Non-Invasive Interview #1: Meg Hargreaves

[Blogger's Note: I thought I'd rip off everything I've ever enjoyed about magazines, radio and television and start an interview series where interesting people in our specialized info community submit to questions, the answers to which may teach you something, foster our network, or make you cry. This is my first attempt, but I am not making any promises. In a moment of courage and perhaps lack of will, Meg Hargreaves of Pike & Fischer, consented to be my first victim. I would have said guinea pig, but that brought back bad memories for Meg. I feel the same when when I hear the word raccoon. Don't ask. -- Tom Hagy]

TH: You took part in an informative panel on email and Web marketing at the annual conference. Thanks for that. What are you working on right now?

MH: Like other attendees of this week's terrific SIPA conference I'm trying to juggle spinning lots of plates while trying to implement all of the best practice tips and hints I gathered at the Mayflower. I run 4 business units here at IOMA, including 3 Pike & Fischer units. My teams cover (at last count) 10 diverse markets so every day is different, challenging and interesting. I gathered terrific ideas at this years SIPA conference that I can implement across all of my focus areas. Right now I'm focused on final logistics for our 4th annual Broadband Policy Summit here in Washington next week. (Ed Coburn, I feel your pain!)

TH: What were the three things you learned from the conference that you can actually apply to your business?

MH: No. 1. Google Alerts -- I hadn't heard of this new feature from Google. My team is already putting this tool into practice to track where our products and services are being mentioned across the Web. I was also reminded of how long I've been in this business (22 years and counting!) because it hearkened me way back to days when I used to rely on one of the original electronic press clipping services -- LexisNexis Eclipse [Blogger'sNote: the name was an early use of putting "e" in front of something to suggest electronic. Most people forgot that or just didn't realize it. It could just as easily been called eClips because it was electronic clipping. Kind of like a light bulb is an eCandle. Anyway, Eclipse was recently changed to Lexis Alerts. Is anyone awake now?].

No. 2. At Sunday's Leadership Dinner at Morton's I had the pleasure to be seated between two publishing veterans who have made tremendous contributions to SIPA over the years - most notably as past Presidents -- David Foster, who now runs BVR and founded IOMA, and Mike Mealey -- founder, of course, of Mealey Publications [acquired by LexisNexis eight years ago]. In addition to getting to spend quality networking time with these knowledgeable SIPA members, Mike gave me a crash course on his experiences in newsletter publishing and a brief history of SIPA . . . and some fun stories to boot. While it wasn't news to me, it really reinforced how valuable an organization SIPA is. It's a wonderful community.

No. 3. Right after that, I learned that Morton's valet closes at 11 pm on Sunday night and the resulting cab fare to Great Falls is $45. Ouch.

TH: I once lost my car in a lake, but enough about me. Is there anything that surprised you at the conference?

MH: See No. 3 above.

TH: Did any of the speakers stand out for you?

MH: Well, I've been a Dave Barry fan for 20 years, so that was a highlight. I also thought that the sessions on Microsites and Blogs & Beyond were terrific. These are both areas where I'll be placing more focus in the months to come -- so the nuts and bolts info I gathered was great.

TH: The most shocking thing about Dave Barry is that he's 60 years old! Clearly I need to start exfoliating. What would you say to someone who didn't attend?

MH: That they missed 1) a great opportunity to gather actionable insight to advance their publishing efforts today AND 2) a chance to meet and great and learn from their peers in the industry.

TH: Did anything funny or unusual or odd happen that you'd like to share?

MH: No comment!

TH: What can you tell us about yourself that other people wouldn't guess?

MH: In 1980 I was ranked 10th in singles and 6th in doubles in competitive badminton by the U.S. Badminton Association. I also summited Kilimanjaro in 2002. As a result I only have one good knee left. As Dave Barry would say, I am not making this up.

TH: We have a lot in common. I once drove a badminton net stake into my hand, requiring, but not getting, several stitches. I onced climbed the lighthouse in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. So we're practically twins. Thanks, Meg.

MH: You're welcome.