Hey You!….Did You read our "Terms and Conditions"?….Didn’t Think So

(please note that the lack of fan-fare is intentional…Copyright protection seems to be everything..Read on..Daniel)

Welcome all to another thought provoking session hoping to leave you, the reader, “Something To Think About…”®.  Social Media (So-Med®) is the arena which many of us use to interact, to promote (sometimes shamelessly), to share new tips and information on the horizon of exciting stuff, AND what’s even more awesome than all of that: Spread the news of  original or exciting new programs that will enhance our business and reputation (those ones that I need to list under "Must Use").

The interesting thing about all these new programs or aids in the So-Med®circles is that a lot of people sign up without reading all of the fine print. Would the person(s) who actually read all the legalese, please stand up and shout "Hooray" (insert cricket noise here). I’m sure we all have the best of intentions when signing up, and we have every intention of using all the programs to their fullest potential, keeping in mind copyright restrictions and the fact that all our thoughts may not actually be the property of the thinker (after all, in all the world, covering all time, space and dimensions; I’m sure someone has had my next thought before…). Pat Pending¹ once suggested that ‘For every original thought or idea in this world; there are numerous duplicates, all valid and equally distinct’.

Whenever we sign up for "The Next Big Thing" there always seems to be that little box marked Terms and Conditions, along with a line about having read and completely understood what they cover. Many just check the box, anxious to move on and set up their shiny new account, without realizing completely what they are signing. I know on a number of fronts, I’m guilty of that too; but realize that the fine print is there for only one reason, and that is to protect the makers of the program or So-Med® site from libel or misuse of their proprietary technology. A lot of large words, in simple speak, the author of the program or social-site is looking to protect their interest from being sued if it is discovered that shady practices have happened without their knowledge, which copyright holders believe to be misleading or untrue. Check and protect your rights, and as stated in my previous blog, If it isn’t your property or it sounds too good to be legal official; watch your back and in turn, your bank account.

A couple of weeks ago (case in point), my friend The Radical Recruit (Geoff Webb) posted his usual Friday report from vacation in Mexico; only to have Youtube  a major video sharing service reject it on the grounds that some ones rights/ creative content was being violated. Knowing Geoff, nothing could have been further from the truth, and if anything, he was trying to give a little “love-traction”® to a particular musical artist. Too bad, who knows what another 2-10,000 views could have done for them; we’ll never know. Facebook has covered their bases, feel free to look through the fine print in review; and the same goes for every platform where the “goodwill” could be corrupted into something that the programmer had not intended.

Its really sad that we have become such a litigious society, and every move made comes under someone or another’s scrutiny. “We did not intend for our site/program to be used in that manner…Take it up with (members name here)-> Here is their information for you Mr. Wronged Person, so sorry for the inconvenience…(right!). Make sure your ducks are in a row, and that content being used by you in promotions or posts is something fit for public conception (spelt: public domain) before someone is knocking on your door. Believe me when I suggest that those with the biggest reputations end up being a little less shiny (a reputation) after being reviewed for "creative content" and lose.

This is meant as a general "what if" blog, the kind of hypothetical approach that I, as the “devils advocate” has been known to start. I like conversation, spice it up with a little controversy and watch the opinions fly. Please, would all the experts rise, and explain how best intentions could be looked upon as profiteering in the philosophical sense of the word. For once, I’m all out.

Until Next time, Pinterestingly enough (check the fine print there too, folks before posting)

The Sourcers’ Apprentice®

The Daniel J. Smith

 

©2012 thedanieljsmith (ask before quoting…just kidding….or am I?)

The Cost of Making Derogatory Statements about your Employer in your (Personal) Social Media Profile…

http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=https://thedanieljsmith.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/the-cost-of-making-derogatory-statements-about-your-employer-in-your-personal-social-media-profile/

Everyone wants to be part of Social Media. Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, Marketmesuite, Foursquare, Beknown, Branchout….etc,etc….there are many programs out there. It is fair however, to assume that even the information you place on these sources will be seen by persons other than those to which it was intended.

(please note that everything below this point->.<- is not intended to injure, insult, maim or otherwise impair someone’s judgment of right or wrong in the world of Social Media)

Why be just good at what you do; When you know deep inside you are meant to be great—unknown—(but I think it was me)

I have spent a lot of time over the past few weeks, sitting on the sidelines, watching the SoMe® world move steadily on as I concentrated on the tasks of the day; plus others such as community work and school. This gave me time to recollect, and ask if my opinion is still right ( or valid: See “The Cost of (Personal) Social Media Accounts”) You know what: I’m here to say that I am still the ruler of both “My Mind” and “The Manor of Thinking”. Yep, I realized that even though I don’t need to be right every time (after all, I am “Journeyman”® educated) I do need to stand up when I see something wrong…or the instance that a strange odor (perfume?) invades my space.

That being said—NEVER ever use your social accounts to badmouth anyone at anytime, because once it goes out in print, it’s automatically FACT; and categorically cannot be taken back, edited, returned, oops’d, or given any other excuse you can think of for bad judgment.

Speak softly and make your words short and sweet as you never know when you may be asked to eat them—Jerry “The King” Lawler.

I come from the “Old School”; prior to computers and cell phones and internet and all the things we take for granted now. Way back to a time when a pad of paper, a sharp pencil  and a telephone on your desk were the tools needed to manage any operation. Those items and a team of personnel to carry out your instructions, to the letter, with no excuse. If there was a disagreement, men were men and took it up in the office, settled their differences and went back to work.  Even at that time, there was always “rumor” “innuendo” “doublespeak” “bad decisions” and “terrible thoughts”; and more time than not, a reputation or two would needlessly be shredded over improper dialogue or not having all the facts. *There’s that ‘F’ word again*  Sure there was always the possibility of denial on the grounds that you don’t ‘recall’ the conversation; but 99.9% of the time- the truth ruled out and someone left the office.

Fast forward to the present. At this time we have a lot of luxuries in communication, and with those luxuries come certain responsibilities in a “Big Brother” manner of speaking. Any time anyone tells you that your information is safe and secure with them..Expect it on page 3 in a very, very short period of time. “Dirty linen”, “Right or Wrong” doesn’t matter, nor does the collateral damage (and boy, will there be damage). If you want something to stay a secret..guess what?.. DON’T TELL ANYONE!!!!! this keeps your secret safe 100% of the time—guaranteed with your money back.

Certainly there are slips in judgment, the same as there are four seasons to any year, but those slips usually happen when your brain is not engaged before your fingers, or you try to write a new blog after a “night with the boys”—neither of which can I use as an excuse…yet!  Engage the brain, Think before acting; because now you are not dealing with a local audience of co-workers, but a worldwide audience, who may not know you now, but won’t forget the impact made at someone else’s’ expense.

One of my first lessons in the sales trade was to be generous with others, especially co-workers and decision-makers, as they inevitably held your future in their hands and in their attitude towards you. That and to remember who you stepped on on the way up, because you can be guaranteed that you will see them again..on your way down.

That’s todays lesson…Class dismissed.. I am “The Sourcers’ Apprentice” and I have just left you with “Something to Think About”

©2012 thedanieljsmith

The Cost of (Personal) Social Media Accounts

New year, New articles to curate, New stories which just cause me to shake my head. One such story which has been making the rounds starts in (not-so) Merry England where “A human resources executive was forced from his job because his employer found his resume online and that he would consider career opportunities”. The site (Linked In) is home to pretty much all professional resumes in circulation. In fact, it is probably one of the first site one applies their profile to when establishing an online profile; next to the other two sides of Social Media- Facebook and Twitter.

When one establishes their Linked In profile; and this is a sticking point for me when looking for connections to add to my network which will provide mutual benefit, I find one of two results-> The profile is full of easy to read information and is complete; or there is no information and I am forced to move on, not wishing to connect with a ghost…back to the story…

The fact that probably a good 90% of the working population has some representation on Linked In, Including the majority of this individuals (former) company leads one to wonder why a competent employee would be let go for a minor (read: fixable) transgression. Was it ever brought to his attention how the company wished him to be represented on the network? Was there a written form or list of expectations of how his accounts would be handled? (personal vs. professional); and if not-> Where was the problem?

Upon starting any new position, there is usually a lot of paperwork to be done and regulations to be read and initialed that imply you understand the company structure and you will be the dutiful employee, you will tow the company line, and shout the company mantra long and loud, even after the two of you have parted company. Soon (if some companies haven’t already) there will be forms to tell you how you will be professionally marketed so you fall into the company image.

This I have no problem with, where my issue comes forward is that, at the end of the day, I am ME; Meaning that unless the company is paying for my service 24/7, I am going to have some say in my image (professional and personal). If this company truly had a problem with which boxes were and were not checked off on a Linked In profile, possibly a better (read:quieter) way to handle it would be in the form of a company meeting or memorandum explaining which boxes were okay. Personally, If I am holding a strong position (or even if I wasn’t), the last implication I would leave is that I am currently looking to move on. (read: error made by individual). The boxes are all listed at the bottom, and I’m sure the company will give some leeway on how a profile is written to compliment both the person and the company.

For something to truly be monitored and enforced it has to be on everyone, not just certain people, and certainly not in such a way that the aroma of ‘single-out and replace’ lingers in the air.

New Year, New world, new set of standards are being established. I still believe strongly that my social image is something I OWN. Slavery ended a long time ago; and ‘The Man’ just has to set a bar of understanding for all. I am a sub-contracted employee to any company providing me with the means to make a living. When that agreement has been breached by either party, then change is expected; otherwise work it out and business as usual, because what is expected of one should be expected of all.

Next time: The other fireball burning up braincells: WHO owns my Social Identity? I’ll give you a hint, and validate my point.

Time to look at my Linked In profile; update it for 2012 and then tune up the cowbell.

Sourcers’ Apprentice/ The Daniel J. Smith

Success depends on Failure

Success Depends on Failure…

“The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”
― Groucho Marx

After a couple of hectic weeks it is now time to get back to the desk and share some thoughts and wisdom with the community. To old friends, “Hello..”, and to new readers “Welcome, I hope you enjoy the view!”

Like any business, one hopes that honesty and fair-play is engrained in our daily dealings, that’s how we get ahead, and create options and fill new positions for our clients. Let’s face it, without those items being created, why are we needed? Certainly not just to fill an empty chair, but to be productive, and to make MONEY. How we make that money is the secret sauce required for success. No one can do what we do, as well as we can, we just have to find a reasonable way to shout the message loud and clear. And with that comes traction for our individual brand, moving forward to the corporate brand which we are representing.

We have to pay attention to how much effort we are putting forth on the large picture, so the small tasks receive the same attention and you don’t become known for “Smoke and Mirrors”- lots of sizzle and very little steak. A balance has to be struck in order for balance to be maintained. The sharing of information is key… That’s what greases the wheel. We have to realize that certain people are good at certain jobs, ask them in and let them go to it, while you concentrate on moving the project forward. The more trust we can create in our branding and the more buzz we can see around our activities, hopefully the more positive results we will be seeing.

One man can not move a mountain, but he can create talk. Talk soon becomes action and action inevitably becomes a movement. There are many in this industry, which only makes sense, with as many group leaders as we have, willing to impart some knowledge to the next generation (not all the knowledge, why would we be needed?) and show the blueprints to re-invent the wheel. Mentorship is key, because a lot of what we learn cannot be taught in a set time or in a class setting, always. Is the picture becoming clearer?

It takes time and effort to become good at what you do, the same as it takes time and a lot of effort to show people why you are the missing part of the puzzle. YOU can create a revolution of thought and action, and if successful, take a place at the “Leaders” Table. You create all the success you deserve, just realize that to do so will require time and effort, and that there is NO part-way, either you are all in, or you should find another endeavor.

Be the best and set the best example you can in your industry. Be the leader, assume a position in an uncomfortable setting ( be it organizing an event, or public speaking on a passion you have). Success depends on failure, the more failure you face, the higher the rate of success you possibly can achieve. Have faith in yourself, gain the faith of others and create a buzz around you that cannot be put out by nay-sayers, Start the conversation and become a leader. You may find out in the beginning, you are alone; give yourself time to create the fire and don’t take NO for an answer.

Have a Dream, become and live the dream, success should be just around the corner.
Something to Think About….
@thedanieljsmith 2011

How to Keep Motivated…

Is there a way to keep motivated when the chips are down or you are going through a slump? Being that most of us are self-employed or sub-contracted (possibly even contracted…let’s cover all the bases!) Motivation becomes key to our daily lives and definitely to our production.  Without the motivation or the will to carry on, the day becomes exceptionally long and drawn out!

The best solution is to leave your desk (wherever it is) and reward yourself with a mental break for all the outstanding work you have already accomplished. It doesn’t have to be a long break, just substantial enough that your eyes return to the prize; and you feel invigorated to carry on. Remember the basic rule of leaving the home issues at home; and that you have clients depending on your production.  Take on only enough work not to be overwhelmed with your new quota; and stay in touch with those necessary to see every step of your task completion.

Sometimes a job list just doesn’t work. Sometimes the need to take a step back to move two steps forward becomes necessary. This is alright in the big scheme of things as it will lead eventually to you returning to your post as task-master (or Master of all your Tasks) more lively and energetic than before the slump.

One thing to remember however, is that the negative energy is normal and we all receive our fair share (some in larger quantities than others at one time); we have to stand tall enough and be responsible enough not to let these times drag us down any lower than necessary; so we can resume the journey of positive energy at the earliest time possible. Think of one thing that is important to you; we all have many, and think about how you can affect this goal sooner.

It all comes down to harnessing the inner energy, and when the ‘Under Construction’ signs are put up; find the alternate route around the issue until you can meet it head on; and check it off the ‘Didn’t ask for this issue- But its out of the way, Now’ list.

Some of you are probably asking where I am going with this ramble; and the answer is simple: We all strive to be the best in whatever area we are employed in; The best in our daily lives; The best for all those around us; If possible the best example for others we can be in this life, and show that a little hard work and good fortune will pay off.

My question’s are: What if you aren’t presently in that frame of mind? and What if you start believing You aren’t as good as you thought you were? Just wondering and trying to leave……

Something to Think About…..now where did I put that horse- time to get back on it!

Education- Why? I’m Already Good….

So you have a career in the field of your dreams, and you are making a fairly good living- the bills are covered, the social life is on fire, the family situation is just as you like it at this time (subject to change: like life!). AND….You look as though there is no end in sight for the success you feel you deserve, after all the long hours, the training, the meetings, the late nights…etc. Guess what? That is when the real job begins, and you need to turn the notch up a couple of degrees on self expectation.

Good enough is only good enough when nothing else can be achieved. When we feel there is nothing left in our chosen profession to achieve, we get lazy and stop reaching for new goals, content in the life that we have so carefully made for ourselves. Nothing good lasts forever, unless you have a sure-fire way to back it up, because whether we wish to admit it or not, there is someone just waiting in the shadows to take the clients you let go of, or to take on the tasks that you feel are now beneath you because of a couple of lucky breaks.

One of the ways you may consider to help stay in-demand and on top is to go back to school. You’re probably older and wiser now, and you realize that everything you need to know won’t just fall in your lap. This means finding a course, or series of courses which will help you stay relevant. The work-force is changing, and you now have 2 options: Change or get left behind. I can’t speak for everyone, (I’ve tried) but no one wants to be left behind; much less passed over on future promotions because some junior employee happened to be a step ahead.

It doesn’t have to cost alot to return to school. Look around and see what courses others in your trade are considering, attend night-school, or weekend seminars on areas you either have (or wish to have) a better knowledge in.  Look at the courses which are relevant to your career- Is there any stone that needs a bit of polish, as new practices replace old techniques. I don’t believe that there is any career out there which hasn’t been affected by changes in technology.

Being good is fine, but why not try and be something better? Your clients deserve you to be your absolute best, or they WILL move up the street to the service that is more in keeping with their forward thinking. After all, I’m sure most of us, if not all of us would find the time if it meant that there was a larger paycheque to be had!

Think about it and look around….There is certainly some skills you have that could use a refresher, or some skills you could add to your repertoire and become just a little more “in-demand”….

Something to Think About…

© 2011 thedanieljsmith

A Review of Sorts…#radicalplanet

Interesting thing on the way to the Unconference! Besides the obvious problems with the highway going to Toronto, Ontario; and the fact that a one hour commute in this day is an average of 2 hours now, I had absolutely NO idea what to expect. I don’t work well with the unknown (yet my career would say otherwise) and I like to have some idea what I am to expect—> I forgot cardinal rule #1- Expect the Unexpected; and there are NO RULES.

Now that’s not to say I was going in completely blind (yes); but there had been conversations over the talent which would be leading tracks; and the talent that arrived were amazing. Here were people I traditionally only talk with on the internet, except now we were in the same room, for the same purpose—> To exchange awesome ideas and conversation about our industry; where we are and more importantly where we are going. As an added bonus for the organizers, other highly respected community members came to sit in on the sessions, with no agenda other than that of learning.

Contrary to what some people may have thought about the Unconference movement, There are be no sales pitches, and ego’s were all left at the door. Whether you are new to the industry or had been working a desk for many years, all are welcome in the name of education (and fellow-ship). 3 sessions were going on at any one time, and people got to choose which track to follow, or to move back and forth between the rooms. No one had a bad opinion to offer, and no thought was too far out there to be considered for topic conversation. As time progressed and the crowd were into the sessions, war stories were shared, “how could I have handled this better” was put on the table and experiences were shared.

At the end of day 1, a tweet-up was held, and all the attendants from out of town were shown some of Toronto’s night spots for an evening of drink, food, shots and poutine (aka cheesy,gravy-fries). The last is a French-Canadian special, think chili-fries, except with cheese and gravy. Strangers became new friends and new friends became old friends; after all we had an interesting connection of all plying our trade in various corners of this industry, and sharing a camaraderie that few could understand.

Day 2 was absolutely fantastic, as everyone came prepared with their questions, comments and challenges for the leaders. We had a couple of free for all sessions that involved the entire group, and more discussions ranging from Social Media and its place here, to Tracking SEO, to what we feel today, that the future will look like tomorrow. All in all, much information changed hands from my perspective in only 48 hours; and I can say with no hesitation, that it will only get better from here.

Anyone interested in seeing the conversations as captured by twitter are invited to Hashcaster.com/ #radicalplanet and follow the discussion as we work towards a better unconference next year.

This event was truly..Something to Think About.

©2011 thedanieljsmith

9 Etiquette Rules That the Boss Shouldn

9 Etiquette Rules That the Boss Shouldn’t Break | Inc.com http://ow.ly/6pNxB

I Got Lost on Twitter on my way to a Tweeting…..

Tweet chats are conversations or discussions which take place using Twitter. I had the honour of taking part in two of them this week, (#radchat on Tuesday evening and #T-chat on Wednesday evening) and was impressed with what I saw.  The passion which people displayed when expressing their points on a particular question was nothing short of contagious.

As a relative new-comer to the experience, I fully expected to just observe; meaning sit at my PC and watch the action as it unfolded, allowing the veterans of the industry control the session, while I tried to see how my opinion would mesh with those more established than myself.  Guess What? That lasted all of 5 minutes before I felt I had to get involved.  That seems to be the key to these things, Involvement: Everyone has an opinion and in this forum, they are invited to share.

There are no right or wrong answers to the questions, just an exchange of ideas on the topic of the day.  Being limited to 140 characters at a time proved unique, as a lot of the thoughts had to be reworked to fit the format, or short-form lingo and tweet-speak becomes the manner of speaking.  Should your point exceed the allotted number of characters; you could sometimes finish your thought if you type quick enough before another point of view is offered.  There are many strings of conversation going on, and a lot of people “walking” from one conversation to another- offer their insight and move on to the next one.

Participation, as I soon learned is not only accepted; its expected as everyone does have an opinion to share on pretty much anything, and as the old adage goes “You only get out of it; What you put in to it” and these gatherings are one big melting pot of ideas.

The best way to get involved is to watch your Twitter feeds or Facebook feed for a time and a hashtag for the upcoming meetup. As the time approaches; search out an application like “Tweetgrid” or something similar, which allows you to ‘kind-of’ track the direction of the focus, as well as try to give you the opportunity to ‘tweet’ at the appropriate time, rather than minutes after the conversation has moved on.

If you ask me; this is how all town-meetings should be held; albeit with a limit on number of participants….A lot of the world issues could be addressed and possibly corrected.

Something To Think About……Until the next gathering of the clan

©2011 thedanieljsmith

And in the Beginning… or… Am I Primed to Start the Day?

You wake in the morning, hopefully after a full night of sleep (made possible by a lack of problems in the mind..Or you are starting a new position.) and would like to think you will take on the world and win.

How? Do you have a plan? Do you have a routine or ritual? Or do you just run “off the cuff” and hope all the day-stars will line up correctly for you to move on. Okay so the last point probably isn’t enough to hope for, but there are the people who…

Seven things you should be thinking of over the course of the day; add to or delete from what doesn’t apply to you, but I think the list really wouldn’t be that hard to follow or set up on a daily basis.

1. Shower, Dress and have something that could resemble Breakfast.  During this time work on a ‘to-do’ list of things ideally you would like to accomplish and write it in your day-timer. This is a fairly simple process, note how none of yesterdays issues are put here…Unless it is career-ending or client-dropping, it probably could be listed for later today.

2. Plan time where you can have mind-clearing breaks. Be it to write some ideas down for future blogs, grabbing an energy-stimulant (chocolate or coffee), or just walking up and down the hall to clear out all the extra crap that really isn’t key right now. (This stuff should be listed at worst in an ongoing list of projects undertaken, yet not finished)

3. Concentrate on all the positive activities you have going on. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, or a new time-saving procedure you have seen to put in place. Negative thought brings the mind and karma down, which makes the day seem twice as long. See what you can do to keep the downslide on an upswing.

4. At a sensible time, BREAK FOR LUNCH. Many of us think we are gods who can constantly run on no energy..WRONG. No lunch equals no production because the mind will start spinning in place. Its been proven that energy will increase production. This I know from experience because all missed lunches gained me was more free time on the clock logged in for the company….(lets see 25 years x 30 min/day….ENOUGH)

5. When the work day is over and you have either accomplished the list or moved it forward to another day; take time for yourself. There is nothing (except possibly a spouse) which prevents you from taking a little time to wind-down before you return home. This will probably allow you to leave work at work and not obsess over the tasks undone.

6. Working off of the above point, try to take some time in the evening for yourself, or involve the family and try to do activities which will add to the social well-being of your life. The family aren’t with you at work, so you shouldn’t expect that your time with them is to be used on work-related projects. BIG No-No (Trust me…personal experience)

7. Try to hit the pillows at a reasonable time. And as tempting as it is, keep the bedroom for two things,(self explanatory, but one of them is sleep)  Leave the T.V. watching for the den or living room, because unless you are living in a one room apartment, the TV is better not in the bedroom as it is a cause of negativity, or a lack of sleep. Easier to move your pillow to the sofa and try there.

Seven relatively common sense ideas to obtain a solid moral centre where work and life are concerned. Fashion this list into some thing that will work for you; and after a little time to experiment and grow; people around you will notice a really cool customer as they admire the new you.

Something to Think About…..Your turn to give it a shot!!!

©2011thedanieljsmith