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

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

Remember.

Today is Remembrance Day and I am drawn to the honouring and support to those in my community.

I can recall in primary school (in northern Ontario), trekking to the local cenotaph with my class. It was cold and snowing and I didn't know why we were doing this. As happy as I was to be out of the classroom, I'm sure the excitement was waning with each step.

When the silence fell, I watched the veterans and I distinctly remember their faces in solemnity. Some with tears...then I could sympathize. They weren't cold. They weren't wishing they were somewhere else. They were there to help us remember and appreciate, collectively, what we have and so were we.

There was a time when I didn't honour Remembrance Day. Then my children came and I felt responsible in teaching them the importance of respect and thinking beyond themselves. We went together; the only family there with children. They were well behaved and understood the need to be quiet. I wish I would have had a camera when my little boy went up to a decorated veteran and said thank you...and his sister followed. A few tears formed among us. They have a sense of appreciation and I'm proud of them.

So what does this have to do with the business of administration?

There is greater strength when we all remember the path, the tribulations and finally celebrate together in jubilation. A common goal, motivated team members and determination can change the world.

Is your corp a corps accomplishing great things with collaborative effort? Or, are you a standalone soldier?

Nimbly in appreciation,
JCM

Threading Twitter

So yesterday I learned something about others as well as myself.

In following various individuals through Twitter, creating my threaded network, I realized a couple of strengths of the medium as well as some weaknesses and it's only because no matter what kind of fabulous software exists, for the most part, people still need to be involved.

I was assessing the kind of information I receive through my day and thought it was time to prune a little here and there. I've unsubscribed to a few newsletters that just weren't speaking to me anymore. Some of them because they were repetitive and although used different words were essentially saying the same thing.

The same thing happened with Twitter. I'm looking to connect with real people; the kind I can relate to. There were a couple just sharing their pitch and propaganda and I will decide upon them later. There are those I'm following that haven't posted...ever since I chose to follow them. I guess they aren't really hurting anything being on my following list. And then there are those I don't agree with or offer very bold statements.

This is what I learned about us:

1. They have strong opinions.
2. They voice their perspectives.
3. I should dig deeper.
4. I can respect them.

You see in our sound byte lives Twitter feeds our need for pieces we can digest quickly. We are often quick to make judgements. Anyone worth following will go to the effort of expanding on their thoughts through their blog and you should dig deeper if you are moved by something. And there it was. Effort. That's something I admire. Confidence: something else I admire. Speaking your truth is huge on my list!

So culling has become more than originally thought. Turns out the people I thought I would ditch are the people I'm admiring most. Thanks for the lesson Loren Feldman @1938media. As for the other sensationalists that aren't consistent in their story or authenticity are the ones I'm blasting!

So put in the effort and I will follow.

Who knew?

Bridges for Kudos and Contacts

Those who follow me on Facebook and Twitter know I attended Bridges To Better Business yesterday here in London yesterday. It's an annual conference put on by the Small Business Centre and this year was the 10th anniversary! My dear friend and mentor received special recognition for serving as a mentor to many for 5+ years to this particular event. Susan, I'm glad others appreciate all you do.

Mr. Leonard Lee, Founder of Lee Valley was our breakfast guest speaker and what a delight it was to listen to a seasoned entrepreneur as he. Everything I have thought, imagined and experienced through this company was right there in front of us yesterday morning. This gentleman has integrity, humility and humour all in one. Despite being in a room full of business people, it felt more like we were at a kitchen table. Thank you Mr. Lee for keeping it real!

I signed up for two sessions. The first one I know well, and keep dear every day. It was about Relationship Building. I recognized one mentor right away and that made me realize I probably picked this session last year as well. Howie Wright, Careswell Partners, thank you for the gentle suggestions and great feedback to the participants; it's always nice to be in your company. David Wyatt, Middlsex Appliance, I suspect you are cut from the same cloth as Mr. Lee above. It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your perspective on the time and perseverance it takes to create and build long term relations. Mr. Barry Fitzgerald, you have a mountain of experience and we're all grateful for your contribution as well!

To my classmates, Mr. James Gibbons (CMA), Eli Wielhouwer (Wielhouwer & Associates), Herb Sinden (Sinden Renovation & Design), Michael Ferrell (four wide Design), Jim from Nature's Image, Teresa with the bookkeeping service, and Jennifer Teeple (Red Razberry Design) thanks for your participation...and your patience during my hack attack. I encourage you to explore the idea of social marketing and how to develop relationships this way too!

I will post the synopsis of our discussion on my Facebook Group - Nimble Neighbourhood as soon as I receive it. Thanks again everyone for a great day of making new contacts!

Nimbly,
JCM

Whoo! White Water Webbing!

It all began pretty simple. I thought I could do some research on social marketing to be an informed participant. I get it. I'm learning and adding bits and pieces as I go.

Facebook is probably where I feel safest, LinkedIn is next and I even have a draft for the Nimble Squidoo page where there will be some neat things you can even wear...more on that another time. Twitter is a new addiction for me too!

I was deep in cyber-space following link after link; following what appealed to me. So the proverbial water was begining to rise. It was warm and quite nice really, I was enjoying the new waters as I surfed and picked up tidbits all over. And then it happened. No one told me there would be some sort of tidal wave, an under current coming to the surface...and then I hit the white water.

Where's my "stuff" in relation to everything I learned today? How do I do this? How do I do that? Oh, I really like that! Oh dear, I'm really behind, where do I start? These people are going to links and am I really wanting them to see what I've got (and not) so far?

Whiz, whril, sputter, sphlat!

And then I stopped. I recalled a quote from someone I can 't remember now that said "The will must outdo the skill" and that set me back on track. So I began to ask questions and as the answers trickle in I will improve what I see fit, without the panic. I believe those who are giving of their expertise are the best associates to have. No one needs to be taken advantage of but a little give can go a long way. I encourage constructive criticism.

I love my will to learn and that is as valuable as a lifeboat in the river ride of the internet.

Be Brave

Headshots are important to keep up to date. You are representing your company and for some of us, our company represents us so why not keep that up to date. I happen to love photography. People in particular since we're all so unique.

There's a place though for serious shots and business representation is one of them. I enjoyed hosting a Headshot H-event yesterday morning. Not only is Fred Hunsberger totally awesome in photography but he let me assist him; it's what I do: I assist. It's very hard for me to sit aside when I know I can help. I digress...

It's good to have a variety of pictures so not only do you need the serious, business photo you should be able to have some fun ones too. More and more, our customers want to know what's we're all about. Frankly, I like to have a little fun and make people smile so it came in handy yesterday as I assisted. This also explains the silly headshot to the right. My mentor dared me to put it on my website. This is easier and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to comment. Now that I have scoffed at the dare, what's next? Anybody know?

Be brave folks! Don't be afraid to show your fun side too! You might be surprised to see what you get in return.

Nimbly,
JCM

So who works 9 to 5 anyway?

I love to sing this beloved Dolly Parton tribute to the working folk. Anyone catching the tune at the intersection usually bob their heads along with me.

You may be wondering why I love to sing it. It's not a happy song really; and it reminds me of why I do what I do. According to the song, there aren't too many people out there working for the man, who are very happy. They're restricted to the hours, restricted to the pay and restricted to whom they work with. Not me!

I realize we're no longer in the 80's and thank goodness for that! Times have changed. This virtual thing allows me the flexibility to grow in all kinds of directions including both professional and personal aspects of my life. I work when the work needs to be done and I'm compensated as such. There are many with their noses to the grindstone who start work before 9:00 a.m. and go well beyond 5:00 p.m. I am grateful for being able to provide an extra hand, arm, leg or brain to my customers when and where they need it.

So, who really works 9 to 5 anyway?

Note Worthy?

Welcome to Nimble Notes, a spot for comments, impressions and experiences. What will be note worthy you may ask? I too wondered at first; but I suspect things will come to me and I hope you enjoy my commentary. I encourage your comments as Nimble Notes progress.

One of my mentors, Susan Regier (www.vantageone.ca), asked what goals I have for the year. Kicking into gear technologically is one I hope to attain. Part of developing a blog, for me, is to "experience" the process. It only makes sense to walk the talk. I love contributing to home based businesses and many entrepreneurs don't have (or take) the time to investigate these now common methods of getting their message out. Another is writing articles and distributing them effectively. Thoughts and comments can go much farther now and an informed assistant can provide the channel.

There are some great resources in our city; young, energetic professionals are willing to share their knowledge with someone keen enough to ask intelligent questions. We all want compensation at some point; however, there is reward in giving. Givers gain and I endeavour to share as much as I can.

Nimbly yours, JM