Chris - I love your enthusiasm and it IS contagious. I left IZEAfest armed with so many ideas after hearing you speak and was inspired by your level of commitment to what you do. You connected with everyone who you spoke with as if it was they that mattered most. While you had never met the majority of them before you took the time to listen, to make the connection. It reminded me that how important it is to make people matter. You shared so much valuable information while on the dais and while working the room.
I am new to Social Media. I only started on Twitter a year ago yet it has been life changing. I have met incredible people. I have travelled abroad. Been presented with amazing opportunities, all that would have never happened if it weren't for social media.
I share this story with EVERYONE I meet. I have experienced 1st hand the wonders of how social media shrinks the world, levels the playing field. If you "do it right" the benefits can be tremendous. You were one of the very first people I followed on Twitter. I learned so much from you and continue to "pay it forward" telling newcomers on Twitter, Facebook and Blogging to follow you. I also try to mentor people, companies and organizations on the benefits of social media done right!
Lauren Fisher
· 2 months ago
Chris - two amazing videos, all I can say is thank you for doing them! I set up a social media agency a few months ago, moved to Ireland (originally from England) and haven't looked back since! Gotta admit that sometimes the hours get to you and you start going a little crazy. Then I just remember what I do, why I'm doing it and I just get back to work with a smile on my face. Because that's the route I chose. Your videos have just spurred me on even more.
Community is the key. At the start of the business it felt like I was just *using* the community - looking for advice on starting a business, running an agency, social media etc.. and just soaking up all the information I could. But I remembered to give back and now it's starting to pay off. Now I get emails from people that I don't know looking for help with their thesis or tips on engaging with bloggers. It's not a business thing and I just love that even more.
You're right - we should all keep helping each other. The biggest challenge I face every day is convincing people that social media is right for them, that it isn't scary. When I know that there's examples I can point businesses to, to show how others are doing it, it makes my life a whole lot easier. We all just have to remember to keep sharing and telling our stories. And not just about social media, but everything it takes to be a success in life.
Roezer
· 2 months ago
Good point Lauren and Welcome to Ireland.One of the Main problems on Social Media is the Twitter Snobs who tell us what to do but don't inspire us with Anything Original.
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
Look at that. You've got the Irish connecting up with you via the blog comment section. Who knew?
I love hearing that you're out there doing the good stuff. : )
You do stuff with Thesis? How much stuff? I might have some work for you from time to time.
Pete Codella
· 2 months ago
What am I going to do? Here's what I'm doing: a recent e-book called Integrated Marketing in the Digital World (which could be published by next fall), presentations on social media about every week (some local, some thousands of miles away), chairing the Social Media Club of Salt Lake City and launching the first Utah Social Media Awards, talking with traditional media about the role of social media, and creating and teaching an online course for University of California, Irvine Extension titled Using Social Media as a Tool for Public Relations.
I agree with you Chris - there's not much time for sleeping!
Pete Codella
· 2 months ago
I forgot - I also created a song about social media, and thanks to @MultiMediaWise, created a music video ane published it on YouTube - http://snurl.com/ks7ia
richdixon
· 2 months ago
You inspire, which is maybe the highest compliment I can offer.
I just posted some thoughts this morning at Bouncing Back about Service Without Strings, then I drop in here and see this. Maybe the universe is telling me something?
I once had a guy tell me that his goal was to do well so he could do good. It rang a bit hollow, and now I know why. I think he had it backwards...the goal is doing good. Doing well is a nice by-product.
Thanks.
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
You know what? I actually understand that guy's sentiment. I'm on that same path. When I have money, I can do much more social good. When I don't, I can't. So I'm working on that same theory, only, I'm doing good along the way.
Sarge
· 2 months ago
I totally agree with this Chris. I'm at a point where I'm not all that comfortable financially and always think if I had that financial freedom I can then spend my day really taking all the time I want to spend helping other people out which I really want to do.
Unfortunately I'm not in a position where I have total financial freedom. There are times I have to do things for me to support myself that others may seem selfish or that I'm ignoring them.
It's not so much about having lots of money either, it's being a position where you are comfortable with how things are going yourself before you can be able to help others in a much stronger way.
I just wrote a post on my blog that relates to your video (before I saw this post) - especially the part about taking action. It's all good to say you're going to do something but you've got to actually do it!
Timberland shoes
· 2 months ago
I can't agree more.
lesmckeown
· 2 months ago
Hi Chris - Great stuff - thanks for posting with honesty and conviction. When I was in my 20's and 30's, I traveled maybe 3 days a week, every week, building my business on three continents. I loved it. Looking back, I only have one regret - I never (never being never) once took an extra day or two anywhere I went, just to hang out and smell the roses. I went to some amazing places, yet my memories are all of those 5.45 flights, midnight arrivals, conference rooms and hotel suites as gerry-rigged office substitutes. Don't do that thing, buddy. Take it from someone who's closer to 100 than 10 - make some memories on the way that are just for you :) Keep going. Loved the book, loving the updates. Les McKeown
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
It's a really good point, Les. I'm doing that now, the "not taking the extra day" thing. : )
Chris Anderson
· 2 months ago
Here is a quote I'd like to share with all of the overnight successes:
"Well done is better than well said"
- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
david horne
· 2 months ago
it is funny how overnight success takes several years to occur. i have some friends in the music industry. after 5-7 years of playing whenever and wherever they finally made it as a top 40 group. they were touted as overnight successes. only it took time to try-fail-adjust, associate with the right people, etc. all of us is more powerful than one of us. collaboratively we can shift thinking and redefine the game.
edhart
· 2 months ago
Great blog. I keep meeting individuals and businesses who express feeling of isolation and helplessness. The power of the community is huge and seriously underused and underestimated.
Are we moving towards a world where the greater good has more value than any individual?
Mohammed Al-Taee
· 2 months ago
You reached a point that everything you say is a lesson to learn.
Good Job!
iconic88
· 2 months ago
11yrs? Right on Chris!!
Your blog helps others achieve more through the sharing of your rich insight and knowledge into social media, its utility & effects.
Thank you.
Susan Payton
· 2 months ago
Chris-- You seem tired. No one would doubt that what you do is hard work. There is no overnight success. There's just the unknown finally becoming known. You have a mission and you are busting your butt to achieve it. Thanks for that, because you give people like me material to disseminate down the ranks. It is because of you I can do my job well. Keep up the good work (but don't overdo it!).
Shari Weiss
· 2 months ago
Susan, I LOVE "'there's just the unknown finally becoming known."
Jim Egly
· 2 months ago
Good stuff Chris. Just got my company signed up for reasonforacleaning.org. We will provide free house cleaning for woman getting cancer treatment, Keep it up sir
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
That's such a cool project!
Jack Hadley
· 2 months ago
Hi Chris. In your video you asked us to drop in and tell you one thing we are trying to do to stop talking to the social media crowd and to start pitching in where we can do some good.
Last year, my partners and I were asked to develop the curriculum for a social media marketing course for the Communications/Advertising Department at Brigham Young University. We’re currently teaching (and really enjoying) this progressive class. It has been so rewarding for us personally. The students are so excited to learn. They read, post, and comment on each other's blog posts on a custom social network we built for the class ( it is called: byuwebworkshop (dot) ning (dot) com in case you wanted to check it out... it's cool how much they participate ).
They are really excited about it. And WE can't wait to teach it each time! And that excitement spills over big time into our client work.
I recommend to anyone in this space to find a place to teach, without charging any money, and see how pumped it makes you feel about your work, and about social media marketing.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
That's a great thing, Jack. I'm glad you're doing that. Will I see you tomorrow in Vegas?
Jack Hadley
· 2 months ago
Thanks for asking, Chris. Unfortunately, I have other business commitments this week that must take precedent. Will miss being there. Best to you during the event.
Deb
· 2 months ago
You're right! It's all about getting everyone a leg up and teaching other people what we know. When you say 11 years, that makes me tired.... I've been hitting the ground for over a year now, working non stop and I'm tired. :) Overnight success is tired, but we're doing what we love!
I live in the Midwest and am working on getting people up to speed in the social media arena. I co-founded the Social Media Club in our area and I speak to the students at Universities to get them ready to go out into the work force armed with the proper tools. At my company, we also offer social media classes/workshops which professionals have really enjoyed. Also, we freely share information on our blog and when we meet with people. We believe that knowledge is power and we want the companies we're working with to succeed.
Shari Weiss
· 2 months ago
Hey, Deb, you sound like you're doing a lot of what I'm doing. Tweet me and let's chat. I've been teaching SM at colleges here in the Bay Area, but I'm from midwest [cleveland]. Check me out http://sharisax.com I know Chris suggested "we not be talking to each other" but . . . hmmm . . . I believe that that is what this particular conversation is all about :-)
Daniel Decker
· 2 months ago
I don’t want to make a blanket statement because there are indeed a LOT of really great people in the social space, people and experts using their talents for good... but there are also far too many today who seem more concerned about lifting themselves up rather than lifting others up. Sure, they might "say" they want to help others but there is often an underlying self serving agenda that shows itself. I just hope others can learn from what you are saying and invest in others not because of what they can offer in return but also for the mere sake of making a difference. Using the gifts and talents as a blessing to others as well. Ironically the more we lift up others, the more we too are elevated. It's like the Golden Rule on steroids. :)
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
You're right about that. There are lots of people not sharing what matters, what's next, what others can do to make it better. Some of us will be sharing some new stuff today at BlogWorld Expo. : )
christopherthiede
· 2 months ago
You asked what I'm doing to get in the game and help others elevate themselves. Although I've been in business for myself for almost three years now, I had not, until recently, been focusing my efforts. Now, I'm aiming for the bull's eye on every throw.
What's my bull's eye? Small companies in the residential building & remodeling category. Why that category? Because that's where I cut my teeth, it's what I know and love, it's where my passion is. I can't claim any great successes yet, but I'm working on it (on 4.5 hours sleep, I might add).
Thanks for your continued inspiration.
Shari Weiss
· 2 months ago
Good luck, Chris. Sounds like you have a plan.
christopherthiede
· 2 months ago
Thanks!
Lois Ardito
· 2 months ago
Well Chris, I think whether you read this or not isn't really important.......I think I'm writing this for myself and my business partners. 25 years ago faced with a sizeable mortgage, a broken kitchen stove and needy car and two children.. my husband and I ( both artists) decided something had to give. I went to work as a realtor. I was surprised to find that I love it. I loved helping people find homes in my adopted twon of Arlington, MA and making people happy. It was a high, I'll admit. New homeowners would send flowers, write nice notes, I'd see them in the local foodstores and we'd hug. I forgot I wasn't making art. That's as simple as it was in the late 80's. Then things changed, the early 90's bad time for housing and then the internet! We, as realtors, we no longer the "keepers" of the info. Everyone become skepitcal. It appeared that no one trusted the transaction anymore. The "high" of helping changed and as a realtor you really had to work hard to be a convincing Trust Agent. Last year I started, along with 4 other woman, a RE online company. We have spent alot of time thinking about how we are going to change the game. Tools, tech, resources for the client, etc. etc. But guess what? As of today I am going back to the attitude of the 80's and I am going to think daily how I am going to answer your question....How can I help others, how can I do good and pass on that attitude. That should be the core of our business, yet again. I'm not going to tweet RE relevant info but I'm going to ask the question daily, "What can we do for you?". "How can we help you?" Thank you for reminding me why I do what I do. PS I wish you a weekend at home with your family real soon!
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
I read everything you send, Lois. Why wouldn't I learn from you? You've got the skill.
You're good people. Oh, and I had a family weekend this last weekend. : )
Lois Ardito
· 2 months ago
Hopefully you skimmed it and didn't notice the spelling errors. I have to learn to type slower and think more! Happy about the family stuff.......the "Littles"do keep us grounded, don't they.
Tom Martin
· 2 months ago
Love this Chris. What am I going to do?
Well you already know -- and I'm so glad you have agreed to be a part of it -- and I look forward to sharing the learning we get from the project this spring. Gonna be great and I hope be the kind of project/case study that peeps can show their bosses to say, "see -- we need to get into this game, it really works"
In the meantime, for anyone that is looking for a "How to use Twitter to change brand perception" case study -- they can go here http://budurl.com/TomMartin6 I put the entire project from beginning to end, including the final results and case study, into a single post.
Hope this helps a few peeps that are trying to get their head around Twitter and how it can be used beyond just conversation.
See you in Vegas brother. @TomMartin
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
Wonder what we'll do to move that forward? The learning. Once you realize what you get or don't get from embedding a nerd there, what will we do next? (And by "we," I mean you. :) )
monika hardy
· 2 months ago
i've followed you for a while...ever since i joined triiibes. i love this video. so frank.
about education..so many are trying to change it. so many roadblocks. so many think change won't happen. so many don't get that it needs to be an overhaul.
we need to do what you are saying. quit flapping and take action.
i just watched freedom writers for the first time. we need that. but we need to power up with networking so we can overhaul. and for the masses, not just a few.
you're right - we can if we come together with one voice - one movement.
do you see this happening anywhere? if not - can you help this peon - or find someone to help this peon - to take some substantial action.
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
I watched Freedom Writers for the first time a few months ago. It's totally a great analogy for some of this, at least.
YOU can make it happen. : ) Start tweeting about making a get together in your area, and enough people will form. Happens all the time.
monika hardy
· 2 months ago
so - i tweet with many all over the world about making this change happen. are you suggesting i focus more locally.
i was imagining a worldwide revolution. :)
Name
· 2 months ago
A simple... THANK YOU for telling it like it is.... Best, Brian- PS When my children are grown, and out of the house, I will join you on the road!
Todd Defren
· 2 months ago
Totally empathizing with the hotel room blues, amigo.
Chris Brogan
· 2 months ago
I can imagine. You've had a fruitful and lustrous career of doing amazing stuff and no doubt having the best room with only a view of a desk.
human3rror
· 2 months ago
Chris, quick Q: What are you using to record your vids?
ryanshell
· 2 months ago
This is not a rock start example, but it’s something I did yesterday to help inform a local hospital of some thing they could do better at in terms of social media. Check the example here: http://bit.ly/3GnRI6
Rob Babiak
· 2 months ago
Another great video Chris. I want to get into Social Media full time but just not sure how. I work for a bank full time to pay the bills and blog on the side for pleasure. I am new to blogging (maybe 6-7 months) and still trying to figure out what direction to go. Not sure if I will figure this out but I am going to try.
Shari Weiss
· 2 months ago
Rob: (1) Understand that it will take time to "get up to speed" . . . and you can never be ahead since things are constantly evolving (2) Know that you will have lots of fun learning (3) Realize that you will need to WORK to learn, but for me, the Work is Play.
Rob Babiak
· 2 months ago
Thank you for the advise and encourgement.
Donna Kastner
· 2 months ago
Loved Overnight Success Part 1 - Love Part 2 even more. Keep doing what you're doing. You inspire us all to dig a little deeper, try a little harder.
Been following your blog for months and read Trust Agent cover to cover. Thanks to you (and oodles of hours listening, thinking, reading, doing, & tweaking), I'll be launching a new concept, Retirepreneur, next week.
Thanks for challenging us all and stirring us into action, Chris! Donna
Working my rear end off trying to drag several communities into the new age. Not a lot of luck so far, and trying to understand why.
I figure the answer is they don't see the benefit.
My biggest challenge is a bunch of brain surgeons (seriously). With these guys life is different. They spend their days cutting out pieces of people's grey matter and networking seems inconsequential.
The goal is getting them to engage with other brain surgeons :-)
Shari Weiss
· 2 months ago
Good luck Steven. "MY" generation, i.e., BabyBoomers . . . for the most part want to get on with life WITHOUT social media. But slowly AND SURELY, they will "get" that they must "get it."
jason200620
· 2 months ago
Cool blog! I commented here before, its nice to know there are still some great posts out there. Thanks for the great info. Oh and Happy Halloween! :) Jason <a href=http:women-sunglasses.com> blog
Peter Faur
· 2 months ago
Thanks for all you do, Chris.
My part, at the moment, is working with an old-line manufacturing company to get it to use a blogging platform for employee communications. Success! It's taken some time, but the idea was approved last week. Now the equally big challenge: Making sure it's done right!
Those of us who travel for business know that every city can look the same - an airport, a hotel room, a meeting room. I'd hope that, whenever you can, you take a couple of hours to see something unique about the city. An art museum, a science museum, some quirky little neighborhood. It's relaxing, and it helps you see things in new ways.
work at home
· 2 months ago
I commented on your overnight success part I, I do not see any option on my blogging life for overnight success. If anyone know any tips for overnight success please let me know.
tamivroma
· 2 months ago
Chris, Haven't read in a while but this one is awesome! Ok so I listened to this one-thank you because it is much easier to walk on a tread mill and listen than it is to read. I haven't been on this treadmill in MONTHS. How appropriate that I would read/listen to this post. Just wanted to let you know, I helped a company out THIS WEEK with SEO. They were completely clueless! But I got them started!
Allen Mireles
· 2 months ago
Hi Chris,
As usual, impeccable timing on your part. Your videos resonate this morning and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments too (Hi Shari!).
What am I doing? Like so many of us, working my butt off and absorbing everything I can get my hands on, watch, read or listen to. And then sharing with anyone who will listen.
I had an opportunity to speak to a room full of business people the other day and was thrilled at the genuine level of interest and excitement about applying this stuff for business growth.
Yesterday in a lunch meeting with a B2B client in manufacturing had an incredible opportunity develop as we talked about how to apply social media in his industry. It was so much fun coming up with creative applications of social media that would help advance his company's goals.
Today? Three meetings and some possible join ventures with others who share the enthusiasm and the drive to move this forward. Also, write a new post for my own blog, which is sorely neglected. And then interact with the members of my fan page, which is new and growing slowly but steadily (and I enjoy).
Finally, I'm so grateful for your continued communications. I seem to find them and read them when I need them most. Thank you. So. Much. (And, I share your appreciation of Susan Payton's "...the unknown finally becoming known." Well said, Susan.)
And onward!
;)
CatPurry
· 2 months ago
Hello Chris! I heard some of what you said about this at IZEAFest (but I was distracted by my surroundings) I heard more of what you said yesterday at BWE09 (from my laptop) streaming live from LV and it began to trouble me. Today I am back for more, on your website and again I feel physically prodded to GET OUT THERE AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION. I finally GOT IT! I realize what is missing in this picture. I am trying to write about Senior Citizens but not talking to many, I am trying to write about Grandmothering, but not meeting others of my kind. I have to leave the comfort of my office and get out there. That won't be comfortable or easy as I have cocooned myself here too long. I will be back for another prod tomorrow! Don't stop prodding, this is just what I need. THANK YOU, pc
Adam Teece
· 2 months ago
Awesome message. I love getting away from the "social media" crowd here and there and integrating new people into it. I work with a lot of gamers, geeks and nerds that couldn't care less about twitter and such. And I do share with them how fun and how amazing it can be. I will continue to help people. Thanks for posting this Chris.
bob soul
· 2 months ago
overnight celebrity
chrislorenz
· 2 months ago
I agree 100% on the past two videos you posted. The only way that Social Media even began being part of our toolbox is by me asking my boss if we could just try a Twitter account. We didn't ask VPs, we didn't ask legal. We just went out and did it. It took my hard work and his trust in me to push forward.
While there is still a lot to do and we are not quite where I would like to be (though i am in the throws of finalizing a serious strategy, which should help ease that a bit.) We are out there and really the only dental group management company in the Dental Industry making an effort. Now I am working on ways to make our patient's lives better, serve them and provide them with an enjoyable online experience, that hopefully will trickle down into our offices.
The most exciting part about it is that now there is traction, our management sees it as a viable way to improve not only patient experience but also ROI. Where in the beginning I was the web guy with the crazy ideas :)
As always, I appreciate your hard work. You are tenacious, which is inspiring.
Keep an eye out for us in the near future! We hope to add some real value to the social community.
For the past five years our company have been support a charity every year by providing internet services (strategy, web design, hosting, development etc). We enjoy the process and its great to see how we can help these organisations to develop their web presence.
Ive just seen this....you could start today by supporting the http://beatcancereverywhere.com/ campaign. Every tweet, post etc will donate 1c to beat cancer
stevecunningham
· 2 months ago
Chris - I hear you on the whole money/social good bit. For what it's worth, here's what I'm doing to try and "raise the bar" and get more people in the game:
Aside from a passion for business itself, I have a huge passion for charity as our business has done work with the non-profit sector for over 20 years. The biggest wealth transfer the world has ever seen is under way - and I'm hoping I can do my small part to ensure that some of that wealth goes to good causes.
I am doing a monthly webinar for non-profit organizations that brings together a leader in the non-profit world and the author of a business book so we can "translate" the ideas into the day-to-day activities of fundraising organizations. In November we are doing it with Beth Kanter and Tara Hunt - should be fun. The goal is to get them exposed to more diverse ideas than they would normally consider, and to have them experience social media on action.
I think it's possible to do well and do good at the same time, for sure. Thanks for taking the time to show us that there's a lot of heavy lifting involved in becoming a success, overnight or otherwise. It's a good reminder that nothing in life, especially creating social change, is done without a lot of hard work.
facebook-715030855
· 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts around being an overnight success via these videos. 11 years of hard work is paying off and the commitment and belief you have shown is truly inspiring. Far too many people think that things happens as quick and easy as they do on television shows. I am a personal coach focused on helping people create their dreams, live their purpose and step up to make a difference in this world. Your message about showing the reality of someone that is living that path is fantastic because its more ammo for me to share with my clients and network to further illustrate the reality of what it takes to be these apparent overnight successes. And on a personal level I am very appreciative of what you do as it helps keep me moving forward with my goals, purpose and message.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
JamestheCoach
· 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts around being an overnight success via these videos. 11 years of hard work is paying off and the commitment and belief you have shown is truly inspiring. Far too many people think that things happens as quick and easy as they do on television shows. I am a personal coach focused on helping people create their dreams, live their purpose and step up to make a difference in this world. Your message about showing the reality of someone that is living that path is fantastic because its more ammo for me to share with my clients and network to further illustrate the reality of what it takes to be these apparent overnight successes. And on a personal level I am very appreciative of what you do as it helps keep me moving forward with my goals, purpose and message.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
JamestheCoach
· 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts around being an overnight success via these videos. 11 years of hard work is paying off and the commitment and belief you have shown is truly inspiring. Far too many people think that things happens as quick and easy as they do on television shows. I am a personal coach focused on helping people create their dreams, live their purpose and step up to make a difference in this world. Your message about showing the reality of someone that is living that path is fantastic because its more ammo for me to share with my clients and network to further illustrate the reality of what it takes to be these apparent overnight successes. And on a personal level I am very appreciative of what you do as it helps keep me moving forward with my goals, purpose and message.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
MichaelCantone
· 2 months ago
Chis, Thank you once again. With all I know I have to share it. Since I was not getting the breakthrough maybe sharing will bring it to me. Sometimes it takes a Moe in the eyes to open them, yek, yek, yek...no seriously. I've been to some great events met people who were famous to me but was mostly rubbing elbows instead of getting down to do the work because in the back of my mind fear of the overnight thing was holding me back.
franksmythe
· 2 months ago
You're absolutely correct. Here's my manifesto. My goal is to connect organizations, which love and believe in what they do, with customers, employees and other stakeholders who believe that message. We employ a variety of media, methods, and technologies to accomplish this, but in the end, SpaceMonkiies Media creates business value for our clients by connecting, and then supporting, relationships built on common interests.
1.) Social Media allows us to align our client’s business model with the realities of the new economy 2.) Develop and implement infrastructure and tools to support the model (CMS websites, blogs, web apps, widgets, social media presence, SEO etc.), and finally, 3.) Help clients to continually improve their ability to connect with and create value for our customers.
I'm doing this in a unique manner. Like Leo Laporte. Any thoughts Chris?
Fabio Henri
· 2 months ago
I just read "A Message to Garcia" with my 10 year old. Self-reliance + willingness + competency + trustworthiness are principles that can't be overlooked on the road to success.We need more Emmersons, Hubbards, Mark Twains in our generation of thought leaders. Thanks Chris for the dose of reality in your post.
"It takes 10 000 hours to craft a message and a lifetime to live it"
Tim
· 2 months ago
Chris:
I know I'm getting this comment to you a few days late, but just wanted to say that I loved this video. You're right, we need to take action and get beyond just talking about social media. We need it as a tool to build important things in our world. Thanks for sharing the video...makes me realize there's a lot more hard work that goes into what all of us do.
Kyle Reed
· 2 months ago
You have sold me, lets do it now. I am ready to help others and be bridge that connects others to great resources.
Deb Ng
· 2 months ago
Chris, you're just one of so many people who inspired me last week. I have so many ideas, so many things to do, so many projects...and there's so much potential. I can't wait to get started.
So after attending BWE I decided I could spare a little sidebar space and not collect on it. Thousands of people visit my blog each day, I can do something with that. Yesterday, I started reaching out to charities. I'm giving away some of that ad space for free. I'm pulling in a salary, I'm paying some bloggers and I got some space to spare, why not use my power for good and not evil?
I'm going to continue working with writers to talk them and keep them from getting screwed. At BWE I met with some of the people who hire writers to discuss fair wages and realistic expectations. Instead of simply pontificating, I want to be part of the solution.
Thank you for always being a part of the solution.
Kim
· 2 months ago
I just posted Stephen Levy's article from Wired Magazine on Twitter's rise by the people, Mob Rule! How Users Took Over Twitter, http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_twitte..., to the Future Trends Group on LinkedIn. Twitter plans to hit 1 billion users by 2013: that means it's a service we ALL have to start taking seriously, now. I have at least 2 projects in the hopper, one for a product launch, one for an event, and a network I am keeping updated almost daily on the pluses of the Twitverse as well as on whatever new is coming down the pike with it.
And this is coming from someone who less than 6 months ago made fun of it. "He who laughs first, laughs last."
CoachKathyB
· 1 month ago
Chris, I love your honesty and the urgency with which you speak about helping others to succeed by getting into action and making it our mission to achieve it. What a motivation evangelist you are!
Thanks, ~Kathy
Desiree Scales
· 1 month ago
Maybe hide the MM next time...that was too funny.
pete
· 1 month ago
You have ignited a fire in my belly! I have been listening to your 3 part video series and I'm answering your call to arms! I have been reading your book "Trust Agents" and simply trying to figure this all out and you have been a HUGE help. Not totally sure where I'm going with Social Media Networking but that's OK....I'm in it and learning....AND that is a Big Thanks to you!!
Pete
PaulVetter
· 1 month ago
Thanks Chris for the inspiration. I have one client that's just getting ready to launch on social media -- after almost one year of discussions, meetings and education. Now we're ready-set-go, and it's a good feeling. Also, thanks for talking with us via Skype at the Ohio Podcamp last summer -- that was a good session!
Kristin Gentry
· 1 month ago
I just sat on a panel yesterday about social media; our audience was composed of accountants and lawyers. Talk about some interesting legal challenges when it comes to social media! It was great; these guys are just on the cusp and the ones who are ready to dive in are poised to be wildly successful.
It felt great to share this info with them; a few months back, I wrote a social media policy specifically for the accounting profession (because, through all my discussions with CPA marketers no one had an example). I've gotten great feedback and it's cool to know that some of the best CPA firms in the country are using at least a version of a policy I crafted to help them be more proactive in the social space. I had an article published on WebCPA this summer on the same topic: http://bit.ly/143qHi.
It's so cool to be a part of this ~ thank you for all the knowledge you've help impart on me and others. This is a wild ride!
GreenSmithC
· 1 month ago
Damn you Chris, there you go, knocking loose some locked up ideas in my head again! After seeing this and the third video, it just got my gears going, yes about social media, but for me, more about how we can more effectively go about being more sustainable, as people and businesses. It sure isn't about scaring the crap out of people. And yet it's not all about happy talk either.
I had one of those "run to the keyboard" nights after this, kept on having bits and pieces come to me. It's like a volcano, many things came out, more are to come, and they need to cool and coagulate a bit before they form something solid. Meanwhile, here's a bit on what you triggered... http://www.greensmithconsulting.com/greensmith_...
Amy Miyamoto
· 1 month ago
Loving your Overnight Success series Chris! I love your challenge to get in the game to take us all to the next level (beyond the basics.) That has always been the vision i have seen for the power of social media. I am pausing to reflect on how I can take my impact out there in an even bigger way. ;) Amy (@LotusAmy)
Christian Russell
· 1 month ago
This is rockin. It's connected with me, because it's so in line what how I feel about business in general. I'm new to social media and internet marketing...about 3 years in, but direct sales is my base. And in that industry I learned that work...pure hard ass work, gets it done. It ALWAYS gets it done. It makes you recession proof...it makes you invincible...but the minute you back off, your super powers can fade.
It's always about one thing...what are you doing to help? What are you doing to improve other people's lives? Period, that's it. It's not about good press or the size of your following, and it sure as hell isn't about pagerank, etc. It's about what you're doing, on a basic, real level, to help people. If you're doing that, it doesn't matter what else you're doing.
Success is work. Often tiring, often boring. It's being on the road when everyone else is in bed. It's finishing off email when everyone else is drinking at the bar. Success comes at a price. The reason so many never hit their potential is not that they don't have potential. They do; they're just not willing to pay the price.
Derek Jensen
· 1 month ago
Chris,
I'm on the train and striving to get it done! I am currently only 4 posts into it, but my blog project provide tips on how to apply technology (the latest) into their life. So, no reporting of the recent tech news. I take any technology and choose a lifestyle to focus on and write it.
So, theoretically there could be the same post subject 2 to 3 times because that specific technology I am talking about applies to many different types of lifestyles.
And Chris if you are ever on Skype, I am usually on (djj1758).
Best Regards and I am loving this series!
xmas presents
· 1 month ago
Love the part about quit talking and let's do something and teach people and elevate folks to that next level... I get so sick of conferences where the smart folks come together and talk. I mean, some of it is valuable, but mostly, I'd rather see hard work making it REAL and VALUABLE for those that aren't at those conferences yet. Kudos. Keep up the good work.
Susan Kuhn Frost
· 3 weeks ago
My commitment is to help innovators in very small businesses and small nonprofits -- the ones who do it themselves -- to overcome the barriers to success in being social and transformational in their work. Social tools only make manifest the problems that are more human, strategic, and organizational in nature; the rise of social exposure and connection means these problems need to be confronted and new capacities developed or we will lose the contribution from these groups. Coupled with openness and determination, social tools can create a renaissance in which these small players go on to make an outsized contribution to the project of being human on this earth -- and the individuals in them live at a higher level than they thought possible.
These are people the world needs to succeed, to be fully human, creative, and contributing their best to the causes and entrepreneurial ventures that renew our world at its deepest level.
Peter Beck Kim
· 1 week ago
Thanks for this - am pushing off to improve patient care and make healthcare reform happen in my little corner of SoCal, using lessons learned about social media, human behavior, and marketing.
Less talking about the tools, and more using them to make nifty stuff happen. And there's a lot of "legacy code" to work through in healthcare, hoo boy.
All Comments
I am new to Social Media. I only started on Twitter a year ago yet it has been life changing. I have met incredible people. I have travelled abroad. Been presented with amazing opportunities, all that would have never happened if it weren't for social media.
I share this story with EVERYONE I meet. I have experienced 1st hand the wonders of how social media shrinks the world, levels the playing field. If you "do it right" the benefits can be tremendous. You were one of the very first people I followed on Twitter. I learned so much from you and continue to "pay it forward" telling newcomers on Twitter, Facebook and Blogging to follow you. I also try to mentor people, companies and organizations on the benefits of social media done right!
Community is the key. At the start of the business it felt like I was just *using* the community - looking for advice on starting a business, running an agency, social media etc.. and just soaking up all the information I could. But I remembered to give back and now it's starting to pay off. Now I get emails from people that I don't know looking for help with their thesis or tips on engaging with bloggers. It's not a business thing and I just love that even more.
You're right - we should all keep helping each other. The biggest challenge I face every day is convincing people that social media is right for them, that it isn't scary. When I know that there's examples I can point businesses to, to show how others are doing it, it makes my life a whole lot easier. We all just have to remember to keep sharing and telling our stories. And not just about social media, but everything it takes to be a success in life.
I love hearing that you're out there doing the good stuff. : )
You do stuff with Thesis? How much stuff? I might have some work for you from time to time.
I agree with you Chris - there's not much time for sleeping!
I just posted some thoughts this morning at Bouncing Back about Service Without Strings, then I drop in here and see this. Maybe the universe is telling me something?
I once had a guy tell me that his goal was to do well so he could do good. It rang a bit hollow, and now I know why. I think he had it backwards...the goal is doing good. Doing well is a nice by-product.
Thanks.
Unfortunately I'm not in a position where I have total financial freedom. There are times I have to do things for me to support myself that others may seem selfish or that I'm ignoring them.
It's not so much about having lots of money either, it's being a position where you are comfortable with how things are going yourself before you can be able to help others in a much stronger way.
I just wrote a post on my blog that relates to your video (before I saw this post) - especially the part about taking action. It's all good to say you're going to do something but you've got to actually do it!
Great stuff - thanks for posting with honesty and conviction.
When I was in my 20's and 30's, I traveled maybe 3 days a week, every week, building my business on three continents. I loved it. Looking back, I only have one regret - I never (never being never) once took an extra day or two anywhere I went, just to hang out and smell the roses. I went to some amazing places, yet my memories are all of those 5.45 flights, midnight arrivals, conference rooms and hotel suites as gerry-rigged office substitutes.
Don't do that thing, buddy. Take it from someone who's closer to 100 than 10 - make some memories on the way that are just for you :)
Keep going. Loved the book, loving the updates.
Les McKeown
"Well done is better than well said"
- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Are we moving towards a world where the greater good has more value than any individual?
Good Job!
Your blog helps others achieve more through the sharing of your rich insight and knowledge into social media, its utility & effects.
Thank you.
You seem tired. No one would doubt that what you do is hard work. There is no overnight success. There's just the unknown finally becoming known. You have a mission and you are busting your butt to achieve it. Thanks for that, because you give people like me material to disseminate down the ranks. It is because of you I can do my job well. Keep up the good work (but don't overdo it!).
Keep it up sir
Last year, my partners and I were asked to develop the curriculum for a social media marketing course for the Communications/Advertising Department at Brigham Young University. We’re currently teaching (and really enjoying) this progressive class. It has been so rewarding for us personally. The students are so excited to learn. They read, post, and comment on each other's blog posts on a custom social network we built for the class ( it is called: byuwebworkshop (dot) ning (dot) com in case you wanted to check it out... it's cool how much they participate ).
They are really excited about it. And WE can't wait to teach it each time! And that excitement spills over big time into our client work.
I recommend to anyone in this space to find a place to teach, without charging any money, and see how pumped it makes you feel about your work, and about social media marketing.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I live in the Midwest and am working on getting people up to speed in the social media arena. I co-founded the Social Media Club in our area and I speak to the students at Universities to get them ready to go out into the work force armed with the proper tools. At my company, we also offer social media classes/workshops which professionals have really enjoyed. Also, we freely share information on our blog and when we meet with people. We believe that knowledge is power and we want the companies we're working with to succeed.
I know Chris suggested "we not be talking to each other" but . . . hmmm . . . I believe that that is what this particular conversation is all about
:-)
What's my bull's eye? Small companies in the residential building & remodeling category. Why that category? Because that's where I cut my teeth, it's what I know and love, it's where my passion is. I can't claim any great successes yet, but I'm working on it (on 4.5 hours sleep, I might add).
Thanks for your continued inspiration.
25 years ago faced with a sizeable mortgage, a broken kitchen stove and needy car and two children.. my husband and I ( both artists) decided something had to give. I went to work as a realtor. I was surprised to find that I love it. I loved helping people find homes in my adopted twon of Arlington, MA and making people happy. It was a high, I'll admit. New homeowners would send flowers, write nice notes, I'd see them in the local foodstores and we'd hug. I forgot I wasn't making art. That's as simple as it was in the late 80's.
Then things changed, the early 90's bad time for housing and then the internet! We, as realtors, we no longer the "keepers" of the info. Everyone become skepitcal. It appeared that no one trusted the transaction anymore. The "high" of helping changed and as a realtor you really had to work hard to be a convincing Trust Agent.
Last year I started, along with 4 other woman, a RE online company. We have spent alot of time thinking about how we are going to change the game. Tools, tech, resources for the client, etc. etc. But guess what? As of today I am going back to the attitude of the 80's and I am going to think daily how I am going to answer your question....How can I help others, how can I do good and pass on that attitude. That should be the core of our business, yet again. I'm not going to tweet RE relevant info but I'm going to ask the question daily, "What can we do for you?". "How can we help you?"
Thank you for reminding me why I do what I do.
PS I wish you a weekend at home with your family real soon!
You're good people. Oh, and I had a family weekend this last weekend. : )
Happy about the family stuff.......the "Littles"do keep us grounded, don't they.
Well you already know -- and I'm so glad you have agreed to be a part of it -- and I look forward to sharing the learning we get from the project this spring. Gonna be great and I hope be the kind of project/case study that peeps can show their bosses to say, "see -- we need to get into this game, it really works"
In the meantime, for anyone that is looking for a "How to use Twitter to change brand perception" case study -- they can go here http://budurl.com/TomMartin6 I put the entire project from beginning to end, including the final results and case study, into a single post.
Hope this helps a few peeps that are trying to get their head around Twitter and how it can be used beyond just conversation.
See you in Vegas brother.
@TomMartin
i love this video. so frank.
about education..so many are trying to change it. so many roadblocks. so many think change won't happen. so many don't get that it needs to be an overhaul.
we need to do what you are saying. quit flapping and take action.
i just watched freedom writers for the first time. we need that. but we need to power up with networking so we can overhaul. and for the masses, not just a few.
you're right - we can if we come together with one voice - one movement.
do you see this happening anywhere?
if not - can you help this peon - or find someone to help this peon - to take some substantial action.
YOU can make it happen. : ) Start tweeting about making a get together in your area, and enough people will form. Happens all the time.
i was imagining a worldwide revolution.
:)
PS When my children are grown, and out of the house, I will join you on the road!
(1) Understand that it will take time to "get up to speed" . . . and you can never be ahead since things are constantly evolving
(2) Know that you will have lots of fun learning
(3) Realize that you will need to WORK to learn, but for me, the Work is Play.
Been following your blog for months and read Trust Agent cover to cover. Thanks to you (and oodles of hours listening, thinking, reading, doing, & tweaking), I'll be launching a new concept, Retirepreneur, next week.
Thanks for challenging us all and stirring us into action, Chris!
Donna
I figure the answer is they don't see the benefit.
My biggest challenge is a bunch of brain surgeons (seriously). With these guys life is different. They spend their days cutting out pieces of people's grey matter and networking seems inconsequential.
The goal is getting them to engage with other brain surgeons :-)
Jason
<a href=http:women-sunglasses.com> blog
My part, at the moment, is working with an old-line manufacturing company to get it to use a blogging platform for employee communications. Success! It's taken some time, but the idea was approved last week. Now the equally big challenge: Making sure it's done right!
Those of us who travel for business know that every city can look the same - an airport, a hotel room, a meeting room. I'd hope that, whenever you can, you take a couple of hours to see something unique about the city. An art museum, a science museum, some quirky little neighborhood. It's relaxing, and it helps you see things in new ways.
Haven't read in a while but this one is awesome! Ok so I listened to this one-thank you because it is much easier to walk on a tread mill and listen than it is to read. I haven't been on this treadmill in MONTHS. How appropriate that I would read/listen to this post. Just wanted to let you know, I helped a company out THIS WEEK with SEO. They were completely clueless! But I got them started!
As usual, impeccable timing on your part. Your videos resonate this morning and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments too (Hi Shari!).
What am I doing? Like so many of us, working my butt off and absorbing everything I can get my hands on, watch, read or listen to. And then sharing with anyone who will listen.
I had an opportunity to speak to a room full of business people the other day and was thrilled at the genuine level of interest and excitement about applying this stuff for business growth.
Yesterday in a lunch meeting with a B2B client in manufacturing had an incredible opportunity develop as we talked about how to apply social media in his industry. It was so much fun coming up with creative applications of social media that would help advance his company's goals.
Today? Three meetings and some possible join ventures with others who share the enthusiasm and the drive to move this forward. Also, write a new post for my own blog, which is sorely neglected. And then interact with the members of my fan page, which is new and growing slowly but steadily (and I enjoy).
Finally, I'm so grateful for your continued communications. I seem to find them and read them when I need them most. Thank you. So. Much. (And, I share your appreciation of Susan Payton's "...the unknown finally becoming known." Well said, Susan.)
And onward!
;)
While there is still a lot to do and we are not quite where I would like to be (though i am in the throws of finalizing a serious strategy, which should help ease that a bit.) We are out there and really the only dental group management company in the Dental Industry making an effort. Now I am working on ways to make our patient's lives better, serve them and provide them with an enjoyable online experience, that hopefully will trickle down into our offices.
The most exciting part about it is that now there is traction, our management sees it as a viable way to improve not only patient experience but also ROI. Where in the beginning I was the web guy with the crazy ideas :)
As always, I appreciate your hard work. You are tenacious, which is inspiring.
Keep an eye out for us in the near future! We hope to add some real value to the social community.
http://www.pacificdentalservices.com/blog
@chrislorenz
@pacificdental
Ive just seen this....you could start today by supporting the http://beatcancereverywhere.com/ campaign. Every tweet, post etc will donate 1c to beat cancer
Aside from a passion for business itself, I have a huge passion for charity as our business has done work with the non-profit sector for over 20 years. The biggest wealth transfer the world has ever seen is under way - and I'm hoping I can do my small part to ensure that some of that wealth goes to good causes.
I am doing a monthly webinar for non-profit organizations that brings together a leader in the non-profit world and the author of a business book so we can "translate" the ideas into the day-to-day activities of fundraising organizations. In November we are doing it with Beth Kanter and Tara Hunt - should be fun. The goal is to get them exposed to more diverse ideas than they would normally consider, and to have them experience social media on action.
I think it's possible to do well and do good at the same time, for sure. Thanks for taking the time to show us that there's a lot of heavy lifting involved in becoming a success, overnight or otherwise. It's a good reminder that nothing in life, especially creating social change, is done without a lot of hard work.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
We're all trying to live the dream and share it with as many people as we can along the way.
Thank you once again. With all I know I have to share it. Since I was not getting the breakthrough maybe sharing will bring it to me. Sometimes it takes a Moe in the eyes to open them, yek, yek, yek...no seriously. I've been to some great events met people who were famous to me but was mostly rubbing elbows instead of getting down to do the work because in the back of my mind fear of the overnight thing was holding me back.
1.) Social Media allows us to align our client’s business model with the realities of the new economy
2.) Develop and implement infrastructure and tools to support the model (CMS websites, blogs, web apps, widgets, social media presence, SEO etc.), and finally,
3.) Help clients to continually improve their ability to connect with and create value for our customers.
I'm doing this in a unique manner. Like Leo Laporte. Any thoughts Chris?
"It takes 10 000 hours to craft a message and a lifetime to live it"
I know I'm getting this comment to you a few days late, but just wanted to say that I loved this video. You're right, we need to take action and get beyond just talking about social media. We need it as a tool to build important things in our world. Thanks for sharing the video...makes me realize there's a lot more hard work that goes into what all of us do.
I am ready to help others and be bridge that connects others to great resources.
So after attending BWE I decided I could spare a little sidebar space and not collect on it. Thousands of people visit my blog each day, I can do something with that. Yesterday, I started reaching out to charities. I'm giving away some of that ad space for free. I'm pulling in a salary, I'm paying some bloggers and I got some space to spare, why not use my power for good and not evil?
I'm going to continue working with writers to talk them and keep them from getting screwed. At BWE I met with some of the people who hire writers to discuss fair wages and realistic expectations. Instead of simply pontificating, I want to be part of the solution.
Thank you for always being a part of the solution.
And this is coming from someone who less than 6 months ago made fun of it. "He who laughs first, laughs last."
Thanks,
~Kathy
Pete
It felt great to share this info with them; a few months back, I wrote a social media policy specifically for the accounting profession (because, through all my discussions with CPA marketers no one had an example). I've gotten great feedback and it's cool to know that some of the best CPA firms in the country are using at least a version of a policy I crafted to help them be more proactive in the social space. I had an article published on WebCPA this summer on the same topic: http://bit.ly/143qHi.
It's so cool to be a part of this ~ thank you for all the knowledge you've help impart on me and others. This is a wild ride!
I had one of those "run to the keyboard" nights after this, kept on having bits and pieces come to me. It's like a volcano, many things came out, more are to come, and they need to cool and coagulate a bit before they form something solid. Meanwhile, here's a bit on what you triggered... http://www.greensmithconsulting.com/greensmith_...
;)
Amy (@LotusAmy)
It's always about one thing...what are you doing to help? What are you doing to improve other people's lives? Period, that's it. It's not about good press or the size of your following, and it sure as hell isn't about pagerank, etc. It's about what you're doing, on a basic, real level, to help people. If you're doing that, it doesn't matter what else you're doing.
Success is work. Often tiring, often boring. It's being on the road when everyone else is in bed. It's finishing off email when everyone else is drinking at the bar. Success comes at a price. The reason so many never hit their potential is not that they don't have potential. They do; they're just not willing to pay the price.
I'm on the train and striving to get it done! I am currently only 4 posts into it, but my blog project provide tips on how to apply technology (the latest) into their life. So, no reporting of the recent tech news. I take any technology and choose a lifestyle to focus on and write it.
So, theoretically there could be the same post subject 2 to 3 times because that specific technology I am talking about applies to many different types of lifestyles.
If you or anyone else would like to check it out, it is called LifeNotion http://www.lifenotion.com
And Chris if you are ever on Skype, I am usually on (djj1758).
Best Regards and I am loving this series!
These are people the world needs to succeed, to be fully human, creative, and contributing their best to the causes and entrepreneurial ventures that renew our world at its deepest level.
Less talking about the tools, and more using them to make nifty stuff happen. And there's a lot of "legacy code" to work through in healthcare, hoo boy.
Keep up the good work.