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]
With all that tweeting, it’s easy to forget about email.
Email has become one of many communication options, but is still a primary mean leveraged by many, especially when it comes to project-oriented communication. More of us are working independently and remotely with email critical to our working relationships. I’m a believer that practice makes perfect, and it’s always good to revisit email best practice so to improve productivity, foster relationships and minimize frustration caused by miscommunication.
Don’t assume, ask. Taking a moment to ask someone how they prefer to be communicated with can go a long way. Not only does it remove any unnecessary frustration that could develop, but also shows commitment to the person, project and collective outcome.
Some questions to ask when identifying email preferences include:
- How do you prefer to communicate?
- How often do you check your email?
- Do you prefer short or long emails?
- How do you like emails presented when the information is urgent?
Know your style. While flexibility is important when working with a client, it’s equally important to know your own preferences when it comes to email communication – or communication style overall. Being able to understand what maximizes your own productivity benefits everyone. The caveat being: make sure you voice your needs as well as acknowledge the preferences of others.
Don’t get lost in translation. Take a moment and reread your emails. Simple advice, but tone, context, urgency, next steps, and so much else can get lost in translation. Email has no 140 character limitation, but that doesn’t mean we should write rambling, unchecked notes. Take the time to ensure clear, concise meaning in order to prevent any unnecessary confusion and/or delays!
TIP. In regards to deadlines, I like to maximize the subject headings. If something’s urgent, then I note it right up front. If something needs to be reviewed and returned back to you by the end of the day make a note right in the subject heading. On a particularly busy day, the subject heading is all that someone may see. Therefore, make it count.
Check in early – and often. As noted it’s critical to have an “email check-in” as early into the working relationship as possible. When starting up a new working relationship, often the top agenda item on my list is “communication preference”. Though I am always mindful that projects, preferences and relationships change. Therefore it’s worth revisiting communication preferences again, especially if you notice a shift in response or behavior.
When it’s time to ditch email. People get busy, emails get lost, or perception of expectations gets convoluted. The phone is sometimes the easiest way to clarify and get answers in order to move forward. It’s also important to know when it’s time to get off email and enlist an additional option of communication, like the phone, Skype, or (if you’re geographically close enough) grab a cup of coffee. I’ve even used Twitter to tap a hard to reach individual. All of which help get quick answers while further strengthening the relationship.
What’s the value in all this attention on email and identifying communication/email preferences. For one, it shows commitment. It let’s others know that you are paying attention and value the relationship. Two, the relationship and tasks become more productive. Email and miscommunication can cause significant delays in projects, when the reality is they don’t need to. Taking the time to develop communication expectations and norms fosters a more productive (and healthy) remote working relationship that cultivates a successful project outcome and experience for all.
[Image: 107/365 - Flickr courtesy of RXAphotos, Flickr]
Sometimes time completely escapes me – and posts or items that I had every intention of sharing completely get missed. This is one such case. A couple of months ago I wrapped up a project for an outstanding nonprofit organization, Freedom States Alliance (FSA). Like many nonprofits, they were trying to navigate social media options and establish the best way to integrate it into their organization.
The result was the realization that social media was only one component of a much larger picture, a much greater need. The question that surfaced was where does social media fit within the organization’s strategy? Was it appropriate to develop a social media strategy, if other critical strategies hadn’t yet been pursued?
Sequence of Execution. Sequence of execution is an approach to strategy development that leads organizations through a hierarchy of strategy development. The result: a more successful and sustaining implementation. Furthermore, it puts social media into context. Meaning that it ensures that any social media strategy is integrated and derives its purpose from the organizations larger mission and goals.
Sequence of strategy execution:
- Develop your organizational mission
- Develop and align your marketing communications strategy/plan
- Develop primary messaging to go across all channels
- Identify your target audience or audiences
- Develop a social media strategy that supports the mar/comm strategy
Social media strategy is a powerful opportunity for an organization, but only when it’s been implemented in the right order. I am increasingly convinced that social media is not intended to live inside a vacuum, but rather as a piece of a much larger ecosystem. How can an organization implement social media tools, like Twitter and Facebook, if they don’t have a social media, communications, or organizational strategy to drive the success use of such platforms?
The actual deliverable offered to the FSA was a comprehensive presentation that included an in-depth needs assessment, recommended actions, training documentation, and best practices in communication and more specifically social media. Most importantly, the guide started with a step-by-step review of how to best develop an appropriate and effective strategy for the organization given their intended mission, audience, and goals – and later concluded with a look at social media integration.
Recently, Colin and I transformed the outcome of that project and took this same ideology to create something that could benefit an even greater community of nonprofits. The following presentation is the marriage of that work (no pun intended), which Colin offered to Cambridge area nonprofit organizations last week.
Learn more about Cambridge Community Television (CCTV)
Additional CCTV workshops: Social Media Workshop for Cambridge Organizations
View more presentations from Cambridge Community Television
[Image: Jump on the social media bandwagon courtesy of matthamm, Flickr]
After many hours of thinking, planning and soul searching, I have made the decision to go freelance and Left Behind Bottle Caps is coming with me. I am proud to introduce a slightly updated blog and Left Behind Bottle Caps Communications.
The decision to make this blog more a professional think tank is in response to two previous posts “ambiguous clarity” and “the disruption of life, soul searching and career shifting.” The result is not only the transformation of Left Behind Bottle Caps, but also the creation of Lollipop.
Lollipop, offering sweet design treats for all, is a long overdue project that will serve as both a creative and personal playground. Due to launch in February, this new blog will serve up plenty of handmade treats, design centric elements, artist spotlights and a light-hearted space where reckless play is not only welcomed, but encouraged! Stay tuned for more on Lollipop and Left Behind Bottle Caps.
Yesterday was a big day in Massachusetts, but this isn’t a post about the outcome. Rather, it’s about a valuable reminder and lessons learned while chatting nervously on Twitter last night prior to the announcement of the election results.
Choosing to respond. The typical feeling in social media these days is that responding is better than not responding. When a customer mentions your product in a negative way the web grants a unique opportunity. You can engage openly. You can listen and learn from the individual or community. The result is the overwhelming potential for a productive dialogue and outcome to the initial criticism.
Reigning in instantaneous communication. Here’s the caveat. What happens when engaging results in something that isn’t productive? The web enables instantaneous responses, but that doesn’t mean we should respond instantly. This is where I found myself – I needed a reminder of the power of pause.
Opting out of the conversation. Twitter was a flurry of activity last night. I tweeted a few items that were reflective of my nervousness and unrest. I received a response. It wasn’t particularly negative, but it was in direct contrast to my particular political pursuations – and was intended to instigate. I took a moment before responding:
- What did I want to say? Would it be valuable or purely based in feelings?
- What was the intention of the responder in writing such an aggressive statement?
- What would be the potential outcome if I responded to the statement?
In my ears rang my mother, “…if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Granted, this wasn’t simply an instance of me not having anything nice to say. I have learned the value of thinking through my responses and self censorship when appropriate (especially in the context of a digital age). This was about someone on the other end wanting to instigate an unproductive conversation. I chose not to participate.
Lessons learned: First, I need to think about which topics I want to pursue digitally. Politics is not one of them. I keep away from it at larger social gatherings and I think it’s time to follow my personal rule of thumb on that for my social networks as well.
Secondly, there are instances when silence is an appropriate solution. If the result is an unproductive conversation and/or the intention of the provoker is an online altercation, then don’t respond. Find other ways to reflect and/or to address the situation, um, like blogging about your experience for instance.
[Twitter bird logo icon illustration courtesy of matthamm, 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]
It never ceases to amaze me how inspirational and driven my dearest friends are. Heatherjean is one such person. I’ve mentioned Heatherjean and her socially-focused, entrepreneurial mission – Proxy Apparel – before in a previous post.
It has been humbling to witness her navigate such a life (and world) changing journey, continually standing by her convictions, only to find herself at such a critical and defining juncture. Read more and join Heatherjean’s journey (@proxybird):
Dearest Friends and Family,
Today is a historical day in the life of Proxy Apparel. As you have all provided me with immense personal support in my efforts to translate Proxy from a dream to an investor ready, scalable business, I write to inform you that Proxy is ready for its debut. I wouldn’t be here without you.
After two years of diligent research and data collection, field visits to cooperatives and completed design and product development, I have created a bootstrapped go-to-market plan that includes the 2010 launch of Proxy’s Spring and Fall signature collection. The signature collection Hummingbirds, designed specifically for Gen Y/X women, features fashion-forward blouses, dresses and accessories produced by women-owned cooperatives in the Americas. As you know I have invested the time necessary to develop strong partnerships with Proxy’s production partners as well as put in place a talented team of individuals to bring this plan to successful fruition. Proxy’s development is the accomplishment of many incredible people.
Continue reading »
Originally, I was ashamed of my almost five month hiatus, but now I am simply humbled and incredibly grateful. At the present, all I can do is muse about how life works in funny, backwards ways. However, the past few months weren’t always as easy to embrace as it has been incredibly disruptive. Though if I’ve learned anything from my involvement in communication and technology, disruption is what leads to some of the most meaningful life change. Personal disruption is no different.
In one moment you can be so incredibly certain that you’re headed in the right direction – focused, committed, determined. The next, you’re completely unsure of which way to go – who you are, how you got there and where the heck you’re going. It’s taken many days and nights of discomfort to realize that I was upon a major personal and professional shift. Acknowledging this was probably one of the most challenging and liberating self-realizations to date.
Pride and comfort played a large part in the discomfort of this disruption. For over five years I’ve drowned myself in technology, primarily internet, society and new means of communication. Fascinated by it both professionally and personally. In so deep, that it became (and still slightly is) identity forming. It is hard to pull and separate yourself from something that others see you so identified with. Without sounding self centered (typically I’m much more modest), but I do believe that I have the ability to excel in this particular space, but I don’t want to. There was, and still is, a major hurdle holding me back. The scope of such a focus is too narrow, forced and simply exhausting. Ironic, right? We’re talking about technology, it’s infinite, but the particular area in which I was focusing my professional attention just wasn’t the right fit. All pleasure and curiosity I held previously – gone. At least for now, in it’s current incarnation.
Several major life changes have also aided in this intense soul searching. My MBA, a degree that I worked diligently towards for over three years is complete. Something that required so much of my intention, focus and emotion is now done – and with its completion an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, but a hole of uncertainty and responsibility. We have a peanut-to-be scheduled to make an appearance in March. The unexpected emotion and reflection that comes with pending parenthood is truly remarkable and incredibly eye-opening. It’s made me reassess the life I want to have not only for me, but for my growing family and the life I want for my own child.
What next for Left Behind Bottle Caps? Well, I hemmed and hawed over whether I should start a new blog or not, but this blog, like me, has grown, changed and matured. I want to enable it to do so. I don’t want to forget my past interest in social media, but rather integrate my underlying interest in communication and stories into my next career, what ever it may be. I’m also not looking to turn this into a mommy blog (not that there’s anything wrong with mommy blogs) – for now I have decided to keep much of that aspect of my life separate until I feel compelled otherwise.For now, I hope to focus more on the act of creating, the act of living and the act of embracing the many things that inspire me each and every day.
If I’ve learned anything in these past few months it’s that balance and passion in life is everything. I used to think that this was just me, and perhaps it is, but what is life without balance and passion. They should be the pillars of much of what we seek to accomplish in life. So for now, I pursue interests. I’m rekindling my love affair with art (any and all hands-on craft), seeking educational opportunities to delve back into project management and becoming a grammatically better person by pursuing copy editing – maybe even a cooking class or two.
[Photo from Freya Art & Design via Etsy. Truly amazing prints! Please visit her.]
“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!
I was recently asked a series of questions by a friend and classmate:
- What Web 2.0 applications do you use? Use the most?
- What do you see as the benefits (personal, professional) of using Web 2.0?
- What are the challenges. restrictions, downsides to Web 2.0?
- Where do you think Web 2.0 is headed?
- How would you recommend a business make use of Web 2.0?
The exercise of responding was cathartic. It was reminiscent of one of those “What the 4th of July Means to Me” essays that were so popular in fifth grade. Oh you know the ones – with complimentary drawing that used a haphazard mix of crayon colors [usually whatever hadn’t yet been snatched up] to depict stick figure families, hot dogs and fireworks.
The point being that everyone drew the same picture – they all wrote the same thing.
They created what was expected – what they thought they were supposed to draw. To me, it sounds all too familiar. Web 2.0 or social media [whichever is your preferred term] is being depicted in a similar fashion. By now, most folks are working diligently to create what looks like the same picture perfect social media strategy. Facebook fan pages, check, Twitter, check, digital video, check, …
Too much thought is going into what appears to represent a “good” social media strategy. It’s not coming back to the audience. Yes, I’ll be the first to tell you that you should not ignore social media, but it can’t be hastily implemented in a disconnected, tool centric fashion.
Get social. Get messy. Don’t give them what you think they want or expect from you. Listen. Wait. Participate. Then give them what they ask for – in innovative new ways. If there was ever an opportunity to color outside the lines this is it.
Heck, break out the finger paints!
Create your own way. Definitions, frameworks and rules aside. Remain mindful of the fundamentals, but be creative and innovative. Time is precious – for both the creator and the audience. It should be fun. As a creator you want to be challenged to provide value in new, unique ways. As part of the audience, we want our attention grabbed. We don’t want the same templated execution, but rather something that doesn’t fit the model – provide bright excitement and raw honesty.
What Social Media Means to Me – by Vanessa Rhinesmith
Please note: this is raw and unedited [grammatical savvy is out with this one]
What Web 2.0 applications do you use? Use the most?
Right now, Twitter, my blog [WordPress] and I’m a HUGE fan of Delicious [social bookmarking is far from dead for me]
What do you see as the benefits (personal, professional) of using Web 2.0?
This is a loaded question. It depends on the company and/or the person. Either way it can be a great way to connect and collaborate with others – remember it’s about collaboration.
What are the challenges. restrictions, downsides to Web 2.0?
The challenges and restrictions are human centric – not everyone wants to listen or participate in the conversation – nor do folks have the means. Remember that not everyone has a computer or access to the internet. The additional downside, is too much hype around Web 2.0 – people aren’t thinking it through they are too wrapped up in the buzz word…[I'll get off my soapbox now].
Where do you think Web 2.0 is headed?
It will become Web3.0, Web4.0…until it’s replaced with a new word. Seriously though, Web3.0 – it’s going mobile and don’t think that virtual is dead. It’s not, oh, and cloud computing.
How would you recommend a business make use of Web 2.0?
First ask, are they ready to LISTEN to their customers and/or employees. Secondly, are they ready to JOIN the conversation in a transparent and collaborative way? Can’t even bring in the tools if you don’t know the actions.
Box of crayons photo courtesy of turbojoe via flickr
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