A couple of weeks ago, I wrote this post about SlideShare being a great career tool. Well, today, they have moved up in my book, from beyond a great career tool, to a business that gets it. Here’s what I mean.

Today’s been rough. I’ve had to eat crow all morning at home because of personal stuff – mostly pride and coming up on the short end of the stick. I’ve been wrong and I don’t like it when I have to face my faults. It’s painful and frankly, I feel like some of the wind has been knocked out of my sails. I did it to myself.

After the kids got on the bus, I sat down to check my email and I received this (click to enlarge):
slideshare-rockstar

  • First, nice reach out. Nice business process. Someone’s paying attention. I’m really wowed when companies are listening – seeing who is using their products or services, and how. I’m wowed when businesses understand what engaging people looks like. The subject said I was a SlideShare rockstar because of this presentation I did on Twitter for Business for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Secondly, I’m curious. Hmmm, I wonder how many views? I click the link and OMG! More than 10,000 views of my SlideShare? That’s insane! I reflect back on my original presentation about SlideShare and how powerful a tool it is. I see this firsthand now.
  • Wow! This feels good today. Sort of like a warm blanket on a cold, rainy day (which it is). I think I’ll relish the moment, as I digest my crow.
  • Finally, people make a difference. Lee Graham, ACregar and SlideShare’s CTO, Jonathan Boutelle all added my presentation to their favorites. One simple act of adding someone’s presentation can go a long way in building relationships. Further evidence that social media is about engaging, giving.

What are you waiting for? Post some of your own presentations on SlideShare, or “favorite” (a verb) one or two that you really like. And if you’re a business owner, how can you pay attention to what your customers are doing with your products and services and reach out to them? How can you offer a warm blanket on a rainy day? Tell me. I want to hear how you engage people.

I was a SlideShare user/fan before this. Now, I’m part of their Tribe.

Note: This post is not about ego. In fact, I almost didn’t write it because God has been dealing with me lately about my pride. I’m not looking for attagirls here, nor am I bragging. Instead, it’s my attempt to share how a company positively impacted my emotions. On a tough morning. Thanks SlideShare Team.