That about sums up what I’m doing this weekend. Amy and I decided at the last minute on Thursday to pack the camping equipment up and head out… and so we did. There’s been much fun just doing the usual thing of getting away and relaxing all the while.
Internet access is of course spotty, so I connect with my phone if at all, and decided to post a quick note. I wish I would have crafted the 4th of July post that I wanted to put together, but instead spent Thursday evening packing the SUV and trading stories with the family on the drive out. I think I chose wisely.
So here we are, somewhere in northern Wisconsin, watching the campfire and enjoying the quiet randomness of life that is too easily ignored. I wish you the best this holiday weekend, and look forward to getting back in touch on Monday.
I’d like to take a minute and send birthday wishes to Liz Strauss. Liz writes over at Successful Blog about blogging and business, and is one of my favorite bloggers on the topic. She has a way of getting people involved, bringing them to engage with others and do great things.
Happy Birthday Liz!
I met Liz before really meeting her, as most of us bloggers usually do. Following her blog, she helped me find a few things that I didn’t know I wanted to do. Liz is one of these kinds of people who you really want to meet, to talk with, to learn from.
Luckily I was able to meet Liz in person at SOBCon08 in Chicago this spring. In classic Liz form, she brought together a fantastic event that really connected bloggers to each other, and has helped form a number of friendships and working groups that would never have had the opportunity to get started without Liz’s efforts.
I want to thank you Liz for all the great conversations you’ve started, for the things you share & teach, for the introductions to folks, for the tips & suggestions, and for making things happen. You’re an inspiration, a teacher, an instigator, an organizer, but mostly to all of us, your a friend.
Happy Birthday Liz!
And I can proudly say, that because of Liz, I’m an SOB!
Do you ever get tired of the phrase "social media"?
I don’t get tired of the concepts, methodology, and excitement that encompasses what so many of us are doing or trying to do. However, I do get tired of hearing "social media" about everything. It’s like labeling everything "green" or "eco-friendly". I’m not against those concepts either, but I sure am tired of hearing the phrases.
How do we engage people and business without repeating the hype? What good are buzzwords anyway, other than to evangelize something? Where is the substance for business to bite into, for them to more easily recognize the opportunities within the hot new trends of social media?
There are several people who manage to convey the concepts and ideas of social media without needing to promote the hype. Their deeds in writing and working on the topic is an inspiration to follow. Similar to all the people who quietly recycle, cut back fuel consumption, or practice renewable techniques in more and more areas. They too don’t feel the need to worship at the alter of "green", yet their actions make the bulk of the difference.
I guess what I’m working towards is the real, usable, tools and techniques that make up "social media". I’m looking to work with those companies that are confused, and help them figure out what their business needs. Past all the buzzwords, past the fads, past the hype and into the needs of an organization and finding the right tool for them to use for the right purpose.
My question is: What have I missed that you believe is important to that end?
As governor, the State Capitol will stand for unity and common sense.
In addition to the POW/MIA flag that has long flown over the State Capitol, we will fly two flags when I am governor: the Wisconsin state flag and the American flag.
