Category Archives: Social Media

Stop It and Refocus

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I love technology.  My home office, or Mission Control as I call it, consists of two cell phones, an iPad with a bluetooth keyboard, a MacBook, and a bluetooth printer and let’s not leave out the music system with four iPods to choose the tunes of the day from.  The cell phones are Apple products, which means all devices are keeping up with each other.  Everything runs at the same time with me jumping from one to the next so smoothly resembling a ballerina gliding across the stage.  Well, maybe not that smoothly, but you get the point.  I, of course, can justify this madness with a long dissertation on why all of this is necessary in order for me to be productive.  I have rehearsed it and given the speech numerous times.  Some people buy it and others just think I am nuts.  In either case, I have all of this stuff to refer to, glare into, research and process from, waste time with, and be entertained by.  Now, I know I am not alone in this.  Face it.  You have these things, as well; maybe not as much as I do or maybe you have even more.  But, stick with me because I need to shift gears for a moment.

When I talk with people who are either thinking about getting into running or they are struggling to keep their motivation to run, I always come back to the same question.  What is your “Y” factor?  What I mean is, what is it deep down inside of you that is the reason why you want to run, walk, exercise, get healthier?  When we can figure that out, it then becomes the reason why we get out of bed an hour earlier a few days a week and hit the pavement.  I will now return to my regularly schedule article…

The question becomes, what is the “Y” factor behind having all this stuff?  Do we REALLY need it?  I say, to a certain extent, yes we do.  Let’s face it, it’s the way of the world.  Technology is an important aspect of the work place.  I know only one man who continues to use an old-fashioned typewriter.  He sits on his front porch typing away.  People marvel at it as they walk by and hear the click clack of him composing a letter to someone!  He is a retired journalism professor who will absolutely not convert to the new technology.  He does not have to, need to and, most definitely, does not want to.  However, I work quite often out of my home and require the use of modern technology.  I do not have a landline phone in my home because a cell phone will suffice and it is pretty much always glued to my hip.  Do I NEED two of them, probably not.  However, I justify it by saying one is my personal phone and the other is my business phone, which of course I can write off as a business expense.  This explanation seems to be enough for most people.  Do I NEED to have the iPad and MacBook going at the same time?  Most of the time I do not, but it looks really cool.  Do I NEED to have the music?  Absolutely! Music helps me stay focused.  But, do I need four iPods?  No, but they were gifts and I do not want to seem ungrateful, therefore I use each one of them.  I 100% believe I am not alone is this technology overload.  In fact, if I look hard enough, I am certain I can find a support group for all of us who are in the same boat.  However, here is the big problem.  All of this “stuff” is keeping us from living right.  I’ll explain.

The other day I watched a person walk square into a street sign.  SLAM!  They never saw it coming.  They had their head down and their eyes were immersed in something that I am certain was crucial to attend to straight away on their cell phone.  Admittedly, I giggled a little.  Sorry, but it was funny!  Anyway… Instead of learning from the incident and taking their head out of their phone to watch where they were going, they went straight back to doing what they were doing before the street sign so rudely jumped out in front of them.  I am sure you have seen something similar to this before.  The next time you have a few extra minutes to take a step back and observe the people around you, count how many people have their head down in a piece of technology.

I am a firm believer in eye contact.  It has become a thing of the past in public, especially when walking down the street, around the mall, etc.  Not only is it being polite, but making eye contact with someone is a sign of confidence.  It is a safety mechanism.  It shows strength.  As someone who has been in martial arts for thirty years, I can tell you it is one of the first things I teach and a first line of defense.  So, if for no other reason, for the love of God people take your head out of your phone when you are walking around in public!  Here ends the lesson…

Technology has brought about a new dislike for human kind, a hatefulness if you will.  The world we live in is full of all sorts of ugliness that is being fed or brought about in part because of technology.  We have instant access to things that happen around the globe.  Ugliness is what seems to sell stories more now than ever.  It has become so bad that titles to articles can stir the ugly pot even when the actual article talks about something completely the opposite.  As a society, we have become a new kind of lazy and quick to react.  By lazy I mean we read an article title on social media, it gets us fired up, we make a comment and express our dislike for the situation all without actually reading the article.  Read the article?  We don’t have time for that.  The title gave us the information we need, right?  It never fails!  There is always someone who then tries to defend the article because they actually read it.  Name calling ensues.  They refer to the ones who clearly didn’t the read article as stupid, ignorant and, most often, use other very ugly, salty language to describe the persons level of intellect.  And, without fail, the bickering begins and the point of the article is completely lost because everyone is compelled to defend their view of the topic and sling a few distasteful words and special names back.  All of this takes place like a school fight on the playground between eight year olds.

Think back to a time when social media did not exist.  We got our dose of news from the newspaper (the actual newspaper, not on-line) and the morning or evening news.  If something happened across the country, we didn’t hear about it until the news broadcast informed us about it.  If we didn’t like what we were hearing or reading we didn’t have the ability to hide behind a computer screen and write very hateful, hurtful comments and essentially pick fights with people.  Technology has brought about a new kind of defense and not in a good way.  I often wonder if these people who are fighting via the safety of their technological devices, would they have the nerve to actually say these awful things to the others face to face?

So, my point to all of this is we need to stop it and refocus.  We need to refocus our priorities in life.  We need to stop being so ugly toward each other.  I have had to attend more funerals in my life than I care to count for people who were struck down by cancer, strokes, heart attacks, suicide… all great people who deserved a long, happy, loving life.  We live in a much more complex world now than it was 30 years ago.  Technology can bring about so many good things in our world.  Helping to find a cure for cancer is one that comes to mind.  But, are you using it for good or for ugliness?  There are so many problems facing the world today.  Rather than adding to the problems, figure out how you can be part of the solution.  The solution may be as simple as not making the comment on the social media article you are just itching to post.  T.H.I.N.K.!  Is what you want to say, True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?  If not, let it go.  Because in the grand scheme of things, in the entirety of your life, what does it all really matter?  What difference is it going to have on your day and your life if you make the ugly comment you are thinking in your mind.  Instead of putting it out there for the world to see and quite possibly you being judged as one of those nasty names others are calling people, write it down on a piece of paper.  Go ahead and get it off your chest.  Read it over a couple of times, then crumple it up and toss it out.  Once you have done that evaluate the situation.  How do you feel about the ugly thoughts you had?  Did any of it add value to your day and your life?  Refocus!

Take a few minutes and figure out what it is that is truly important in your life.  What value or contribution are you making to the lives around you?  Are you happy with your life?  If not, stop blaming people, places and things and make the changes you need to make in order to be happy. Bob Marley said exactly that. “Open your eyes, look within.  Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”  Be the change you wish to see in the world around you and try to make a difference in someone else’s life.  One more music quote and I’m finished..  I promise.  Stevie Wonder, “Love’s In Need of Love Today”.  The song is about love in modern times and how the word and meaning of love seems to have faded.  It implores people to give love to love, to stop the hate.

“The force of evil plans
To make you its possession
And it will if we let it
Destroy every-body
We all must take
Precautionary measures
If love and peace you treasure
Then you’ll hear me when I say

Love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
Send yours in right away
Hate’s goin’ round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it’s gone too far”

More To It Than Just A Number

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I recently read a couple of blog posts that got me a bit fired up.  The first one I read is by a blogger named Bryan Vaughn.  Mr. Vaughn wrote a post called “Why We All Hate Your 13.1 Stickers.“.  The second post is in response to Mr. Vaughn’s post called,  “Why We Love Your Post, ‘Why We All Hate Your 13.1 Stickers,”.  I strongly recommend you read both of these posts so you have an understanding of what my response is referring to.

Most of my blog followers know that I am a runner.  If you are new to my blog, you can check out some of my older posts where I talk about running the Richmond Marathon and my running team, MTT Pink Nation.  Mr. Vaughn’s post was quite aggravating to me as I am a very proud card carrying, number sticker/magnet displaying member of the running community.  So, I was compelled to give a different view of what these number stickers and magnets mean aside from just bragging about an accomplishment, as Mr. Vaughn suggests.

Here is my response to the two blog posts:

“Heck yeah my stickers are to announce to the world what I’ve accomplished! I am proud of every race and distance I’ve completed. You see, once you kick cancer’s butt not once, not twice, but three times and are able to run any distance it is fair game to shout it from the roof tops (and the back of my car). What people don’t see when they look at these stickers and magnets is the whole story. I run for my health; I run for myself. I display the stickers because I am proud of my accomplishments and, yes, I want to show that off. I do not care if that angers people. Cancer angers me and I’ve kicked it right in the chops. So, to those who are bothered by these stickers I say get over it. It’s time to be angered by things that truly matter in this world… Cancer, diabetes, lupus, stroke, heart disease, alzheimer’s, and so many other medical problems that affect the lives of so many incredible people. Be angered by children shooting children. Be angered by domestic abuse. Take your anger and make a difference. Don’t just sit and type a ranting post, hiding behind the computer screen. Do something good with your anger and help people. My number stickers are absolutely symbols of greatness in times of adversity and I proudly display them for the world to see. I spend my anger on helping to finding a cure for Cancer. What are you going to do with your anger?”

I can only hope Mr. Vaughn read this response and sees that there is more to a sticker or magnet on the back of a car than just numbers.

Noise and Yucky Stuff

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Remember the good old days? Chalk boards and clapping erasers outside after school, rotary dial phones, the world before video games and entertaining yourself by playing outside, 8-tracks, tapes, records, and reel-to-reel video, slide shows were actual square, paper frames with film in between them, TV Dinners, the world before TV (for some of my readers)… We could go on and on. With all that’s happening in our world, I like to sit back and think of simpler, kinder times. When I was growing up the worst thing I had to worry about was getting a flat tire on my bicycle during the 3.5 mile ride home from playing tennis. That meant I would have to walk the rest of the way home. There wasn’t such a thing as a cell phone to use to call home and have someone come pick me up. Times have changed.

The world seems to be in a big hurry and has become cluttered with “noise” and “yucky stuff”. Homes are filled with multiple televisions, a couple of computers, tablets and iPads, cell phones, and iPods. Not to mention, the constant bombardment of noise and yucky stuff from television and social media that inundates our lives. It is impossible to watch a news broadcast and not hear about tragedies of some kind. Most often, it seems like the entire broadcast is informing us of terrible things happening around us. Let us not forget how much divorce attorneys love social media for the stories, status updates and pictures. Like I said, noise and yucky stuff.

As I sit here outside with a slight breeze blowing, birds chirping and a view of the water just beyond to screen of my laptop, I have come to realize more than ever how important it is to get rid of the noise and yucky stuff now and then. Unplug all of the electronics. Breathe in the fresh air, look up at the nature that surrounds you, appreciate the simple things again. A month ago I did just that. I unplugged. I unplugged for two days and returned to a simpler life for the weekend. Admittedly, it was not easy at first. I kept reaching for my iPad to see what everyone was up to on all of the social media sites. I kept wanting to pick up my phone to do anything other than make a phone call. Remember when a phone was meant for phone calls and that was all? As time went on though, I found myself enjoying my time without the noise and yucky stuff. I picked up a book, not an electronic version of it, but an actual paperback, went outside, sat in my chair and read. I finished a number of chapters and thought it had only been a short time. I came to realize that I had been outside enjoying my book in my favorite chair, with my puppy next to me for two and a half hours. Time seemed to stand still.

The weekend was a success. I made it through the weekend without Facebook, Twitter, my blog, my laptop and iPad, and using my cell phone only for calls that came in and the Sunday morning call to my parents. Unplugging is now a regular practice of mine. So, I challenge you to give it a try. There is too much noise and yucky stuff in the world and around us every day. We must take it upon ourselves to slow down, unplug, clear our minds, and enjoy the simpler things in life. Get your head out of your electronics and enjoy your family. Have actual conversations with each other. Go outside. Enjoy your surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air. Get away from the noise and yucky stuff for a while. You will be amazed by the impact it has on your overall being. Most importantly turn off the noise and yucky stuff to enjoy life!

Redefining Social Networking by James Fabricant

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Just as the words “computer” and “email” have become part of our every-day speak, the term “social networking” is simply part of our culture. And its obvious why – social networks are not new – humans are fundamentally gregarious and have always organized themselves into groups, forming strong and weak links. It’s the same behavior, just with new tools. Social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are by now so engrained into our personal lives that it is only a matter of time before they become part of our work lives. This revolution is already happening and is known as “social business” or “enterprise social networking.” The question for businesses is no longer being whether to implement it, but how.

Have you ever been swimming in the ocean only to find yourself being pulled in one direction from a strong current? No matter how hard you try, you can’t make any progress when swimming against the tide. Similarly, while social networking may have its issues in the workplace, and in particular security concerns, the key to success is not in fighting against it but, rather, figuring out to harness its potential while staying in control.  Just like swimming in the ocean, the best approach is to stop fighting and swim with the tide until you reach the shore.

Redefining Social Networking

When it comes to adoption, the initial resistance in the enterprise seems to be that social networking isn’t typically associated with working. To put it bluntly, there are laggards who think that if it’s “social,” it can’t be business. Changing the way we talk about it by using the terms “social business” and “enterprise social networking” will re-align the way we think about social tools in the workplace. In turn, the minds of those aforementioned laggards will begin to open and see that social can have a place in business.

Simplicity and Ease of Use is Key

Introducing a social business environment should make life easier, not more complicated. At the heart of social business is simplicity and ease of use, which is why there’s a huge problem with some of the really complex tools available. The ideas behind them are nice, and they certainly seem comprehensive enough to fulfill the needs of the enterprise, but if it’s too difficult to figure out and actually use, adoption will be low. The iPhone is a great example of simplicity done right. All of the basic functions that people want are readily available and incredibly intuitive– like making calls, checking email, downloading a new app, searching or texting. Because of that, it’s very popular. The same is true for rolling out a social business environment, it must be intuitive and secure or it will not thrive. 

Social is Enhancing, Not Fixing

Generally the enterprise is looking to solve a problem when adopting new technologies. This mindset works against social business adoption since it’s really not solving anything, per se. However, it is enhancing the way things already work, which is just as valuable. Think about the car – when Henry Ford invented the motor vehicle, we already had means of transportation via horse and buggy. But with the car, we can travel faster and for longer distances over a shorter time. Similarly, there’s always room to improve processes in the enterprise. So, in the enterprise, we can already communicate and collaborate, but there’s a way to do it more efficiently with enterprise social business. Research from McKinsey[1] shows that social business offers companies the potential to improve productivity of highly-skilled workers by 20 to 25 percent. It is simply taking a process that is already in place, and making it better.

Understanding Business Value

While social networking tools may be about enhancing rather than fixing, users will be slow to adopt these tools if they don’t understand the value. Organizations must first recognize the business value and communicate to users exactly how social business will advance current processes and activities. If a user knows they can save time or improve an existing process with the help of social tools, they will be much more inclined to get on board.

Serious Consideration

In light of these barriers, I believe that the enterprise is beginning to seriously consider integrating social business as part of its normal every day. Historically, the enterprise is very slow to adopt, often lagging about four to five years behind the consumer. Think about the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend, for instance. Consumers started working on their own devices remotely without authorization, and once adoption got really deep within the organization, the IT department or CIO in charge realized it was not under control and lacked certain securities. This is how BYOD evolved to have more standard practices, and social business is following suite.

Already the enterprise is beginning to see how social business benefits such as structured conversation and simpler communication have value. These realizations are backed by research, too.  For instance, McKinsey reported that companies that use social media internally can reduce, by as much as 35 percent, the time employees spend searching for company information. They state that additional value can be realized through faster, more efficient, more effective collaboration, both within and between enterprises.

While this is undoubtedly compelling, we’re in the early stages of ROI and more quantitative results will likely be needed before enterprise social networking becomes the new norm. As businesses come to fully understand how social networks will propel their organizations forward, I predict adoption rates will surge. I look forward to the day when business and social meet and, until then, am certainly enjoying the ride.