Need a sponsorship agreement? Ask Wendy.

Need information about branding? Ask Cathy.

Need to know how to handle a personnel issue? Talk to Gary.

I received my share (no pun intended) of calls from friends asking for documents and forms, and was happy to oblige. It was the chamber way. We all worked hard for our organizations, our members and our communities/regions/cities. If we could work more efficiently by not having to recreate the wheel, all the better.

I’m no longer in the chamber profession, but today I was thinking about how that lesson has served me well. And how much more I need to learn.

What if I shared more these days? And what could I share that would be of value to someone else?

• Lessons learned the hard way (about dating, marriage, divorce, parenting)
• Lessons I’ve learned from journaling and listening to God
• Lessons I’ve learned about worship – breathing in the very essence of God

And can I drop my guard long enough to let others know I’m in need?

• In need of prayer for parenting teens and any lessons others have learned the hard way
• In need of answers for successful family blending
• In need of following hard after God, despite fear

What about you?
How can you simplify your life by sharing with others? And what do you need others to share with you? And if you’re enjoying the Simplify Journey, would you consider sharing the links with your Facebook friends?

Join Us?
If you’re a blogger, or if you use Facebook notes, won’t you consider contributing a Simplify post and linking back here? If you do, I’d be grateful if you’d use the badge.

Note to self re: key takeways (some not new):

• We have the ability to think positively, even when it’s difficult.
• Personalized praise of employees (and others) is important.
• Bob is an authentic speaker who practices what he preaches, and is a great story teller.
• Try the change in the pocket deal. (Ask me for the full story.)
• Get the books he mentioned, “No Assholes Rule” and The Super Supervisor by the lady who spent her career as an employee in textile manufacturing.

After Bob’s address, I gave this presentation:

Followed by an impromptu Twitter tutorial with Laurie Wieder before doing this presentation. Remember, I’m not a graphics person so don’t harrass me about the slide theme.

For those of you who were in attendance, what did you learn? What were your key takeaways? The slides don’t convey the full conversation. What was your AHA? And if you weren’t there, what do you think?

Unbeknownst to me, Dee waged a Twitter campaign to help me reach 2000 followers. A meeting in Charlottesville had me off the grid for most of the day. When I returned and checked my email, tweetlater digests containing my Twitter user name filled my inbox. And my Tweetdeck revealed that Dee had been busy.

Here’s how it started.

And here’s how it continued. (Read from the bottom up.)

Throughout the day, Dee tweeted and her followers retweeted (RT), asking people to follow me. And they did. Crazy! Thanks to Dee’s efforts and the efforts of her followers and others, I gained nearly 50 followers in one day. 48 to be exact.

And remember, all this was while I was in an out-of-town meeting, clueless to what Dee was doing. She created a conspiracy of delight and others participated!

So what are the takeaways?

1. Helping others is good. Shameless self promotion is bad, especially in social media. If I had said, “hey guys, help me reach 2K followers today,” I’m quite certain that more than a few people would have been turned off.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask. Do you need help accomplishing your goals? Or even better… Do you have a desire to help others? There’s power in numbers but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.
3. Engaging people pays off. I’m hoping that Dee offerered this kindness to me because I’ve been about being real, interacting with others and adding value along the way. If I were “Leisure Suit Larry,” Dee would have probably unfollowed me a long time ago. Don’t be that guy!
4. On the social web, people reach out to help others, often without any ulterior motives. Like Laura Fitton‘s tweet for World Water Day or Susan Murphy‘s 12 for 12 project or Connie Reece and Susan Reynolds‘ frozen pea fund.
5. Social friends’ opinions matter. People have always acted based on the recommendations of their friends. You ate at a certain restaurant; you used a hairdresser or babysitter because someone you trusted recommended them. Today, that principle is magnified through the use of social networks. You buy a book, watch a movie, use a web designer, consider using gmail for your corporate email client or more. It’s really quite astounding. (I suspect that Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s upcoming book, Trust Agents might just have a lot to say about that. You should buy it when it comes out!)
6. And finally, if you’re on Twitter, follow Dee!

What do you think?
Are you engaging people using social media? What can businesses, chambers of commerce and churches learn from all of this? Give it some thought and leave me a comment. Let’s broaden this conversation.

What’s the point? and… Who has time?

Well, OK, some people are still asking those questions about social media a year later. But many more people are “getting it.” The growth of social media has boomed in a way that I could not have imagined. And that’s the frustrating part.

Somehow, I could see that something big was happening. I sensed amazing potential but couldn’t articulate compelling responses to the questions these busy chamber professionals were asking. In reality, I was just figuring it out myself. Perhaps in some ways, we are all still figuring out the implications of this unprecedented shift in the way people communicate and what that means.

On Thursday I’ll be presenting “What Chamber Professionals Should Know About Social Media” for the 2009 VACCE Institute. Talk about full circle! I’ll finally have the chance to make a compelling case for the use of social media, beginning with the definition and how it’s really just about conversation and engaging people. From there, we’ll:

• Discuss key business objectives and corresponding applications
• Review success stories (case studies)
• Highlight possible pitfalls
• Formulate an action plan for implementation

So I’m curious. What would you include in a presentation entitled “What Chamber Professionals Should Know About Social Media?”
What key things would you include to make sure they “get it” and are able to help the businesses and non-profit organizations in their communities “get it” as well? Leave your comments so we can all benefit from your insights, and so I can give you credit in the presentation.

Carry-on luggage contains the practical, can’t’ live without items for your trip. You’ve got your toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and other toiletries, cosmetics, a change of clothes, medicine and whatever else you use in your day-to-day routine. You could replace most any of those items when you arrived at your destination, but preparation lets you avoid the hassle.

Common Sense is like that. It’s the preparation that lets you avoid the hassle. In social media, as in any form of communication, common sense rules.

1. Thumper Theology applies. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”
2. Does it pass the Grandma test? Would you say something in public (or write something in public social media streams) that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to hear?
3. If you don’t want your message broadcast to people all over the world, check your privacy settings. And realize that even if you send something to friends or acquaintances, screen shot technologies give others the technology to capture what you say, indefinitely. Even if you cancel your account.

Lately it seems that some people, either momentarily or accidentally, are checking their common sense, not at the airline check in counter, but at the social media login screen.

The Tale of Two Jobs Lost

Like the Twitter user who accepted a job at Cisco, but tweeted she was less than enthusiastic about the prospects of her new employment. Someone at Cisco was listening and passed along the information to the hiring manager. Offer rescinded.

Or the Chamber Exec who tweeted from the official Batesville Chamber of Commerce Twitter account about his desire for Obama to fail. He resigned as reported here.

You may have already heard of another social media snafu about the PR executive who flew from Atlanta to Memphis to do social media consulting with Fed Ex employees and said less than favorable things about Memphis. If not, you can read about it here or here.

Bad News Spreads Like Wildfire
News of these kinds of mistakes travels quickly. Journalists and bloggers capitalize on the misfortunes of others. In many ways, it’s not unlike my almost-9-year-old step-daughter who used to delight in the misfortunes of her siblings, heralding their mistakes to make herself look/feel superior. Of course she never said, “I’m not as bad as my brother (or step-brother or step-sister)” but the implication was certainly hidden. Fortunately, she’s growing out of that stage. It’s not really enjoyable to be around her when she’s like that.

Nice, Smart Folks
I actually met Jonah a few years ago at an ACCE conference. He was working as the membership professional at the Fayetteville (AR) Chamber at the time. He had potential written all over him. We kept in touch and it wasn’t long before he received an offer and to take the helm of the Batesville Chamber.

I’ve never met Connor, but I’m very impressed with her response to the whole Cisco ordeal. I was impressed that she took full responsibility for the mistake and even made some interesting observations about the use of social media.

I didn’t find a response from Mr. Andrews. It might be out there somewhere, but at 4:35 a.m., I simply didn’t feel like digging any more. I’m guessing that if I ran into him at an upcoming social media event, he would have a great story to tell. And hopefully, he would be transparent enough to admit that like me, he doesn’t like the taste of crow.

Bottom Line
I’m really sorry that these two intelligent people with bright futures may now be facing some difficult consequences. (It’s possible that the third, Mr. Andrews, has actually gained a perfect example for future social media consulting.) I know, however, that these lessons will stick with them for a lifetime. They will be more thoughtful in their communications with others, both online and in person.

And I’ll just bet that there are some employers out there who are willing to take a chance on imperfect employees who are willing to try new technologies, make some mistakes along the way, and then learn from those mistakes. Let’s hope so, for all of our sakes.

What Say You?
When have you failed to use common sense? What lessons in communication have you learned the hard way? When have you tried new things and failed, only to have gained a valuable life-long lesson? And if you were an employer in a position to hire either of these folks, would you be willing to at least grant them an interview?

My introduction to a little passion lit the flame that has fueled the fire for where I am today. More than 10 years ago, our church underwent a study entitled “Network: The right people in the right places for the right reasons at the right time.” The premise of the study is that too often in churches (and I can see the application in business as well), people get placed in roles for which they have no passion and the results are mediocre at best, dismal at worst.

I was challenged to think about my passions. The thing that really makes me tick. Unfortunately, the passion portion of the study was introduced early in the study and only covered one week. Nailing down passion is not so easily done over the course of months and years, much less over a week. Nonetheless, the journey had begun.

My passion, as best I could determine at that time, was people. Pretty general and vague, I know.  But it was a start. Later, my passion evolved into “connecting with people.” I’ve always loved meeting new people, staying in touch with them and connecting them with others.

It was truly a blessing to work for seven years for the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce as the Vice President of Marketing and Member Development because it was right in line with my passion. Each time I met new people, I tried to get a feel for the kinds of connections that would be beneficial for them. When I was successful in making significant connections, my level of personal satisfaction and fulfillment soared.

Once a week, at least in the beginning, I used to tell my boss how much I loved my job. I was often reminded of Steve Martin’s skit where he sang, “I see people who getting up at 7:30 every mornin’ goin’ t work at the drugstore to sell flair pens…but the most amazing thing to me is…

“…I get paid for doing this!” (Click to listen. Free Quick Time download available here.)

While I was searching (unsuccessfully, I might add) for a video of the above, I came across this. You’ll see the passion of another great entertainer, Gregory Hines. Who knew Steve Martin could tap dance?

Today I understand that my passion has more to do with engaging people than simply connecting with them. Engagement has greater depth and provides greater foundation for relationship. Engagement is more fulfilling.

Once again, I’m blessed to be able to do what I love. Today, I work with businesses and non-profit organizations, helping them engage people. Whether I’m teaching a baby boomer business professional about social networking tools (to engage customers or possible employers), or facilitating strategic planning with faith-based organizations (to engage people from Gen X and Gen Y) or leading seminars for businesses (to engage employees), I think about Steve and hum a few bars to myself and anyone who will listen. “I get paid for doing this.”

Have you discovered your passion? If so, how? What words would you use to define your passion? Have you seen your passion evolve over time? Tell me more!

Thanks to my Twitter friend for sending the audio file.

St. Patrick’s Day Meeting
On March 18, 2002 I received a handwritten note that changed the course of my life. Just the day before, on St. Patrick’s Day, I was returning to Lynchburg from Dallas after presenting at a statewide conference for chamber of commerce professionals. My itinerary included a brief layover in Pittsburg.

It was there that I first noticed a tall man with two small children. When I say “noticed,” I mean because he was 6’5″ tall. I’m 5’11″. It’s not every day that I see men I have to look up to. I wasn’t really thinkin’ anything else. I mean, he had two small children with him, right?

On the flight to Lynchburg, said tall man and two small children were seated in the row in front of me. Come to find out, his son was four and daughter, 18 months old. I love kids, so I played peek-a-boo with the toddler and occasionally caught the eye of the four-year old. All three of them had beautiful blue eyes.

Baggage Claim Isn’t All Bad
When we arrived in Lynchburg, passengers from our very full flight gathered around baggage claim awaiting their luggage. And then there were three. We waited…and waited. No luggage.

I’ve never been accused of being shy. My extroverted personality and customer service training, paired with networking advice from Harvey Mackay’s books and my experience in the chamber industry compelled me to introduce myself. There was a drug rep and the tall man, Peter. He and I had a brief conversation:

“Thanks for playing with my kids,” he said.
I replied, “no problem. It made me miss my own. I can’t wait to see them.”
He said, “Are they with your husband?”
“Ex-husband,” I offered.
“Yeah, me too. It sucks doesn’t it?” was his reply. I nodded.

Shortly after that, we moved to the ticket counter and filled out the necessary paperwork so that hopefully, our luggage would be returned to us in a timely manner. I recognized the lady at the ticket counter as someone with whom I used to work at Belk, a family-owned department store. We chatted for a bit and I left to go get my babies (at the time Sweet Pea was 6 and Ninja Boy was 4) from my ex.

The next day a green bag similar to mine arrived at my office. The name on the luggage tag was – you guessed it – Peter. The last name started with an M. There was a phone number, so I took a chance. I called the number and left a message saying I had his luggage at my office. Before he had a chance to return my call, someone from the airline returned with my luggage and reclaimed Peter M’s bag.

The Note that Changed My Life
On the outside of my luggage was a green envelope with the logo of one of Lynchburg’s major employers and the words “Strictly Private.” Someone had my attention.

Evidently, Peter remembered my name and that my friend worked for the airline. He went back to his office, penned the note, went back to the airport and asked my friend if she could give the note to me along with my luggage. Thankfully, she did!

A few days later, Peter Smith and I met for coffee at a Givens Bookstore. He was in the middle of a tough divorce and I had been there, done that. We talked for what seemed like hours. We shared stories and began a great friendship. Who knew four years later, we would end up married? (Part Two coming soon.)

You Never Know
Rather than click “send” the next time you want to make an impression, why not get out a pen and a note card? In our very high tech society, a handwritten may just be the personal touch you need. Postage stamp or not, handwritten notes have the ability to go farther than you might think.

How did you feel the last time you received a handwritten note from someone? When was the last time you took the time to write a personal note? Was it effective? If so, how?