Shipwrecked, A Short Poem

In my eyes I see an ocean between us.

I feel the sand at my feet and salt in the air.

Shipwrecked and all alone, my thoughts wonder.

What was, what is and what could have been.

What was, what is and what could have been.

Blue abyss surrounds my as sand and shells disappear.

Giant white clouds like war tanks gunning to expose me.

Driftwood reminds me of the broken pieces I left behind.

What was, what is and what could have been.

What was, what is and what could have been.

Fresh fruit in abundance, like a candy store for the starving.

Colors I can’t name and have never seen blind me in the sunlight.

In the distance I hear echoes, Sirens calling me to the deep blue.

What was, what is and what could have been.

What was, what is and what could have been.

Letting go I jump off a small cliff in hopes of finding freedom.

Beautiful liquid ice cradles me in silent serenity.

Life alive like I have never seen, shadows exposed from spears of light.

Above the water the sun dries me like a weightless giant towel.

Walking up the beach, and endless spread of glass behind me.

Bending down to grab a large sea shell, I let out a heavy blow as if calling an army.

The trees shake and birds fly as I let out my overwhelming call, like a lion before battle.

Birds fill the sky in all directions like lost arrows on a broken compass.

I am alone with my thoughts like a crowded subway car, crowded with many.

What was, what is and what could have been.

What was, what is and what could have been.

Shipwrecked.

Focus On Value Not Numbers

I remember when I first started in the various channels of social media and more specifically, Myspace.  My impression of Facebook was that it was only for college students, which didn’t interest me at all.  Keep in mind this is several years ago and I’ve learned a lot since then.  After writing my last blog I was inspired from the comments I got.  I decided to dig a little deeper into the misconceptions and underlying issues that could be the misunderstanding of social media.

I remember when I first got my Myspace page up, I had several goals in specific I wanted to attain.  At the time when I heavily used Myspace, I was recording, mixing, and producing music.  I was also working with local artists and musicians helping them promote, market and manage their material, name and brand.  I wanted to be a producer, badly.  I  wanted everyone to know my name and think of me when they thought of good music.  How do you gain such fame you ask?  It’s simple: numbers.  The more people you connect with, the more people know who you are, what you do and why you’re awesome!  Well, that’s at least what I thought anyway.

I spent a lot of time building my own personal brand around the idea of becoming a profound music producer.  I had the ear, the artists and the time.  I made a large effort to reach out to anyone who wanted to hear what I had to say.  I was focused on numbers.  I didn’t care if people liked me, disliked me or didn’t think I would ever become a music producer.  The numbers don’t lie.  I was so focused on getting friends, fans and people to check out my page that after a while I lost it.  I lost the connection, I lost even interest in meeting and talking with people.  I would come home and for hours send out friend requests.  I would comment on artists and bands pages.  I would point out the artists and bands I was working with and urge people to check them out.  I know now that I had little to no idea what I was doing.

Not only was I focused on the numbers of friends I had and the number of people who knew me, but I didn’t even have numbers that were valuable.  I don’t even know if half the of friends I had even liked music.  I think that’s where many people get it wrong today with social media.  From a business stand point they think, “the more people the better, right?”  Well, to a degree, but no at the same time.  Here’s a question I sometimes have to still ask myself, “would you rather have 10,000 friends or 100 people that actually care?”  That’s what it comes down to.  You can be a personal brand or a business using social media and have all the friends you could ever want.  The question I ask you then is why are you so fixated on the numbers?

If you can find a handful of people who are really excited that you are who you are, accept that, and nurture that, then build it from there.  Don’t be so focused on having the most friends, because at the end of the day, how many of those people really care?  Surrounding yourself with people who you can learn from, better yourself because of, and be you is the best way to have the best of both worlds.  I myself would rather have a handful of very smart, wonderful, selfless people to learn and grow from.  I would also love that handful of people to be honest with me.  If my ideas are bad, tell me.

The other way to look at this value vs. numbers is this.  The more people who are friends with, fans of, etc. the less time you have to devote to creating connections, relationships, learning and growing.  You will spend more time sending off friend requests and checking email than anything else.  Don’t sell yourself short.  Focus on the value of great people.  Focus on creating, seeing and building from value.  The numbers will follow.  If you can reach out and touch people, inspire people, teach and learn from people.  Create value and your numbers will follow.

Are You A Twitter Snob?

As we all know some aspects of social media have become more common than others.  You will hear on TV shows, radio and even movies about Myspace, Facebook, and now Twitter.  Many participate in these social media channels to network, talk with friends, have fun or just tell people how they feel about anything and everything.

While I was out a couple weeks ago handing out flyers for the #DMZombieWalk, a girl at Hot Topic said, “OH sweet, they are on Twitter, I’m such a Twitter nerd.”  I told her, that I also was a Twitter nerd.  I use the word nerd in a good way.  I think being involved with technology is a great thing.  There are great jobs in “this” field and those around it.  Apart from the technologies and toys that surround us in the world of Web 2.0, I’m a nerd anyway.  After leaving Hot Topic I turned to my wife and said, “I never would have pictured her to be into Twitter.”  She kind of looked at me, somewhat agreed and we went on with our day.   Later in our conversation she told me, that she believed me to be more than a Twitter nerd, but a Twitter snob.

After an explanation, which to some large degree does sum up what I know, who I am and how I feel about Twitter, she was right.  I am a Twitter snob.  I feel that I’m an elitist who looks down upon those less than me in the world.  I don’t mean to, it’s not in my nature to care if I’m better than anyone for any reason.  I just want to be me, be happy and live my life.  As much as I didn’t want to admit it, she was right.  I had become a snob.  Some use social networking as means of entertainment, enjoyment, friendship and nonsense.  I do those things as well, but I also use it as a tool.

I had never thought about what my wife and I talked about that day.  I’m glad she brought it up, it was a fun and interesting conversation.  I really don’t consider myself to be better than anyone.  I don’t want to be.  Not only that, but I don’t have time to be.  It takes a lot of work for me to be good at anything, let alone be better than another person at whatever it is I need to be the best at.  The world always looks different from another persons perspective.  I have always loved to hear what peoples impressions of me are.  If I ask, it’s only because I want to better myself when I’m around you.

So, are you a Twitter snob?  Leave your comments and thoughts below.  I’d love to hear what thoughts you have.  If you have the choice, would you rather be a nerd or a snob?  Please provide reasons why.  I can’t wait to read your comments, thoughts and ideas.

Des Moines Zombie Walk, Details!

I just wanted to say first off, thank you to everyone who took the time to RT my first blog about the Des Moines Zombie Walk.  I’m very happy and excited that you look forward to this as well.  Thank you!  I’ve been working towards getting the Des Moines Zombie Walk all put together there are a few updates I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention.

We will be doing the zombie walk on Saturday October 17th.  Thank you to Dan (@danielshipton) and Abbie Shipton (@abbieshipton) who are going to allow us to call Impromptu Studio (@ImpromptuStudio)  “home base.”  We will meet there at 2pm.  If you need help putting on your costume or makeup, we will be there about 1pm to help you do so.  We all know this is Iowa, so make sure you are dressed for the weather.  I hope it will be nice, but you never can tell and I want to make sure everyone has a great time and does not suffer due to cool or cold weather.  If you are not sure where Impromptu is located, please check the map for their address and to get directions.  We will have someone at the door just go in, and up the stairs.  I’m sure you will run into fellow zombies.  If you have any questions about Impromptu Studio please see the above website and twitter accounts.  I’m sure Dan and Abbie would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.  If you have any questions on the Des Moines Zombie Walk you can email, dmzombiewalk@gmail.com or (@DMZombieWalk) for anything else you may need.

The last thing I wanted to to touch on was giving back to the community.  I know many of you have been to events that have been hosted by Impromptu Studio and others to donate and give back to the Des Moines community.  As part of the Des Moines Zombie Walk I also wanted to follow suite.  For those of you who will be attending this event, please bring used, hats, gloves, jackets, coats and other winter apparel you may have and don’t need.  Please make sure the apparel is in good condition and clean.  You can also donate any personal hygiene products as well, i.e. soap, shampoo, towels, tooth pastes, brunches, etc.  If you don’t have anything do donate, but would still like to participate in this, don’t feel you need to spend money.  This is not a requirement to participate in the Des Moines Zombie Walk, but it is encouraged to give back to your community.  I thank you in advance for your participation.   All the donations we receive will be donated to Central Iowa Shelter & Services.  If you are unable to make it to the Des Moines Zombie Walk, but would still like to donate please see my contact page.  We will figure out a way to work that out.

Thank you for reading the Des Moines Zombie Walk details.  I hope you will join us Saturday, October 17th.  If you would like to talk about it on twitter, please use the #DMZombieWalk hash tag.  Flyers will be made for this event by the end of the week and will be all around Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames.  Please take one and tell your friends.  Everyone is invited!!

Des Moines Zombie Walk

I know with autumn being here, taking time to be outside is now limited.  I was inspired several months ago after seeing the teaser trailer for Zombieland (@Zombieland).  While reading more about the film and seeking out other zombie films, I somehow stumbled on information about zombie walks.  I”d never heard of such a thing, but thought it sounded like a great idea and a lot of fun.  They have been done all around the world.  Some of them have been done to raise money and awareness for charities, blood drives and just to scare the hell out of those in the community.  What would you think if you saw 1,000 + zombies coming around the corner?  That’s what I thought.

I know zombie walks have been done outside of Iowa.   Just recently one was heald in Iowa City.  I thought, why not do one in Des Moines? I have been working to get one set up for October 17th.  I’m still in the process of working out all the details and information.  I hope to have flyers designed and printed in the next week.  I also plan to have all the details worked out to share with everyone.  I think this is something Des Moines could and can have a lot of fun with.  The people I’ve talked with about the DM zombie walk have been very excited.

Until I have all the details you can get some ideas for your zombie walk, makeup, etc. by following us on twitter (@DMZombieWalk).  If you have some ideas, thoughts, etc. you can also send us an email DMZombieWalk@gmail.com.  You can also check out the blog page for fun posts about zombies and zombie culture.  I hope you will join us for the first DM zombie walk!!

Have you ever been to a zombie walk before?  If you have, drop a comment.  Tell us about your zombie walk experience.

BRAINS!!!

The Pampered Chef vs. Social Media

Last night my wife, Ashley or, Ash to me (@ashleymc), received an email from The Pampered Chef.  The email stated that she was to remove any and all information about Pampered Chef from her Twitter profile, blog posts, websites, etc.  As we discussed the apparent lack of education, understanding and bureaucratic business model that is The Pampered Chef, I had a thought.  I asked her to post something on Twitter and see what type of response she got from her followers, audience and tribe.

Not only did people agree that The Pampered Chef may not understand social media, but were also going to miss my wife’s “Daily Product” she posts on Twitter (#DailyProduct).  They also happened to agree that businesses should engage with people in social media to build and better their business.  Sadly, many businesses who don’t understand social media, forget it exists and to no avail, end up doing more damage than good.  Within the email, as Ash read it aloud, it sounded more like a teacher telling her six year old students what they could and couldn’t do.  For whatever job title my wife has, I thought it was something like “Independent Consultant”.  Maybe I’m wrong?  It also reminded me of my sixth grade teacher.  I remember at one point I got very mad at her.  We were given an assignment writing about something and our opinion of it.  I got an F.  How do you get an F for a grade on YOUR own opinion?

The below picture represents The Pampered Chef company.  Notice how it’s build, there are walls.  These walls don’t allow those outside the walls ( Independent Pampered Chef Consultants) to engage with The Pampered Chef company.  There is also one person inside of those walls who has the key.  Notice the steps on the side of the company.  These steps are for (Independent Pampered Chef Consultants) and consumers of The Pampered Chef products.  They sadly are not allowed to use them.  Instead they stand outside the company trying to look in, talking to one another instead.  Now, who really has the control?  Why is the door locked?  Why are people not allowed inside those walls?  Why are there walls?

As I continue to write this post, for all you reading please understand my point of view,  I’m not writing this to upset The Pampered Chef, I’m writing this blog because I love and respect my wife.  They damaged one of her most powerful and long lasting passions that she has (cooking/baking).  I’m what you could call supportive, and someone who understands social media very well.  I’d like to help The Pampered Chef understand where they went wrong and the consequences that may now follow.

For many of you who use social media, most understand that with every action there is an opposite  reaction.  That was learned in science class, right?  Well the same rule applies with social media, especially with a business, company and or organization.  What you say, do or don’t say or don’t do reflects your brand and more specifically your online brand.  I will explain.  Yes, you are a person and more important a human being.  You are, or may be, a person representing a business, company, organization and/ or brand.  You are allowed to have your own ideas, thoughts and opinions, but must be careful when you speak for something bigger than yourself.  You are now speaking on behalf of the business, etc.

Point 1.  There is something called the First Amendment or better known as the freedom of speech.

Point 2. You can’t control what people think, feel, say and or do, well…sometimes you can, but not very well with social media.  It’s like random apples falling from trees.  It happens.  It’s also like driving on a icy road in the middle of winter here in Iowa.  You have to be careful, because after a while you don’t have control.  You can lead people in a direction, a thought or an idea, but what they say, think and/ or feel, you don’t have control over.  Again, thinking you do and saying that makes it worse.

In closing, I have a few thoughts for The Pampered Chef and other companies who don’t understand social media or how it works.  Take the time and do research.  Find out who your ideal customers and/ or consultants are, what they like and where they hang out.  Once you know something about them, find them and engage with them.  People like to talk, but you have to be willing to listen.  There are also handfuls of small and large agencies who specialize in social media, strategy, and social media education.  I would suggest getting in touch with someone who understands it and who can lend you a hand so you are educated.  The sad part about all of this is that The Pampered Chef is driving all alone down a one way street to nowhere.  Jump in, join the conversation and tell us why we can’t talk about you.  This is not Fight Club.  We can, and should be aloud to talk about things.

Thank you for reading.  If you have and idea, thought or feeling about any of this post, please share it.  I would love to hear what you think or what ideas you have.  I know others would as well!!

Strategy Unrelated and Related to Social Media

As with any project at home or at work, sometimes you need to take a break.  I had a breaking point a couple weeks ago and had been filling my head with books and articles related to social media.  I needed a break and something else to read.  I took a step back and thought about the other things I enjoy and have passion for.

Since I was laid off, I’ve been on a reading kick.  I picked up a couple books unrelated to social media, marketing and communication.  I got a book on Texas Hold’em strategy and a book on roulette strategy.  The great thing about these books is that it allowed me to refresh my thoughts on social media, but also to look at strategy from another angle.  Playing poker is about knowing when to play a hand or lay it down.  Poker is also about planning ahead and putting yourself in others’ shoes.  Like in poker, planning is important for playing the game and to control your money, the same as in business.  You have to plan ahead and be prepared for tough times.  Along with planning, stepping in another persons shoes allows you to look at the world in a different light.  You try to anticipate what other players may do, hands they might play and how much they will put on the line.

Different from poker, roulette is all about picking the right number, color, odd or even, etc.  This is taking information from the previous spins to know the probability of certain and specific numbers being hit.  Again, the same is true for business.  You need to weigh your options, check your bankroll and make informed decisions based on the information you have.  They say that the past is the best way to predict the future, what do you think?

By using what you know, and even what you don’t, allows you to plan for the future and have strategy and tactics.  In business, the more you know the better off you are, but like many poker plays will tell you, they trust their gut.  Have you ever trusted your gut in a business decision and it payed off?  Walking in with no previous information, but trusting your gut or the voice in the back of your head.

I believe that you should be versed in both for great business success, trust your gut and use the information you have.  Any game you can play where it challenges you to use your brain, think of it as practice for business.  As with poker and roulette it can be a rush, just like in business.  Practice your strategy in fun, and in business.

If you have thoughts on business, social media or just general strategy please leave a comment.  If you have other ways of thinking about how to use these skills, please share them with everyone.

My Purple Cow

Some people find it hard to be motivated and to stay positive.  When I was laid off in February, people wanted to know what kept me going and in a good mood.  It was easy, freedom.  In many ways, I’m now in charge of where my life goes from here.  I can pick what direction to go and when to start on that path.  I decided it would be best while job searching to self educate myself.  I started reading anything I could get my hands on.  Most of the things I’ve read were about business as a general, marketing, thinking outside the box and social media.

Some books got my wheels turning so much that there were nights I didn’t sleep.  There were nights I couldn’t put the book down and had to finish it and see how it ended.  Being much like a human sponge the last several months, I try to read and retain what I’ve read and learned.  Sometimes that’s not an easy thing to do.  Even some of the shorter books I’ve read are thick with information.  I know that myself, I’m a visual person.  It’s easy to bring up something in my mind, a color, a name, etc., and then remember what I was thinking of.

One thing I learned while I was attending DMACC in Ankney was about being different.  As a business, as a brand and as a person you have to differentiate yourself, be different from the competition.  After I read Purple Cow by Seth Godin, I got many ideas.  I also decided that I wanted to retain as much information from the book as I could.  I learned a lot and was very inspired, so I made my own purple cow.  I went to a toy store downtown, bought a cow and went to the hardware store and got some purple spray paint.  Here’s the finished product.

My purple cow sits on my desk.  It reminds me that anything I decide to do to make it “remarkable.”  If I’m going to take the time to do something, to do it right and really step up.  I use my cow for motivation and as a marker for success.  It also drums up great conversation when someone comes over.  They always what to know “what’s up with the purple cow?”  So I tell them a similar story to the one I’ve just shared with you.  Most of the time they want to know more or look at the book.  I love when I can share my passion, inspiration and motivation with others.

I recommend reading the book if you have not.  It changed the way I look at many things.  I’m sure it could for you too.

Iowa Shakespeare and Shakesperience

As a community of Iowa and those on Twitter, I have heard many great statements.  Very noble things have been said about our state, our thinkers our abilities, the endless possibilities and the kinship.  I cherish the times I’m able to sit, listen and speak.  I embrace the times we share together, breaking bread and drinking in happiness.  In times of trial and tears, in times of hope and joy, we stand together.  Iowa is our home and our friends here are many.

As we reach to help others and open their eyes we receive back in return.  There are experiences, events and places, both new and old that cause us to join together as family, as friends and on date night.  At the end of July into August, an old venue will host something very new.  For the first time ever there will be live theater performances by Iowa Shakespeare at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater.  The best part of that is these events are FREE and open to anyone who would like to attend and join in the festivities.  All of the shows will begin at 8:15pm, the grounds will be open at 6pm.  If you would like to pack a picnic you are more than welcome.  There will be two shows and three different dates for each of the two shows.

• “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” By A. Long, D. Singer and J. Winfield
• AKA The Comp. Wrks (’o) Wllm Shkspr (Abrd’d))
• PERFORMANCES AT 8:15 pm on Thursday, July 23, Saturday, July 25, and Saturday, August 1.

• “Much Ado-wop About Something” by W. Shakespeare and L. Sandoval, MFA
• PERFORMANCES AT 8:15 pm on Friday, July 24, Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 2.

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience hopes these events will allow you to bring you family, friends and dates to these outdoor live theater events.  If you would like, you can follow us for updates on Twitter (@Shakesperience).  We have been tweeting and will continue to tweet “The Shakespeare Insult of The Day”, facts about William Shakespeare and trivia.  We will also be giving away two prize packs.  The packages include a picnic blanket (very colorful), a bottle of white grap non-alcoholic sparkling juice, two wine glasses and a package of Milano cookies.   To get in on the insults, facts and trivia check out the twitter page.  We will be giving away each of the prize packages through twitter and do one prize for each of the two weekends.  Just watch for the #ShakespeareTrivia hashtag.  The winner will be the first to direct message or DM with the correct answer, make sure you are following us.  Others who get the correct answer will be rewarded with VIP seating at the event!

Check the photos for prize #1 and prize #2.  We also have a special prize, a $25.00 gift certificate from Olde Main Brewing Co. (@oldemain) in Ames, IA.  This prize will be done at random, so be ready!  Again, watch for the #ShakespeareTrivia and direct message or DM your answer in to win.  Make sure you are following us!  If you are one of the lucky winners you will be able to claim your prize the night of the event we are drawing for.  We would love for those of you outside of Iowa to play, but we won’t be able to send our prizes through the mail.

We hope you will be able to join us for this fun and FREE event!  Also, don’t forget to study up on your Shakespeare, trivia starts soon!

#amestweetup Tuesday July 21st

Hey everyone, I know the summer is well underway.  I wanted to set up another #amestweetup at the request of several people here in Ames.  We try and do at least two per month if time allows and people are around.  I know we are adding people to the Des Moines metro and Ames area all the time.  So glad that the tweetup interest continues to climb.  The #dmtweetup/#amestweetups are opportunities to meet new people, network and create great relationships.  If this is your first tweetup you can contact Rich Drake (@richdrake) to put a face to your handle/user name by getting a tweetup badge.  You can also check out (@tweetupbadges) and order online.

We will meet up on Tuesday July 21st at 6pm at Olde Main (@oldemain) upstairs on the bar-side.  If you are from Ames and don’t know the area, Olde Main is downtown in Ames.  You can check the map for directions if you need it.  You can also check all the different and wonderful beers brewed at Olde Main.

Drink Specials:

$4.00 Pitchers from 6pm-2am

I look forward to seeing you all at Olde Main next Tuesday.  Please let me know if you have any questions or you want to drop a comment, please do so.  If you want to pass this event and information around on twitter use the hash tag #amestweetup.

Have a great rest of your week!