Awakening in Life and Work

“I don’t need to fight, to prove I’m right. I don’t need to be forgiven.”- Baba O’Riley, The Who

Over the weekend, I turned 40. For some, it’s a reminder that we are getting older. For others, it’s the thought that the greatest years of your life are still ahead. Prior to my birthday, I had a few weeks where I felt really old. I was no longer a “young guy,” but an older man. However, the day my birthday hit, a real change came over me. This wasn’t some magic light or message from above, it was an awakening.

You may not realize it, but your awakening can happen at any time and any place. It can happen at age 21, 30, 40 or 50. It can take place in your car, with a friend or even in your office.

Say you get let go from your job, like I did in 2010. Is this your awakening? It very well may be. For me, it was the start of a dream. For you, getting let go may be the beginning of the rest of your life or it may be something that hurts you for a bit. There is not a super serum that changes you overnight (even though you may think you are Captain America). Your awakening may take some time to grow.

The same goes for your work. You may have been exposed to some great mentors and work in an environment that has allowed you to grow. Does this mean it is time for you make the leap into starting your own business? It could be. Is this, as Oprah calls it, an Aha! moment? Probably.

The moment your mind and body align, you are having an awakening. I have a good friend in PR that was putting together some social media marketing plans. He read a post about B2B marketing with Facebook at Social Media Examiner. It changed his perspective and was an awakening for him moving forward. He now understood what it took for him to really grasp the connection with social.

Remember… Your awakening may come at any time. You need to grasp it and understand the how it will shape you. Now, and for the future.

Let me know what your awakening in life and work has been in the comments.

Path: Gaining Traction or Social Clutter?

One of the things I enjoy about my job is researching new ways to help clients in marketing their businesses and brands. So, I tried Path at the recommendation of colleague. Launched in 2010, Path is a more personal social network than Facebook and Twitter. On iTunes, it says that Path is, “the best way to share life and stay connected with family and friends.”

I’ve been using Path for almost a year and there are many things to like about it. Path is a tad more personal than Facebook, but still (like Facebook), allows you to comment on friends’ posts. You can also add emoticons to a friend’s Path (without leaving a comment), much akin to the “like” on Facebook. A few of the other items that are a plus is how it allows you to add photos (like Facebook), tag where you are (like Foursquare), and let people know what music you are listening to at the current moment.

I’m never one to totally close the door on any social network, but as I’ve used Path I’ve come to these questions more than once: “Why am I using it” and “How is it really different?” I’m not sure I see how Path fits for a brand, business or even for personal use. Sure, the “more personal” side may be great for some, however, just what value will it bring me or even a client?

Of course, not every social network is made to be used by businesses. In the case of my personal use of it, I’ll admit that I haven’t embraced it totally, although I do post and react to friends’ posts.

I asked this question on Twitter on Tuesday: “Working on a post on Path. Why do you use it? What do you like/dislike?” Here are some reactions…

While this is only three people, it gives you a good idea what some feel about Path. Heather’s point is very well taken. I do see some different emotions there than on Facebook. Harrison’s point, though, is how I tend to feel. It doesn’t pull me away to say, “I have to post on Path right now.”

At the end of the day, a social network needs to be appealing and have something that other ones don’t already.  Ask yourself these questions: “Is it worth my time?” and “Will it enhance my social experience?” If your answer is no to one or both, don’t use it.

What say you on Path? Let me know in the comments!

Tuesday Tip: Reaping the Rewards

Challenging and rewarding often are paired together… and that’s a great thing. Here’s my Tuesday Tip that may give you some jump to your day.

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

There’s No Such Thing as a Social Media Killer!

“This is the end, beautiful friend. This is the end, my only friend, the end.”- The Doors

Remember when Google+ was supposed to kill off Facebook? How about that time Twitter was going to die? Both statements never came true. Why? Because there’s no such thing as one social platform killing another. Watch…

Let me know your thoughts? Am I wrong or right?

Blog Series: Don’t Take Any BS

What is it about putting up with BS that we enjoy so much. Do we like feeling wanted? Do we figure it will get better, in life and in business? I’ve come to a point in my life, and in my career, where the BS has to stop. There’s no room for success when you put up with BS! Repeat that a few times and see if it doesn’t make you feel better.

In public relations, we are taught to work collaboratively. We may even say yes to something we don’t necessarily believe. Why would you do that? I pride myself in life and in business with being honest. If I BS someone, how is that going to really help a client or a friend? If a client has hired me to provide a social media plan or media training, I’m going to be honest. I’m not going to be a jerk and say, “I’m right and your wrong!” It’s a collaboration. We come to a mutual agreement that plan A is much better than plan B.

The same goes with social media. We can put up this persona that everything is great, it’s just like riding a unicorn while reading memes with pictures of cute kittens. News flash- life sucks sometimes and it’s ok to say that. Isn’t honesty really the best policy? When you become something you aren’t on social networks, you are setting yourself up for failure. I’d rather see you speak your mind than BS your way through a conversation.

In business, we want to work with clients that (hopefully) are looking for us to add our expertise. I had someone tell me once they couldn’t stand working with a certain client, but it was all worth it because they paid on time. It’s come to that in your PR career… settling for someone who pays on time. That, my friends, is BS. Don’t stay with a client because they pay on time. If you begin with honesty, you’ll have an open line of communication all throughout… and that’s good for both sides.

Before you say that not adding a little BS is impossible, think of this. Who are the most successful people in your career field? Do you think they BS’d their way to the top. After awhile, the BS runs out and we find out who someone really is. That isn’t a good day.

Cicero once said, “Where is there dignity unless there is honesty?” The more honest you are and the less fake you are, you’ll find more success!

Blog Series: Re-invent Yourself Often

In 2008, I came to the realization that public relations was changing. Facebook was just starting to make an impact; Twitter and YouTube were still fairly new. I noticed that more and more forward-thinking PR pros were adapting these social platforms into their thinking. It was going to be the future.

What was I to do though? Should I just forge ahead with the old ways or should I start integrating them into my practices? I chose the latter, thankfully. Those months of changing my ways and learning more about social media led to me re-inventing myself. It also helped me move on to a new agency job a year later. Ultimately, it was also the building block to my business, JRM Comm.

Here is what this should mean to you. While you may feel like you are good, you can always do more and be more. Every single day, you can look at ways at being better and being more than you are already.

1) Don’t fall into the comfort zone- I mentioned this in part two of my blog series. The more comfortable you get, the more we become lackadaisical. Find ways to learn something different to make yourself unique and resourceful. This will not happen in one day. Over time, your peers and co-workers will see you are the “go-to” person for new, fresh ideas.

2) Challenge your own mind- I worked in television and radio for years. I knew after a while though that it wasn’t going to give me what I ultimately wanted: Control. So, I challenged myself to do something different. Sure, many TV/radio folks transition into PR nowadays, but I still knew it was going to be a different way of life. I dove in head first and immersed myself into learning as much as I could. I wanted the challenge… and so should you.

3) Risk… understand it- By re-inventing yourself, you are taking a risk- calculated or otherwise. Understand that by trying to change-up what you’ve done for years isn’t exactly something you flip the switch on. The risk is that it may not work, but how many times did Steve Jobs try before he became successful. Believe that risk is part of your plan and you’ll have a better grip on your future.

Remember, change is good. But you have to believe it. Don’t think you can be this new, re-invented person overnight. It may take a few months or up to a year to really feel comfortable. BUT, if you believe… it WILL HAPPEN!

New Blog Series!

I enjoy giving back when I can. So, as we start a new year, it’s time to help those in our great fields of PR, social media and marketing. Starting on Thursday, Jan. 3, I’ll have a five-part blog series on things you can do to improve your career, day-to-day life in the office and at home and much more.

Here’s some background on the series:

New Blog Series

I can’t wait for you to join me weekly here and get your feedback and insights.

Tuesday Tip: Social Media Engagement

You’ve all heard plenty about how to engage your audience on social media. But are you listening? There are tons of companies that aren’t. However, instead of harping on the negative, I’d like to focus on the positive. Today’s Tuesday Tip does that.

What are other companies doing that jump out at you?

Building the Bridge

This time last year, I put my daughter on the bus for her first day of kindergarten. Little did I know that the bus doors opening to her new beginning were a metaphor of what was to come for her father.

One year ago, I was let go from my job. It was the best thing that could have happened to me. My own “bus doors” were opening to the start of my consultancy, JRM Comm. The ride so far has been exciting, exhilarating, draining and stressful. Read those four words again. This was not something I ever expected.

I’m going to be brutally honest. There are days that I’m still learning about running my own business. Does this affect my work with clients? Absolutely not. But, I’ve struggled with the behind the scenes things. I want to be the best. But there are days that I’m not the best. As a matter of fact, there are days where my batting average is zero.

That is the biggest test for me; trying to understand the balance of success and failure. My highs are very high. When it comes to my lows, I let the little things get to me. Why hasn’t this mail come through? How can someone actually post that on Facebook? When is this potential client going to respond?

My wife said something great to me the other night. She told me, “You need to be real. Don’t be someone online and a different one off of it.” This is something I mention and talk to people about all the time, yet I’m not listening to my own (and my wife’s) advice. Well, that changes now.

I’ve decided to build the bridge. This phrase is something that New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin told the team prior to the start of the 2012-13 season. He said:

“‘Build the Bridge’ means to carry over all the good things that happened at the end of the season last year over into the new season. The qualities that allowed us to go forward and win the World Championship.”

While this may not sound like the most inspiring thing in the world, that phrase is key for me. By building a bridge from the good things that happened and eliminating the negatives, I can be a better business owner, PR pro and speaker.

I’m lucky to be in this position… and I’m thankful for the support I’ve had from family and colleagues. My advice to you? Build your bridge, but don’t try to do it in one day. You’ll find success over time, not overnight.

That’s reality and something I absolutely embrace.

How Nurses Build Community Online

[Jas' note: I'm incredibly appreciative to have Erica Moss guest blogging today on a topic that is really piquing my interested lately: Healthcare and social media.]

Of the many things you’re tasked with in the role of community manager, identifying who your target audience is and where they’re spending their time online are two of the most important. And if you’re good at what you do, you spend a whole lot of time listening in the beginning stages, combing the space for influencers, cues about etiquette and important topics that eventually bubble to the surface.

Health care is a particularly fascinating vertical, comprised of individuals who care deeply about what they do and strive to make an impact in their own communities and beyond. Nurses, specifically, are advocates for their profession and appreciate honest, thoughtful dialogue.

And while many nurses and other health care professionals grapple with demanding schedules and the never-ending challenge of work-life balance, they do also use social media to commiserate with, learn from and challenge members of their peer group.

A few examples:

Facebook
With its recent announcement that it hit the one billion users mark, it’s no surprise that Facebook serves as a meeting place for nurses. Some of the more popular pages include the American Nurses Association, Nursing Notes by Johnson & Johnson, Nurse Together and the American Journal of Nursing. Here you’ll find vocal communities of nurses sharing opinions on health care reform, talking about issues like nurse bullying, webinar information and much more. Thought-provoking questions and photos typically elicit the most likes and comments.

Blogs
While being mindful of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is an ever-present concern for health care professionals who blog, there is certainly a healthy, thriving community of nurse bloggers who share their experiences with the world. Best known as The Nerdy Nurse, Brittney, a clinical informatics specialist from Georgia, uses her blog to talk about things that are happening in her personal life, share her enthusiasm for the latest technologies, and of course, best practices and observations from her life as a nurse. Nurse Keith has a passion for coaching nurses and helping them achieve work-life balance, and his blog, Digital Doorway, is a great resource for avoiding burnout and other best practices.

These are just two of numerous examples of thought leaders in this space who use blogging to connect with like-minded individuals. Many also have Facebook pages that accompany their sites in order to further nurture engagement within their networks.

#RNchat
Scheduled to take place every Thursday around 9:15 p.m. EST, this Twitter chat is a watercooler for relevant topics and concerns related to nursing. Started by Phil Baumann, it’s billed as the first of its kind for nurses. Those who can’t participate in the live chat are encouraged to follow the hashtag on Twitter. And now, of course, additional niche chats have popped up, such as #APRNchat, #IVchat, #ITnurse and many more. Outside of the chat, if you want a starter list of nurses to follow, check out this top 10 from Nursing License Map, a state-by-state guide to nursing licensure.

Forums
Forum sites like allnurses.com and even Reddit are also gathering spots for nurses seeking advice on career next steps, those trying to compare schools or simply to share a funny nurse-related meme. Fellow nurses chime in with their experiences, or point users toward an outside resource that might be of some assistance. There’s a greater sense of camaraderie in this type of setting, as users typically have to register to participate and a certain level of trust is assigned to a community that, presumably, consists solely of your peers.

For a comprehensive nurse’s guide to the use of social media, check out this white paper from the National Council of the State Boards of Nursing.

I’d certainly love to hear from fellow community managers and social media pros in this particular vertical. Have you had the same experiences? What’s missing from this list?

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for the online graduate nursing programs at Georgetown University, offering one of the nation’s leading nurse educator programs. She enjoys blogging, TV, pop culture and tweeting @ericajmoss.