I think the kool-aid has finally settled into my DNA

When do you realize an adoption of a new way to communicate? How do you know when it is pervasive in your life? I had such an Epiphany last night at the dinner table. We had planned a family dinner party by connecting with each other on Facebook. Yes, I did have to have one conversation with a family member that is not "LinkedIn" with "Facebook". However, this device and communication tool has allowed me to establish a faster and easier relationship with a new member of our family than I would have ever with the phone. Because of the following:

1) Our schedules are completely different.
2) There is about 14 years difference in age. (She is younger)
3) It makes sense to be able to put one thing out into the universe and keep everyone updated.

I just now have to get her to Twitter and I will be golden! The non kool family members at the table were a bit shocked at how we organized the get together without speaking and without email. I looked at their 3.5 year old boys and said... time to figure it out or you are going to be so far behind the times when they reach whatever is the future of the MySpace generation.

It also dawned on me how people are able to stay engaged more with remote friends and family with social networking. Have a sister in California or neighbors in Georgia? It is easy not to have to find the time for a conversation if you can update them on your life through a feed on Facebook, Twitter or an old fashion blog post.

Start counting the times people mention connecting with others via the social networking tools like a blog entry, FaceBook or MySpace page or tweat. I bet even you Barney Rubbler's will be amazed and prompted to look at joining the party!

Our trip to Mecha

Thinking I made a stupid typo? Our company has recently merged with another corporation with a large office in Mechanicsburg PA. So, Monday and Tuesday (September 10-11th) we made a pilgrimage together to Mecha not Mecca. Interesting concept... Lots of symbolism.


What was the purpose of the meeting and gathering. Revelations, communication, and the evangelizing of how WE are going to revolutionize and change the way everyone communicates, markets, and conducts business through enterprise social networks.

We have a lot to do and a short time to accomplish our aggressive but important goals.

I can't wait to explore the future, have fun and make money!

Can you Unplug?

With many of the changes that have been occurring with my company, still known as (idk.com = I don't know), I have found myself unplugging from my own personal community. I have began to sympathize with JK Rowling as a result. I keep getting asked what my world is going to look like in month, six month, or a year. Regardless of my lineage, I never was great at the crystal ball thing. At least, I can sympathize with Harry about that as well.

Ms. Rowling has had the world at her throat.... "What is going to happen? Who lives? Why are you stopping?, Please don't kill, Hermione, Harry, Ron, etc."

If she retreated to her home in Scotland and yanked the telephone cord out of the wall, I would get it. Meanwhile, it has to be business as usual in both circumstances. We have a product to ramp up, new ones to be flushed out, QA'd, and Customers to serve. She had a movie in production and the entire merchandise market around the Harry Potter series. While the scale is significantly and dramatically different, I get it.

The point is... you never can truly unplug from your community. A robust and lively community needs to be communicated with fresh content and information. Even if that information is... I don't know yet.. I am still working through to get to your answer.

Feed your grapevine with the right nutrients for success. Communication and content are king and queen of developing your own socialized network. However, the fairy godmothers are honesty and integrity. Those words are bantered around today by every person that is running for office and most businesses. The key is to walk the narrow road and your community will respect you and honour you with their attention and contribution.