force. I was worried about it and started cruising websites, looking for what the military was really like. I made a couple of online friends, and met one in real life at our first duty station!

    I’ve been blogging for about 5 years. I’m not sure if I’m interested in facebook, I feel like I’m too old, but even my mom has a facebook account… and I don’t actually know what twitter is. I did recently sign up with Book Safari – just to keep a reading log, but apparently they are a networking book club, too.

  14. ps – I should mention that whole “the internet became a big part of my life” thing was about 9 years ago. in 2000.

  15. I wish I could’ve been there. Sounds like a very informative and fun time. 🙂 I enjoyed reading the tweets from the day.

    Amy
    http://crunchdomesticgoddess.com

    P.S. Good luck with your 2nd Twitter experiment. 😉

  16. I’m really bummed that little ol’ me missed out on this conference, especially it was so close to where I live. Bummed, bummed, bummed! I really missed out 🙁

    The internet became a part of my life when I was in college, and then quickly became a staple of my every day life from then on. I started my blog just a few short years ago, and it wasn’t too long after that that I joined Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and just about any other social networking site I could get my hands on. Maybe one day I’ll be ‘big’. But for now I enjoy being little ol’ me.

    [email protected]

  17. MHM in da house. Peace out, G.

  18. I’m still not tweeting:) No facebook either. It all still feels overwhelming for me, but I’m sure the day will come…

    I started my blog about 3 years ago and haven’t looked back.
    http://www.totalmomhaircut.com/

  19. Been online since 1999 when I attempted college the first time. I was one of those annoying people who sent all the forwards 😀

    It kicked my writing career back in gear…until I hit the brakes on it about 3 years ago. But, I’ve blogged for almost as long as I’ve been online, before there was such a word as BLOG and programs to make it all easy (used to hand code it all).

  20. i just want to hop on as a fellow Chicks Who Click Alum and thank you for such a fabulous review and explanation of what we all did at this event. you put it into words much better than i ever could have! thanks! the event was definitely one of the best experiences of my career.
    http://jenniferchilds.typepad.com

  21. Amber Johnson, it was a pleasure to get to know you this weekend! I have one more photo you might enjoy – of the 4 of us standing in front of a giant stretch limo SUV.

    You brought energy, passion and smarts to the conference. It was great to see you plunge in and light up the room. Looking forward to the next time we cross paths. I heard Aimee Greeblemonkey say something about a Latin American restaurant…?

  22. I went on-line in May of 2005. I didn’t even have any sort of computer until 2004.
    I blog, I have a couple websites, I am on facebook, twitter, and Utube.

  23. Hum…. my first e-mail account was when I was an intern at 2nd year at college back in 1994 too and of course it was dial-up connection.

    Fabiola

  24. I got my first email address my freshman year in college, 1992, and things evolved from there.

    Currently, I write at The Casual Perfectionist (http://thecasualperfectionist.com) and I have Facebook accounts for my blog and my personal life. I’m still somewhat anonymous on the blog, so that’s why I have two Facebook accounts. Of course, I’m quickly approaching 300 “friends” (and they all know about the blog) so it may be time to let some of the anonymity go? We’ll see…

    I don’t do Twitter right now, as blogging and Facebook (not to mention chasing after my preschooler) take up most of my time. If I had one more social media to my life, my hubby may commit me. Then again, as long as the facility has WiFi………….. 😉

  25. great post, amber. i envy you for being “in the know” and getting to go to conferences like this one.

    i remember emailing on my husband’s work account around 1994 or 95. i remember how weird i thought it was. i also remember making my own web page (through yahoo or something like that) while stuck inside during the 1997 blizzard.

    i think i’ve tried just about every social network. i’ve only kept up with myspace, facebook, my blog, and twitter.

    http://sunshine-on-my-shoulders.blogspot.com/

  26. great post, amber. i’m envious that you’re always “in the know” and go to these cool conferences.

    i remember emailing from my husband’s work account somewhere around ’94 or ’95. i thought it was such a weird concept. i also remember making my own web page (through yahoo or something like that) while being stuck inside during the blizzard of ’97.

    i think i’ve tried just about every social network out there. the only ones i’ve stuck with is myspace, facebook, and twitter.

    http://sunshine-on-my-shoulders.blogspot.com/

  27. I so wanted to go to the conference in Boulder, but couldn’t get child care and had to pass. Please let me know when the next one comes around!

    I have been blogging almost daily since Nov 2008 and also facebook. I’m addicted really and am thinking about getting a blackberry in addition to my laptop!

    http://www.singlemommindy.blogspot.com/

  28. I really wish I could have gone to the conference but I couldn’t get child care. Please let me know when the next one comes around!

    I have been blogging almost daily since Nov 2008 and I have facebook as well. Considering buying a blackberry in addition to my laptop so I can always be connected!

    http://www.singlemommindy.blogspot.com/

  29. Okay, I am really kicking myself that I didn’t go. Darn! I’ll just have to look forward to BlogHer.

    I remember having an account in college back in the early 90s that was similar to chat. I was so blown away that someone in a different state could type something that I could read as he was typing it. It was SO sophisticated. HAHA!

    – Sarah, Imaginary Binky
    http://www.imaginarybinky.com

  30. Great to hear about this conference. I hope to make it next year, if there is one? I have been using email since circa 1994 when America Online first came out- I wonder if it still says “You’ve got Mail” .
    Right now I do social networking, blogging, Facebooking for BornFit. I also right a blog called Tech Talk For Moms to help mompreneurs learn about social media. I haven’t done twitter yet, that’s probably next. I really do think there is a niche in helping mom started businesses learn how to best utilize the latest in social technology.
    Thanks for the info Amber!
    Beckie Mostello
    http://www.techtalkformoms.blogspot.com/

  31. I got my first computer in 97 and started blogging last year and then took down my website. Why? Because blogging is easier, cheaper, and I could update daily instead of all the work that went into the monthly format. And blogging does the same job that a website does. Actually a better job.

    I wish I had access to the internet when I first started my family. Then I wouldn’t have been so alone.

  32. Sounds like a great time. My region seems surprisingly backward when it comes to stuff like this. I would have gone to yours, but apparently I would have been the only one there without blond braids. 🙂

  33. Oh my gosh I had too much fun last weekend!! And I saw way too little of YOU even tho there were only around 50 of us there!!

    But you are awesome and you only touched on how much it was the entire conference – ALL of the people – who made it so incredible. The collaboration? That was the magic. Major kudos to Gwen, Denise, and Barbara for making that happen – but even moreso to the amazing folks who attended for taking the ball and *running* with it!! 🙂

    Can’t wait until next year! And can’t wait until we have lunch soon… want to spend more time just hangin’ wit’ cha!!

    Oh, and me? I’m kind of *cough* old school. I started with “social media” back in 1980 – when I was hanging out on BBSes and thinking that these “personal computers” were pretty darn slick. I’ve been hooked ever since. I see the rest of the world is slowly catching up with us all! But how cool is THAT?!? 🙂

    @geekmommy

  34. I believe social media can really improve our lives and help us feel connected where we live.

    NeighborPal.com (my site) supports neighbors who want to connect and feel part of the neighborhood, but don’t have time because of kids, work, family, etc. .

    Social media let’s you create a neighbor network of you neighbors and local friends to share useful neighborly information.

    Your NeighborPal,

    Cindy

    [email protected]

  35. NeighborPal.com

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