Okay, so I know you are probably thinking how many times can you write about personal brand, and are you just writing about it to try and promote yours? Well, I received a comment from @texburgher (http://texburgher.com) on my last post about personal brand. His comment was so intelligent and thought-provoking that it actually spurred a new post altogether.

Geoff Barnes (@texburgher) posed the question: Do you think one’s “personal brand” is more, or less important than one’s whole, unique self, (are they even distinguishable any more?) and why?

I was actually hoping my post would spur some discussion because I have so many unanswered questions on this topic. It’s actually pretty funny because the question(s) Geoff posed is the exact same thing with which I struggle.

I must admit that on occasion I do hesitate before writing or tweeting something. However, I think that hesitation comes not from fearing that I will represent my company in a poor manner, but rather that my company or colleagues would not be happy. But, when do you start holding back too much? Or what crosses the line into revealing too much? I honestly do not censor myself often in this regard, but if I have a bad day at work or if a colleague makes me angry, this is something I typically would not tweet or write about because I wouldn’t want my colleagues (or the bosses) to see this. This is all something I am trying to understand – if I do conform in some regard to make sure that I represent the best interests of my company at all times, am I in fact presenting my true self and in essence my true “personal brand?” And, what really is a personal brand anyway and how important is it? Furthermore, is your “personal brand” the way in which you represent yourself in a professional manner or is it a full representation of you as a human being?

While the line can get blurry at times, I always put my company first when I am “on the clock.” When I am off the clock at a networking event (not paid for by my company) I put my personal best interests first and foremost. But the things I accomplish at work certainly contribute to my personal brand, and vice versa. I may not actively talk about my company when outside of work, but at the same time my work is part of who I am. For example, I have links to articles here on my personal blog because I am proud of those professional accomplishments. I tweet about projects I work on for my company because I like to share what I am working on, or an article I was able to get placed, with my followers.

For now I will just continue being me. I will continue to challenge myself and learn from others at work, online and at networking events. I believe I do maintain a good balance of my professional and personal lives. And hey, I haven’t said anything too offensive yet because I still have my job!

“As professional and personal lives converge, those who are authentic and transparent will triumph.” -Dan Schawbel

“It’s what you do that makes you who you are and how you project that to others that makes you memorable.” -Dan Schawbel

Last night during another amazing @journchat session there was much debate about personal brand and when your personal brand overshadows the company you represent. So, how important is your personal brand? In my opinion, it is very important. After all, companies today do not hire people on their skills and knowledge alone. Smart companies and hiring managers also factor in a job candidate’s personality and how they will fit in with the company culture. I’m sure we have all read numerous stories about companies googling job candidates and viewing their MySpace, Facebook and personal websites.

While social media helps make the universe smaller many argue that people’s personal lives are overexposed. Not only does this growing space make companies become more transparent than ever, the same holds true for individuals. So yes, it is important to maintain an online image that you are proud to share with the world. As I mentioned last night, my mother once told me “Never do something you would be embarrassed to wake up and find on the front page of the paper in the morning.” What is so great about social media is that it gives the everyday Joe a voice. It is up to the individual on how they use that voice.

Yes, I represent the company I work for at all times. However, I believe in my company and its culture and values. I would hope that in return my company hired me because they also believe in my values and my professionalism. In fact, the work I do on behalf of my company actually helps build my personal brand. Therefore, I would think that my company trusts my judgment in how I present my personal brand to the public, knowing that my brand reflects on the company I work for. After all, wasn’t I hired based on my personal brand, which encompasses my skills, knowledge and personality?

I am still trying to understand just how important my personal brand can be, if it does in fact overshadow my company’s brand and what this all means. And, how is this different from the image I present when attending a networking event in person? Hopefully I can figure this out one day – preferably before I retire!

Social media is “it” right now. Seems to me that is all you hear – it has finally become mainstream. While I can’t come close to those who have been involved for years now, I can say I feel that I may actually be a bit ahead of the curve on this one. At least in that front pack – but definitely not leading it by any stretch of the imagination.

I take great pleasure in receiving daily emails from my dad on different articles he has seen about the use of Twitter. You see, for the past several months my entire family, hubby included, have been looking at me like I have five heads anytime I mention a “twitter friend” or that my Monday nights are blocked off for @journchat (http://journchat.info) so that I can virtually network with journalists, bloggers and other PR professionals. Yes, you really can do that sitting in your living room, in front of the fireplace, while watching tv and eating dinner! Multi-tasking my friends, it is a blessing! The most recent email from my dad was titled “Twittering Hoekstra reveals Baghdad location” and then begins ‘Could a Tweet cost lives?’ I am sure my dad has since been having nightmares of someone stalking and perhaps even murdering me for tweeting my location. He was, however, impressed when I told him that I first found out about the Hudson River plane crash on Twitter. But of course, the clincher for him is that PittGirl is on Twitter – anything @janepitt does must be cool in my dad’s book. Yes, if PittGirl and I were both drowning in the ocean he would probably rescue her first.

Anyway, there are so many great things happening within the social media space that I don’t think it will ever go away. In fact, I really do believe that those who are not getting involved will be left behind. There are amazing people who are working to continue to enhance this space.

Many question the longevity of social media because they question how money can be made. I mean, advertising on Twitter does seem to be against everything Twitter stands for. I recently heard that Twitter may begin charging companies for accounts. While a great way to make money, not sure how effective that can be. For example, I consider my Twitter account to be a personal account. However, I do at times tweet about things for work that I think would be of interest to my followers.

For now, I will continue to network with as many people as I can and I will continue to learn as much as I can. I strongly believe that social media isn’t going anywhere. I believe that it will continue to become more mainstream. And maybe one day our youth will find the value in networks such as Twitter instead of just playing on MySpace.

While too many people continue to contemplate the value of social media networks, I will continue to get more involved and build my online presence. My goal is to get one step closer to the front of that pack every single day. After all, isn’t personal branding all the rage these days?

I am excited to start my first ‘intro to building a website’ class next week. It is a six week class, so if I am a good student you should expect to see some great enhancements to my blog in a couple months.

As long as social media is around you will continue to hear from Madison14 because I truly value the relationships I have built through these networks. Oh, and the knowledge I have accumulated blows my mind! I honestly think I have learned more about my industry in the past few months than I have learned over the past 5+ years working in it.

There are many critics who believe social networking is just a phase and that it will not last. I hope we can prove them wrong because I see this forum as the future!

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

The hubby and I spent Super Bowl Sunday at his sister’s house. We watched the game with hubby’s two sisters, two brothers-in-law, niece, parents and his sister’s in-laws. I was tempted to watch with my parents but knew that if it was a close game the chances of me making out of that house alive would be slim to none. As mentioned in previous posts, I have witnessed numerous football watching related injuries with my family. I started to regret this decision when hubby’s brother-in-law answered the door to hear me screaming ‘Here We Go Steelers’ while waving my towel in his face, only to be told ’sshhh…the baby is sleeping’. Huh?!?! I thought I came here to watch the football game. THE SUPERBOWL!

I made my way to the basement with its fully stocked bar and two flat screen tvs. I took a seat while hubby made me a drink and I tried to maintain a calm composure. Fail. I had much faith in our team, but I must admit the nerves were overflowing. I had a feeling it was going to be a close game from the beginning. Oh, and did I mention the goosebumps that have suddenly encompassed my body?

Then the game started – within the first five minutes or so of play Ben is in the endzone! OMG – what a way to start the game! Until the Cardinals challenge and Ben’s TD is taken away. I may be a bit biased, but don’t the refs need conclusive evidence that Ben did not cross the plane, or that his knee was down? I’m not positive Ben crossed the plane or that his knee wasn’t down, but I did not see conclusive evidence to tell me otherwise. Many expletives were screamed at the tv and I realized that my in-laws may never look at me the same again. Then good ol’ Skippy kicks a fieldgoal and I am appeased – it’s not the seven I was hoping for, but three will certainly do. It doesn’t take much longer for that TD. Early in the second quarter, Gary Russell made it into the endzone and Skippy picks up the extra point. Arizona also scores during this quarter. But, the magic of the first half – what is now being dubbed James Harrison’s Immaculate Interception. That’s right 242-pound Harrison, who was at one time in his career a Baltimore Raven, intercepts the ball with less than a minute left. He runs a Super Bowl record-breaking 100 yards for the TD! I nearly spill my beverage, jumping up and down, running around the in-laws basement. Of course Skippy gets the extra point and we are ahead at the end of the first half – 17-7.

I can’t contain my excitement and therefore miss the entire halftime show. I also realize at this point that it may have been in my best interest to watch the game at my ‘rents – a safe haven where my crazy antics are accepted. I am sure the hubby’s family later questioned my actions, wondering what drugs I was on. Hint: It’s a football high, an addiction I was born with. Sorry, everyone has their own vice.

The third quarter was somewhat boring, with the exception of a few penalties and reversed fumble call. But, Skippy puts three more on the board with about two minutes left in the third quarter. We enter the final quarter of play 20-7, Pittsburgh. At this point my excitement is mounting and I am getting a bit overly confident. Another drink please, Mr. Hubby.

The fourth quarter will forever be a part of football history. Looking back now, I should have known this game would come down to the last several seconds. After all, that is Steelers football. It hurts me to say this, but I must admit that Larry Fitzgerald is an amazing football player. I know I live in Pittsburgh, but I am a Penn State gal. This means I’m not very fond of Pitt. Yep, I come from an entire family of Penn Staters (hubby included). Anyway, Larry is great! And he came alive during the fourth quarter – when it really matters. Football is a 60-minute game, and all 60 minutes really do matter.

More than halfway through the fourth quarter Larry Fitzgerald caught an amazing TD. With extra point good, the score is now 20-14. This is when the pacing and nail-biting begins. Within the next five minutes the Cardinals manage to take the lead with a safety and another Fitzgerald TD. By this point, my heart is beating out of my chest, I have no more nails left to bite, and I have worn down the in-laws carpet with the pacing. My niece can’t seem to grasp why we all look like we are about to cry.

While continuing to pace, I just kept repeating, “It’s okay, it’s okay. We have done this many times. We can do this. Ben is magical in the last two minutes. This is Steelers football.” Well, I was trying to convince myself to stay positive. It wasn’t working so well though. Oh, and I was NOT losing the Steve Madden shades I bet @AZcomm on the game.

The silver lining – Fitzgerald left about 2.5 minutes on the clock after his TD. The first play is a holding penalty and we lose 10 yards. Shouldn’t we be moving in the other direction?! More expletives. I must resist the urge to throw something at the tv. With 35 seconds left, Ben throws to Holmes in the corner of the endzone. Holmes makes one of the most amazing catches I have ever witnessed. His feet never left the ground!! This is a TD! This is a TD! His feet are in! His feet are in! OMG! We won the Super Bowl. I pick up my niece and spin her around, jump on my hubby and almost knock him over. The Steelers pull through again. Yep, they reviewed the play but we all knew without a doubt that it was a TD. We are Super Bowl Champs once again! FINAL SCORE: 27-23, PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!

There was some controversy over the final play – a fumble. But it was definitely a fumble. The Steelers clinch their sixth Super Bowl, the first team in the NFL to win six Super Bowls. Many other records were broken during Super Bowl XLIII. Coach Tomlin became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl. Dick LeBeau is the oldest non-head coach to win a Super Bowl. And then there is Harrison. Not only did he crush the record for longest interception return, but he also clinched the record for longest touchdown in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XLIII was a great, action-packed game. I am still recovering. Today’s parade was the perfect way to celebrate and the town of Pittsburgh had a amazing time. Tomlin may say don’t count on another Super Bowl win next year, but I have faith in the “Stairway to Seven.” Did I mention that the Steelers had a 12-4 record during the toughest schedule in the NFL this year? Next year’s schedule is expected to be much easier.

As for now, the hubby’s family has not convinced him to divorce me. But I am not so sure I will be invited to that house for another Super Bowl, or any football game for that matter. Lesson learned: only watch important games with those of your kind. Yes, those who eat, drink and breathe Steelers football. Less than seven months till the preseason games start for the 2009 season!

To say the men in my family are obsessed with football, especially Steelers and Nittany Lion football, is more of an understatement than I could ever express. I was born destined to be a die-hard fan. Well, it was either that or be disowned. My dad actually took my mom to a Steelers game for their first date. You think that would have been a sign, but apparently their love has outlasted my father’s relationship with football for the past 60 odd years. Oh, did I mention that my mom got thirsty during the game on that first date? My dad offered to pay, but told her he wasn’t leaving his seat so she would have to get her drink by herself. Yes, he said this on his first date. And yes, my parents are still happily married.

My dad’s birthday is September 20th. The Steelers, known at the time as the Pirates, played their first NFL game on September 20, 1933. They lost that one but we won’t discuss that. After all, my dad was not born yet. Who would have thought that 13 years later to the date my dad would be born on the same day the Steelers beat the Chicago Cardinals? Yep, that’s right – my father was born on September 20, 1946 (sorry, dad, for revealing your age) – the same day the Steelers beat the Chicago Cardinals during that season’s opener in 1946. Is it a sign? We are now in 2009 and the Steelers are preparing to fight the Arizona Cardinals in hopes of bringing the Lombardi Trophy and that Six-Pack home to the ‘Burgh. My dad got angry at me earlier this week for saying ‘when the Steelers win’ – he says it’s bad luck. Oh, and he was very serious about it.

I am more excited for this Sunday than I ever have been for a football game in my life. Although, I must say the AFC Championship game did come close. I recall waking up the morning of January 18, 2009 saying that it felt like Christmas morning and that my excitement level came close to matching that of my wedding day.

I was raised by an insane family of football fanatics and they seem to rub off on me more and more each game. When I was young we were forbidden to have friends over on football Sundays in the fear that their parents would never allow them to visit our home again. In fact, my mother didn’t even want me in the house so she took me shopping. My father has almost broken many TVs during games. The crazy football antics in my family date back to way before I was born. But, there have been many great moments that I have witnessed or heard about during my lifetime. Here are a few classics. My dad and my Uncle Dave actually brought a TV to their grandmother’s wake for the season opener in 1989. In 1998, while the family was over for Thanksgiving dinner my father decided to hit my gram in the head with a pillow when the Steelers lost their coin toss. In case you don’t remember, we lost in OT that game. Upon the loss, dad immediately vacated the room, went to sit in his car, threw out a series of f-bombs and then walked back upstairs to join the rest of us for Thanksgiving dinner. Oh, and there’s the time my Uncle Dave almost broke my cousin’s nose in the midst of a celebratory somersault. It’s no wonder that I myself have been getting crazier and crazier every year.

If you’ve read my blog before, you may know that the hubby and I just moved back to Pittsburgh after living in Jersey for almost 5 years. It’s great to be back in the ‘Burgh with our friends and family. But most of all, it is great to be back with all of our fellow Stillers fan. The energy I have felt in this town since we started the playoff run has been remarkable. Pittsburgh is a great city! Best of all, the hubby and I have been able to attend a few games this year, including the AFC Championship game on January 18th. It has been a great season. A lot of these guys have been playing together for a long time and like Big Ben said, the team is like a band of brothers. Of course we cannot forget about Coach Tomlin. Not only did he look snazzy getting off the plane upon his arrival to Tampa, but he is also humble and a great coach. Best of all, he did not come in trying to shake things up.

I had a lot of fun during 2008. I started the season with the Steelers for their first preseason game of the year against the Eagles. Ah, the convenience of living in the ‘Burgh once again and working downtown – my cousin and I met up after work and walked over to join my dad, who had been tailgating solo for over an hour awaiting our arrival. Fun times all around and a Steelers win, with an awesome opening drive. Although I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how deeply saddened I was to see Charlie Batch get injured – a broken collar bone that occurred in the 2nd quarter. Charlie is a great guy. I ended up meeting him in person later in the season at a charity event for cystic fibrosis. He talked with my mom and me for a while about his own charity, Best of the Batch Foundation (www.bestofthebatch.org). It was obvious how much he cares about the kids he is helping.

I did not make the next home preseason game against the Panthers. You see, I was getting married that Saturday and we had our rehearsal dinner planned for that Friday. Which means there was a lot to get done Thursday night. But, we decided to give the ducats to my cousin to thank her and her boyfriend for creating all of our wedding invites for FREE! Funny side note, I happened to meet Dennis Dixon at the Sheetz in Robinson the night before the game. He tried persuading me to have “one last fling” before the wedding. I let him know I’m not that kind of girl, but I must say I was a bit flattered. Of course I am sure he has hit on every girl he has ever met.

The hubby and I made it to three regular season games – the Ravens on 9/29, the Colts on 11/9 and the Chargers on 11/16. It has become our tradition to park in gold lot 4 and tailgate before all the games. Lots of food, beverages, trash talking and fun! Unfortunately we couldn’t pull off the win for the Colts games. That was just a bad game all around for me. You see, let me explain. My dad has season tickets in section 516. He’s had season tickets long before the thought of Heinz Field even crossed anyone’s mind. I might add that the Steelers royally screwed my father with these seats. A 31-year season ticket holder at the time, my dad knew 5-year season ticket holders who were on the 40-yard line and closer to the field. Section 516 is on the closed end of the stadium, between the goal line and the endline. As it turns out, these are actually really great seats in my opinion – fun section and you can see the whole field. The walk up the ramp is not at all fun though.

Anyway, I am ranting. Back to the Colts game. The hubby and I have been sitting in 516 since Heinz opened. Over the years, we have gotten to know many people in our section. And most people seem quit amused with my crazy antics – non-stop cheering, dancing during commercial time-outs, yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyway, at the Colts game the woman sitting in front of me was not so amused. Oh, and her lame college-age daughter seemed even less amused. You are at a football game. People get loud. People get crazy. Get over it or go home! After all, we are emotionally connected to this team. Said lady with said lame child decided to continue turning around asking me to shut up. Wrong thing to say – I got louder. They then threatened to get me kicked out. For what?!?!?! Being loud – outside, at a football game?!?!?!?! PLEASE!

When playoffs came around the hubby and I were in for the Chargers game. Excitement galore! Unfortunately, hubby’s Nunna passed away and the viewing was on that same Steelers Sunday, Jan. 11th, so we couldn’t make it. This ended up working out nicely for us, though. My brother got those tix. I think my dad felt bad for the hubby and me missing the Chargers game and wanted to do something to cheer us up. The hubby was really having a tough time dealing with Nunna’s death. So, dad gave us his ducats for the AFC Championship against the Ravens. YEEESSS!!!!! He still went to the game too – sat with my 2 uncles.

This was our first title game and unless you experience it first-hand, you could never understand the electricity in Pittsburgh that day. It was truly amazing. It was also cold, but the excitement (and alcohol) kept me warm. Tailgating with my hubby, my rents, two aunts, two uncles and a few cousins, the crazy Villiotti football antics starting rubbing off on me. Yep, I tried to fight a Ravens fan, hubby called me an a-hole, but all was well in my world on that day – a day I compare to my wedding day on excitement level.

We are now about to embark on the last leg of this journey – Super Bowl XLIII. When the Steelers clinched that one for the thumb a few years ago the hubby and I were in Jersey and it just wasn’t the same. The only place I would rather be this Sunday instead of Pittsburgh is Tampa, watching the game in person! Unfortunately I am not rich and cannot even fancy paying $800 a ticket! Cheers to all of you who were able to make it to Tampa – keep it loud and show the world what Steelers Nation is all about.

Oh, by the way, I heard the Cardinals are practicing with crowd noise in anticipation of the loud Steelers fans who are lucky enough to be in Tampa on Sunday.

GO STEELERS!!!!! Let’s get that six-pack!

It has been almost a month since I wrote my last post. I’m realizing that if I am going to take blogging seriously then I seriously need to blog more. Every time I have sat down to write I realize too much has happened since my last post and I can’t decide on a topic, so I just log out. So tonight I logged on and found a post I titled but never wrote – ‘The Power of Social Media Never Ceases to Amaze Me’.

The hubby’s Nana passed away earlier this month. It was the saddest thing I have ever witnessed in my life – and I am no stranger to death. I have lost quite a few friends, family members and acquaintances throughout my lifetime. But there was something different with Nana. I don’t know if it is because she suffered so much in her last several weeks and we were there to see it, or because I realized how many people’s lives she touched. It was truly heartbreaking – it still is to some degree. Hubby’s mom is taking it really hard, but she will be okay. I am amazed with the outpouring of support from my friends on Twitter – so many people wrote just to say they were thinking of us. It really did touch me. In fact, some people, still to this day, ask how we are doing. It helps – it really does. I don’t know what it is about someone taking even just a few seconds out of their day to let you know they are thinking of you that really helps lift your spirits. It was comforting during a difficult time. So, thank you!

I have been exhausted lately. Not complaining, but yes I am making an excuse for why I have not been online so much lately. Busy at work, lots going on at home, etc, etc. Yep, I’d give you every line in the book – the dog ate my computer?!?! I have, however, attended two events in person with some of my fellow Pittsburgh twitterers. Last week I attended a meeting for PodCamp Pittsburgh (www.podcamppittsburgh.com) – what a meeting of the minds! I can’t even put into words just how overwhelmed I was at this meeting. But boy did I realize how much more I need to learn! I was blown away by the knowledge within this group. I knew I was going to this meeting as the newbie who doesn’t know much. I realized that I will never stop learning about social media and that I need to sign up for the Internet coding class I have been contemplating like NOW. It will only help me become more knowledgeable and be able to do more in this space.

Earlier this week I attended my first Pittsburgh Tweetup Heatup. It was a Heatup because everyone brought clothes for the men’s shelter that was down the street. Using this social network to help others – amazing! People just kept walking through the door with boxes and boxes overflowing with clothes. I felt a bit incompetent with the measly two winter hats I bought at CVS on my way out of work. Again I met a lot of amazing people and I was amazed that the power of Twitter is what brought everyone together. And, using the opportunity to help others too!

I want to end this post by thanking everyone for their condolences. And I want to thank all of my Twitter friends for helping me learn more and more about social media every single time I get online!

As for now, enough reflection on social media – time to concentrate on my Stillers!!!! WooHoo!!!!!

So, after waking up from a much-need Z-Pak induced nap I decided to write a new blog post titled “Can Social Media Be Taught”. Seems my initial thought, which I might add provoked the post, was right – I wish I was taught social media in j-school at Penn State. I might also add that my post on this subject was extremely premature and, quite frankly, stupid!

Several of my fellow @journchat (http://journchat.info) friends seem to think that social media should be taught in schools. And, after hearing their thoughts on the subject I agree. Of course, this goes to prove one point I made in my previous post – “social media, and those who we network with in this space, can teach us.” Through the power of social media, tonight I learned how social media can effectively be taught in school, and I learned about Robert French, a public relations professor at Auburn University who is doing this very well. I urge you to visit Robert French’s site at http://www.auburnmedia.com/wordpress/. So once again, intelligent #journchat conversations have really made me think and in this case swayed my mind – enough so to write a post just to say so – and why!

Just as I learned about the internet when I was in school, and how much this “new medium” is going to change our profession, I realized that I actually do believe that today’s students should learn about social media. However, as I learned tonight (thanks to @dpolitis – http://www.thebettyfactor.com/), social media is not just “another medium”, rather it is a new way of thinking and working in the communications space.

I don’t often admit when I am wrong, but I must say I was a bit naive (yes, and stupid) in my prior post to say that social media can’t be learned in school. However, I still stand by my statement that one can only truly realize the value of social media by diving in the space. But in reality, this is true of anything you do – you learn by doing, not just talking about doing. I think @pitchengine (http://www.pitchengine.com) said it best in the lovely 140 characters or less – “they’re being taught the trad methods. flip video cameras, blogs, twitter should all be practiced. No mo Word docs!”

While you can teach the tools needed to best utilize the social media space, the only way to get the most value out of social media is to get involved – student or not. Trust me, I learn more about this space and just news in general by being engaged – every single day!

I was recently discussing social media with some twitter friends online and I distinctly remember saying that when I was in j-school at Penn State I wish they would have taught social media. I remember thinking how I may have embraced the social space sooner if I would have learned about it in school. But is social media really something that you can learn in a classroom? The more I contemplate this statement I made, I realize just how wrong I was. After all, isn’t social media (a.k.a. social networking) just another form of networking that takes place online? Sure, you can learn about the various tools, applications, websites, etc. but can you really learn how to utilize them without actually using them? The beauty of social networking is learning.

I learn more and more about the social media space every single day, but this is through networking with my online friends. There are countless articles and blog posts (including this one) about social media. And while I find the majority of these interesting and helpful, I’m not convinced I would feel the same if I myself was not so engaged in this space. Social networking is all about learning – learning from one another and sharing ideas.

The same is true with networking in person. You can read all the books you want about how to network more effectively, how to start a conversation, or how to be more outgoing. However, if you don’t actually attend networking events how much can you really be learning?

A good portion of my last job involved networking with customers, employees, board members and vendors. By planning and attending events I learned more and more each time. However, the most important lesson that I took away from this is that the beauty of networking is listening more than talking – taking an interest in the people you are networking with at events and learning from them. After all, there is a common interest that is bringing you to the same event so nine times out of ten you will learn something from the people you meet there, and maybe they will learn something from you too!

The same is true with social networking – the more involved I get the more useful I find it. Not only am I learning more about social media, but I am learning so much from the people I network with.

So, while I don’t necessarily believe that social media can be taught, I do believe that social media, and those who we network with through this space, can teach us.

A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study. ~Chinese Proverb

You learn something every day if you pay attention. ~Ray LeBlond

With 2009 on the very near horizon, people across the world have been (and will continue to) reflect upon this past year and everything they have (or have not) accomplished. Over the past several weeks I have read numerous “best of 2008″ or “2008: a year in review” articles, blog posts and lists. I have also witnessed many people vow that 2009 will be the year that they accomplish everything they said they would accomplish in 2008 but never did. In the midst of all this reading I started to wonder what is wrong with me. Am I the only person who doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions? I mean, c’mon, if I really felt so strongly about going to the gym or cutting carbs out of my diet (or whatever the current diet trend is) what is so special about January 1 that would motivate me more so than I was last week, last month or even last year? Russell Thomas’ (@3rddeadline) blog post couldn’t have said it better. I urge you to check out “Top Ten Reasons NOT to Create a 2009 Resolutions List” (http://earnedrelevance.com/2008/12/top-ten-reasons-not-to-create-a-2009-resolutions-list/).

Now mind you, I actually do have a lot to reflect upon from 2008. It was a huge year for me – I got married to my best friend and the love of my life; I made a significant career move/change that I am still trying to adjust to (much larger company, with more segmented responsibilities); I moved back to Pittsburgh after being away for about four years; I put my condo up for sale during the worst economic environment/housing market I have seen in my lifetime; the hubby and I (as newlyweds) shacked up with my ‘rents for a couple months before moving into temporary housing (which will probably result in us moving back in with the ‘rents in early ‘09 since we will be homeless until the condo in New Jersey sells); I auditioned for Deal or No Deal (www.nbc.com/Deal_or_No_Deal/) and made the final live audition cut, meaning producers definitely view my audition (Ah, I haven’t given up hope on that one yet – I’m still waiting for that phone call!!); I got much more involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) and made a difference in the lives of so many children in unfortunate situations. Oh yeah, and I joined Twitter! Of course, those are just the big things – what about the underlying moments, or the ’small stuff’ that collectively made all the above happen? There are so many little things that happened in 2008, and to me those are the ones that really count, that helped make those big moments a reality. After all, we live through all 525,600 minutes a year brings. What happened to living in the moment and cherishing all the little things in life? Isn’t the love and respect my hubby and I shared in 2008 more meaningful than our actual wedding day?

Resolutions are a great way for us to *talk* about change – empty promises we make to feel better about ourselves. In reality, it is a combination of action and living in the moment that bring about change. If I didn’t live in the moment, I would not have experienced all I did in ‘08. Instead of just talking about finding a new job and making that 2009 resolution #5, take action. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Otherwise, you will continue stressing it, all the while fuming inside wondering why your boss changes her mind as often as she changes clothes, why she points the blame to everyone else because she is never wrong and can’t take responsibility for her mistakes. Or, most importantly, why she can spend all day shopping online while everyone else is working their our butts off! Last year I made no ‘resolution’ to change jobs, to move, or to volunteer more. But I did live in the moment and take action, so when I saw an amazing job opportunity present itself I took advantage. It is the little things in life that, when combined with action not just talk, bring about good change.

Instead of vowing to lose those 20 pounds, quit that dead-end job, or spend more time volunteering (all things you probably won’t end up doing), why not just promise yourself to stop talking about, take action and live in the moment every day? You only have one life to live, so make it count by actually living it, not regretting things you didn’t accomplish in the past or making promises to yourself that will never come to fruition in the future. You don’t want to end up spending the better part of your life reliving the past or experiencing the future before it arrives because when you do that it is hard to concentrate on the here and now. As John Newton once said, “We can easily manage (life) if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”

Instead of a laundry list of New Year’s resolutions this year (yep, those things you will stress over because you know you will probably never actually do them), promise yourself one thing – if you’re not doing this already (which you should be) vow to make “now” as good as it can be. Now that is one resolution that should be hard to break! Oh, and I promise that by doing this you will find peace in your life – one day at a time!

We could all actually take a few lessons from those Make-A-Wish kids and enjoy life for what it is in the here and now.

“I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the year’s.” ~Henry Moore

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential.” ~Ellen Goodman

I was stuck in the office this year around the holidays – first time in my career. I only had Christmas day off. Working when most of the world has off is good for a few things – catching up on those projects you keep putting off, cleaning your office, spilling large cup of coffee all over desk, computer and blackberry first thing the morning after Christmas in said clean office. Oh, and participating in HARO’s (www.helpareporter.com) trivia giveaway thanks to Peter Shankman (http://shankman.com) and all the great companies that sent him the prizes.

I think I got word during the morning HARO email on 12/24. Peter announced that in an effort to clear out some office space and spread some cheer he was going to give away “swag” by tweeting trivia questions throughout the day for those of us stuck in the office. Well, once again Peter proved why he is the KING OF SOCIAL MEDIA! I guess, however, when you have 45,000 members and you are talking about giving away free stuff just in the spirit of being nice, how can word not spread? I would be interested to see how much Peter’s web and/or twitter traffic increased during the trivia contest.

While working and cleaning out my office, emails, files, etc. I continued to check for Peter’s trivia updates via twitter (he is @skydiver) on my blackberry. I responded to a few, but I’m either not fast enough or not smart enough because I had trouble getting answers in on time. I was actually pretty surprised at the number of people participating and the quality of the prizes Peter was giving away. And he was doing this all out of kindness!

I don’t remember when it struck me, but at some point I found out that Peter had received an influx of emails/tweets/etc. from companies who wanted to give away prizes, and that is when I think I truly understood the power of social media. I may not have this correct, but I believe Peter said at one point he had $20K worth of prizes to give away on 12/26 (mind you he was planning to only do this on 12/24) – including a ski trip to Reno/Tahoe! And, this all happened in a matter of days – over Christmas nonetheless.

To take this genius idea to a whole new level, Brian Shaler (@brianshaler) was suddenly streaming live with Peter from Peter’s apartment. The two had never met in person before. In fact, Brian is actually from Phoenix, he was just visiting NYC. When I got home from work I decided to log on and check out the live stream. I suddenly became addicted and my Friday night plans became killed in an instant. I felt like I discovered a brand new tv show! I don’t know how many other ‘twits’ were watching Peter and Brian, but word certainly spread fast thru Twitterville.

It was interesting to hear Peter talk about how his *social media empire* (my words, not his!) got started. HARO was created by Peter just trying to help other people out. He made an awesome point when he said that helping people is what makes social media so great. As he said, the paycheck is just a bonus!

Peter is an expert in the social media space because he truly understands the value of social networking and he is using the space to help others out. Brian and Peter asked their audience if they would like to view more live streams and the answer seemed to be an overwhelming YES! I look forward to seeing more from these two guys. Not only are they entertaining, but they have showed me just how valuable social media can be.

I don’t think I can say this enough – but I truly believe that social media is the future. Have you ever watched iCarly? It’s a popular tv show on Nickelodeon about young kids who produce a popular webcast. This is what kids today are watching. With that said, how can you tell me this is not the future? Heck, I believe we are closer than many think.

And you know, I think this is a good thing. Social media is so viral. And, it doesn’t end online. How many times have you talked to your ‘real life’ friends about things you learned about or discussed on twitter? Because this space provides a forum for people to talk about anything – especially their likes and dislikes – it puts the pressure on companies to make sure their products and services can speak for themselves.

Today’s consumers see through the biased marketing. Whenever you hear about a new company, product, etc. that intrigues you what is the first thing you do? I usually do a google and/or twitter search to see what others have said about said company or product. There are no boundaries online. People like to talk with others about their experiences.

The internet has changed the media landscape, and it is not going away – it is just going to continue to cause change. The online and mobile worlds have changed the way we interact with one another, changed the way consumers interact with companies. Just look at how Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh (@zappos) interacts with those of us connected online. Oh, and I am sure nobody forgets the “Motrin Moms” ad fiasco with the ‘twittering moms’!

I look forward to continue seeing and experiencing social media breakthroughs. Social media will be the mass voice of the future. That is, if it’s not already!

Oh, and I did end up winning ONE question from HARO trivia – I won Bosco syrup (www.boscoworld.com). Thanks Peter and Bosco! When I told the hubby what I won he amused himself by throwing out some George Costanza lines from Seinfeld.