Social Networking for Grownups: Building Your Business in the 21st Century
This is the title of an article in the Winter 2009 edition of Girlfriendz Magazine
www.girlfriendzmag.com
Sorry, there is no link to it, but the key to the article is to use Social Networking sites, such as MySpace, Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter to build your business relationships.
No news there---I've been telling you to do that.
Twitter, in particular, I think will really help my business---for as long as they remain in business :)
Showing posts with label Modern Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Modern Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Facebook---Michael Smerconish again
I blogged a week ago about Michael Smerconish and his revulsion of Facebook in the Philadelphia Daily News.
I saw this response (from Sandie Rabena of Phoenixville) to his article as a Letter to the Editor in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Sunday, December 14, 2008). It's quite good...
RE: "Facebook epidemic," Michael Smerconish, last Sunday:
As a parent of children ages 21, 20 and 17, I can tell you that they think it is "SO LAME" for older adults to have a Facebook profile, and, even worse, for anyone over 30, particularly a family friend or relative, to ask to be added as a friend.
One thing I did ask my children was: When did they plan to get rid of their Facebook profiles?
A hard question, since it is their lifeline to about a zillion of their closest friends. Brows furrowed, they got very quiet, and finally, could not offer an answer. And that, perhaps, is how it will someday be OK for adults to use Facebook!
I'm 53---I remember when our generation said "Never trust anyone over 30." Then of course, we turned 30, and 40, and 50.
I saw this response (from Sandie Rabena of Phoenixville) to his article as a Letter to the Editor in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Sunday, December 14, 2008). It's quite good...
RE: "Facebook epidemic," Michael Smerconish, last Sunday:
As a parent of children ages 21, 20 and 17, I can tell you that they think it is "SO LAME" for older adults to have a Facebook profile, and, even worse, for anyone over 30, particularly a family friend or relative, to ask to be added as a friend.
One thing I did ask my children was: When did they plan to get rid of their Facebook profiles?
A hard question, since it is their lifeline to about a zillion of their closest friends. Brows furrowed, they got very quiet, and finally, could not offer an answer. And that, perhaps, is how it will someday be OK for adults to use Facebook!
I'm 53---I remember when our generation said "Never trust anyone over 30." Then of course, we turned 30, and 40, and 50.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Mothers---please put down that cell phone
This applies equally to mothers and fathers---I've just been noticing it a lot lately with young mothers.
My problem?
Mothers with cell phones plastered to their ears, yakking away to anyone and everyone, while feeding their babies or young children, walking them in a baby carriage, playing with them on a swing---well you get the idea.
My wife and I were eating out a few nights ago when a young mother holding an 18 month old baby walked in, with the cell phone against her ear. She removed the baby's coat, sat her in a baby seat, ordered for both of them, ate an appetizer, all the time talking on the phone. The baby, by the way, choked on a piece of the appetizer---I thought I would need to 'Heimlich' the baby as the mother wasn't noticing because of her conversation.
This isn't an isolated event. I've seen this more and more with cell phone.
You wouldn't go out to dinner with a friend and treat them like this (well, I must say I've seen some adults do this as well). It's rude.
Children aren't dogs---they need interaction, eye contact, conversation in order to grow into normal adults. An 18 month old child can be a source of great entertainment---try talking with her instead of your friend (if he was that important to you, you should have asked him along.)
I shudder to think what these children are going to do to get the attention of a parent who obviously doesn't think their undivided attention is that important.
My problem?
Mothers with cell phones plastered to their ears, yakking away to anyone and everyone, while feeding their babies or young children, walking them in a baby carriage, playing with them on a swing---well you get the idea.
My wife and I were eating out a few nights ago when a young mother holding an 18 month old baby walked in, with the cell phone against her ear. She removed the baby's coat, sat her in a baby seat, ordered for both of them, ate an appetizer, all the time talking on the phone. The baby, by the way, choked on a piece of the appetizer---I thought I would need to 'Heimlich' the baby as the mother wasn't noticing because of her conversation.
This isn't an isolated event. I've seen this more and more with cell phone.
You wouldn't go out to dinner with a friend and treat them like this (well, I must say I've seen some adults do this as well). It's rude.
Children aren't dogs---they need interaction, eye contact, conversation in order to grow into normal adults. An 18 month old child can be a source of great entertainment---try talking with her instead of your friend (if he was that important to you, you should have asked him along.)
I shudder to think what these children are going to do to get the attention of a parent who obviously doesn't think their undivided attention is that important.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Facebook. Michael Smerconish---doesn't get it
I really like Michael Smerconish (1210AM, Philadelphia Daily News), but he really missed the ball the other day when he dismissed the true power of one of my favorite Social Networking tools, Facebook. Apparently, Michael thinks it's for kids. In fact, he says...
"More than 120 million have joined, many too old for this nonsense. Whatever value it could have is trumped by the etiquette traps it sets." He goes on to say that "texting is for chicks."
Too old...hmm, I must admit I am a computer geek, that's how I earn my living, and I do think that a lot of people over 50 would do well to increase their geekiness. But etiquette traps? Come on now, people put their foot in their mouth every day, they don't need Facebook to do it. Like anything (including email) be careful what you put out there.
Obviously, Michael doesn't spend the time that I do each day trying to stay in touch with readers, students, customers, friends, etc. I'm sure he has someone who does that for him, but I have to do it myself.
I maintain a mailing list of over 5,000 names---and when I send an email out once a month, about 10% of them come back undeliverable. Just maintaining an up-to-date email list can be a nightmare, which is why I love Facebook.
Every person who buys something from me (a book, a class) or who asks me a question about something (programming for the most part) is invited to join Facebook and to be my friend.
Not everyone does---only about 5% right now, but for those who do, it provides them an insight into me, and allows me to more easily announce new books, updates to existing books, new classes, etc.
And I do all of this without bothering them a great deal (well, once in a while I do announce one of my wife's Avon campaigns).
Here's the link to the article by the way...check out the comments, they are great!
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/20081207_Head_Strong__Facebook_epidemic.html
"More than 120 million have joined, many too old for this nonsense. Whatever value it could have is trumped by the etiquette traps it sets." He goes on to say that "texting is for chicks."
Too old...hmm, I must admit I am a computer geek, that's how I earn my living, and I do think that a lot of people over 50 would do well to increase their geekiness. But etiquette traps? Come on now, people put their foot in their mouth every day, they don't need Facebook to do it. Like anything (including email) be careful what you put out there.
Obviously, Michael doesn't spend the time that I do each day trying to stay in touch with readers, students, customers, friends, etc. I'm sure he has someone who does that for him, but I have to do it myself.
I maintain a mailing list of over 5,000 names---and when I send an email out once a month, about 10% of them come back undeliverable. Just maintaining an up-to-date email list can be a nightmare, which is why I love Facebook.
Every person who buys something from me (a book, a class) or who asks me a question about something (programming for the most part) is invited to join Facebook and to be my friend.
Not everyone does---only about 5% right now, but for those who do, it provides them an insight into me, and allows me to more easily announce new books, updates to existing books, new classes, etc.
And I do all of this without bothering them a great deal (well, once in a while I do announce one of my wife's Avon campaigns).
Here's the link to the article by the way...check out the comments, they are great!
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/20081207_Head_Strong__Facebook_epidemic.html
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
My Website 'sucks'
Recently, one of my student's whose honesty I value, told me that my website 'sucks'.
I don't really disagree, my website needs a lot of work, and I've been trying to improve it, but his use of the very popular word 'sucks' is one that repels me.
It seems everywhere I turn I hear "that sucks".
In my younger years, we used to say "that stinks" or "that's a shame". Today it seems to be "that sucks" or "it sucks to me you".
I was inspired this morning to check out its definition today at Dictionary.com. Here's what it says...
1 dictionary results for: sucks
v. sucked, suck·ing, sucks
v. tr.
1. To draw (liquid) into the mouth by movements of the tongue and lips that create suction.
2.
a. To draw in by establishing a partial vacuum: a cleaning device that sucks up dirt.
b. To draw in by or as if by a current in a fluid.
c. To draw or pull as if by suction: teenagers who are sucked into a life of crime.
3. To draw nourishment through or from: suck a baby bottle.
4. To hold, moisten, or maneuver (a sweet, for example) in the mouth.
5. Vulgar Slang To perform fellatio on.
v. intr.
1. To draw something in by or as if by suction: felt the drain starting to suck.
2. To draw nourishment; suckle.
3. To make a sound caused by suction.
4. Vulgar Slang To be disgustingly disagreeable or offensive.
n.
1. The act or sound of sucking.
2. Suction.
3. Something drawn in by sucking.
Phrasal Verb(s):
suck in To take advantage of; cheat; swindle.
suck up Slang To behave obsequiously; fawn.
I'm not sure what definition is best for use with my website---the closest would seem to be the fourth intransitive verb form
Vulgar Slang To be disgustingly disagreeable or offensive
I'm not sure that my website is disgustingly disagreeable or offensive--but it may very well 'stink'.
I don't really disagree, my website needs a lot of work, and I've been trying to improve it, but his use of the very popular word 'sucks' is one that repels me.
It seems everywhere I turn I hear "that sucks".
In my younger years, we used to say "that stinks" or "that's a shame". Today it seems to be "that sucks" or "it sucks to me you".
I was inspired this morning to check out its definition today at Dictionary.com. Here's what it says...
1 dictionary results for: sucks
v. sucked, suck·ing, sucks
v. tr.
1. To draw (liquid) into the mouth by movements of the tongue and lips that create suction.
2.
a. To draw in by establishing a partial vacuum: a cleaning device that sucks up dirt.
b. To draw in by or as if by a current in a fluid.
c. To draw or pull as if by suction: teenagers who are sucked into a life of crime.
3. To draw nourishment through or from: suck a baby bottle.
4. To hold, moisten, or maneuver (a sweet, for example) in the mouth.
5. Vulgar Slang To perform fellatio on.
v. intr.
1. To draw something in by or as if by suction: felt the drain starting to suck.
2. To draw nourishment; suckle.
3. To make a sound caused by suction.
4. Vulgar Slang To be disgustingly disagreeable or offensive.
n.
1. The act or sound of sucking.
2. Suction.
3. Something drawn in by sucking.
Phrasal Verb(s):
suck in To take advantage of; cheat; swindle.
suck up Slang To behave obsequiously; fawn.
I'm not sure what definition is best for use with my website---the closest would seem to be the fourth intransitive verb form
Vulgar Slang To be disgustingly disagreeable or offensive
I'm not sure that my website is disgustingly disagreeable or offensive--but it may very well 'stink'.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Snooze Interval
I guess it was an engineer who decided that snooze intervals on alarm clocks should be 7 minutes---at least mine is.
I'd like to see an alarm clock with adjustable snooze intervals--5 minutes for days you don't want to get up, 10 or 15 minutes for days where you really don't want to get up, and don't have anywhere urgent to go.
I'd like to see an alarm clock with adjustable snooze intervals--5 minutes for days you don't want to get up, 10 or 15 minutes for days where you really don't want to get up, and don't have anywhere urgent to go.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Wednesday, September 19, 1973
Bought a calculator
It was 1973---these devices called 'Calculators' were introduced---they allowed you to do calculations quickly, and they weren't mechanical, they were electronic.
]
My father took me to Bundy Typewriter in the Roosevelt Mall, and after evaluating the two leading models, Texas Instruments or Summit, I bought a Summit Calculator for $99---$105.95 including Tax.
By the way, my ability to pick companies that would later go bankrupt over companies that would later go on to make billions was evident even at the age of 18!
I was very happy with the calculator---in fact, I have it even today, although it no longer charges.
I used it in my Chemistry classes and loved it---one thing I didn't love (and still hate today) was the sound of those stinking Texas Instrument Calculators clicking away.
Poor students (I was a good one) would be clicking away at those things in hopes of obtaining a correct answer--the sounds drove me crazy, and even today, I hate the sounds of clicking keyboards and keypads.
]
My father took me to Bundy Typewriter in the Roosevelt Mall, and after evaluating the two leading models, Texas Instruments or Summit, I bought a Summit Calculator for $99---$105.95 including Tax.
By the way, my ability to pick companies that would later go bankrupt over companies that would later go on to make billions was evident even at the age of 18!
I was very happy with the calculator---in fact, I have it even today, although it no longer charges.
I used it in my Chemistry classes and loved it---one thing I didn't love (and still hate today) was the sound of those stinking Texas Instrument Calculators clicking away.
Poor students (I was a good one) would be clicking away at those things in hopes of obtaining a correct answer--the sounds drove me crazy, and even today, I hate the sounds of clicking keyboards and keypads.
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