And what a year it has been. I am grateful for all my awesome friends and colleagues. Hope you enjoy these shots from the many industry conferences and networking events I attended this year. Thank you all for your support. Have an awesome holiday and successful 2008.
I look forward to seeing you next year!
By Jay Levan (www.JayLevan.com). Left to Right: Jim Kukral, George Nemeth (holding the sign Jim made) and Thomas Mulready. Not pictured: Eric Olsen of BlogCritics.org
I am at the convention center here in Vegas, listening to the insightful Shel Israel and Mike Prosceno. It is fascinating to think about how SAP has incorporated social media into “the conversation.” Their company has seen the power of blogging and social media. It may be early in the game, but I can tell you this – it will make all the difference in the marketing mix!
Lots more to come this week. Just wanted to let you know that I too will blog for attention!!
Twitter me @stephagresta if you are here.
I am sitting here at BlogWorld Expo with Chris Brogan, Liz Strauss and Chris Heuer. We’re goin’ over our “friending” policies. These guys are so cool and all great examples of my theory: Friend and Let Friend! Let me ‘splain…
First off – I believe in friends. I like friends, I am a social person. Always have been (my third grade teacher said: “Stephanie is a Social Butterfly!) Online social networking is a natural fit for me. Much has been written about what is appropriate behavior on Facebook and other social networks with regards to friending. The bottom line is – this is one area of social media that YOU CONTROL.
Everyone has a right to define their own level of comfort with regard to friend lists. Do not assume that everyone operates under the same rules. And don’t assume that the rules apply equally to every social network (my Facebook “policies” are quite different than my Flickr rules).
For me, my Facebook list is a marketing list. I seek to keep it very business / cool person focused. I review work history, and mutual connections. I must say, lately, perhaps a few others have gotten in. I will do a purge if necessary, and especially will purge anyone I think is acting inappropriately (meaning not cool). You need to create your own criteria for what works for you.
Someone recently contacted me and said that someone that was my friend, asked to friend her (she accepted) and then he friended her sister. OK – for me, that’s weird. But for others it may not be. I will tell you that I respond to any inquiries regarding inappropriate behavior. I take it seriously, and I will take action! In general – here’s what matters most to me:
#1 You must include your picture and your work history. It is very unlikely I will friend you without this, unless you are my sister. 
Also – If you made it through without either of these, I will be purging soon.
#2 I care about who we have in common. The more the merrier.
#3 If I reach out to you, it’s because I am seeking business synergy or general good karma. If I am reaching out to you for “friendship” – It is because we have someone in common and I think there is a BUSINESS reason for us to be on each other’s networks. Or I want you on my network so I can invite you to events and cool things that you will want to be invited to. If you don’t use Facebook that way – no problem. My intentions are always focused on value.
But what’s right for me is not necessarily right for you. Live and let live.. friend and let friend! You are in control!
Thanks to Sarah Meyers for coming to Birthday 2.0! Still looking out for the video (although maybe I shouldn’t be).
I was scrolling through Sarah’s You Tube site and saw this video. Randi and Jen reveal the three easy steps to get that special man in Silicon Valley! I’m all ears….Hmmm! This is from a few months ago (2,482,017 views). I am so behind the times (been working too hard), but I had to give these ladies props! This is hilarious! Lingerie doesn’t work in San Jose?? To quote the newscasters on SNL — Really?!? Guess I really need a MAC….
10/2/1996. 11 years ago today. The day Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. According to Lance, “The day I was diagnosed with cancer was the day I started to live.” I recently read Lance’s book, “It’s Not About The Bike” and I was inspired all over again. I don’t own a bike nor do I do triathlons. I make an effort to eat well and I go to the gym and walk outside every week. Lance has inspired me to run a different kind of marathon – the one where every day you try to appreciate all that you have and share positivity with others. It is a challenge at times, but well worth the effort. There’s no question that Lance’s physical achievements are commendable, but I have always appreciated Lance’s spiritual accomplishments – his commitment to positive thinking and the ability to heal oneself. More importantly, his ability to share this experience and energy with others. That’s what I digg!
Oh yeah – plus he has his own laptop!!
Tomorrow is my birthday. I’m having a big ‘ole party in NYC. More importantly, I created an opportunity to raise money for a cause I believe in. Give to receive! Please help me celebrate my birthday by making a donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. For those of you that attend, we’ll be passing around the “proverbial pickle jar” and handing out cool treats for all donors (big thanks to ChrisB at the Lance Armstrong Foundation).
See you @ 230-Fifth tomorrow at 6 pm (ish).
