A Collaboration Story. (republished from the Huffington Post)
Some of the most inspiring stories in the world are the result of a diverse group of people, companies, governments and non-profits coming together to create solutions for the greater good of nature and people. When time permits, feedback is required, expertise is needed and impact is great…collaboration is the way to go. read more »
To whom this may concern:
Everyday there are 1000’s of marketers competing for my time. I am consuming data and information at an alarming rate both online and off. When I am at my computer, on average I am switching tabs or functions more than twice every 60 seconds. read more »
When you first arrive to a location, you know something special is about to transpire when all of your senses are engaged on first impression. This is what happened to me on a recent tour of Patagonia’s headquarters. read more »
Who pays the price for dissatisfaction in the workplace? A Gallup poll suggests 71% of the workforce is disengaged, costing US businesses $300 billion annually. Employers looking for answers in the hiring process are likely to find better solutions by reviewing their social media efforts. The use of social technologies is both the cause and the solution to the disengagement. read more »
Despite the amount of bills and junk mail I receive, I actually look forward to getting the mail. I like sorting the mail to find my red envelope from Netflix and the occasional greeting card surprise from a friend or family member. Recently, I have a new reason to be excited about what is in the mailbox. I signed up to sponsor four WorldVision kids. One could argue these kids need more from me than I need from them, but I am certain the opportunity to learn and grow with them without the influence of media and marketing is something my core is crying out for. read more »
When I was a kid, I made several trips to Crossroads Village; a restored turn of the century town where you could ride an old railroad and visit historic homes and old-town commercial buildings. My favorite part of the entire town was the general store. I was fascinated by wall to ceiling shelves of merchandise, antique toy souvenirs and 10¢ old-fashioned candy sticks yet there was more to the fascination for me. In the general store I felt connected to a magical and energetic meeting place of the past. I could imagine store clerks greeting town’s people by name as they chatted about the latest merchandise and happening around the town. At some time or another, everyone from the town would visit the store and because of this, the store clerk would know everyone. Without much effort the store clerk would be responsible for spreading news, event promotion, introducing new members of town, and even match-making. I am willing to bet in the 19th century through mid 20th century towns all over the world, when a store clerk from the general store passed it would a tremendous loss for many. From memories of warm greetings to an understanding of individual needs, the clerk would be honored for their efforts of social responsibility. read more »
I purchased the book EBOCLOUD by Rick Moss immediately on recommendation from a friend. There was no way I could resist reading a book with the tagline, “Love Must Evolve” that dares to explore life after Facebook. If there is such a thing as a fantasy book club, this would be the book I would want to read and discuss with a group of people. In my dream book club I would want a full spectrum of people represented. Give me political and religious left, right and middle. In this motley crew let there be humor, creativity, compassion, empathy and intellect. I am certain with this group, we would never run out of things to discuss and we would learn a great deal from each other as the themes of the book inspire us to think and grow. read more »
Men are from Mars and women are from Venus and texting does not help matters at all. read more »
My Confession
In the fall of last year, I tried to combine advocating awareness to a social epidemic that I am passionate about with my actual consulting work. At the heart of both is a promotion of relationship building and social awareness. So in a tongue in cheek way meant to inspire conversation, I named the joint project/business SocialBling. Considering how our culture only seems to want to talk about material things (bling) I thought I would promote relationships as an over-indulgent luxury. Everyone told me it was ridiculous ambitious. They were right, but I don’t have a fear of being wrong so it did not matter. The only thing I truly fear is being alone and I did not feel like I was doing anything that was promoting that fear so I pressed on. After all, how could someone that promotes the value of relationships as an essential element of well-being and success; who loves meeting people, helping people meet others and who loves to entertain ever end up feeling isolated? Now reading through that list I know exactly how. It is a simple equation of inclusion vs. exclusion. read more »
