This was my first SXSW Interactive and while the people, parties, and talks were amazing, I feel like I made one huge mistake the entire conference.

I went to SXSW to meet you, to build a relationship and learn from you, and hopefully teach you something as well.

I realize this now in hindsight. Here is what I did at SXSW 2011 that makes this so clear now. Being new to the industry and meeting all of you I felt a bit insecure so I tried to “sell” a bigger more awesome me. My biggest mistake was trying to impress when you sincerely asked me what I did.

You were taking the time to get to know me and I tried to impress by talking about client work we’ve done that we’re proud of, rather than telling you about our products Harmony and Gaug.es which we’re passionate about and trying to grow. I wasn’t confident enough in our own products to tell you about them first, show you the passion we have for them, and get you excited about them.

I’m not talking about a hard sell, the pushy please just get out of my face sell. I’m talking about sharing the vision our team has, that we share with each other in the office, and that we hope you will one day share.

Going forward I want to be real with you, telling you what we’re excited about right now, and not try to impress you with what we’ve done in the past.

Next time we see each other, ask me what I do.