My Week With Karma24May08

While I was washing my car this morning, I got a little free time to reflect on my past week before a hectic and fun weekend begins as my family is coming into town later today. There were several moments during this week that have stuck with me, though.

First, to give everyone a better understanding of myself; I enjoy helping people. That simple four word statement reflects my being and outlook on life; to treat everyone that I come across with respect and care. I’m no Mother Teresa but I do believe in Karma and how you treat others will, sooner or later, have an impact on your own life.

Moment 1: I was on Twitter Tuesday morning (shocker huh). An online friend of mine that I’ve gotten to know more in the past few weeks, Reem Abeidoh, had published a great interview, that morning, with a Yelp reviewer who was threatened by a restaurant owner. For whatever reason, her blog had been marked as ’spam’ on Digg for quite awhile, subsequently no one was able to submit her story and give it the recognition that it deserved. She told me that she’d tried to contact Digg numerous times, but to no avail. I’ve spoken with Digg support in the past (with quick response, might I add) and wanted to help her out and try to get her blog unbanned. Lo and behold, with numerous emails later, we were able to get it unblocked and her post actually made it to the front page. Win-win.

Moment 1.1: Now, cut to the end of my day - I was driving home and had to get my glasses fixed because I apparently love to sleep with them on and then proceed to roll over them. I stopped by a local repair shop, ASAP Eyeglass Repair, to get it fixed while I wait. It took all but 15 minutes and I was ready to pay the guy until he stopped me and said ‘Ah, don’t worry about it!’ and handed me my glasses. Albeit a fairly cheap repair, I was caught off guard and asked him a couple times if he was sure. Nonetheless, he let me go on about my day, which left me with a smile on my face.

Moment 2: Again, I was on Twitter and began conversing with my Austin Twit buddy @LaniAR. (If you follow her, be forewarned, she is known to keep you entertained) Being in the real estate industry, she tweeted about a gorgeous home that was up for sale in the Austin area. Now, as some of you may know, I am actively looking to relocate and mentioned to her (in half-seriousness) that I’d take the house if I were in Austin. This little blurb and my explanation to her about my career plans, led her to communicate and get me in touch with local SM professionals on Twitter. I was super appreciative of her help, more than she knows. I haven’t landed a new job or anything like that, but her willingness in helping me grow my Austin network blew me away.

What’s this even have to do with social media? It doesn’t…directly. It deals with everyday life, personally and professionally. Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t a self-help post lol - it’s merely an observation of my past week and how connecting with and helping those around me has seemingly impacted the happenings in my life.

Conversation isn’t just a way of social media, but a way of life. Conversing and actually listening to those around you, while taking action, goes a long way. Not to mention, it further builds your personal and professional relationships.

Do something good for someone this weekend, no strings attached. See how it feels!

Quote Of The Day - May 1616May08

Surround yourself with those who you’ll benefit from.

What’s this mean to me? It means creating an environment that surrounds me with people who are conducive to my focus in life, personally and professionally.

Personally, I’m a very optimistic person that tries to stay away from the negativity in life, so surrounding myself with like minded people creates a positive group of friends around me.

Professionally, it focuses more on what your industry or niche is. Twitter is the perfect example as social media marketers are looking to follow similar focused people. We *typically* want to create a stream of information that we can learn & grow from and vice versa to those who follow us. That is the benefit that comes from Twitter but really any business relationship. It’s what makes industry events so fun; the networking and sharing of ideas (and a few drinks) with industry leaders.

Don’t forget though, this is a two-way street. This needs a mention but most people in any form of a relationship eventually realize if a person is using them solely for their own benefit.

What’s this quote mean to you? I’m sure there are different perspectives so feel free to share!

If Only The News Were Like This14May08

With as much negativity that has been going on in the world recently (and in the past several years) its nice to imagine this:

A lil’ off topic but I’m sure we’ve all wished this one time or another.

Concerts In The Digital Age12May08

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend The Kanye West Glow In The Dark Tour. The show, which also featured the great sounds of Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D. and Rihanna, was simply spectacular. Keep in mind, we were at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, so only part of the area/set is covered from the elements. The elements, last night, were in full effect as we had 30mph winds and sporadic thunderstorms. Nonetheless, the artists did their thing as the skies eventually came to calm later in the night.

So, you’re asking yourself, what do concerts have to do with the digital age? Well, it’s a semi-rant dealing with the fact that this venue (along with most, I’m sure) do not allow you to bring in digital cameras. I’ve felt strongly against this the past couple of concerts I’ve been to and as I’ve become fully engulfed in the digital marketing world. As technologies continue to evolve (multi-megapixel camera phones, iphone, etc), these venues/artists who don’t want to us to share our memories with our online communities will have a harder and harder time stopping it.

Now I know this may sound kind of petty (no it didn’t ruin my time at the concert) but it just goes to show you the resistance some people have to the evolving world of digital media. It deals with more than just our industry, it affects all industries. It’s their understanding of the digital age and knowing how the evolution affects their respective industry. Take advantage of the opportunities. Realize the benefits. How much more revenue would a venue take in if they were to sell cameras next to a beer or pizza stand? Either we continue to force the issue and find the means to digitally experience these concerts or accept it and take advantage of the change. The choice is theirs.