We love ourselves some Meet Magento! These community-driven events are a great way to share knowledge, meet old friends and make new ones. For the first time, Czech Republic hosts one such event, and we’ll be there, and we won’t be quiet!
Learn more about the topic our speaker Ivona Namjesnik has prepared and how she feels (yes, we talk feelings here!) about being one of the rare women to speak at these types of events.
Hi, Ivona. So, you’re taking three fellow Inchooers on a road trip soon. Where are you headed and why?
Hi Aron, yes, you are right. Well, sort of. It is true that three Inchooers and I are headed to Prague for Meet Magento which is organized by Neklo, but I’m not sure it’s me who’s taking them.
After all, my fellow Inchooers are guys so, unlike Nenad – who was a speaker at MM16IT and was accompanied by three girls – I’m headed to Prague with personal bodyguards. Maybe they’re taking me, then? 🙂
Yep, we like giving people this type of international “exposure” so they can feel the community and the ecosystem and all those buzzwords you hear all the time around Magento. But, those don’t really resonate with a person until they really experience one such event, would you agree?
Absolutely! It’s really hard to transmit the feeling you get once you’re at an international Magento event. You have to keep in mind, at all times, no matter where you’re from, that Magento is an international ecosystem.
But, no matter how much you repeat it, you can’t understand it the same way you will after attending a conference.
Now, coming off of your Polish adventure, you are quick to enter a new type of conference experience, this time you are a speaker! How does that feel?
Many people already asked the same question, and to be completely honest – I’m really – just okay. I actually love speaking at conferences. I think that’s one of the most amazing ways to reach out to people. Given the fact that my mom is a teacher, maybe there’s something in my DNA which makes me love it so much…
Of course, there’s always the fact that you start the most interesting conversations and discussions afterwards. Being a speaker isn’t about talking on the stage, it’s about talking with people who want to find out more or – prove you wrong. I’m always up for a challenge!
What is the topic of your presentation and can you give us a sneak peek into what the audience can expect?
The topic of my presentation is “No content marketing? No future for your eCommerce business.” Basically, I will try to explain why it’s important that everyone involved in eCommerce invests in quality content. It’s not only about marketing knowing that, it’s a business model which generates the best leads. Also, it’s still the cheapest way of getting them.
Content marketing is what you are all about at Inchoo as well, and you used the word “storyteller” to describe yourself in the job application. So, can you share a couple of tips and tricks for quality content creation (eCommerce or otherwise)?
You have to understand that content is the reason search began in the first place. If you want to be relevant to your clients or customers (depending on which side of eCommerce story you are), you have to make sure they see you as a reference point.
You don’t create content so that the weekly schedule screams: “I’m full.” You create because you want your site (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever media you choose) to scream: “I know what I’m talking about and you can trust me.” People react to rightfully given answers when they really need one.
Great, thanks. Now, you will be one of the rare women presenters/lecturers at these events. First off – congrats! But then again – why do you feel there are so few ladies presenting at Meet Magentos?
Huh, that’s a hard one. I believe many girls (or women, for that matter) are much more likely to think they don’t have the time or they are not ready enough or they won’t get accepted anyway. I never heard a man say: “I feel like I’m…<insert reason>.” The key part being “I feel.”
Girls, if you want something, you let your results, not your feelings, speak for you. What I’m kindly trying to point out – we need more women on stages. Young girls need to know that there are women who are capable of spreading stories which matter.
And I’m sure examples like yours are helping the cause 🙂 On another note, Meet Magento comes to Czech Republic for the first time. Have you ever visited the country and what do you expect from the sights, sounds and food over there?
Well, I’ve been told about the cheap beer, but hey, who hasn’t? (laugh) Okay, to move things up to a more serious level – no, I’ve never been to Prague. I had a friend who went to study there for a semester, and I’m all buckled up with good, positive stories about the country and the city. Can’t wait to see it. If you guys have any suggestions, feel free to let me know!
To wrap it up, do you have anything you’d like to add or share with people coming to Prague?
See you? Is that cool enough? 🙂 And, of course, if you’d like to connect on social media before we get to Meet Magento, I’m on Twitter. I can be found here.
I’m all up for exchanging suggestions on what to see, visit, eat or drink once we’re in Prague!
And there you have it. You will have a chance to meet up with four Inchooers at #MM16CZ, so don’t miss out on that!
Haven’t signed up yet? What are you waiting for? Tickets can be purchased here.
See you all in Prague!
