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!
Sonny, I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I had given up on reaching out to Digg (I had tried so many times at that point), until you sent that email on my behalf. When they responded to you and later to me, I was super excited. Thanks for helping me. You deserve all that great karma.
I love helping people too. It is its own reward.
And, btw, Reem is awesome. Any friend of hers is a friend of mine!