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If you’re reading this post, then you probably came here via Twitter. You’re on Twitter, I’m on Twitter, but who isn’t on Twitter – or who’s on Twitter, but not really here (meaning inactive). This (slightly snarky) thought process was sparked by reading, 80%+ Twitter accounts inactive, but core users more committed, courtesy of dirkthecow via Social Media Today.
What about me. Twitter can be a great communications tool. It’s been great for me personally and professionally. Caveat: knowing that everyone’s not using Twitter. Knowing who’s using a tool is equally as important as knowing who’s not. Don’t forget who isn’t here to contribute to the conversation – they may have something amazing to contribute, but are voiceless.
And it’s not just Twitter. There are plenty of platforms and tools where folks are missing. For instance, Facebook, yes, there are millions upon millions of users, but who’s missing. For example, me. I don’t have a Facebook account (…really, I don’t). I might have something valuable to say.
Aligning audience and means of communication. Are there voices being left out of the conversation that could add exponential value to your organization, goal or community? Twitter can be used in the execution of a portfolio of communication means to tap into a range of audiences, but that should only happen once audiences have been identified. Have you taken a moment to determine who your audience is – and where they are?
Who’s making the decision. What happens when you don’t take the time to identify where your audience plays, well, you miss an opportunity. Someone misses the message, the chance to be engaged or an invitation to participate (either physically or virtually). Case and point, my ten year high school reunion, the reunion invitation was only sent via Facebook. As I said earlier, I’m not on Facebook. Meaning, I found out about the reunion only after it took place. The point isn’t that I missed the reunion, it’s that I never got a chance to decide for myself if I wanted to attend or not. The means of communication decided for me.
Take the time, do the work. Don’t let voices go unheard or leave communities ignored just because you missed the mark. Take time to understand your audience and then communicate to them in the space where they play. Why should they come to you? If they are that important, then you should go to them. In time, that may reverse, but you have to reach out and cultivate the relationship first.
Tools are going to change, audiences will change too – and where they intersect is going to change. What shouldn’t change is critical thinking around how best to link the two.
Remember, 80% of Twitter accounts are inactive. That’s whole a lot of people not paying attention to those thoughtful, value-filled, community building tweets you’re spending hours crafting. Make sure your audience is where you’re focusing your attention, before you start trying to get the attention of an audience that may not even be there in the first place.
[Image: The empty playground #1 courtesy of soulholder, Flickr]
It’s often more natural to assess and identify areas of improvement in others, especially when working with a client or if strategic assessments are part of your professional portfolio – but what about when it comes to you.
A personal heart-to-heart. Have you checked in with yourself lately to identify areas where you can improve? Taking a self inventory is incredibly empowering not too mention valuable to those you work with and support. Take a moment to ask yourself: What’s been added to my plate over the past few months? What activities have fallen off the radar – and gone incomplete? Are there areas of value that are no longer getting attention?
We’re always juggling something. 
For me, it’s several freelance projects and a baby on the way. It’s easy to get caught up in everything and simply look away from items that have gone ignored. However, being able to acknowledge where you can improve makes you better equipped to tackle whatever gets thrown your way. You’re aware and will be able to appropriately allocate yourself to the most important tasks. This type of self awareness is sometimes (and too often) misinterpreted as admitting weakness or failure. Wrong.
Self assessment is about being able to review all aspects of your working self – the good, the bad and the ugly – then doing something to improve the bad and the ugly.
Take manageable bites. Self improvement doesn’t require a complete overhaul, start small. For me, I know “blog commenting” has fallen to the wayside. For a while I was simply kicking myself (…so not a productive response). I read so many wonderful posts daily, but failed to truly contribute or participate in the conversation. It’s something I wanted to fix and focus on – right now.
No time like the present. Therefore each and every day I’ve added to my daily work list: comment on one blog post. Just one. This might seem like a marginal, arbitrary goal, but one is better than zero. One is manageable, I can take my time, be intentional in my contribution, and will enable me to set up a new daily routine. Will I increase this target number, probably, but not yet.
For now, it’s just one comment daily. It’s about identifying an area of improvement and setting up a realistic, non threatening goal to achieve in a sustainable way. From there, I’ll take stock and improve further. The constant self assessing results in an organic checks and balances system that will ensure I’m always learning and offering the best istrategies and solutions to my clients and contributions to my communities.
[Image: Work courtesy of alexanderljung, Flickr]
This year has held moments of laughter, joy, tears, sorrow and so, so much more.
- I have learned that change is hard.
- Sometimes it is okay to walk away.
- Losing someone you love is never easy.
- Grieving is even harder.
- Old habits are hard to break.
If this year taught me anything, it taught me that I am harder on myself then anyone else could ever know (perhaps with the exception of Colin). Such severe perfectionism will only hold me back. It is time to be open to my own misgivings, mistakes and imperfections.
I have so much more to learn, but before I move into the new year I want to take some time to recharge and reflect. I am going to take this time to sip some tea and soak in all that 2009 has offered. I am going to relish in the moments past and learn to let go of all that holds me back.
It is time for a guilt-free hiatus. One where I can reflect and awaken to all the upcoming excitement, uncertainty and change. It is time to take a break from formal plans, Twitter, blogging, life planning – and take the time to write a love letter, give thanks, take a walk, paint, and simply take in the moment.
Here’s to reflecting, living and loving! See you in 2010.
[Photo courtesy of stillthedudeabides, Flickr]
“Tweeting is like snacking, but blogging is like sitting down to some much needed comfort food. So fulfilling.” This was originally a whim response to a simple question posed by Chris Brogan via Twitter - but I realized that there is much more meaning to this statement that is worth exploring.
Twitter = is like information snacking
I can nosh on tidbits of information all day and night. It’s a great way for me to maximize my information intake in small doses through even the busiest of moments. The reciprocal is also snack worthy. I can share resources, thoughts and ideas throughout the day. Satisfying my need for continually knowledge consumption.
Blogging = is like sitting down to some good comfort food
Snacking is great, but there’s always a slight gnawing for more. No matter how much I tweet or read there’s always an insatiable craving. A craving and hunger that can only be satisfied by sitting down to an awesome blogging session.
As a blog reader and consumer of information – there comes great satisfaction with reading thoughtful, intelligent and original blog posts. It’s like reading Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre. It takes time, thought and focus – but the end is a stimulating satisfaction that stems far greater than the context of 140 characters.
It’s not a matter of one or the other, it’s a healthy balance both. Tease me with your tweets – but also open my eyes and mind to links that lead to well thought out meals that will keep me coming back for more!
It’s only Tuesday night, but it’s been a trying week.
The bar I set for myself academically, personally and professoinally is high; my husband would argue too high. The result is too many hours, on too many things. This morning I was feeling particulary calm, assessing the past 24 hours and looking at the week/month ahead.
In my bag was a piece that I had printed out from Adam Singer, of The Future Buzz. Each morning the The Future Buzz arrives in my mailbox, this was the first morning I had printed it out to read en route into the city. I know not very eco friendly of me, but I read better with tangible sheets of paper. Ironic I know.
This is what I read, Ignoring Others Is Necessary To Reach Your Potential:
Embrace your inner drives and put your soul totally behind them. If others don’t understand then they’re not a supportive force, and you have to learn to ignore them. I know this is not easy to do, but long term it is necessary. Choose influences that support what you want to accomplish so you don’t reach a point where those in your life are fighting against you.
I am a big believer in the law of attraction, which states (in brief):
People’s thoughts (both conscious and unconscious) dictate the reality of their lives, whether or not they’re aware of it. Essentially “if you really want something and truly believe it’s possible, you’ll get it”, but putting a lot of attention and thought onto something you don’t want means you’ll probably get that too.
By aligning yourself with those who are supportive, mentoring others who have equal passion, and limiting connections only to those individuals that are going to push you further and increase your focus, you’ll be on a path to your full potential.
Adam, thank you!
Never has something been so timely or resonated so vibrantly. Please know that the print out has not gone to waste as it has taken permanent residence in my bag as a daily reminder and affirmation.
Earlier this week I asked why we were not talking about Laura Ling and Euna Lee; two American journalists detained in North Korea. At the time, it appeared that Current was eliminating any recognition of the situation. This may no longer be the case. A recent tweet made it’s way to News//Current that may make such a claim null and void. Granted there was never a response, but the tweet as of this morning was still up.
“Get Green & Groovy” this Sunday, April 5th @ 1PM:
What better way to start your spring, then with new fashion forward humanity conscience clothing. I continue to be inspired by my friends; one of these lovely, creative people is Heatherjean MacNeil, Founder of Proxy and Fashion with Impact:
Fashion With Impact aims to awaken consumers to the ethical fashion revolution. FWI is committed to promoting the emerging ethical fashion family of designers, brands, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and retailers. FWI defines ethical fashion as apparel and accessories made from sustainable and recycled textiles & produced by workers earning a fair wage. FWI empowers consumers to make a difference to through fashion, to “Fashion With Impact.”
Follow Heatherjean on her journey at Chasing Miracles.
For those of you who know me, know of my full on crush with sustainable fashion, colorful items and flowy finds. Needless to say my day was totally made when I stumbled upon, {labudde} during my ongoing quest to create a socially conscious, and cute, wardrobe (thank goodness for Etsy).
[Photo from {labudde} via Etsy]
I strive to make sustainable clothing and accessories in a number of ways. I work with eco friendly and natural fabrics, like wool, raw silk, and bamboo jersey. I also scour thrift stores, vintage stores, and antique stores for secondhand fabric, cool vintage buttons. It is amazing how many beautiful fabrics are trapped in unwear-ably-unstylish clothing in thrift stores, just waiting to be discovered and reconstructed.
Jenny’s passion for eco chic fashion is founded on sustainability, wearability, affordability and craftsmanship. Sassy clothes with a conscience – who doesn’t love that. Yes, expect several {labudde} pieces in my spring and summer waredrobe. Learn more about Jenny and be sure to visit her new blog labuddesigns.
SMART, GREEN PAPER GOODS: Two Trick Pony is committed to green design. We work hard to reduce our environmental hoofprint by screen printing all of our paper goods by hand using water-based inks on 100% post consumer recycled paper [Two Trick Pony]. Download PDF of full Two Trick Pony article I had the pleasure of [...]
SMART, GREEN PAPER GOODS: Two Trick Pony is committed to green design. We work hard to reduce our environmental hoofprint by screen printing all of our paper goods by hand using water-based inks on 100% post consumer recycled paper [Two Trick Pony].
Download PDF of full Two Trick Pony article
I had the pleasure of meeting Carrie Siegel back in early 2007 when we worked on the creation of wedding invitations for my August wedding. Immediately I connected with Carrie, her easy-going manner and presence was contagious. Carrie is truly an inspiration as well as an extremely humble, lovely person who has carved a unique space for her cleverly implemented designs and social convictions to thrive. This is a piece that was written as a class assignment, but has transformed into a lovely little reflection piece on Carrie, Two Trick Pony and the art of eco-friendly print making.
THE BEGINNING: Carrie met her fellow pony, Laurie Mee, while working at Paper Source. Little did the other know, but each wanted to quit their present job in pursuit of an independent design venture. It wasn’t until over Chinese food that both admitted to wanting to quit Paper Source in order to start a business manufacturing invitations and cards; they decided to do it together.
We’re inspired by vintage fabrics, vintage wallpaper, anything that we see out and about in our daily life, life forms from the ocean; we find our inspiration pretty much everywhere.
The name Two Trick Pony was a result of the screen printing process. Originally, the Gocco inspired the name One Trick Pony due to its ability to do one action and produce only one card at a time. Having moved away from the Gocco, Carrie proclaimed that they must now have more than one trick – and the name Two Trick Pony was born.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
