This post was inspired by a sermon at Olathe Christian Church where they talked about how relationships need to go deeper than social media. That sermon can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/cNqVek and it is well worth watching. One statement in this sermon caught my attention and it was "Pursue relationships proactively instead of reactively. Technology makes us relationally reactive. When someone sends you a tweet or message via social media tools, we react to it so much that we lose the art of pursuing or proactively reaching out to connect in a true manner. If a person stops sending us messages online, we move to the next person who is willing to send us messages we can react to." I think in many ways, these statements are very true. I have done this many times where someone will send me a reply on Twitter and I react to it by responding back and myself and the other person moves on to the next person who sends a message. There are times when I will have a conversation with someone on Twitter trading back and forth replies. but there is still that end point where this stops and we move on. If you think about how many followers many of us have on Twitter or Facebook, it can easily run into the hundreds or thousands. How many of these connections are taken off-line and developed into real relationships as you get to know the other person and become friends? Not very many unfortunately.
Very often, exchanges we have online with others can be interpreted in so many different ways. For example, I have tweeted or retweeted things before that others took offense to just because they thought it was meant for them or meant something that it never was intended to represent. That is how easy messages online can cause misunderstandings. I have lost opportunities to work with companies before all because they thought what I shared online was tied to them and without meeting in person to explain your side, things can get out of hand quickly and turn sour. You have to always be alert and aware what you say and how it makes an impact on others. Same thing with debates online where you may have an opinion on something and share openly your thoughts. Others may debate with you and they have that right. But, once again, what is shared online can be taken the wrong way and cause problems. Too many times, we disagree with people based on what they share online and blow them off throwing them to the side like they are a castaway. We need to remember we are dealing with real human beings online who have real feelings. There are real people behind a Twitter picture or Facebook profile.
One very good example of a local gathering that started online and has successfully transitioned to an offline activity each month is called #kcbowling on Twitter. It started several months ago with a few people who decided they wanted to meet in person to have fun talking and bowling at a local bowling alley. I found out about this monthly gathering and now go when I can to it each month. A Twtvite (short for invite via Twitter) is sent out letting people know when the event is and where it is. Anyone can come and attend it and it is a great opportunity to meet people in real life that you may talk to online on Twitter. I met many great friends just by attending this event and encourage anyone wanting to attend to check it out by searching for the hashtag #kcbowling. As recently as last night, May 15, I attended it and had a chance to bowl with a group of guys who I have only talked with online a few times and a few I had not met yet. So, it was a great opportunity to get to know people and when we reconnect online, we know more about each other each time.
Another great example of a local KC gathering that has moved from online to offline events is the Social Media Club of Kansas City or #smckc as it is known on Twitter. We have monthly breakfast events, happy hours, and lunch gatherings where people can meet in person and get to know each other better. Again, I have met many wonderful people via these events who I had only talked with online before. Many people have even found jobs via people who attended SMCKC events and they had a chance to network.
In closing, make sure you get to know people more than just trading replies online via social media tools like Twitter or Facebook. Make the effort to proactively go beyond your computer or mobile phone screen to make connections with people. Get to know them as the true person they are in real life. Don't make assumptions about who they are based only off what they share online. They may share things online that are not a true representation of their real selves and the only way you or I can find out is if we make an effort to reach out, invite them to meet offline and get to know them as the real person they are. Maybe they share things online that shows they are hurting inside or what they share is hiding an issue they are struggling with, but unless we proactively reach out and ask how they are and make an attempt to meet in person, how can we help them see through their issues?
This week, make an effort to reach out to people who you normally only talk to online and see if you can meet in person to extend your relationship or friendship. Make it real, not artificial.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Social networking - all about connections
For the great majority of human history, people resided in small, intimate hunter-gatherer communities. We have been embedded in off-line social networks for much of our lives. Many times, in today's day and age, when people think of social networks, they think of Twitter, Facebook, etc. These tools enable us to connect with so many more people than we ever used to via the phone, email, or in person. But, they are just tools. The real social networking occurs when we connect with people and share in each other's lives. Those companies that find the most success in using social networking tools to reach out to people are those that take time to interact and get to know those who follow them. That is why I don't understand those companies that use Twitter and Facebook to broadcast messages. Sure, you can reach a vast number of people with messages via social networking tools, but why waste time on them if you are not going to invest time in interacting with your customers? Many companies are starting to turn social media tools into the "new direct mail" that so many have received that we tire of easily.
Besides companies, there are many people who have various reasons for how they use social networking tools in their life. I have been asked a few times by some on how I use Twitter and what is my goal in using these tools? To be honest, I don't have a set goal in using Twitter, Facebook, etc. and how I use them may differ from how others use them. I use social networking tools to connect with people and build relationships with them. I also find great joy in connecting people I know with others who could help them in some way. Example: Recently, a good friend of mine, Laura Wynn tweeted she was looking for a photographer to take photos of the Linking Women luncheon that is held every month. I was sent a direct message from Jenae Weinbrenner mentioning she is a photographer by profession. I then sent a note directly to Laura mentioning she should talk to Jenae. They connected and at the May Linking Women luncheon, Jenae took wonderful photographs that were loved by so many there. She just recently agreed to be the Linking Women permanent photographer! Congratulations, Jenae! This is what TRUE social networking is all about!
I have also had a few claim I use social networking tools as a form of online therapy since I will at times share quotes, Bible verses, or the struggles I am facing. Some believe I have built a certain persona on Twitter and should only stick to this perceived persona that others expect to see from me. But the truth is that the struggles I go through are a part of my life and it helps me to share with others what is on my mind. I have found many times that by doing this, I am able to connect with those who can relate and give me advice, tips on how to deal with things. Again, to me, this is TRUE social networking. There are many I know who have found hope or new confidence just by posting a message online about what they are going through and others reaching out to them. In fact, there are some who the only connections they may have are through social networking tools. We see this in the way Facebook is used for grandparents who stay connected to their kids and grandkids via photos, messages, video shared on Facebook.
Nicholas Christakis explores how the large-scale, face-to-face social networks in which we are embedded affect our lives: The hidden influence of social networks. We are interconnected to hundreds or thousands of specific people, most of whom we do not know. We affect them and they affect us.
I have made great friends with many via Twitter or Facebook and many reside in the Kansas City area. I would not have met them without social networking tools that enabled virtual connections first and then off-line meetings later via tweet-ups or other community gatherings through Social Media Club of KC events. So I will continue to connect with people virtually, try to get opportunities to meet them off-line if possible, and connect them with others. In reality, it is like a circle of networking in this way. Connect, meet, introduce and so on.
How have social networking tools helped you in your life? How do you use these tools? Do you blend in your personal life with your professional life online or do you keep them separate?
Besides companies, there are many people who have various reasons for how they use social networking tools in their life. I have been asked a few times by some on how I use Twitter and what is my goal in using these tools? To be honest, I don't have a set goal in using Twitter, Facebook, etc. and how I use them may differ from how others use them. I use social networking tools to connect with people and build relationships with them. I also find great joy in connecting people I know with others who could help them in some way. Example: Recently, a good friend of mine, Laura Wynn tweeted she was looking for a photographer to take photos of the Linking Women luncheon that is held every month. I was sent a direct message from Jenae Weinbrenner mentioning she is a photographer by profession. I then sent a note directly to Laura mentioning she should talk to Jenae. They connected and at the May Linking Women luncheon, Jenae took wonderful photographs that were loved by so many there. She just recently agreed to be the Linking Women permanent photographer! Congratulations, Jenae! This is what TRUE social networking is all about!
I have also had a few claim I use social networking tools as a form of online therapy since I will at times share quotes, Bible verses, or the struggles I am facing. Some believe I have built a certain persona on Twitter and should only stick to this perceived persona that others expect to see from me. But the truth is that the struggles I go through are a part of my life and it helps me to share with others what is on my mind. I have found many times that by doing this, I am able to connect with those who can relate and give me advice, tips on how to deal with things. Again, to me, this is TRUE social networking. There are many I know who have found hope or new confidence just by posting a message online about what they are going through and others reaching out to them. In fact, there are some who the only connections they may have are through social networking tools. We see this in the way Facebook is used for grandparents who stay connected to their kids and grandkids via photos, messages, video shared on Facebook.
Nicholas Christakis explores how the large-scale, face-to-face social networks in which we are embedded affect our lives: The hidden influence of social networks. We are interconnected to hundreds or thousands of specific people, most of whom we do not know. We affect them and they affect us.
I have made great friends with many via Twitter or Facebook and many reside in the Kansas City area. I would not have met them without social networking tools that enabled virtual connections first and then off-line meetings later via tweet-ups or other community gatherings through Social Media Club of KC events. So I will continue to connect with people virtually, try to get opportunities to meet them off-line if possible, and connect them with others. In reality, it is like a circle of networking in this way. Connect, meet, introduce and so on.
How have social networking tools helped you in your life? How do you use these tools? Do you blend in your personal life with your professional life online or do you keep them separate?
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Helping Hand Gives a Friend a New Job
Right now, I am brimming with so much happiness for a great friend of mine who told me he got a new job today!!! One big reason I am thrilled for him is that both him and I have been through so much at our current jobs trying to live out our passion and drive (taking from @dannybrown's recent post about having passion drivers in your life). We both have a deep passion for using social media to connect and interact with customers. Unfortunately, both of us have been shut down and chewed out many times for expressing our passion or sharing information with others in our company.
We came to the point where we knew it was time to move on and pursue our passions. I always keep my eye out for job openings that may not fit me but a friend may have the qualifications for it. In this case, I had a job interview with the hiring manager for a different position and the hiring manager told me she was looking for another person to fill a search engine marketing manager position. Immediately, I thought about my friend and recommended him to her. My friend connected with the hiring manager and he had two successful interviews. All he could do now was wait and see if his interviews were good enough for him to get the job.
Well, he sent me a tweet tonight and he got the job!!! It is such a great feeling when you refer a good friend for a job and they get it. In this case, the giving of this reference to my friend and hearing his good news made my day! Think about how you can help a friend looking for a job in these tough times. Even when you are looking, finding opportunities for others can pay you back tenfold in the end.
How will you help a friend today?
We came to the point where we knew it was time to move on and pursue our passions. I always keep my eye out for job openings that may not fit me but a friend may have the qualifications for it. In this case, I had a job interview with the hiring manager for a different position and the hiring manager told me she was looking for another person to fill a search engine marketing manager position. Immediately, I thought about my friend and recommended him to her. My friend connected with the hiring manager and he had two successful interviews. All he could do now was wait and see if his interviews were good enough for him to get the job.
Well, he sent me a tweet tonight and he got the job!!! It is such a great feeling when you refer a good friend for a job and they get it. In this case, the giving of this reference to my friend and hearing his good news made my day! Think about how you can help a friend looking for a job in these tough times. Even when you are looking, finding opportunities for others can pay you back tenfold in the end.
How will you help a friend today?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Are You Engaging in Community or Shouting to an Audience?
Ok, so the inspiration bug caught my attention again when I read Chris Brogan's blog post from early June about Audience or Community. Reading this post made me think about my current work situation which you can read here in more detail.
In my current job, as a direct marketing manager, one of my main tasks is to work with our Market Research group to find customers that meet a set "audience" criteria for a direct mail piece we may be working on. So, words like target market, audience, and customer segment are often used to describe who we want to send our mailings. To me, defining individuals as a group consisting of an "audience" is impersonal in a way. As Chris Brogan pointed out, "The difference between an audience and a community is which direction the chairs are pointing" and I truly believe this analogy is accurate.
In direct mail, the main point is to get a message out about your product or service and many times it is directed to a mass audience. Sure, one can add some personalization like the customer's first/last name, product owned, etc. to a direct mail piece to make it more engaging, but do you really know this individual you are attempting to influence?
That is one reason why I felt I could not continue on in my current job role. I want to build "community" with others. As Chris Brogan puts it so smoothly, "Communities empower users of products or services, or people with like-minded interests to interact." As an INFP personality type, I thrive on reaching out and interacting with individuals to get to know them better and introducing them to others who can help them. I am a connector if you want to look at it in social media terms. That is one reason I hold people like Chris Brogan, J.T. O’Donnell, Ramsey Mohsen, Danny Brown, and many other brilliant minds in high esteem for what they do in connecting with others and reaching out to enrich the knowledge of so many.
My goal is to do more in interacting with others in a "community" setting and learning what needs they have that I can help with or connect them with someone who can. I want to build community and not just shout at an audience.
What about you? Share in the comments.
In my current job, as a direct marketing manager, one of my main tasks is to work with our Market Research group to find customers that meet a set "audience" criteria for a direct mail piece we may be working on. So, words like target market, audience, and customer segment are often used to describe who we want to send our mailings. To me, defining individuals as a group consisting of an "audience" is impersonal in a way. As Chris Brogan pointed out, "The difference between an audience and a community is which direction the chairs are pointing" and I truly believe this analogy is accurate.
In direct mail, the main point is to get a message out about your product or service and many times it is directed to a mass audience. Sure, one can add some personalization like the customer's first/last name, product owned, etc. to a direct mail piece to make it more engaging, but do you really know this individual you are attempting to influence?
That is one reason why I felt I could not continue on in my current job role. I want to build "community" with others. As Chris Brogan puts it so smoothly, "Communities empower users of products or services, or people with like-minded interests to interact." As an INFP personality type, I thrive on reaching out and interacting with individuals to get to know them better and introducing them to others who can help them. I am a connector if you want to look at it in social media terms. That is one reason I hold people like Chris Brogan, J.T. O’Donnell, Ramsey Mohsen, Danny Brown, and many other brilliant minds in high esteem for what they do in connecting with others and reaching out to enrich the knowledge of so many.
My goal is to do more in interacting with others in a "community" setting and learning what needs they have that I can help with or connect them with someone who can. I want to build community and not just shout at an audience.
What about you? Share in the comments.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New Adventures Await
It has been awhile since I posted on my blog and I intend to start posting my thoughts on here more often. The lapse of time for blog posts is due in some small part to changes going on in my life right now in my current job. That is the focus for this blog post.
A long time ago, I read this blog post by David Meerman Scott and it grabbed me in such a way that it seemed to speak to what I was experiencing in my current job. My love for all things Web and using social media tools to connect and share with people online has been a true passion of mine for quite some time. One main reason may be that I found out recently that my personality type is INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeler, Perceiver).
INFPs have the following traits: Warmly interested in people, service-oriented ( usually putting the needs of others above their own), loyal and devoted to people and causes, future-oriented, creative and inspirational, want to be appreciated for who they are, etc. In addition, INFPs are curious about new ideas and tend to have insight and long-range vision. This would explain why I have always enjoyed looking down the road at potential opportunities that make sense in the work I do.
As David Meerman Scott's post about "Quit Your Job" caught my attention, it made me think about where I really want to take my career in the future. This statement in David's post was ground-breaking for me to read: "If your company wants to hold you back from implementing the ideas you know are right—after you’ve explained what you want to do and why, then maybe you need to find a new company that will appreciate your talents." And in a way, that is what I am doing now.
The company where I work gave me the golden opportunity to move on to something new when a voluntary separation package deal was offered to many employees. I consider this opportunity a God-send at the right time I needed it. I will admit that what I was doing in managing direct mail campaigns was not what I really enjoyed and in a way, I did not ask for this job role due to a relocation I took to the KC area 2 years ago. But, I made the best of it to see if there was potential for me to grow into this job change. But, my heart and passion for the Web always was there and I knew deep down, I wanted to go back to doing work on the Web.
I believe I have found my true strengths with social media tools and using them to connect and share with others. Unfortunately, my love for how these tools could be used in my company to reach out to our customers was blocked with comments that "I need to focus only on my main job responsibilities" and let others in the company "who have been designated owners of social media" to do this research into opportunities to use social media.
But, knowing that I am the curious type and had my mind set on exciting opportunities to better engage and interact with our customers, I could not simply let go. Due to my continued engagement with customers and sharing information with others in the company about social media, I was ridiculed and told I was "out of line." Give me a break is what I really wanted to say, but in the end, I knew it was getting time for me to move on to a new company that valued me for who I am and for what I could bring to them in my passion.
So, I am one of those "crazy types" who has elected to move on from my current job and jump into the unknown and find other new adventures that are out there for me to grasp. I am very confident in my decision and know I will find a new job that enables me to truly engage my passion and contribute to the company that takes me in.
I hold nothing against my current employeer for not giving me the opportunities to engage in what I truly love to do. I know everything that happened to me that I may have viewed as being wrong was for the best. I would not be who I am today without going through some of those difficulties and trials. I am a stronger, focused, person with determination to go out and find that job that allows me to take my career in the direction I want to take it. No longer stepping back and letting the company steer me in the direction they feel I should go, but taking back the steering wheel and turning on a new road.
As I end this post, I leave you with this visualization that I found on the Positively Present blog (highly recommended blog to read). It is called Walk Down A Different Street:
Stage 1:
I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
Stage 2:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in this same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
Stage 3:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I fall in...it's a habit...but my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.
Stage 4:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
Stage 5:
I walk down a different street.
Join me on this journey as I continue to post my progress in the days ahead.
A long time ago, I read this blog post by David Meerman Scott and it grabbed me in such a way that it seemed to speak to what I was experiencing in my current job. My love for all things Web and using social media tools to connect and share with people online has been a true passion of mine for quite some time. One main reason may be that I found out recently that my personality type is INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeler, Perceiver).
INFPs have the following traits: Warmly interested in people, service-oriented ( usually putting the needs of others above their own), loyal and devoted to people and causes, future-oriented, creative and inspirational, want to be appreciated for who they are, etc. In addition, INFPs are curious about new ideas and tend to have insight and long-range vision. This would explain why I have always enjoyed looking down the road at potential opportunities that make sense in the work I do.
As David Meerman Scott's post about "Quit Your Job" caught my attention, it made me think about where I really want to take my career in the future. This statement in David's post was ground-breaking for me to read: "If your company wants to hold you back from implementing the ideas you know are right—after you’ve explained what you want to do and why, then maybe you need to find a new company that will appreciate your talents." And in a way, that is what I am doing now.
The company where I work gave me the golden opportunity to move on to something new when a voluntary separation package deal was offered to many employees. I consider this opportunity a God-send at the right time I needed it. I will admit that what I was doing in managing direct mail campaigns was not what I really enjoyed and in a way, I did not ask for this job role due to a relocation I took to the KC area 2 years ago. But, I made the best of it to see if there was potential for me to grow into this job change. But, my heart and passion for the Web always was there and I knew deep down, I wanted to go back to doing work on the Web.
I believe I have found my true strengths with social media tools and using them to connect and share with others. Unfortunately, my love for how these tools could be used in my company to reach out to our customers was blocked with comments that "I need to focus only on my main job responsibilities" and let others in the company "who have been designated owners of social media" to do this research into opportunities to use social media.
But, knowing that I am the curious type and had my mind set on exciting opportunities to better engage and interact with our customers, I could not simply let go. Due to my continued engagement with customers and sharing information with others in the company about social media, I was ridiculed and told I was "out of line." Give me a break is what I really wanted to say, but in the end, I knew it was getting time for me to move on to a new company that valued me for who I am and for what I could bring to them in my passion.
So, I am one of those "crazy types" who has elected to move on from my current job and jump into the unknown and find other new adventures that are out there for me to grasp. I am very confident in my decision and know I will find a new job that enables me to truly engage my passion and contribute to the company that takes me in.
I hold nothing against my current employeer for not giving me the opportunities to engage in what I truly love to do. I know everything that happened to me that I may have viewed as being wrong was for the best. I would not be who I am today without going through some of those difficulties and trials. I am a stronger, focused, person with determination to go out and find that job that allows me to take my career in the direction I want to take it. No longer stepping back and letting the company steer me in the direction they feel I should go, but taking back the steering wheel and turning on a new road.
As I end this post, I leave you with this visualization that I found on the Positively Present blog (highly recommended blog to read). It is called Walk Down A Different Street:
Stage 1:
I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
Stage 2:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in this same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
Stage 3:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I fall in...it's a habit...but my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.
Stage 4:
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
Stage 5:
I walk down a different street.
Join me on this journey as I continue to post my progress in the days ahead.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Cross - story of Arthur Blessitt
Who is Arthur Blessitt and what did he do that was so significant? This and many other questions were answered when my wife and I went to see a documentary about Arthur Blessitt and his journey across the world carrying a wooden cross. Mr. Blessitt has walked around the world since Christmas Day, December 25, 1969 carrying a 12 foot cross for Jesus. He has done this for 40 years!!
Facts about Arthur Blessitt's journey:
--> Has walked now 38,102 miles (61,319 k.m.).
--> Walked through 315 countries, Island Groups and Territories.
--> Walked on all seven continents including Antarctica.
--> Been through 52 countries at war.
--> Arrested or jailed 24 times (Not for Crimes)
--> Of the journey he says, "Jesus did it, I give Him all the glory".
--> He has traveled constantly with his wife, Denise, since their marriage in 1990.
As I watched this amazing documentary and this awesome story about one man whose mission was to do the will of God and walk wherever God led him to preach the love of Jesus Christ all while carrying a large wooden cross, all I could think to myself was WOW! Arthur walked through war zones and faced danger, possible death, you name it through his 40 year journey. Yet God watched over him, kept him safe, and allowed him to complete his journey of walking through every nation in this world.
I had to smile to myself many times while watching this movie, as Arthur talked about how he had this defiant, yet gentle attitude that nothing and no one was going to tell him not to do this, if he truly believed it was God's will for him to do it. No threats of death, no persecutions, NOTHING would hold him back. Arthur's message was to spread the love of Jesus to anyone who would listen and he did so to thousands of people worldwide.
This documentary has not had wide fanfare or much advertisement about its opening, like other high-profile movies like The Passion of the Christ or Fireproof, but yet, I think that is how Arthur would like it. It slipped under the radar in a way, but it is truly a powerful, life-changing movie!
Watching what Arthur endured and his humble, gentle attitude really inspired me a great deal. It gave me hope and renewed enthusiasm for my own faith and for the calling God has on my life. I need to press on with the calling that God has placed in my heart and as long as God is with me, I will prevail. Man alone cannot stop what God wants to do in a person's life. No sharp words, criticism, or threats can stop what God has planned!
I will admit there are very close family members, relatives, and friends that I would so much love to see come to Christ and experience his never-ending love for them. There have been times that I have felt a heavy burden upon my heart after I may have tried to witness to a family member or friend about Christ and they did not respond in a loving way or ignored me. I used to let this rejection affect me in a great way and feel like a failure. But God spoke to me and said I can only plant the seed. I am not responsible for someone coming to Christ. It is that person's decision what to do with the message I give to them. God knows I have done all I can and I continue to pray for these loved ones that they will someday see that I am only trying to show them the love of God and the amazing life they can have if they only believe in Christ.
How does this personal story I share have anything to do with The Cross documentary I saw today?? It has given me a new drive and inspiration to share with others the amazing love and life-changing experiences I have experienced with Christ in my life. In days ahead, I will be sharing personal stories of things I have experienced that can only be tied back to Jesus and his touch upon my life.
The Cross is being played in select theaters and playing at the Plazzo in Overland Park at this time. If you are a Christian or just someone who may be curious about who God is and what he represents, I HIGHLY encourage you to go to see this documentary.
Read more about Arthur Blessitt and his CrossWalk journey:
http://www.blessitt.com/?q=fascinating_facts_and_figures
Facts about Arthur Blessitt's journey:
--> Has walked now 38,102 miles (61,319 k.m.).
--> Walked through 315 countries, Island Groups and Territories.
--> Walked on all seven continents including Antarctica.
--> Been through 52 countries at war.
--> Arrested or jailed 24 times (Not for Crimes)
--> Of the journey he says, "Jesus did it, I give Him all the glory".
--> He has traveled constantly with his wife, Denise, since their marriage in 1990.
As I watched this amazing documentary and this awesome story about one man whose mission was to do the will of God and walk wherever God led him to preach the love of Jesus Christ all while carrying a large wooden cross, all I could think to myself was WOW! Arthur walked through war zones and faced danger, possible death, you name it through his 40 year journey. Yet God watched over him, kept him safe, and allowed him to complete his journey of walking through every nation in this world.
I had to smile to myself many times while watching this movie, as Arthur talked about how he had this defiant, yet gentle attitude that nothing and no one was going to tell him not to do this, if he truly believed it was God's will for him to do it. No threats of death, no persecutions, NOTHING would hold him back. Arthur's message was to spread the love of Jesus to anyone who would listen and he did so to thousands of people worldwide.
This documentary has not had wide fanfare or much advertisement about its opening, like other high-profile movies like The Passion of the Christ or Fireproof, but yet, I think that is how Arthur would like it. It slipped under the radar in a way, but it is truly a powerful, life-changing movie!
Watching what Arthur endured and his humble, gentle attitude really inspired me a great deal. It gave me hope and renewed enthusiasm for my own faith and for the calling God has on my life. I need to press on with the calling that God has placed in my heart and as long as God is with me, I will prevail. Man alone cannot stop what God wants to do in a person's life. No sharp words, criticism, or threats can stop what God has planned!
I will admit there are very close family members, relatives, and friends that I would so much love to see come to Christ and experience his never-ending love for them. There have been times that I have felt a heavy burden upon my heart after I may have tried to witness to a family member or friend about Christ and they did not respond in a loving way or ignored me. I used to let this rejection affect me in a great way and feel like a failure. But God spoke to me and said I can only plant the seed. I am not responsible for someone coming to Christ. It is that person's decision what to do with the message I give to them. God knows I have done all I can and I continue to pray for these loved ones that they will someday see that I am only trying to show them the love of God and the amazing life they can have if they only believe in Christ.
How does this personal story I share have anything to do with The Cross documentary I saw today?? It has given me a new drive and inspiration to share with others the amazing love and life-changing experiences I have experienced with Christ in my life. In days ahead, I will be sharing personal stories of things I have experienced that can only be tied back to Jesus and his touch upon my life.
The Cross is being played in select theaters and playing at the Plazzo in Overland Park at this time. If you are a Christian or just someone who may be curious about who God is and what he represents, I HIGHLY encourage you to go to see this documentary.
Read more about Arthur Blessitt and his CrossWalk journey:
http://www.blessitt.com/?q=fascinating_facts_and_figures
Friday, April 17, 2009
Time to Connect with Ag Customers Using Social Media? Yes Indeed...
I thought I would share this with you since you are in the select few who knows the passion and desire I have to connect with people using social media tools and doesn't think I am crazy for having this strong desire. Well, at least you don't mention it if you do think I am nuts! :)
Awhile ago, Dave P. (a manager at JD) told me he was working with the National Agri-Marketing Association board to get a social media panel set up for the annual conference. He asked me for any recommendations on who could come to Atlanta to participate on this panel and give a perspective on social media outside of Ag marketing. I immediately sent out a message to my followers on Twitter asking for interest and received a few responses. Within a few hours, I had a list of potential speakers who were willing to do it and sent this list to Dave. Dave and his contacts reached out to a few and decided upon Kyle Flaherty to come.
Kyle told me through tweets that he was excited to attend this conference and see how marketing is done via the agricultural industry. I was excited for him as I knew he would be teaching so many there the power of social media tools and would be a great voice for social media advocacy. As I saw the tweets from Kyle as the day grew closer to when the social media panel would be held, I could sense the excitement through his notes and he even wrote a blog post about it:
http://www.engageinpr.com/2009/04/14/social-media-marketing-agri/
A few of Kyle’s tweets:
On the day of the panel discussion, I was able to sign in to TweetChat (http://tweetchat.com) and enter in the #NAMA room to watch the various tweets coming from the NAMA conference as people were getting ready to check out the social media panel session. It was very evident that there are a lot of people from the Agricultural industry who are active on Twitter, Facebook, you name it. These people are “leaders” and they are leading those who will follow later once they do, hopefully, see the power of these tools to connect with people. Throughout the panel discussion, many took pictures of the crowd and posted them on Twitter so those of us who could not be there could see what was going on. Also, the panel took many questions and they revolved around how can the Ag industry use social media tools to effectively connect and interact with the general public about the importance of the Ag industry. @mpaynknoper (http://twitter.com/mpaynknoper) started a Twitter live discussion (#agchat) on Tuesday nights and there have been two of those to date. She is a “leader” who saw the awesome opportunity to connect with fellow Ag industry professionals and farmers to share stories and examples of how others are using the various social tools to learn from one another.
If you wish to observe or interact with this growing number of Ag professionals, feel free to come to the #agchat discussion that are live on Twitter each Tuesday night from 8-10 am EDT. Sign in to TweetChat (http://tweetchat.com) using your Twitter username and password and search for #agchat or #foodchat to get into the room to share and learn.
Since I do work for John Deere, I want to make a few points about our customers. John Deere customers are some of the most loyal, die-hard people around. They are very similar to Harley owners who live and breathe the Harley brand and many people who own Harley clothing may not even have a Harley, but they identify with the brand since it is tied to their identity in some powerful way and it speaks about what they stand for or who they are as a person. The same truth is evident for John Deere customers. So many of our customers are very loyal to the brand. They have a passion that bleeds green and yellow and they love sharing and learning from other people about their equipment. All one has to do is look at the vibrant discussions and questions asked in popular forums like TractorByNet.com under John Deere to sense the deep passion and desire to connect with one another and have that feeling of community.
Screenshot from the John Deere > Buying and Pricing TractorByNet.com forum:
I track mentions of “John Deere” through Google or Twitter alerts that are sent to me via e-mail so I can see what people are saying about our brand or if some have questions that I may be able to help by sending them in the direction of someone in the company who can help. I did start interacting with customers on the John Deere TractorByNet.com forum awhile ago and the main reason why I did this is because I saw that so many on there were looking for a voice from the company about some issues they wanted to have addressed. These are loyal customers who just want to be listened to from the company and understood. They don’t want to be looked at as only a person that the company can sell a piece of equipment to and then forgotten. Many praises go to our John Deere dealers who do amazing work in connecting and helping our customers before and after a sale.
One simple question I posted on the TractorByNet.com JD forum said the following: What encourages you to buy a John Deere? All I wanted to do was see the stories and understand what made customers love what the John Deere brand brought to them. As you can see, this question had 79 replies and over 7,000 views alone. They absolutely loved this type of question so they could share story after story of how they grew up on a farm with John Deere equipment or how a fellow farmer told them about the equipment, etc.
Some of the stories:
John Deere customers love the connection and shared experiences that so many have had in using the equipment. As someone once told me, farmers were the “original social networks” when they met in coffee shops and talked about farming, etc. This is so TRUE!
So, it is only natural that as more farmers and Ag professionals start using the social media tools, they are starting to see the tremendous value there is in connecting online with one another and continuing the tradition of the original social network.
-----Original Message-----
From: David P.
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 11:22 AM
To: Van Baale Mark
Subject: Thank you
Hey Mark
Thanks for getting Kyle to serve on our panel today. He was great! Super session...standing room only crowd that did not want to leave. The movement grows!
Dave
Awhile ago, Dave P. (a manager at JD) told me he was working with the National Agri-Marketing Association board to get a social media panel set up for the annual conference. He asked me for any recommendations on who could come to Atlanta to participate on this panel and give a perspective on social media outside of Ag marketing. I immediately sent out a message to my followers on Twitter asking for interest and received a few responses. Within a few hours, I had a list of potential speakers who were willing to do it and sent this list to Dave. Dave and his contacts reached out to a few and decided upon Kyle Flaherty to come.
Kyle told me through tweets that he was excited to attend this conference and see how marketing is done via the agricultural industry. I was excited for him as I knew he would be teaching so many there the power of social media tools and would be a great voice for social media advocacy. As I saw the tweets from Kyle as the day grew closer to when the social media panel would be held, I could sense the excitement through his notes and he even wrote a blog post about it:
http://www.engageinpr.com/2009/04/14/social-media-marketing-agri/
A few of Kyle’s tweets:
On the day of the panel discussion, I was able to sign in to TweetChat (http://tweetchat.com) and enter in the #NAMA room to watch the various tweets coming from the NAMA conference as people were getting ready to check out the social media panel session. It was very evident that there are a lot of people from the Agricultural industry who are active on Twitter, Facebook, you name it. These people are “leaders” and they are leading those who will follow later once they do, hopefully, see the power of these tools to connect with people. Throughout the panel discussion, many took pictures of the crowd and posted them on Twitter so those of us who could not be there could see what was going on. Also, the panel took many questions and they revolved around how can the Ag industry use social media tools to effectively connect and interact with the general public about the importance of the Ag industry. @mpaynknoper (http://twitter.com/mpaynknoper) started a Twitter live discussion (#agchat) on Tuesday nights and there have been two of those to date. She is a “leader” who saw the awesome opportunity to connect with fellow Ag industry professionals and farmers to share stories and examples of how others are using the various social tools to learn from one another.
If you wish to observe or interact with this growing number of Ag professionals, feel free to come to the #agchat discussion that are live on Twitter each Tuesday night from 8-10 am EDT. Sign in to TweetChat (http://tweetchat.com) using your Twitter username and password and search for #agchat or #foodchat to get into the room to share and learn.
Since I do work for John Deere, I want to make a few points about our customers. John Deere customers are some of the most loyal, die-hard people around. They are very similar to Harley owners who live and breathe the Harley brand and many people who own Harley clothing may not even have a Harley, but they identify with the brand since it is tied to their identity in some powerful way and it speaks about what they stand for or who they are as a person. The same truth is evident for John Deere customers. So many of our customers are very loyal to the brand. They have a passion that bleeds green and yellow and they love sharing and learning from other people about their equipment. All one has to do is look at the vibrant discussions and questions asked in popular forums like TractorByNet.com under John Deere to sense the deep passion and desire to connect with one another and have that feeling of community.
Screenshot from the John Deere > Buying and Pricing TractorByNet.com forum:
I track mentions of “John Deere” through Google or Twitter alerts that are sent to me via e-mail so I can see what people are saying about our brand or if some have questions that I may be able to help by sending them in the direction of someone in the company who can help. I did start interacting with customers on the John Deere TractorByNet.com forum awhile ago and the main reason why I did this is because I saw that so many on there were looking for a voice from the company about some issues they wanted to have addressed. These are loyal customers who just want to be listened to from the company and understood. They don’t want to be looked at as only a person that the company can sell a piece of equipment to and then forgotten. Many praises go to our John Deere dealers who do amazing work in connecting and helping our customers before and after a sale.
One simple question I posted on the TractorByNet.com JD forum said the following: What encourages you to buy a John Deere? All I wanted to do was see the stories and understand what made customers love what the John Deere brand brought to them. As you can see, this question had 79 replies and over 7,000 views alone. They absolutely loved this type of question so they could share story after story of how they grew up on a farm with John Deere equipment or how a fellow farmer told them about the equipment, etc.
Some of the stories:
John Deere customers love the connection and shared experiences that so many have had in using the equipment. As someone once told me, farmers were the “original social networks” when they met in coffee shops and talked about farming, etc. This is so TRUE!
So, it is only natural that as more farmers and Ag professionals start using the social media tools, they are starting to see the tremendous value there is in connecting online with one another and continuing the tradition of the original social network.
-----Original Message-----
From: David P.
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 11:22 AM
To: Van Baale Mark
Subject: Thank you
Hey Mark
Thanks for getting Kyle to serve on our panel today. He was great! Super session...standing room only crowd that did not want to leave. The movement grows!
Dave
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