Postive Impact of Social Networking

Today, I have been thinking about all the positive things that social networking has impacted because of the people that are involved.   This past week... I was alerted to a dog that was in peril.   This was a Brittany Spaniel, named Dexter.   Once rescued from a hoarder, that had 13 dogs stacked up in cargo crates in a car port open to the elements in Pennsylvania, now needed a life saving surgery.  Again, the online community came to his rescue.  In less than 24 hours, the $2500 was raised to pay for his surgery.   The same organization filled 15 different transports for rescue dogs to be transport to fur-ever homes and to foster families out of kill shelters this weekend alone.   Home for the holidays is whole new thing when you have been living in a cage on death row because someone that was suppose to love and cherish you didn't.  (if you are interested in helping any of these dogs visit www.nbran.org or "LIKE" National Brittany Rescue on Facebook)

I have witnessed the power of social networking... but so has the recently deceased Elizabeth Edwards.  Although, we don't agree on politics.  I strongly admire how she lived, met life's challenges, and continued to see the good in people.   She put family first.  She never let the horrific actions of a loved one define her.   When I saw this link to message from Lance Armstrong to her family and video's on her speech to a LIVESTRONG event.  I had to watch them.   After thanking Lance, she thanked Steve Case from AOL for the start of Online Communities.   They were very helpful support to her.   Peer to Peer support ... it matters.   Reaching out to others for collaboration, support, information, and encouragement is human... now it is powered by technology.

Some days it is just good to remind yourself about the good in humanity and how Social Networking is part of making the world a smaller and better place to be. Get well soon little Dexter!   God Speed, Elizabeth.   The world will miss but not forget your message on living and dying with grace.

My Road....My Journey

Given my last employer's need to cut heads to survive this economic time, I have been forced onto the unemployment queque. It is a strange position for me to be in given I have pretty much been steadily employed since I was 14 except my freshman year of college.

My job is to find a position. This has brought about many both mental and physical sojourns over the past 60 Days. They have been countless trips into New York for meetings, interviews, and discussions as well as Boston and Boulder.

I have been close on a couple but have failed to close the deal on my next venture. There is a reason for this beyond my skill as a sales professional and overall corporate value. The ability to keep a positive outlook is key. However, many times I have wanted to climb into bed and pull the covers over me. I have instead pushed on to search one more job board. This has proven to make me a successful sales professional and I know it will pay dividends soon.

Most of the opportunities have come from my network. I am delighted to say social networking has not only supported me in the past but continues to keep me optimistic about the future.

You see, the road ahead may be bumpy, dirty and not the one I would choose to sail down. However, like the picture there has to be light at the end. Every time my life has thrown challenges at me, the journey was worth it. This rough patch has meaning. I will come out of it a better for the experience. If Lance Armstrong wouldn't trade having cancer, I can get through a bit of employment woes. My mantra is livestrong lately!!

Why Oprah is bored with Twitter....

After reading the following article/blog (http://tinyurl.com/cbrad6 )regarding Oprah's ho hum experience with Twitter, I check out her stream and who she follows. Oprah is only following 11 people. That is why she is bored. Twitter is something of an acquired taste for many... think of.. many people join and lurk. They follow their co workers, friends, and sports/celebrities. Reading how others are tweeting, Re-Tweeting, and @replying helps to develop an understanding of how to leverage the technology. I can understand why she has fallen off. There was a miscommunication on the purpose of Twitter. It is an exchange of information. If you have 6 figures of followers but only choose to get information from 11, how can you be listening. She has a mouth piece every day at 4PM EST. This is an opportunity for her to listen to a huge audience. Oprah doesn't have to follow everyone. However, choosing two people a day based on their past tweets and profile might be very interesting. Choose two people looking for work and highlight them for example.

How do I use Twitter?

1) I stay in touch with mostly colleagues and friends as they go about their day.
2) It has replaced my Google home page and RSS feeds for all things in my area of focus, social networking, cycling news, and even job postings and recipes.
3) Personalize business relationships making them stronger.

Just my little old opinion. You get out of it what you put into it. If you value your network, it will value you. Oh, I am not one of her vast number of followers... The celebrities I follow are more focused on my specific interests surrounding pro cycling and politics. ... That doesn't say I won't in the future. .. just didn't jump on the bandwagon yet. She needs to provide some value to me at this point. Some of my favorites are Lance Armstrong and Megan McCain. They mix their personal lives into the professional message. They also use it for causes like cancer research and generating some youth into the GOP. She just hasn't found her voice yet... my advice .. DM @lancearmstrong for a lesson.

Interesting in following me? @pbrannigan