All posts tagged community

Want to Get to Know your Neighbors? Consider Sleeping Around

Growing up, I lived in the kind of neighborhood in Michigan where everyone looked forward to snow days. On these days, after the dads in the neighborhood would finish plowing their driveways and sidewalks, my dad would be putting snow chains on the riding lawn mower for a different reason. All the neighborhood kids would bring their sleds over to hook up to each other while my dad pulled us around the neighborhood doing dramatic fishtails at every corner. I knew everyone on my street. On the other six streets in the neighborhood I knew at least two or three families on each street. read more »

published June 21, 2011
posted in Interviews
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Bloggers: General Store Key Holders of the Future

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 »

published March 16, 2011
posted in Connecting, Conversation, Relationships, Social Media
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EBOCLOUD: Dare to Imagine Life After Facebook

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 »

published March 9, 2011
posted in Connecting, Conversation, Culture, Interviews, Relationships, Social Media
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Socially ILL

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 »

published December 8, 2010
posted in Connecting, Culture, Relationships
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Relationship and Social Trend Predictions for 2010

I am sure the internet will be full of financial, technological, and global affairs/issues predictions so I will not bother speaking about things that other people are way more informed than I to speak on. What I will talk about is relationships and social communication trends. There is a long list of reasons as to how and why I have become so tuned in and passionate about social shifts and how they are affecting our relationships. I do not share my thoughts with you because I am particular fond of worry or doom and gloom. I simply believe a little awareness goes a long way and the result of actions based on awareness, creates more opportunity for positive impact. read more »

published January 1, 2010
posted in Connecting, Relationships, Social Media
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Halloween, Corporate Culture and Burning Man

My friend pointed out to me last week that he was “beginning to hear a theme” in our conversations. I am willing to bet if you asked five other people I speak with the most, they would tell you they hear my theme too. Everybody has a theme, it is the stage of theme that differs. A theme might be based on insecurities and fears, some you are willing to conquer and others that might be too hard to face. A theme can be based on passion and purpose; you might be in the process of gathering your thoughts or you might be laser-focused on certain actions and activities that are helping you visualize your life purpose. read more »

published November 3, 2009
posted in Connecting, Conversation, Culture, Relationships, Social Media
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