We interrupt this program to bring you some old school. No matter how far technology advances, there is no replacing the importance of paying attention and networking.

I presented two digital media podcasting sessions at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists annual convention held this year in Denver. Despite the early morning meetings, I was relieved to see over 40 people get out of bed to hear what I had to say about the value of podcasting. After each session, there were requests for my slides so the attendees could copy my "keynote" images. Usually, I don't send them.

I often read posts by author/blogger Seth Godin and management guru Tom Peters, who do make their still slide presentations available. Peters' slides make no sense out of context. You had to be in the room, and maybe that's his point.

In fact, a lot of people post their slides online. One of the tech/analytics guys for eBay was at a conference I attended in May, and after receiving several requests he also posted his slides on his website; good thing too, since after only two months I doubt I could recall what he was talking about. But since I chose to follow up I had a new opportunity to learn and connect with him again. The reality is that what may be clear, concise and exciting to you in May, will be a muddled mess of a too-busy memory now.

That's why at the end of every one of my presentations my last slide tells attendees how to find me. Even though I leave it up for the rest of the session, ninety percent never bother to make contact. Never. It makes me wonder, "Why send an entire slideshow presentation when a simple direct email would suffice?".

But those who have followed up on my last slide always get a response. Not a profound one, but a response. If you call, professionally introduce yourself and leave a voice mail, I'll definitely call you back. Most experts in a profession will- as they are interested in the future of their field will want to be involved in its next iteration.

Yes, I'm very busy as are most presenters and conference speakers. But, what opportunity did you miss by not taking the hint in that last slide?

*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog