AI is helping us move forward in remarkable ways.
It can generate ideas, organize information, refine a message, brainstorm titles, and suggest new ways to promote a book or business.
But every so often, I notice something interesting.
The more technology becomes part of our lives, the more obvious it becomes when it is not serving us.
And sometimes, what works best is decidedly old school.
Things like showing up, looking someone right in the eye, listening, having a real conversation, and actually putting the phone away. Imagine.
Recently, my friend Alicia Dale shared a story with me about an author event she attended in Chicago.
She had been introduced to the author through a mutual friend and agreed to attend the book signing to be supportive. The event was held in an upscale building on Michigan Avenue, but there were problems from the beginning.
The floor number was not included in the event information.
There was no signage at the location.
Even the security guard did not know where the event was being held.
Alicia eventually found it, but only after searching through the building and making her way upstairs.
The event itself was not well attended, although that was not necessarily the problem. Sometimes an event with fewer people allows for stronger connection with the people who are there.
The author was accomplished and had a strong message. He had also brought in a model to co-host with him, and the two of them spent a fair amount of time taking polished, glamorous photos that could later be used for promotion and social media.
That made sense.
He also reminded people several times to buy the book. That made sense too, at least from a promotional point of view.
But according to Alicia, something important was missing.
He did not really connect with the people who were right there in front of him.
And those were the people who had taken the time to attend.
They had found the building, figured out where the event was being held, made their way upstairs, and chosen to spend part of their day supporting him.
The photos may look wonderful later, and the videos may create the impression of a very successful event. They’ll generate plenty of content for social media posts and promotional materials.
But the most valuable opportunity in the room was not the camera.
It was the people.
Have you ever been with someone who could not put their phone down? Even during a lunch catch-up, their hands were on the device, or at the very least, their eyes kept drifting toward it.
How did that make you feel?
Probably ignored, unimportant, or as if the person would rather be somewhere else.
We’ve all been there. And the same thing can happen at an event. The camera may be recording the moment, but the people in the room can feel when someone’s attention is somewhere else.
Authors and experts are constantly encouraged to capture content, document everything, post behind-the-scenes footage, and make every appearance work harder.
And all of that can be useful.
But there is a danger in becoming so focused on creating evidence of connection that we forget to actually connect. And it is totally avoidable.
AI can help us plan an event. It can suggest questions, promotional ideas, follow-up messages, and social media posts.
But it cannot make someone feel welcomed.
It cannot notice the person standing quietly at the edge of the room.
It cannot shake a hand, ask a thoughtful question, or make someone feel glad they came.
That part is still ours. Totally ours. It’s a good reminder for all of us.
Media Darling Moment: Do not become so focused on capturing the moment that you fail to be in it.
AI cannot do that. That is on us. Thank Goodness.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. It’s time to be present, right here, right now.
#BookPublicity
#AuthorEvents
#HumanConnection
#BePresent
#MediaDarling
#BookMarketing
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