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

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

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

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

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

Let's Talk About Women & Technology

I've re-written this post twice and can't seem to get the right words out to make it a full post. So I thought a different approach might be warranted.

Here are the details:

1. Women rock the WWW & IT world. http://twurl.nl/o2415n
2. What would the 'ol gals have to say about it?
3. What to the guys think?

What do you think? The best part of blogging is the discussion. 'll give it another go with some responses. Now for some brain food.

Nimbly,
JCM

Opportunity Networks

"May I assist? It's what I do."

If I could bill $5 for every time I say that I would have a nice vacation planned for next week. Truth is, it's a nice way of showing, actually doing, what I do for other people. Most times, when in a social setting or networking event, I take every chance I get to speak up, step forward and get involved in what is happening around me.

People usually chuckle, some groan since it's so direct to what I do. Regardless, I see the opportunity and take it. Sometimes it's simply helping a presenter handout materials or holding a door. Regardless, the comment is noted and recognized. Direct association with me and jumping in to get a job done which is what I'm about. If people are lighthearted and enjoy the scene unfolding then all the better for all of us.

I'm learning how true to my core helping, assisting, contributing to other people's lives is to me. It's even happening online now that I'm using Twitter (@nimbleassistant). I'm noticing what people are requesting and if I can add something positive, even it it's a referral to someone I'm following or being followed by, I can't help but pass it on! I'm really there to learn from others, share with others and develop the best resources for those within the Nimble Neighbourhood.

I am learning a lot indeed. It really doesn't take long before you can sort out the people who are there for #1 and not the collective. They won't be around for long. I'm glad I can unfollow people and block others. It's all about creating the network and attracting people who can support you in your goals.

Sometimes, it's the simple stuff that makes the biggest difference. May I assist? It's what I do.

Nimbly,
JCM

Where do you fit in?

Get online! Get a blog! Anyone can do it!

While these may be true, you really want to put your best foot forward in creating each layer of your business. There's a lot to learn for sure!

Here's a great link to a Hubspot article you should read...before you get started.

Before You Start Blogging, Ask Yourself These 10 Questions

It made me consider what I was doing as well. Somethings I felt good about and other I had to rethink and redirect. Here's where I'm at:

1. Primary target: People looking to network their business and stuff that will help them develop their businesses and their overall learning.
2. Secondary target: Businesses looking for approachable assistance in learning new product and technological waves from a newbie perspective.
3. Key information needs are: Bites of information, interpretation of application, and affordability.
4. Other blogs: Building a list or reputable, consistent and leading edge information.
5. Definitely leaving comments and remarks as I go. It's important to give people feedback and create the trail.
6. Key words: assistance, assistant, virtual, help, learning, resource, technology, nimble, versatile, contributing, aware, creative, professional, respectful, grateful, attitude...just to name a few
7. Only doing this one partly. Time to set up some other alerts!
8. So far so good!
9. Ultimate goal: To create an integrated web presence.
10. Both!

I welcome anyone's opinion or encouragement regarding where I can improve and continue to develop. Oh, and by the way, anyone can do it; if they really want to...it's just better if there is no crying when someone cuts into your onion.

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.

Digital Gas & You

Having the pleasure, recently, to evaluate my business systems I realized some of the fundamental pieces of The Nimble Assistant just can't be compromised. As I'm sure you will quickly agree, technology is an integral part of what we do and how we do it. So what happens when the power goes out or when brakes are on metaphorically speaking? It's time to find another way; get creative or reassess the resources we may be overlooking and not giving appropriate appreciation to.

So our businesses need fail-safes. We all do. Mine had to do with electronics where things either work or they don't. There isn't much in between. "There is no neutral" my colleague tells me and he is right. You are either going forward or going backward and in my case, receiving or not receiving information. When my info-pipeline was no longer working I had to rely on people to get my job done. I needed to use different equipment in different locations and work around different schedules to remain respectful of both my clients time lines and those in the environment I was borrowing.

People are the single most important resource we have. Technology conveniently assures us of our productivity as individuals but there's nothing like a little "digital gas" to make us realize how much we need each other.

Thank you to many for your ongoing support and flexibility