Nimble Notes Has New Nest

Nimble Notes has a New Nest.
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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.

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

Don't Hold Back.

Keep it simple. Don't hold back. We've all heard that before, no? But how do we really do it? Sometimes our egos get in the way and insist upon being elaborate or defined a certain way.

Recently, I have received newsletters with slight errors in them. As I came across the errors (and don't get me wrong, I make my own errors on a regular basis) the words "get it out 'good enough'" from various gurus echo in my ears. In an altering world of human acceptance and connectedness I think we are forgiving in ways we haven't previously been. I thought of my interactions with both of these individuals and what I remembered was their laughter, genuineness and worldly intention. Quite frankly these types of slight errors no longer matter in my big picture. This does not mean I'm not committed to correct messaging, proper marketing techniques or good English. My point is human connection and how we feel towards a person, product or service will overrule small typos and formatting incongruity.

Life isn't perfect, we aren't perfect, and if we are attracting the right customers, evangelists and supporters, they will lump the mis-perfections too. So do your thing, spread your word, share your talents...we'll all be the better for it.

Nimbly,
JCM

Networking = Dating for Business

The first Wednesday of the month is a busy day for me, but I love it! I have blogged about Networking Wednesdays (London Small Business Centre) before; referencing the new people I've met or the ones I've reconnected with. For the last few consecutive months, there has been a record crowd so that's always fun!

There were a couple of people there I was delighted to reconnect with. It was a new event to some. Little did I know I would be heeding my own advice (and getting back to basics) later on in the evening at the second event I attended: the London Geek Dinner and Tweetup; a brand new experience for me.

New social settings are always a little unnerving, no matter how confident you are or what reason you have for going. Networking for business doesn't need to be any different than when you're looking for a date. You are, after all, looking to create a new relationship.

Sometimes we fumble for words to use or decide to not participate in the opportunity despite being there in person. Here are some questions I keep in my back pocket when I find a lull in the conversation. By the time I get to the fifth one and it just seems like I'm firing questions, and there really isn't any connection, I recognize it's time to move on to meet someone else.

For those of you who can relate to the dating scene, here are some translations for you.

"What's your sign" = "What business are you in?"
"Where do you work" = "How do people find you?"
"Do you come here often?" = "Where else do you promote what you do?"
and the more personal: "May I buy you a drink?" = "Tell me what motivates you to do what you do."

Finally, when it's time to move around...

"...so how 'bout those {insert sport's team}" = "Let me introduce you to..."

When networking, I absorb as much information as possible...which is why I'm pretty whupped when it's over.

My motivation is quite simply this: "What do you do, and how can you help any of the people I have ever met or will ever meet?" You see, I love connecting people. Finding new ways, products and services that can make this world a better place (one person at a time) is very rewarding for me. And thus, I love networking.

So next time you've pumped yourself up to get out and network, don't forget to participate and be clear and articulate about what you have to offer.

Nimbly,
JCM

Move over blue...hello green!

It's time to put a little more zest in my world and nothing better than some "new green." This is the first place (Nimble Notes) I want to try it. I love blue and green despite what the old wives have to say.

Afterall, spring is just around the corner and with it, new beginnings. It's time for a long breath of fresh air.

What's new in your business? One little change can make the world of difference...make it today!

Sound Therapy...What's Yours?

Sometimes you just need a little jazz. Or rock, or Celine. Wait. Maybe not.

There's nothing like a boost of energy or movement in the middle of the work day (and this goes for cubicle dwellers too!) I call it sound therapy in very broad terms. Two days ago, I came across this You Tube video and it did the trick. I was howlin', dancin' and smilin' in my Tina-wanna-be way! Cleared of some built up physical energy, I was able to return to my work refreshed...and grateful I could carry on like that with no witnesses.

There are others that share my music philosophy. Blip.fm has tapped into that with their be a DJ offer. Myspace has a ton of great music and artists too. There are often tweets suggesting tunes for people to listen to. Scott Stratten of @unmarketing is awesome for coming up with themed musak and has a significant playlist already. My friend @forrestbivens introduced me to Erika Badu and you can listen to FunkyForrest's playlist here. Mix it up, it's worth listening to.

If you're so far gone, and getting up and moving around isn't working for you, maybe going in the other mellow direction will help. In that case, you need to hook up with my friend @healingsinger, Brenda MacIntyre. Brenda has wonderul meditation and clearing medicine through her drums and native singing. She can be found on her blog here and her MySpace page here.

Finally, I'd like to introduce a new follower from Portugal, @vitorcunha who shared this link to his new EP Connect the Dots. I'm getting to know Vitor's music and look forward to the next one coming out...the most emotional one yet!

Sing people...it will only make you feel better.

Nimbly,
JCM

Don't Hide Behind Technology - Pick Up the Phone.

The telephone, invented so long ago by our revered Alexander Graham Bell, seems like old technology by age. And yet, it still connects us all everyday and probably multiple times. The wireless world is slowly creeping up on the old boy's invention but there's an element that just can't be overlooked: Direct Human Interaction. Included in this assessment of information is tone, language, background noise, and attentiveness.

We can show Twitter love and links, Facebook friends and follies, however there is nothing more direct and telling than a real-time conversation. There is no delete key, no technological blips or excuses. (We can usually tell when someone is faking the "...psccht...what?...you're breaking up...bad signal here"!)

Part of the power behind Twitter is the capacity for developing relationships, eventually leading to referrals and trusted information sources. A sure way to facilitate this is to pick up the phone. Here are a few conversation starters:

1. How does Twitter support what you do?
   
   
2. What's your biggest challenge?
   
   
3. Whose tweets do you look forward to the most?
   
   
4. What kind of information do you generally appreciate?
   
   
5. How did you get to where you are now?
   

These questions apply to any kind of networking so use them wherever you meet people. Insert "technology" for Twitter and "tweets" for "information" and you've got a very portable and flexible conversation starter.

Don't hide behind technology. I really encourage you to connect with people you are intrigued or inspired by. Pick up the phone and call. You may be surprised by the impact you create by doing so. As for me, I can be reached at 519-652-2384 EST. I would love to hear from you!

Nimbly,
JCM

Have I Met You Recently?

Just because you network online, doesn't mean you shouldn't network face to face. I mentioned the three different ways to network in an earlier post and actually put my own theory into action this week with three different networking events...almost!

The Small Business Centre hosts Networking Wednesday on the 1st Wednesday of every month. Friends and entrepreneurs gathered at TrisanOne and were warmly welcomed by Lorraine Landgren. The room was abuzz with eager entrepreneurs to check in with old and new acquaintances alike.

Members of the EClub always enjoy meeting up there while representing the club. Greeters Jayme Cousins (In House Logic) and Cathy Brown-Swanton (The Studio Wellness Clinic) were pros at ushering in attendees by having a secret password...something about the flying distance of a swallow...or colour. Which side of the door do you think I chose? Adam Malamis (Similam Media) gave a small presentation about our EClub and why he decided to join.

I met some new faces and businesses too! Dan Renwick of Network Solutions introduced himself and an established company (a Div. of VBM Incorporated) I hadn't known existed in the computer sector of the city. It has been right under our noses all along! On the same theme, Dan Wright is full of enthusiasm about his new company: Prowire Solutions. Adam and I both agreed he has a great business card and he can hook you up for music, video, and surveillance. I was particularly delighted when Cathy Obright (a Business & Personal Coach) from Brighten Your Future Coaching came up and requested a card in anticipation of her client looking for admin support. Thanks Cathy! Next I met Renny Thomson a travel consultant for YYZ Travel Group. We talked travel with Adam and how sometimes you really only want a one-way ticket.

Before Networking Wednesday wrapped up I was determined to wish my EClub fellow, Sean Sweeney of Fortress Data Vaulting the utmost of luck for the upcoming Venture Prize London competition. I'm cheering for you Sean!

And here's a twist; where online meets offline. James Rivers, Titan Marketing Strategies (@jamesrivers on Twitter) said as soon as he came to the door I needn't introduce myself because he already knew who I was. I knew who he was too! It was great (and always is) to meet someone you've been chatting with online. The kind of chatter (or twitting) one does with Twitter is very casual (yet professional depending on who you follow and choose to converse with) so we didn't need to make small talk. That's so neat! Not only is he developing a fabulous Twitter program package, James has a great marketing mind with all kinds of tech savvy. I was delighted to shake his hand.

This is the perfect seguay to the next event I was to attend that night: London Tweetup and Geek Dinner. In between events though I decided one was probably enough for the day and in looking at the mirror, decided to visit a friend under the weather instead. I will make it to the next thought. Promise!

Bright and early the next morning, I packed up my children and arrived for the 7:00 a.m. Summit Referral Network meeting. I was substituting for Nancy Kirwin of Townsend Mutual Insurance, a woman of integrity, compassion with a sense of humour! There was an intimate group that morning with Brenda Feenstra (Feenstra Interior Design) at the helm, Ann Leeson (Investment Planning Council of Canada) , Winn Barnett, Independent Mary Kay Director, Wayne Mann (Entrepreneur's Source), Ken Davison (MedIt) and Ryan Yeo (Blackfriar's Beauty Salon). During breakfast we heard aboud each other's business, discussed their fun night that night, and I got to soap box about Twitter and Social Media. Winn had some great items ready for purchase just in time for Valentine's Day too.

Thank you to everyone I met and discussed various things with over those two days. It was great to reconnect with some faces I haven't seen in a while and reassuring there were many more people to learn from.

Being an online networker has it's advantages; scope for one. As comfortable as it is to dialogue in various social media forums, you should still make a direct human effort to talk with the people you encounter. It's an acid test since there is no backspace or delete key on the telephone or in person.

Nimbly,
JCM

Another Do's and Don'ts of Social Media

There are many opinions on how to leverage Twitter and other social media sites to grow your business. Here's my take on some do's and don'ts.

• DO strike up a conversation...you never know where it might lead. Chances are, exactly that; a lead. You need to pay attention and connect on something specific about that individual. Don't become a forgweeter just as Jason Tryfon suggests here.
  
  
• DON'T pretend to be someone else. Authenticity is paramount and your credibility will be flushed if there is any doubt. Furthermore, there is no reason not to be you. Twitter has people in business and people being personal (some a mix of both). You choose who you follow. Chris Brogan has blogged about the freedom to follow or not if you'd like a succinct explanation.
  
  
• DO have an avatar reflective of you or your business. Not having one at all sends a message of incompleteness. I never follow anyone I can't see. If you're tweeting for business, unless you are in the pet business, pets aren't big sellers for me either nor are most caricatures.
  


• DO send personal direct messages to the followers you choose to engage with. I send one to everyone who follows me. That doesn't mean I follow everyone back. DO NOT be tempted by the auto DM's they seriously annoy those of us who do the personal ones. Although a nice touch to be immediately responded to, the effect is erased when recognized as an auto.
  
  
• DO set an alarm, set an appointment because this is addictive. Twitter doesn't run out of food or the staff don't kick you out. It's one great big networking event that can go on as long as you want.
  
  
• DON'T participate expecting to "sell your junk." Connect first, sell later. Period.

There's a ton of information and a gazillion people looking to connect. How far is your network taking you these days? Consider Twitter and other social media outlets to expand your reach.

Nimbly yours,
JCM

Where's your heart? Where's your Business?

Apparently, more than ever, people are wanting to connect with each other.

Apparently, technology is facilitating the connection.

Apparently, we're still doing business with people.

Apparently, money isn't greasing all customer wheels.

I had a wonderful, direct, conversation yesterday with Lewis Green, author of How to Grow a Business by Putting People First yesterday afternoon. Mr. Green believes in heart for both customer and company and gives those listening or reading a formula to keep things realistic.

In our discussion, we both agreed that if there is no relationship, or personal tie all we were talking about was products and services (widgets) and our decision making would be price based. If we have experienced something, created a relationship, trusted information, or received a referral, it was about "the next sale" and then price was not the major factor, the company was. (Company being either a business entity or the people surrounding the transaction)

This is not new. The question for me is how do I support businesses in realtionship (not a typo);

1. understanding the effect relationship building can have on their business
2. give them something relate-able from micro-business, small business, big business
3. assist them in overcoming the "what's the cost" concern.

Larger companies are hesitant to expose their heart (with the exception of the few mentioned in Mr. Green's book). Just as they are reluctant to rev-up the engines of social media. Smaller companies or micro-companies have the ability to turn quicker, adjust, accommodate feedback, without need to accumulate approvals from various departments. They just don't have the resources (people, time, money) to do it.

Here we are, back at the beginning. So where does Real and Relationship meet for my customers? There are no quick and easy answers or blanket solutions. What's your mix of heart and business; what's your Realtionship Status?

Nimbly,
JCM

Anything Come to Mind?

Welcome 2009! Along with a renewed commitment to this blog and my techno-life, I wish to expand my world again. It hasn't hurt me yet and in all the reading I've been doing a common theme jumped out at me. People. I have been developing social contacts online and appreciate all I have learned with them. There are a few people I'd like to connect with face to face though.

This is not saying I wouldn't love to meet the people I have met online. I would be delighted to have coffee/lunch/tea with any of you! It's time to stretch a little again, beyond my comfort zone, and think about successful people I'd like to have lunch with and do it.

Since we sometimes don't realize the limitations we put on ourselves, I'm thinking you may be able to suggest people I should meet. So here are some guidelines:

1. An entrepreneurial mom who figured out how to raise kids and a business and not loose too much sanity in the process.
   
2. A celebrity: If we're going to think big let's make it Queen Latifa...or John Cusak.
   
3. I want to develop friendship with someone in the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
4. Meet three social media gurus: 1 who runs a small business, 1 who takes the corporate perspective and 1 who does it for personal reasons.
   
5. A spiritual leader of a totally different faith.

The second place I'd like to stretch is in geography. Here's a little disclosure: I haven't been very far. So here's a list of places (in no particular order) I think I'd like to go. If anyone can help create an amazing time on a very limited budget I'd be happy to consider it!

1. Canadian Maritimes - to smell the Atlantic, feel the spray & connect with the Maritime spirit.
   
2. Boston - don't know why, just want to go.
   
3. New York - immerse in the culture, experience the pace, & get all sassy! (May need my sisters with me for that!)
   
4. San Franscico - again don't know why, just want to go.
   
5. The most beautiful rolling field of green and wild flowers.

If someone or details come to mind as you read this post, please forward an email or website address. I trust in getting the information I need as I need it so don't hold back!

Thank you for your support in my development; both in business and personally we will all grow this year!

Nimbly,
JCM

Who's in Your Team "Hoorah?"

Have you ever set lofty goals? I hope you have and even more so, I hope you exceeded them. So, how did you do it? Was you drive and determination enough or did you need to access others strengths to get where you wanted to be?

Now that you have experienced the cycle of goal setting and reaching the goal, were you able to assess what you experienced and what you did? If you have an entrepreneurial spirit you will undoubtedly wonder how you will do it better in the next round. We all try (some better than others) to do it all ourselves. What would success look like if you leveraged the strengths of others? Depending on what you value, it could look like this:

1. You could reach your goal with a sane mind and enough energy to celebrate; although a little less in the bank account once you factor in support services.
   
   
2. You can have a huge bank account and one last "hoorah, I made it" just before you pass out of exhaustion or illness...all on your own.

I am biased as you know. We are in business doing something we love and believe in. So what happens when it becomes distorted and almost unrecognizable as we strain and stretch? It's not so pretty anymore and we begin to avoid the work we felt we could move mountains with.

Even if there is one task you wish someone else would do for you; concentrate for a few moments everyday that a person with exceptional skills in that area will come to you. Think about how you would like the work done, how it will improve your operations including what it will cost. Don't be surprised if someone does come along for the price or barter you were looking for.

Two things will happen. First, you will have someone else to consider when you are providing the service/product you do. This will expand your thinking for your business. It will also make you accountable to this person on a smaller scale; but laying ground work for others. Secondly, you will be so impressed you manifested this person it will motivate you to manifest more...and you'll have time and energy for this since you no longer have to grudgingly consider the task anymore. Your energy is no longer being drained from you.

Creating a team does not have to mean new departments and office suites. A small change can make a big difference. In this world of contract work and increasing micro business, keeping an attitude of abundance and sharing the pie will not only give you a growing company but flexibility to meet some extraordinary people with exceptional talents.

Who's on your team? Time for a group HOORAH!

Nimbly,
JCM

Staying on Track if You're Not in the Race

I deserved it. Last post I was boasting about the benefits of working at home and how much drive and determination it took. Since then, I've been sick with the flu...and well, my drive is a little different now. But I'm still happy to be working from home. Although much less productive I'm still able to get into the work at hand for urgent matters and then retreat.

Enough of that. I'm on the mend and I wanted to share some links to a few products and businesses run by amazing women.

Here they are:

Susan Regier, Vantage One Writing and Publisher of Networking Today just launched a new website and franchise opportunity. She's an amazing role model and business woman! Check it out here: www.networkingtoday.com

Kat Tansey, Choosing To Be, just launched her new book, Choosing to Be - Lessons in Living from a Feline Zen Master. Kat has experience quite a journey and she is a delight to interact with. She also runs a radio show Finding Magic in Midlife on Exceptional Wisdom Radio.

On the same literary theme, Pauline Duncan-Thrasher has launched her book recently Swimmin' Women: Ride the Waves of Change and Dive into Life. She also speaks to groups on various topics. She's a very warm & gentle lady with lots of life experience and pizzazz for creating the life you want!

Finally, Dina Santorelli is the creator of Work, Home, You. I met Dina online and have loved her newsletter and style ever since. I even submitted for a contest she was offering and I won! The newsletters are short, relevant to working at home and nice to look at too! For the month of December (08) if you sign up for her newsletter you'll get a free mug...perfect for those of us working from home. Sign up here (at bottom of page). Can you tell which slogan I created?

The point I want to make in this post is the importance of the community and how we can support each other in celebrating successes, creating new opportunities, and the power or social media for whomever is willing to put in the time. Flu or not, I still checked in with my buddies; thank God there's no video cam!

Nimbly,
JCM

No Ho-Hums at Home only Drive and Passion

How many of you have experienced this: "You work at home, how nice for you to do what you want?"

When will the myth of "work and play whenever you want to" wear off and the truth be known to those who don't work from home?

Let me clarify for intrapreneurs (whom aren't the target for this blog so feel free to share it outside of the small business circle).

• Working at home does mean I can do whatever I want; just as much as it can be reality for you too. It does not mean that I can wait for any service or product longer than others (like in a bank line, or doctor's office).
  
  
• Working at home is handy. Yes indeed it cuts back on greenhouse gases from my car, can be a handy tax right off, and reduces the need to make a healthy lunch before the start of the work day. It also means, I have to walk by my desk any other time I'm not behind it and see what's waiting for my return. Included in this availability is the possibility of customers dropping in because they figured I'd be at home (read: the need to have things tidy at all times).
  

Entrepreneurship is not for sissies. It takes mental focus, determination and commitment to a balanced life beyond what is happening at a desk. Not just a little work here, and a little work there. To keep this positive, here are the advantages in my perspective:

1. Ability to move quickly: Be Nimble without the need for approvals, departmental meetings etc. They happen, it's just easier to make a decision with only one person (albeit with split personalities some days) or a team of remote staff.
   
   
2. Get the work done and then play...guilt free. If there isn't enough play; it's your own fault! If there isn't enough work to warrant the play, then maybe you're in the wrong business. If there is too much work to play then you need to delegate and then play! Simple.
   
   
3. Networking as a entrepreneur is different. One can't help but want to network and talk shop and learn how you can do business with others or do things better. Sometimes, as an intrapreneur, your passion while networking might not match who you are networking for.
   
   
4. Access to the entire universe of talent! You get to choose who works with you and whom you work with! Barring the mailman, you get to hand-pick your support team.
   
   
5. Leveraging technology has to be the most significant advantage in today's business world compared to 10 years ago. Think of the progress we have made in the method and speed we can do business. This point delivers the previous ones for without technology none of this would be possible for many of us (VA's in particular).

In closing I suggest instead of "oh, how nice that you can work from home" people give us a little praise for accomplishing all we do. After all, it's not just being able to get the kids off the bus and provide healthy meals to the family. (I wonder if that would actually happen if I worked for someone else!) Ask what drives us to do the business we do; you may just be surprised how passionate our answer is!

Nimbly,
JCM

Three Components to Networking...What's Your Mix?

Good morning and good week to you all!

After a much deserved techno-break over the last few days, I want to talk about your network. There are a few different ways to build your business and life before you need to call on anyone. (see Harvey MacKay's book, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty).

I bet when Harvey first wrote that book, social media probably didn't exist. He notes in the later pages of the book about email and how to keep in touch with people. So here is my take on the three components of networking essential to a thriving business.

1. Local Networking
   You've got to get out and meet people face to face. It's a litmus test. Can you communicate, live, with someone, where you can't hit the backspace key and reformulate what you're pitching? Can you present yourself with all the right subliminal clues making what you're all about congruent with everything you say, do or sell?
   
   
2. Social Networking
   Reach into the wide world of information and people. Can you relay your personality and commitment in 140 characters? Probably not in one shot but you must do so in multiple times. That's the key. Give sound bytes of what you're all about more than once. This network will also feed the local network if you do it right. As someone who assists, this is a critical fountain of information that I can feed to my local, non-friended or followed, network.
   
   
3. Research Networking
   It was suggested that listening was the first step in embarking Twitter and it's very true. There is nothing wrong with checking out the scene before you jump in. I couldn't help it since it was obvious to me I should be swimming there. Here's the thing: It applies to any kind of networking. Before you commit to either of the above, check it out and see what is applicable to you. There's nothing wrong in telling people what your intention is. If you are researching for information, please state that upfront. Most people are happy to share their experience. It will be up to you to decipher the quality of the information you get. This will also speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

In any kind of networking it's important to listen first, then talk. No one wants to be pitched right after "hello" so don't do it. I believe Mr. Godin was the guy who stated we're out of the "information age" and into the "recommendation age" and we should all keep that in mind as we sell our wares. I think Mr. Mackay would agree.

Regardless, you must network to live. It's up to you what combination you create for yourself. Just remember; what you do in one, you do in the other.

Nimbly,
JCM

Looking for a Blogging Buddy

Buddies. They're there for you right?

It's suggested you have a Weight Loss Buddy, Swimming Buddy, Study Buddy and now that I've typed it a few times I'm unsure of the correct spelling. Regardless of what you're doing, a Buddy can assist you in getting there.

So it was no surprise to see Darren Rowse's post yesterday on Problogger to engage a Blogging Buddy. Does that seem silly? Maybe so, but I'm willing to give it a try. If you are interested in what I do or who I interact with perhaps we could support each other in blog entries on a regular basis. Here's my criteria:

1. Must Business related
2. Must give information or perspective; no rants without betterment included
3. Must have desire to post daily (except weekends)
4. Should be able to tie in services with mine
5. Must have an existing Blog with posts.
   

Also refer to the post below about what one can expect from The Nimble Assistant which will help you learn a little about what I'm all about.

I'm putting this idea out there and look forward to reviewing potential Blog Buddies.

Nimbly,
JCM

Motivated Monday

I am seriously motivated today.

Not only have I completed a few paying pieces of work, I'm energized by feedback from complete strangers and they are affirming for me what my passion is: assisting.

@GaryVee's address to the web2.0 conference (thanks to post from Perry Belcher) is amazing. Find your passion and quit whining. Just do it.



As I learn about Social Media so too am I discovering that some things just don't change. Treat people as you want to be treated, live truthfully, transparently...and HUSTLE just as Gary put it.

Here's another way to look at your work week. Scott tweeted this last week and well, here we are on Monday. So if you're slumpy, grumpy or frumpy today, listen to this:





What's your passion? If you don't have one, you better hang with people who do...you'll catch up!

As for me, how can I assist YOU?

Sunny Days Ahead!

Well, it's barely Saturday and certainly not sunny (it snowed today and now it's dark) but I wanted to squeak in another post for the week's end.

My Twitter "Listen phase" quickly turned into a Twitter Addiction...and I can't possibly turn back now. I've had so many new paths open-up that you'd be truly surprised. I've also uttered the words "could I possibly get paid to do this for others?"

Answer: Yes, and I will. Stay tuned for details.

I'm having so much fun, and as you can see (barely), at the comments pasted below, I've already added value to others. That my friends, is opportunity knocking.

It is indeed a Sunshine Saturday!

Nimbly,
JCM

What You Can Expect from The Nimble Assistant

I was inspired by this blog post at http://tinyurl.com/5nhgkc (by @jer979 referred by @ChrisBrogan) for today's post. Read it after mine!

Here's what you can expect from me, dear social media pals:

1. I enjoy relationships & love helping people.
   
   
   
2. I adore a sense of humour.
   
   
   
3. I admire respectful behaviour.
   
   
   
4. I appreciate good systems.
   
   
   
5. I celebrate with others.
   

So here it is: Don't be afraid to ask for help. The right people may very well be right under your nose! For those of you coming from Facebook, you may be confused by some of my updates because they arrive in Twitter Language. Point #4 is in motion here.

It has been very rewarding for me to learn and interact within both Facebook and Twitter. Twitter has been the easiest and quickest though and I appreciate all that I've been able to accomplish there. Thought I would share a few results in the quotes above.

All in all, I assist. It's what I do and Twitter is a great place to build social media relationships in a very open and congruent way that I do business. Now, who would like all of my attention for 5 hours a week, a month at a time?

Thanks to all of my followers!

Nimbly,
JCM