Why I do it: People, Networks, and Passion

Yesterday, I attended the 2011 Social Media World Forum held here in New York. I've been lucky enough to be in attendance for a lot of conferences lately, where I have heard great keynotes and panels from some of the tech industries most innovative thought leaders. 


As I sat at the conference today, immersed in a panel discussion on social scaling, analytics, and monitoring, I begin to look around the room at all the "social medialets" around me. Many of us sat there listening, while simultaneously tweeting surprising statistics and noteworthy quotes from the panelist. And I began to think about a couple questions I often get asked, "What does social media mean?" and "Why do I do it?!". 


I recently had the conversation with someone regarding why I enjoyed working in social and mobile, two so called "premature" or "developing" industries. As I sat there listening to debates on ROI measurement and an industry that hasn't even been around for more than a decade, I began to think back to that conversation and - Why where we all there? Why were we so passionate about something "premature"? 


Of all the keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and demos I have heard year, there is one speaker who stands out to me. It was a keynote given by one of the most disruptive thought leaders of our time, Rishad Tobaccowala. Rishad, the Chief Innovation Officer at Vivika, gave a keynote in which it desrves a  blog post for itself entirely (which will come). There is one quote from this presentation that I continually think back to, and likewise did so today. Rishad said: 

"The world is not digital at its core but its people at its core. People among other things crave simplicity, value, connection and relevance."

Monday, Twitter launched an edition to their website Twitter Stories, which consists of stories designed to remind users “of the humanity behind Tweets that make the world smaller." Last night I spent several hours plugging through the site watching videos and reading stories of how this network had brought people together, and through doing so created value in their lives. 


As I sat in the conference today, thinking about Rishad's talk, the Twitter Stories, and the passion for a premature industry that surrounded me in the room, and I realized I knew this answer. 


This, is why I do it.

One of the featured videos from Twitters Stories: 

Take-off

actual picture taken at take-off

Take-off is one of my favorite times to be on an airplane. For at least 10 minutes every passenger on the plane is forced to be disconnected from everyone else in the world. I always enjoy watching others and how they deal with this time of unfamiliar silence as we take into the sky: some read, some sleep for a brief moment, some clinch the arm rest of their seats as their fear of the wheels leaving the ground rushes back to them as they are no longer undistracted by things from the rest of the world. Some people say the alone time that allows them think best in in the shower, some in the car on the way to work, for me its during the airplane take-off when I am forced to separate from the outside world and mentally process and everything that has happened over the past couple of days, week, or even months; helping me to prepare for the next steps of action I need to take to when I step off the plane.

As we were taking off this blog post was inspired by a collaboration of conversations, ideas, and inspiring words I have encountered over the past couple of weeks. I was one of the readers, glad to finally have an couple hours to sit down and try to finish the book I've been reading over the past month. The book The Corner Office by Adam Bryant might take the prize for being my longest drawn out read, simply for the fact that it is so great and as I finish each chapter I find my self reading it again, just to make certain I haven't missed any valuable words of wisdom from the highly respected business leaders whose personal success stories and words of advice make up most of the book. 

I was reading a section on Writing in the chapter titled "Smart Interviewing". In the third paragraph, Nell Minow of The Corporate Library explains what he gathers from writing samples he request from job candidates "Do they have a sense of curiosity about the world? Are they just repeating things they've read, or is there some sense of engagement with it? And their ability to express themselves, I think, is tremendously important...". The section went on to discuss the importance in knowing how well a candidate can discuss ideas and effectively get opinions/suggestions across through written communication. This is when my thought collaboration was sparked (unfortunately not on an airplane napkin) and I began connecting the dots to previous weeks conversations and To Do List's... 

"Plane" of thought timeline:

3 weeks ago: Seemingly very inspiring (semi-overwhelming) conversation I had with my a mentor: I needed to get back into blogging. Through my move, job transition, and adaptation to a new much faster paced life my blog had become a stagnit webpage. The importance: to clearly identify for myself and share with others my thoughts, ideas, and the details of my own journey that has allowed me to develop a unmistakable passion for digital, social, and mobile media. 

2 weeks ago: Phone call from a college friend (who has only recently become one of my dearest friends... through our mutual passion for the above mentioned) and a voicemail I wont forget. "I need to know how you did it. How did you leave everything you have ever known and move to a city to where you knew no one?" Which led to a conversation only enforcing the fact that I was doing what I loved, and where I need to be. 

1 week ago: A gChat conversation discussing life of an entrepreneur in the digital space, (which I copy pasted and saved for that blog post I needed to get to...): "Yes, I mean its hard to pack your bags and go from working with 1,000 people everyday to 5! Anyone looking at it as just a change in jobs or even career isn't ready, I'm not sure if I totally was, it becomes a complete change in your lifestyle. Luckily I love it, but I basically eat, drink, and get very little sleep because of it."...."And, I guess thats what  helps me know its what I am supposed to be doing, because I am so passionate about it. Its hard to sit and try to rationalize out, because working for a start up doesn't really fit into any "career plan" we learned in business school. Lots of grey areas, thats what makes it exciting and makes me want it even more."

3 days ago: On my way home for a short weekend and my first visit since moving away 3 months ago, on the plane again, reading The Corner Office, "Leave home," said Andrew Cosslett of InterContinental Hotels Group. "Go as far away as possible from what you know. I think you've got to be tested, and you've got to test yourself. So my best career advice would be life advice. Go and find out who you are and what you can deal with and put yourself in some positions that will be distinctly uncomfortable. Forcing yourself out of your comfort zone is a great lesson in life."

Tonight: I sat on a plane reality hit that that was only a vacation, I am leaving my hometown to return back to a new life. Feeling a sense of accomplishment because I did "Leave home",  realizing that an unfamiliar test of my own curiosity has led me to amazing and inspiring people who I have positioned me to learn and grow, hoping that through sharing my experiences I will enable others with the encouragement they need to do the same, knowing that by going outside of my comfort zone I have discovered a passion for my work and through my work I understand the power of a digital-social voice, and vowing to begin, again, expressing all of this and so much more through blogging. 

Take the Journey: One Day on Earth

I am back. After a one month hiatus from blogging I can now say I am settled in a new city, job, and apartment - ready to take a go at it again. I am excited to not only bring to you bits and pieces of my amazing findings and learnings as I venture into a new career, but also the experiences I have, and will, continue to encounter along the way.  1,321 miles can take you further than you could ever imagine and what was once only an internal napkin full of ideas in my head, has now turned into some sort of Evernote. 

My journey has taught me a lot already from various people that have impacted my life in ways to which I may never fully know the extent. However, one thing I have learned for certain is that there are some things you can never learn without interacting with different people. By exposing yourself to different people from various walks of life, religion, and cultures there are amazing things you will learn that help you shape a true vision of the world we live in. 


There is a movie that is coming out which I have been anticipating for over a year. Although it is still in the final stages of editing and production, the trailer has been released and I have already watched it over and over - aspiring to where my next journey might take me, reminiscing on where it has already, and striving to convince others to experience the world for who and what it truly is. 

One Day on Earth - Motion Picture Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

1,321 miles

Sorry you haven't heard from me for a little while. I have been a little busy, moving away from the place I have now called home for 23 years. I could try in a lot of ways to sum up the last 6 months and how a single phone call on an April afternoon would end up drastically changing my life, but as I crawled into my bed tonight in my new apartment 1,321.51 miles away from my hometown (What can I say? I like data...)I came across a quote that would do just that. 

And so, this is where I find myself only 52 days after receiving that phone call... 

My new home. 

Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

How Coke Got Friendship Right

Social responsibility is no longer a trending topic. Today, it is something that customers and businesses are be demanding companies incorporate into their overall business strategy. It seems everywhere you look companies are teaming up with non-profits to promote social causes relevent to their customers behaviors, interest, and also their own mission. The use of promoting a companies social responisibility has even become a way to gain leverage against rivals in the intense "battle of the brands", and as this battle heats up so does the level of social mission messages being targeted at consumers in the marketplace.

As it shouldn't, teaming up with and promoting a non-profit in a marketing campaign will no longer cut it when trying to find a way to connect with customers on an emotional level. Companies are now challenged to make their message unique and find a way to let it be heard - all while building a deep connection between their customer, the brand, and the company.

"Can this be done?"

Take a look at what Coca-Cola did to promote friendship in schools across Europe... and then tell me it doesn't make you want to somehow give coke a big hug, and then share one with friend...




On May 8, 2011 Coke will turn 125. Celebrate with Coke, and of course... a friend.

What Your Computer Says About You...

The saying is true, some things never change. Everyday I go to work and sit in front of a PC, but at the end of the day, I always go home to my Mac. I am a Mac person, and this will never change.

I'll be the first to admit, when I was younger I begged my geek of a dad to get a computer that had a color screen (it really wasn't that long ago!), the Windows Paint application, and basically one that didn't look exactly like this:  

(Yes, this is what I learned to type on!)

Then one day, the "grape" arrived. The year was 2001, and although it was a little slower at receiving the latest software upgrades for critical programs such as AOL my relationship with Macintosh began to flourish. (I also have the Encarta Encyclopedia and The Yukon Trail to also thank for that.)

          

I had a brief stint with an unnamed PC in college that lasted approximately 3 years before it blew up right in front of my face (literally). Clearly now more than ever I am satisfied beyond belief with my Mac and how much the brand, technology, and our relationship has developed over the years. 

So what does this say about me? An avid Mac user, who consistently chooses this device over a PC even after daily interaction with both brands? 

According to this Infographic your choice between a Mac and a PC says a lot about who you are, and will also teach you a lot about yourself in return... 

iWould... Would you?

Last October, I took a quickly planned a weekend getaway with one of my friends to New York in celebration of my birthday and to visit some friends. On our last afternoon there we met up with an acquaintance for a quick drink before catching our flight home. The conversation evolved as many do, and finally the inevitable "So, what do you do?" question was thrown out. This is when I became intrigued...


Jon and his friend were in the process of making the infamous... a Facebook app. He explained the app would be a dating service (brilliant!). The psychology and playfulness of the app was genius. As I listented to his well executed plan to develop and unveil the app my criticisms ideas, opinions (even though I wasn't asked for them), and interest soared. 


We have all seen the match.com commercial, "1 out of 5 relationships have started online", but some of the statistics in the Infographic below will surprise you:

   
Jon's app appeared on Facebook for the first time a little over a month ago, and with a marketing strategy of a slow-roll out over key college campuses across the US, it has been very well received. The app allows you to go through your friend list and secretly select 10 people you are interested in dating. Your selections are then cross-referenced with the selections of your friends who also have the app. If one of your Top 10's matches you are notified. 


Some are calling it a virtual iWould "booty-call" while others believe it the perfect icebreaker for someone who is already a friend or acquaintance.

In a recent interview with the Huffington 
Post Jon explained the motivation behind iWould, "We're trying to help people connect with someone they're having a hard time connecting with, someone in your life," Mr. Budish said. He argued, rather ironically, that starting a relationship with someone can be hard if you kind of already know them, "Sometimes that's the most difficult part of dating."


So now, I ask you. In a world where dating sites have surpassed porn and taken the crown as one of the top industries on the web. Would you, use iWould to help break the ice with someone already in your life that you are interested in?

iWould

Check out iWould on Facebook.

What's Your Signature?

For many people, including myself, Monday seemingly demands a little extra of many things. One consistency I am starting to notice is the extra shot, cup, or sometimes even more than a cup of... coffee. This pattern of consistency often leads my mind to wander, as I am partaking in my extra cup, back to the recent Starbucks ad that seemed to get everything - So. Right. 


So as you gaze hazily at your Grande Venti newly designed Starbucks cup this morning, I ask you, "What's your Starbucks signature?"

Photo from Flickr

Music Monday

This Monday I am sharing a music video that I can not get out of my head. Not only for the lyrics, but also for the video's concept. 

Too many elements of this video (imagination, technology, innovation, notes, fabulous voice...)are causing me to continually click the "replay" button. 

Of course, this is my favorite part:

Inspired to put invisible thoughts into actions. Happy Monday. 

Could you do it in 6?

Lately I have learned a lot about legacies:

Some legacies we hope to leave behind.  

Some legacies we fear of leaving behind. 

Some legacies we don't care about because they are only a legacy. 

What if you were asked to write a Six-Word Memoir? 

Six-Word Memoirs: Video Story from SMITHmag on Vimeo.

What six words would you choose to describe you?

Fiance Friday

Friday... the thought of it alone is relieving. But if you have been in nasty weather all week like me, you need little more to put the "Friday" smile on your face. 


IF I decide to ever get married, I would like it to be a little something like this: unique, thoughtful, artsy, innovative... 


Graffiti Proposal from Alex Luster on Vimeo.

The Power of a Napkin at 30,000 ft.

After September 11, 2001 tension was high everywhere, especially in the sky. I recently discovered an amazing story of one flight attendant whose simple idea created an unique outlet for travelers on her flights to release traveling anxieties and create a sense of connectivity with fellow passengers in the months that followed 9/11. 


Delta flight attendant Jewel Van Valin got the idea when Delta made the switch from using linens tray table covers to the inevitable (my favorite) paper. Jewel began passing out crayons to each passenger on board her flights and told them to simply, draw. She found that there was a significant change in passenger’s moods as they began to relax and draw anything that came to mind while gliding 30,000 ft in the sky. After passengers finished drawing she would hang the pictures up for fellow passengers to see.

                                    Photograph by: Ricky Mia

For the past 6 years Jewel has collected over 32,000 napkins from her flights that followed one of our nations greatest tragedies. The artwork called "Plane Art" was on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum in 2009. The air museums Director Sharon Maguire commented on Van Valin's idea stating it proved that "one resourceful, caring person can connect people, start conversations and build relationships."

 

                          Photograph by: (left) Ricky Mia, (right) "Plane Art"

Jewel found a way to use a simple napkin as a tool to ease her customers minds during the most tense time in airline history. What ideas could you come up with if you sat back and relaxed on one of Jewel's flights? 

More Plane Art:

Photographs from: The Daily Planet

The Power of Youth in Business Today

I really hate posting long videos, but this video hit home.... hard.

Today's corporate America has a very negative connotation of Gen-Y (Millennials). I have experienced this first hand. Over the past few years I have developed a love/hate relationship with articles on my generation. Most of the articles are written by people from Gen-X implying negative connotations which pertain to every move we make in the workplace. However, in the end I have learned to love these because I know the people of my generation well, and I know something Gen-X doesn't know about us - their words are used as a motivational tool, to prove them wrong. 

 

Pam Slim gets it too. If you care about your future career, attracting good young talent, or running a successful company, I urge you to watch at least 1 minute of this video... you will thank me, (and of course Pam) later.

Motivation Monday's

It's Monday, meaning I need a little extra motivation to make it through my week. I decided to do a search to see what other "napkin worthy" ideas were out there. It's quite astonishing how quickly a single napkin from 1876, and the innovative mind behind it can turn around your Monday mindset.

Initial design of the telephone as shown in Alexander Graham Bell's preliminary sketch.

(Courtesy of thoughtformdesign.com)

It wasn't the just the sketch alone that got me, but what I read after that made me really stop and think: 

"Alexander Graham Bell might easily have been content with the success of his telephone invention. His many laboratory notebooks demonstrate, however, that he was driven by a genuine and rare intellectual curiosity that kept him regularly searching, striving, and wanting always to learn and to create." -inventors.about.com 

Women + Humor = Change

I knew my first post would need to be something unique in order to simply communicate my blog initiative and the passion behind it. Then I thought about Liza Donnelly, and I knew I was set.

Liza Donnelly is one of my favorite artist/cartoonist from the New Yorker. She is mainly known for the sarcastic nature in which she portrays the cultural rules and life messages targeted towards the traditional woman. Here's an example...

During a recent TED conference Liza explained the inspiration behind her most recent work. She has teamed up with other female cartoonist around the world for one mission: use humor to spark initiative and empower women to change rules.

Here is her short TED video which sums it up quite nicely:

Liza's statement may be no secret but the incentive behind it is unique: 

"Fear... is a great motivator." ...when initiating change.  

Thank you Liza, for enabling us to welcome fear and initiate change through your art.