mrdallasjmoore’s Weblog

Hey everyone, I know your all excited for the long weekend of July 4th.  I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend.  I did want to let you all know that we will be doing another #amestweetup coming up Wednesday July 8th at 6pm.

We will meet up at Capanna Coffee (@amescapanna) on Lincoln Way.  Check the map if you are not sure or don’t know the area well.  You can take a look at the “Capanna Roasting” to see the coffee selection and to learn about the roasting process at Capanna.  You can also check out the  ”Artisan Gelato” to see the different flavors and learn more about gelato, also on Cappanna’s website.  I hope you will join us for some coffee this coming Tuesday.  If you would like to reference the upcoming tweetup we will use #amescoffeetweetup for a hash tag.  If you would like you can RSVP to the event so we know who all to expect.

Have a great 4th of July and I hope to see you Wednesday night!

In many of my blogs and podcasts I’ve talked about personal brands.  I have talked some about companies, businesses and organizations and their brands, but where do they stand together?  I had some thoughts to ask yourself about your yourself or where your company, business or organization stands.

I think most people would agree, that having or being a personal brand is a good thing.  With the tools and technologies there are many great places to start to build your personal brand.  If you have already started down that road, great.  Something to think about when building or maintaing your personal brand, how does that define you?  Do you want to be defined by what you say, do, wear, blog about, tweet about, etc.?  If you could sell yourself, your personal brand to someone in three words what would they be?

Now talking about brands as a name, company, business and or organization.  I think many would agree that having a brand to stand by, above, below creates more credibility and can look very professional.  If you wanted to start your own venture to build your personal brand, do you think it’s important to have a brand name or be the brand?  I have several reasons for writing this blog and asking these questions.  1. I want to get you thinking about where you and maybe your brand is.  2. I want you to understand the power that a brand as a person or a name can have, both positive and negative.  3. To get you to think where you stand with yourself as a brand and where your company, business and or organization also stands.

Let’s take corporate American out of this completely and focus on the entrepreneurs, small businesses and highly successful firms that combine skills, creativity and drive.  Now that we are thinking of people and brands on a smaller scale (small scale as number of people) let’s talk about where they stand.  Ask yourself these questions that might be somewhat of a review from above.  What do you know about your personal brand and what do people say about it?  Once you have the answer to that questions ask yourself the same question, but focused on a brand name (company, business and or organization)  Make some notes on the answers.  Maybe more important than what you know and think, what are others thinking and feeling?  Ask them, this will only help you.  You might be one of those great brand names and or personal brands who people tell you all the time what they think and how they feel.  You may not even have to ask.

Yes, I know what your thinking.  Why should I care and why if I already have this information am I still reading?  I will tell you.  You may or may not have thought about this but you should, it could affect on perhaps both your personal brand and brand name.  In the picture below (I drew it, but you get the point) is a picture that shows what I’m talking about.  I will explain below.

When looking at this picture, minus the obvious (that it’s a stick figure drawing) do you see yourself on either of the two sides?  There in my opinion are positive and negative sides to both.  You or your brand name could be the exception, by being one with your brand and have the people that work within your brand be at the same level as your brand.  If this is more perception and perception is reality does this even matter?  Let’s talk about what I think each section means, why and what that means for the personal brands and brand name.

First, let’s talk about being above your brand.  I think this can happen when a person has built a very successful personal brand that when compared to the brand name they created or work for they can be bigger.  This can be great if you recognize this and can allow you to take those from your personal brand and show them your brand name.  They can both shine, but one might shine more than the other.  If you notice I drew two people in each picture.  That’s not to say that you can be a personal brand and have a brand name as one person.  You can.  Go for it, the sky is the limit.  I drew this because I think that can be one big negative in being above your brand.  Say for example you have two people who work for the same brand name.  One could be the owner of the brand name, they could own it together or one could just work for the other person.  Either way, the two people above that brand will continue to build their personal brands and incorporate the brand name to create a balance and cohesion.  The bad can come when and if someone leaves the brand name, gets fired, laid off, etc.  The personal left standing above the brand may have people asking questions and may want justification of their brand name equity and loyalty.  Not to say that will or will always happen.  That’s one potential negative when you are above your brand.  One great thing about having two or more people all above the brand is that they can go in different directions to build their personal brands and at the same time build off their now common base, the brand name.  One last thing to think about with being above your brand, you and the others who work with can control what happens and is said about the brand.  Sure, people are going to talk, but you will be watching and can correct and or take legal action if needed.

Now let’s talk about being below your brand.  I think this happens more with older companies, businesses and or organizations.  Those brand names have a lot of built up brand equity from it’s longevity.  The other great thing about being below your brand (we are just talking people here or your personal brand) is many may have already heard of it.  What they heard or know could be good or bad.  This is where your personal brand comes in, can you fix it, educate them, or change their perception of the brand name?  That opportunity in their eyes might put you above the brand.  The other great thing about being below your brand is you can go back and look at their timeline, past successes and failures.  If you are in a position to make changes or suggest growth, do it.  One problem with being below the brand is that you may never get your change to build or create your personal brand to then break through the brand to be above it.  As collective group of people that make up a brand name is that it can take one department, one person, one incident or something get on the internet about the brand name and could ruin your brand equity and credibility.  You may not have any control of that or even know about it until it’s too late.

So where do you stand?  Do you think it’s better to be above your brand or below it?  I think both create opportunities, positive and negative situations.  One last thing to think about if you are a just starting to build your personal brand, are a personal brand, or a brad name, if you are above or below your brand, who will you hire?  Will you hire people who have the potential to take your brand name and stand above it or hire someone who is a personal brand to stand above it with you?

Thank you for reading.  I hope this has got you thinking.  Any thoughts and or ideas, please leave a comment.  I know I would love to know what you think and others who read this will as well.  Thank you.

So far, today has been on of those days where I wake up with a hundred different ideas in my head.  The bad part about that is only when I want to sleep in just a little longer.  Anyway, the great thing is now I have another idea for a podcast and some thoughts I wanted to share with you now.

As I have talked about in other blogs and podcasts, I’ve been laid off for just at four months.  I know others who are in the same boat as I am.  I also know those who are just unhappy with their jobs and are looking to do something great.  I have talked with several people about these topics to see what luck they have had.  Many have had job interviews, but not as many offers.  Others have had no interviews and no offers.  I have send out close to sixty + resumes and cover letters, both hard copy through the mail and email.  I have had four interviews.  I know what your thinking.  How does that add up.  I’m not sure, I wish I had an answer to that question.  With any job applicant you should at least commit time.

I look at it this way,  know your value. If you don’t know your value, it may because you don’t know what you want to do for a career or because your not inspired or challenged.   Know yourself, know your passions and dreams, know what you bring to the table and know that you don’t know everything.

Look at it this way.  Why would you want to give a company/business or organization 40 hours of your time per week, if they didn’t want to give you 15 minutes of theirs for an interview?

Ask yourself that question.  How do you feel?  Leave a comment.  I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this struggle or fight.  Your experience and insight for others.

I know many of you are involved in the health care field. I also know many of those businesses and organizations are getting more involved in social media. Like a lot of things, in my eyes this creates find-ability and many other good things. Technology has opened many doors for the medical and health care fields, only to better our outlook on the future, save lives and create concrete, solid jobs. How can you lose?

This past week, I organized an #amestweetup and had the opportunity and pleasure to meet Dr. Zack Ward, DC. Being somewhat new to Ames, Dr. Ward (@DrZWard on twitter) came to the #amestweetup. As with many tweetups, there are so many people, that there are groups within the group. The great thing about last Wednesday night was that there were only about ten of us. This allowed us to get around a big table and all talk, share ideas and get to know one another. I think this helps conversation, because we were all able to learn from one another. It was also the first time I met a NUCCA doctor.

Like many doctors, health care organizations and wellness websites, Dr. Ward’s is full of great information. Apart from that, he has taken a different approach with communication. He maintains a blog on the website and also incorporates a podcast. The site is filled with great pictures and a cool, calming earth feel with green and sky blue colors. I like how the website outlines expectations on the Services Page, “What You Can Expect,” talking about what your first visit through your follow-up care might look like. I also like, again under the Services Page, “Our 5 Promises,” which if you have never been to an NUCCA doctor before, may relieve some stress right off the bat. I think businesses and organizations can raise the bar by including such information.

Apart from my thoughts on Dr. Ward, as a community you might be interested to know he is doing a FREE class.   The Interactive Health Care Class titled, “Healthy Structure, Healthy Function, Healthy You” will be Thursday June 25th, 6pm at his office in Ames (Suite 101).  He will also be doing a documentary film, Monday July 6th.  For all you health and wellness fans, those involved in health care and/or those involved on the social media side of health care, this will be a great opportunity for you. The film is about a half hour in length and Dr. Ward will open it up afterwards for questions. Bring a pen, some paper, a friend and some questions.

I’m looking forward to learning something new and I hope you will join us.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far.  I know with the warm weather it’s hard to stay inside and do work, I feel the same.  I wanted to put together just a quick blog with some info that many Ames, Ankeny and Des Moines tweeps, might be around for.  Lava Row a social media consulting, strategy and education firm from Des Moines, IA will be in Ames tomorrow.  They are on their Summer 2009 Road Trip.  They will be doing a seminar at the MU or Memorial Union on the Iowa State University campus tomorrow, Thursday June 18th. from 11:30am to 1pm in the Gallery Room .  If you don’t know the area very well, click here for a map, it’s just off Lincoln Way in Ames.

They will be doing “speed dating” style networking at 11:30am.  This even alone would be great if you are trying to network your way to your next job, big opportunity or for all of us who have been laid off.  Get off the couch and out of the house.  Lava Row will speak from noon until 1pm, lunch will be provided.  As I said before, this is a great opportunity to network and learn about social media and how it can benefit and add value to the way you look at the world.  Another great thing is that if you would like to be a part of the action, there is still time to do so.   You can register for a discount and using me as a referral.  I would bring a couple business cards at the least, if you have them, a pen and a notebook to take notes if you wish.

If you don’t have lunch plans tomorrow, make them today.

To learn more about Lava Row check out their website.  If you have questions or require information you can email hello@lavarow.com.  You can also catch Nathan T. Wright (Founder of Lava Row) and Hillary Brown (Online Community Evangelist, Pop Culturist) on twitter (@nathantwright) (@hillabean) and (@lavarow)

I hope to see you there!!

It’s been a little while since we had the last official #amestweetup. I wanted to set one up, here in Ames to get everyone together. There have been new people added to our community and in Ankeny as well. I hope you will save the date and come up to network, hang out, have some drinks and food. We will kick off everything Wednesday June 17th at Brewer’s in Ames. If you need directions click here or feel free to @reply or DM me, @mrdallasjmore to find Wednesday’s hot spot!!

If you have never been to an #amestweeup before, this is a perfect time to come. If you have been before, bring a friend or someone you know who has never been before. Also, for my Ames tweeps, if you don’t have a #dmtweetup or #amestweetup badge contact @richdrake and @tweetupbadges or check his website, you can order online. If your not sure what I’m talking about please check out the photo. Join the Cool Kids Club and make sure you get your badge so we can match your real name, handle and face to one person.

I look forward to seeing you all Wednesday night here in Ames for the #amestweeup, please RSVP here. Hope to see you then!!

I have had several people ask me about the progress with of Ames Co Lab (@amescolab) I have had some people walk through the building with me. The plan was to have a few people full time in March, since then there has been many additions to the building. They have painted added carpet, furniture, a sound system and two small raised areas, one used as a lounge and the other as a stage.

We had a meeting a couple weeks ago talking about how we can best serve the Ames community, young professionals/#ames and #dmtweeps, businesses and entrepreneurs. We decided to put together an informative meeting to talk about these things. We want to allow those interested to come in and see the progress that’s been made with the space and our ideas for moving forward. We also encourage some feedback from those who are interested in becoming involved and renting space.

Many of you were at the kickoff party we had before the building was finished. We are at the halfway point now and are excited to finish the second half. We currently have spaces available at different price points. There are three finished offices, each office has antique doors with large windows, windows that face the outside of the building, and funiture. There will be several other offices build in faze two. There is also a full kitchen including a sink, fridge, counter space and coffee maker. Just outside the main co working area or faze one is main hallway that leads to the main room. This room can be used for meetings, events and other functions as needed.

We are excited to create some interest and feedback for the unfinished half of the co working space. Faze two for Ames Co Lab will offer four offices, four full/part time desks, a large lounge, a photo lab/recording studio and a large meeting room.

We would like to get an accurate number attending on Friday, please RSVP here. We would love to have those interested in renting space or who may like to use the open space for meeting and other events come. We will be doing a large kick off party once faze two is complete. Those who are not able to attend this Friday, we will be doing more events soon. You can also check my twitter page, @mrdallasjmoore for updates this week.

Coffee and deserts will be served. We look forward to seeinig you this Friday!!

I had a thought today. With the handful of random things I’m involved with and do, I thought about adding another layer; adding something a little different from what I’m doing already. I know there are many businesses and companies out there who have a hard time connecting the dots and have trouble finding people. Sometimes these businesses and companies are just looking for contract web work, graphic or logo design. I think many people now, with the recent job losses, are opening their own businesses or startup companies. These people might be looking for people to help, to hire or to connect them from point A to point B. This is a concept that I believe Twitter is great for. On the web and countless websites, there are communities which allow us all to better ourselves and grow together. I decided to create another community within a community that I love and believe in, twitter.

The project I’m working on is like a club of like-minded people, a place where people can meet others of similar interest, skills, dreams, passions, etc. There is so much talent out there in the world today, I want to try and pool it in one place. I don’t know if that’s possible or not, but I want to try. I will start small, or should I say, “big picture,” with the local tweeps I know, love and respect in Des Moines, IA. I don’t know if you realize it or not, if you have ever been to Iowa or live in Iowa, but there are a great number of very great, smart, business minded, forward thinkers here. Many of these people I’m proud to call my mentors, friends and peers. I have grown so fond of many of these people that I would do anything for them. That’s why I think this idea is important. It will allow me to connect with them and allow them to post their thoughts, ideas, dreams, passions, goals and anything else that would allow growth and forward motion for the rest of us. It’s important that as we learn, we share and teach.

I hope The Free Agents, my idea and project, will allow people to meet and connect. As I said, I don’t know how well it will work, as there are many communities within communities already. I don’t want to get in the way of those, I simply want to add another for, if anything, the Des Moines Metro area. You can follow the posts @TheFreeAgents to see what’s going on. Again, this just came to me today, so it might be a couple weeks before much is going on. I plan on posting thoughts, ideas, articles, videos and photos to get your mind turning and things to inspire, grow and challenge you. Starting today, I will work on putting a short and simple website together as well. I would like to have #thefreeagentstweetups, too. I would like to get the big picture thinkers around a table, or at a bar, to talk about the future of our community and the plans for it. What do you see for the future of Des Moines, of Iowa, of your life, of your career. These are the important things that we can all talk about. In sharing our visions, we can meet with others who might be able to help us along or even just help you along with your vision. These are all good things. Together, we can do great things and be a part of something bigger than ourselves, only turning us into a legend.

I hope this blog has sparked an interest in you, or at least got you thinking. As I said, this is not a business. I don’t want your money. I just want to be a helping hand. I want to be the map that gets you, or your business/company, where it needs to go. I want to be the map that gets you the job you want, the career you didn’t know existed, or the dream or goal you have. At the very least, I want to inspire you. I hope you will follow us on twitter and share your thoughts and ideas with me and those who will check the profile.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy being a part of The Free Agents. Feel free to leave comments, feedback, thoughts/ideas here or @TheFreeAgents and @mrdallasjmoore, follow the updates and use #TheFreeAgents hash tag.

I think one of the greatest thing about technology is speed. With technology there is no downtime. The other great thing are the many websites available to meet people(myspace, facebook, twitter) and the countless other sites. With these sites, you can find friends, people with similar interests, hobbies, beliefs and goals. It’s endless. †

My favorite thing about it is that when I find something that I love, believe in and or makes me think, I can share it. I can put fingers to keys and tell it to the world. I can share my ideas, feelings, thoughts and or ideals with anyone who wants to read them. This blog is about one of those things. I want to share someone, something that found me. Twitter, how can I count the ways I love you. How can I thank you for the opportunities, friends and unconditional support that you offer. Now to the good stuff…

Sharing yourself with the world, you also are able to find others, who want to share themselves with you. With twitter I find new people and new people find me. I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk about one who found me. He might be one you want to find, talk with and listen to.

I got a email, I believe yesterday saying Adrian Heath was following me on twitter. I try to go back and read peoples bio and website. In this case, I’m very glad I did. In Adrian’s bio he talks about being a musician, composer and lyricist. Let me just start by saying that’s only the beginning of what I would say. I’ve always been a HUGE music fan. Since I was a kid, music has always been something I have loved. So when I meet other musicians, bands, etc. I love to talk with them and hear their stories. In the short 140 words and spaces I’ve shared with Adrian I became inspired. Going to his music page, I was speechless. The music and lyrics were so good that I could swear I’ve heard them before, that I know that sound and voice.

Adrian said that he is self releasing his album in June. He is not signed, but in my opinion should be. Mainly because he music is amazing, his lyrics more like a lullaby and the feel overall of the music sounds timeless.

Check out Adrian’s website here, myspace page here and you can follow him on twitter as well. I was blown away listening, I hope you enjoy his music as well. I’m sure he would love to know and hear your thoughts. I would as too. Enjoy your Friday everyone!!

It takes just one smile to change someone’s day

It takes just one second to change your mind

It takes just one phone call to change your mood

It takes just one opportunity to open the flood gates

It takes just one person to start something, anything

It takes just one person to listen and change everything

It’s not about all the times you have tried, failed, succeeded, fallen, gotten back up, steped up, steped back, because it only takes one.  It only takes one time to try, to fail, to succeed, to fall, to get up or to step up.  It only takes one time to change everything.