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.

Twitter and the TdF

@LeviLeipheimer Stg 9 finished, uneventful for the most part. Congrats to Fedrigo, they were strong! On our way to the airport now. Flying to Limoges 4 rest


My husband is an avid or maybe RABID road cyclist and racer. For the past ten years, I have been spending the month of July watching the Tour de France. The first couple of years it was half hour coverage on one of the sports channels. Now, it completely takes over the Versus Channel for the month. I have tried very hard not to check cycling news or to flip on the TV at lunch to check out coverage.

Some years I have done better than others. This year, it is almost impossible to not know what is going to happen. I have mastered the TV thing. We DVR the live coverage with Phil & Paul that airs in the morning to watch at night. I have even discovered that if we turn the flat screen we can see it through the window on the deck to be able to enjoy the July weather, dinner, and the coverage.

I am failing with knowing the actual cyclists reporting the results on Twitter. I follow most of the leading cyclists. As I have said before, they get social media. However, I flicked into Twitter this morning while doing research for my interview tomorrow. I was looking up the company, person I am speaking with, and others. There was the tweet above from Levi. Arrgghh!

I am frustrated with myself for looking. Would I trade having the professional cycling community from being so active in social media? Heck NO! I think it is wonderful. No one can provide coverage than the cyclists themselves. They add a good measure of photos, blogs, and video blogs to their tweets. Beyond this, the cyclists are responding the twittersphere on posts that are completely off base. This weekend Lance Armstrong responded to a tweet suggesting there was a conspiracy between Nike CEO, the Astana Director de Sportif Johan Bruyneel to snub Alberto Contador for Lance. The Texan responded,

@BigMiggy Don't think so, mig. @johanbruyneel has the utmost integrity. He's the TEAM director not MY director. (about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to BigMiggy)


I am also impressed how LiveStrong has been able to capitalize on the tool as well. People are adding the yellow wrist band to their photos. It is getting the word out. I have even dug out my Livestrong band from my jewelry box.


Twitter in reality has given a new dimension to this year's tour. I continue to be impressed with how the cyclists are branding themselves, their teams, and the charities they support. Okay.. now time to get that walk in today with Fiona. She is antsy to get going....

Link to the Lance's video blog on www.Livestrong.com http://tinyurl.com/nmcn9o

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!!