Thursday, May 28, 2009

Nimble Notes Has New Nest



Nimble Notes has a New Nest.
Please click below for current posts!


www.TheNimbleNotes.com

Thanks!


Monday, May 4, 2009

Change the Station, Expand Your Network


I've been inspired. I'm blasting out the cobwebs, turning up the music and just plainly getting on with things. With that, I'm learning about people. Someone (probably more than one person) said one small degree of change at the beginning make a world of difference at the end so this is what I have changed:
  • The radio station I listen to
  • Reading offline
  • Renewed commitment to better eating
  • Insisting on gratitude, openness, and respect
This mind is open and willing to receive new experiences which includes new experiences with people online and off. I believe we meet the people we need to meet when we need to meet them. With a conscious decision to learn, our awareness needs to be turned on. Unfortunately, many of us walk around with little protective barriers and not so open minds.

Have you ever re-read a book that continues to make a difference? Last month, I re-read The Celestine Prophecy. For those of you who don't know, this book by James Redfield was a hit back in the early 90's and one of its messages was about learning from each other and how each of us has messages for the other. Reading this book in my college days, I embraced the "meeting who we need to meet" philosophy. It was interesting for me to recognize that core belief, ignited nearly 20 years ago (along with a ton of what we'll call life exprerience for now), still alive and part of my life force.

It's a choice to either connect with others or not. I think lots of social media enthusiasts get this. For things to work well, you have to connect. You can't connect without asking questions, and you can't ask questions without listening or reading at some point. Once you decide or become aware of what sort of people you are looking to connect with, you'll see opportunities pop up. Will you be looking broadly or will you have your blinders on?

Life has changed for me, there is no doubt. I'm enjoying the shift in my mindset and in the new roads ahead. I'm grateful for the relationships I have developed over Twitter resulting in both local and non-local friendships. Some have transferred offline and that is something really neat and authentic too. See my post about Hiding Behind Technology.

So who are you? What can we learn from each other?

Nimbly,
JCM

P.S. Thank you to Kneale Mann (One Mann's Opinion) for inspiring today's post.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Geeks, Nerds, and Xs, Oh My!


It came as a bit of a surprise really.

"You're a geek" she said.

"Me?"

"It's okay, really. You are."

I was so surprised I honestly didn't have anything else to add but "okay, I guess." This gave me pondering material as I drove home. Comfortable with technology I am indeed. Knowledgeable enough to find my way around and ask good questions, no doubt. But a geek? No. There are people far more knowledgeable and enthusiastic about technology (which I totally respect) than I.

Leveraging technology is what I need to do to support the clients I work with; that is a given. Teaching certain aspects for process comprehension is another. From the perspective of someone who hasn't related most technology to a specific business purpose, I understand where some technology can seem from outer space for some people.

At the last Geek Dinner London (www.twitter.com/#gdldn) @jvyoung kindly shed some light on geek-dom for the social media enthusiast-non-geeks attending (aka: me and two others).

A Geek - someone who enjoys technology and likes the gadgets and wizardry, has social skills and thus can drink beer and discuss it without any mishaps.

A Nerd - someone who stays in their basement, revels in the bits and bites and can't be social without medication or pant-wetting.

This information was timely of course since I became aware of the perception my peers had of what I do. I'm looking for a little help with the term though...here's my definition:

NeedHelpWithACoolTermX - someone who leverages technology, learns from and hangs with the geeks and bridges those who need to be brought up to speed.

My cell phone (the one I was reluctant to use at #gdldn due to its' vintage) knocked me out of my quandry and was the perfect reminder that I am not a geek but rather something in between.

Help a gal out here...would love some amo for the next time I hear those words again.

Nimbly,
JCM