I am speechless by the length and passion of your comment Thank you thank you thank you. I really could not have pulled off such an amazing experience without your help and friendship.

I was happy to find other kindred spirits in Toronto who realize the value of networking and are passionate about connecting with and helping others connect with others. It was quite refreshing, actually, because so few people really understand it do the depth that you and the T-dot crew that came to that event did.

You are right about the cross-platform communication techniques. Twitter is a great way to begin a relationship, but it is through LinkedIn or meeting in real life that the relationships solidify and blossom into something much more meaningful.

Looking forward to the next chance I can get to go back to the T-dot. Until then we shall be in touch…on Twitterville!

I do agree that Twitter is an excellent starting point for relationships, but I think that in order for it to really grow a relationship needs other outlets. For example, yes we “met” on Twitter probably about two years ago, but then we hooked up on LinkedIn within the past year, and it was actually through LinkedIn that you sent me the message asking if I'd like to come and/or help plan the Tweetup. Then we moved to mainly communicating (about the event) by email and Gmail chat.

Likewise, I think the *most* effective communication to individuals reached out to to attend was either through LinkedIn mail (with a link to the Tweetup details and RSVP) or a direct email message or (initially) a Twitter DM. And there was one IRL friend I invited to come (has a Twitter account, but doesn't really use it…not on LinkedIn…or Facebook), because she's agreed to do a guest post on my group blog, PR Conversations. There were some tweeps expected to attend that I thought would make for great “interview” subjects for the topic; Madeline Lunney had a great time and did get a chance to chat with many of them (like Claire Kerr, a.k.a. @snotforprofit). So that worked out well for all of us!

I got to meet in person at least four Twittermates for the first time (Candice Best, Kristen Ridley, Randy Matheson and Bernadette Da Costa Winberg), plus some of the colleagues of existing Twittermates/colleagues–like Brad Milne of your above video fame. And then there were the ones who came because of your LinkedIn or other Toronto networks, most of whom I at least said hello and/or goodbye to, and several of whom I'm now connected with on Twitter and/or LinkedIn. All good!

I think one of the reasons that my dear friend, Dennie Theodore, and I are such “kindred spitirs” (another Canadian phrase for you–it's from Anne of Green Gables) is because it gives both of us tremendous satisfaction introducing people with similar interests and passions…even if their line of works or viewpoints on some things are quite different. You are very much a (networking) kindred spirit yourself. I'm so pleased to have connected the two of you!

Thank you for giving me a copy of your book. I've read the Table of Contents and flipped through to some sections, but it needs more serious attention, soon.

Finally, I recall exactly how and why we talked about Hana's Suitcase. We were having an Americano on the top floor of the Art Gallery of Ontario (overlooking Grange Park that we had walked through after lunch), and discussing Work the Pond! and other books or Canadian souvenirs you might take home, particularly something that would be “appropriate” for your family. I'd known about your Japanese connection, but it was over coffee that the Jewish link came up. It was then an inspiration to say to you, “maybe the perfect book for you to take home would be Hana's Suitcase…I saw the film version, Inside Hana's Suitcase, at the 2009 Hot Doc's festival…this is what the story is about…”). We then revised plans to visit the third floor of the AGO and instead headed over to Chapters, to try and find a copy of the book and/or DVD.

I've known Sheldon Levine for awhile (and met him in person during Social Media Week Toronto this past winter), but I must admit I never thought of his possible connection to Karen Levine. I “know” Karen primarily through her writing and producer work with CBC Radio, which is where the Hana's Suitcase tale originated.

Anyhow, I think you did an amazing job summing up the #VXTororonto Tweetup on this blog post, plus highlighting several of the people you met and the “takeaway” lessons you learned. Here's hoping that we meet–or tweetup–again, soon, my very favourite OC Twittermate!