Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind."Pooh," he whispered.
Anthony VlahosPosted by David D Cates
12/26 @ 01:31 AM
12/26 @ 01:31 AM
David Rock's Quiet Leadership comes to mind:
http://blog.davidrock.net/
http://blog.davidrock.net/
Posted by Greg Alder
10/29 @ 03:28 AM
10/29 @ 03:28 AM
A lovely read and sage advice - the art of being heard without shouting. I remember being told when I was starting out as a keynote speaker/presenter that silence was the best way to get an audience's attention. Thank you
Posted by Kris Evenson
10/28 @ 05:15 PM
10/28 @ 05:15 PM
I have found social media invaluable not to just my business, but to my clients. It does work if handled correctly.
The problem is that too many people are out with bullhorns blasting their messages and shouting promotions, etc. (Ultimately, being skeptical of the "new" trend and getting stuck in the "old" way is equally as harmful.) The tragedy of this is that the same people who are blasting, spamming and shouting their messages on social media would recognize the rudeness of being at an event, dragging out a bullhorn and shouting; only talking about themselves or their opinions; or completely ignoring everyone in the same room.
To make social media work, focus on finding the smaller, quieter social gatherings where you can have a virtual dinner party and share ideas, talk about life and learn from each other. That's when social media is beautiful. It works when it is done properly and you focus on your audience, not on what your needs are. That's when you start planting the seeds to your social media garden.
But that's just the beginning. You still have to feed it (e.g. share your best content and content of others), weed it (get rid of the "bullhorns" or blow-hards in your network), pray for an equal balance of sun and rain (look for people who believe that relationships always go two ways -- not just what's-in-it-for-me), and then harvest when the fruit is ripe (e.g. referrals, leads, etc.)
Yes there is beauty in silence, but there is also beauty in the right mix of mediums -- messages, people, core values, etc. It's using the silence to reflect on your choice of mediums and what you will use to create your masterpiece. Whether you want to be a Rembrandt or a starving artist is entirely up to you.
The problem is that too many people are out with bullhorns blasting their messages and shouting promotions, etc. (Ultimately, being skeptical of the "new" trend and getting stuck in the "old" way is equally as harmful.) The tragedy of this is that the same people who are blasting, spamming and shouting their messages on social media would recognize the rudeness of being at an event, dragging out a bullhorn and shouting; only talking about themselves or their opinions; or completely ignoring everyone in the same room.
To make social media work, focus on finding the smaller, quieter social gatherings where you can have a virtual dinner party and share ideas, talk about life and learn from each other. That's when social media is beautiful. It works when it is done properly and you focus on your audience, not on what your needs are. That's when you start planting the seeds to your social media garden.
But that's just the beginning. You still have to feed it (e.g. share your best content and content of others), weed it (get rid of the "bullhorns" or blow-hards in your network), pray for an equal balance of sun and rain (look for people who believe that relationships always go two ways -- not just what's-in-it-for-me), and then harvest when the fruit is ripe (e.g. referrals, leads, etc.)
Yes there is beauty in silence, but there is also beauty in the right mix of mediums -- messages, people, core values, etc. It's using the silence to reflect on your choice of mediums and what you will use to create your masterpiece. Whether you want to be a Rembrandt or a starving artist is entirely up to you.
Posted by Kathy Condon
10/28 @ 11:55 AM
10/28 @ 11:55 AM
Anthony, a well thought article. Like you, I feel like the faster I go, the more behind I get. As I used and watched the growth of social media I realized that is something missing--a real connection. Thus, I decided to make arrangements to call on the phone some of my LinkedIn connections that I did not know personally. I've done it twice and have not been willing to do it for the third time---both connections, not only listened to my questions to them, they immediately got into their selling mode.
After that experience, I committed myself even more to focusing on face-to-face networking. I use social media to find people in my area and then set up coffee dates. When I travel, I do the same thing---once I am face-to-face they seem to calm down and relax so I can learn something about them. People do business with people they know and like.
http://www.kathycondon.info/blog
After that experience, I committed myself even more to focusing on face-to-face networking. I use social media to find people in my area and then set up coffee dates. When I travel, I do the same thing---once I am face-to-face they seem to calm down and relax so I can learn something about them. People do business with people they know and like.
http://www.kathycondon.info/blog
Posted by Graham Clark
10/28 @ 08:08 AM
10/28 @ 08:08 AM
Nice .. how can you deny something that starts with a Winnie The Pooh comment .. at last a Republican candidate we can believe in (oops sorry .. topical humor fauz pas #322)
Does my comment on this prove I didnt read it .. the ultimate complement to you would be to get zero responses right ?
Does my comment on this prove I didnt read it .. the ultimate complement to you would be to get zero responses right ?
Posted by Tamara Parris
10/27 @ 02:00 PM
10/27 @ 02:00 PM
I love LinkedIn - it enables me to engage with people globally and learn a great deal from other peoples "noise".
It is about quality of engagement not quantity. No matter if it is face-to-face or online.
If your everywhere - then you mind is really no where.
It is about quality of engagement not quantity. No matter if it is face-to-face or online.
If your everywhere - then you mind is really no where.
Posted by Bill
10/27 @ 01:08 PM
10/27 @ 01:08 PM
Thank you, Tony -- Benjamin Hoff couldn't have said it any better.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone on the planet laid aside even one half hour each day to just quietly Be?
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone on the planet laid aside even one half hour each day to just quietly Be?
Posted by Al Shultz
10/27 @ 12:51 PM
10/27 @ 12:51 PM
Social media as a "social" tool for networking is just fine. But because I'm in the marketing business, my quarrel is with all the new SM "gurus" who have been pushing SM as the shiny new all-purpose marketing "wonder-tool" that will do everything for every marketer on earth. It isn't and doesn't. The fact is, SM is downright lousy for branding, positioning or introducing a new product/service. It's passive, slow, weak and not at all controllable. (Other than that, it's fine!)
Anyone thinking about using SM as a primary marketing tool needs to read this excellent post about Pepsi's giant SM experiment — and flop:
adcontrarian.blogspot.com/2011/03/social-medias-massive-failure.html
Al Shultz
http://www.alshultz.com/
Anyone thinking about using SM as a primary marketing tool needs to read this excellent post about Pepsi's giant SM experiment — and flop:
adcontrarian.blogspot.com/2011/03/social-medias-massive-failure.html
Al Shultz
http://www.alshultz.com/
Posted by Donald Strout
10/27 @ 12:37 PM
10/27 @ 12:37 PM
To Bill: Your bottom line is right on the money (no pun intended). I don't need to inflate my ego. I need to inflate my bank account. We "promote" ourselves...well...to "promote" ourselves. The bottom line is that moral support and good self esteem won't pay bills.
To Terea: Statistics are good for marketing and sales and mostly used by those who are selling. In my experience while they may be a good point of reference they seldom reflect the whole picture. You know what they say figures lie and liars figure.
To Terea: Statistics are good for marketing and sales and mostly used by those who are selling. In my experience while they may be a good point of reference they seldom reflect the whole picture. You know what they say figures lie and liars figure.
Posted by Terea Jennings
10/27 @ 11:56 AM
10/27 @ 11:56 AM
It does seem that noice has smothered insight, but here is a link to some social media stats regarding purchasing that are quite encouraging.
http://socialcommercetoday.com/f-commerce-statistics-roundup-facebook-commerce-by-the-numbers/
http://socialcommercetoday.com/f-commerce-statistics-roundup-facebook-commerce-by-the-numbers/
Posted by Bill McCarthy
10/27 @ 10:45 AM
10/27 @ 10:45 AM
The pure moment of silent friendship is magical and precious. Pooh and piglet have been friends for tens of years as I've grown up with them and now watch as my children grow with them. The pooh-piglet relationship had to start somewhere and they nurture that relationship as neighbors and friends do. Break out of 100 acre wood, friends have come and gone out of our lives until social networks appeared to reconnect us. Social networks address basic psychological needs. If we use Maslow’s hierarchy, social networks feed a sense of belonging. Belonging feeds the esteem level as there is opportunity for validation (esteem) which leads to the pinnacle of self actualization. Self Actualization enables creativity, spontaneity, problem solving and helping others without regard to self. Another basic need is making money and typically why we all work. If I made so much money each month that all my needs (not wants) were satisfied then I could breathe easier. Self actualization is great; it would be greater if it paid more.
Posted by Bruce Barlowe
10/27 @ 10:40 AM
10/27 @ 10:40 AM
I have a Linkedin success story to share with these fine folks and yourself Anthony, about the value of Social Media. It was an out of left field attempt that paid off.
I worked at a defense manufacturer and needed to purchase a made to order wired board from a major electronics manufacturer. The board was ordered through a third party, a distributor, who I had to work through as it was a small order. The board had a 3 month lead-time. After 3 months the distributor informed me it would be ANOTHER 3 months to get the board. As a last ditch attempt I looked up a Vice President in the manufacturers organization in charge of Sales for my area. I requested a Linkup and he accepted. I explained my problem and he tasked his group to fill my order. In 2 weeks we had boards!
I am a strong believer in social media being able to get us behind the walls to contact someone who can influence a decision favorably for you.
I worked at a defense manufacturer and needed to purchase a made to order wired board from a major electronics manufacturer. The board was ordered through a third party, a distributor, who I had to work through as it was a small order. The board had a 3 month lead-time. After 3 months the distributor informed me it would be ANOTHER 3 months to get the board. As a last ditch attempt I looked up a Vice President in the manufacturers organization in charge of Sales for my area. I requested a Linkup and he accepted. I explained my problem and he tasked his group to fill my order. In 2 weeks we had boards!
I am a strong believer in social media being able to get us behind the walls to contact someone who can influence a decision favorably for you.
Posted by Donald Strout
10/27 @ 10:34 AM
10/27 @ 10:34 AM
The problem is when everyone is doing the same thing it just becomes a lot of noise. It is almost impossible to be original or to be noticed among a sea of millions. You are just another Waldo. There is too much social media and it is impossible to realistically establish an effective network with hundreds or thousands of people. It goes from potentially meaningful to ultimately meaningless. I try to keep up but effectively have not received a tangible benefit to date. My sphere of influence is just a ball of confusion. Just a lot of wasted productive time.
Posted by Dieter F
10/27 @ 10:29 AM
10/27 @ 10:29 AM
I concur with comments below that call for a balance in life - regardless of whether you are the quieter, reflecting type, or the A-type go-getter, we can all contribute meaningfully and substantially towards our goals in society and personal/family life.
One of the challenges of the social media de jour is the blurring between these lives, many younger folks seem less concerned with separating professional and personal, mixing business acquaintances, friends, relatives, politics, religion and opinion. I consider LinkedIn a KEY business tool to find connections and employment and help many others do the same, and have contributed to their groups exclusively for business purposes.
Facebook, Google+ and its Foursquare "publish-my-entire-life-for-all-to-see" brethren should (imho) be reserved for personal life/hobbies/interests (and yes, have an inactive Twitter account - just don't really get that one for us peeps outside of Hollywood).
One of the challenges of the social media de jour is the blurring between these lives, many younger folks seem less concerned with separating professional and personal, mixing business acquaintances, friends, relatives, politics, religion and opinion. I consider LinkedIn a KEY business tool to find connections and employment and help many others do the same, and have contributed to their groups exclusively for business purposes.
Facebook, Google+ and its Foursquare "publish-my-entire-life-for-all-to-see" brethren should (imho) be reserved for personal life/hobbies/interests (and yes, have an inactive Twitter account - just don't really get that one for us peeps outside of Hollywood).
Posted by John Keogh
10/27 @ 09:40 AM
10/27 @ 09:40 AM
Balance is essential and means something unique to each person. Long before there was LinkedIn, Twitter, FB, or even computers, thought leaders would seek periods of solitude to reflect on life. Walden, published in 1854 is just one example that emphasizes the need for solitude and reflection.
That said, the rapid adoption of various forms of social media, does provide both society and individuals real benefits. It is not in the mindless tweets about how totally awesome the Gaga concert was or that Johnny scored 3 goals to win the game. There is an ability to share ideas, make real connections about what really matters. It is up to the individual to use this technology as they see fit and filter out the noise.
That said, the rapid adoption of various forms of social media, does provide both society and individuals real benefits. It is not in the mindless tweets about how totally awesome the Gaga concert was or that Johnny scored 3 goals to win the game. There is an ability to share ideas, make real connections about what really matters. It is up to the individual to use this technology as they see fit and filter out the noise.
Posted by Madeline Ward
10/27 @ 09:35 AM
10/27 @ 09:35 AM
I agree people need not evaluate themselves for what they think need to do to have a voice- do a daily twitter or blog but use their time and effort in what they truly believe is worthwhile.
Posted by Chad
10/27 @ 09:22 AM
10/27 @ 09:22 AM
lol.. aint that the truth! 
I think most people who have responded have completely missed the point of your article. I found it less about social media bashing and more about meaningful communication. Both verbal and non-verbal.
I guess they were too busy listening to their own noise, than trying to understand the point of the article, and seeing the value in it's message.
Sometimes it seems thought it too much work. Seems that people would rather puke their opinions all over you than try to listen and understand the bigger picture.
Thanks for your piece Anthony.
P.S. - Not sure that it matters, but it seems everyone wanted to disclose this onfo...I am on LinkedIn as are we all obviously, but do not FB or Tweet.
I think most people who have responded have completely missed the point of your article. I found it less about social media bashing and more about meaningful communication. Both verbal and non-verbal.
I guess they were too busy listening to their own noise, than trying to understand the point of the article, and seeing the value in it's message.
Sometimes it seems thought it too much work. Seems that people would rather puke their opinions all over you than try to listen and understand the bigger picture.
Thanks for your piece Anthony.
P.S. - Not sure that it matters, but it seems everyone wanted to disclose this onfo...I am on LinkedIn as are we all obviously, but do not FB or Tweet.
Posted by Joseph Edward Thompson
10/27 @ 08:51 AM
10/27 @ 08:51 AM
Is this an article on less social media usage, sent to me to read via social media and providing links to connect with more social media?
PS- I am a fan of LinkedIn, I keep a FB account not wanting to be anti-social, I do not Tweet.
PS- I am a fan of LinkedIn, I keep a FB account not wanting to be anti-social, I do not Tweet.
Posted by Mitch Fredricks
10/27 @ 08:48 AM
10/27 @ 08:48 AM
Being one of the top 500 most connected Linkedin members, I find it to be an incredible tool for business in many ways. I belong to about 57 groups which are excellent resources to discuss with peers along with participate in sometimes, very lively discussions with other professionals. As a job seeker, this is a powerful tool to search throughout the world...one stop shopping.
Posted by Tom Papp
10/27 @ 08:18 AM
10/27 @ 08:18 AM
I own my own consulting business and this site has helped improve my direct marketing. I've had several contracts come in "out of the blue" via Linkedin, simply because one of the old skills I listed on my profile caught a new customer's attention.
Posted by Jeff Boller
10/27 @ 08:11 AM
10/27 @ 08:11 AM
I have used LinkedIn since 2003 and have made a lot of great contacts many of which I still stay in contact with. Some people are very open to connecting and others are not which is the way of the world. I think the tool provides a lot of benefits and seems to be progressing in the right direction.
Posted by Michael Spinelli
10/27 @ 08:11 AM
10/27 @ 08:11 AM
Poinant and basic. I could not agree more.
Read Anthony's piece in the context of our governing organizations and you will quickly see why we are failing at managing socio-political and economic issues in our societies... too many gas-bags getting very little done.
Read Anthony's piece in the context of our governing organizations and you will quickly see why we are failing at managing socio-political and economic issues in our societies... too many gas-bags getting very little done.
Posted by Karen Fischer
10/27 @ 07:38 AM
10/27 @ 07:38 AM
Because I have a business I do have LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and a few others, but use them for awareness of my business.
My worst experience is getting contacted by people who serve no purpose to them or yourself trying to connect on LinkedIn or Facebook just to hit some goal of numbers drives me nuts. And yet they are insulted when you reply and ask them why they want to connect explaining that you do not connect to people without a reason that serves both parties.
I find my Blog and Answering questions on Linkedin have brought potential clients my way and I do find that by providing help and information to people builds credibility and I like helping people as doing so does pay off. I would have to say this is my best social media experience.
Facebook and Twitter...well I use them but only to promote content in other places and to provide other information I have read to readers. I don't really keep up with who is following who or me, but do find some interesting content and material to read from "like" people and professions that follow me.
I think it has to do with understanding what you want from Social Media just like any marketing medium and setting the right expectations and not letting it run your life for the hope of the golden egg....then I believe one will be disappointed.
Karen Fischer
RK Fischer & Associates
www.asmallbusinessconsultant.ca
My worst experience is getting contacted by people who serve no purpose to them or yourself trying to connect on LinkedIn or Facebook just to hit some goal of numbers drives me nuts. And yet they are insulted when you reply and ask them why they want to connect explaining that you do not connect to people without a reason that serves both parties.
I find my Blog and Answering questions on Linkedin have brought potential clients my way and I do find that by providing help and information to people builds credibility and I like helping people as doing so does pay off. I would have to say this is my best social media experience.
Facebook and Twitter...well I use them but only to promote content in other places and to provide other information I have read to readers. I don't really keep up with who is following who or me, but do find some interesting content and material to read from "like" people and professions that follow me.
I think it has to do with understanding what you want from Social Media just like any marketing medium and setting the right expectations and not letting it run your life for the hope of the golden egg....then I believe one will be disappointed.
Karen Fischer
RK Fischer & Associates
www.asmallbusinessconsultant.ca
Posted by David D Cates
10/27 @ 07:22 AM
10/27 @ 07:22 AM
Astute observations about leadership styles. I follow the path of Servant Leadership: Servant leadership is a philosophy and practice of leadership, coined and defined by Robert K. Greenleaf and supported by many leadership and management writers such as James Autry, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Peter Block, Peter Senge, Max DePree, Scott Greenberg, Larry Spears, Margaret Wheatley, James C. Hunter, Kent Keith, Ken Jennings, Don Frick and others. Servant-leaders achieve results for their organizations by giving priority attention to the needs of their colleagues and those they serve. Servant-leaders are often seen as humble stewards of their organization's resources: human, financial and physical.
This way of leading fits me like a glove and for me, is the most effective. I also recognize that not all situations call for the same styles so we must be able to use many style "tools" depending on what is required.
Great start to an interesting dialogue.
This way of leading fits me like a glove and for me, is the most effective. I also recognize that not all situations call for the same styles so we must be able to use many style "tools" depending on what is required.
Great start to an interesting dialogue.
Posted by Jeff Reich
10/27 @ 05:58 AM
10/27 @ 05:58 AM
My best Linkedin event was getting contacted by Forbes, first to me interview and then to be a contributor to a new blog they were starting up on business aviation. My least favorite event was recently being contacted someone who portrays himself in a fashion as to mislead you to believe he from a well known business entity. I much rather deal with people being straight about who they are and what they are doing.
Lessons learned from and about six-figure leadership and executive career management
