Digging the same trench endlessly just gets you a deeper trench.
Recently, I put up a post with a decidedly more acerbic tone than is usually my style. I was frustrated, so I used the voice I have to express that. Some folks were right behind me. Some thought I was being condescending, or patronizing, or (gasp) unprofessional. All fine with me.
You see, journeys ebb and flow. Some people stick with you, others find their stops along the way. It’s part of the evolution of learning, teaching, absorbing, breaking new ground. In business, innovation rarely if ever comes from repeating what’s been done before. It’s the power of change, the momentum behind a shift in thinking or perspective, or the downright frustration with the status quo that sometimes propels us to a new place.
It’s perfectly fine if you’re more comfortable somewhere predictable. I don’t particularly want a lot of unknowns in some areas of my life. And there is absolutely a time, place, and need for positive, constructive frameworks of ideas that are encouraging and hopeful. In fact, I hope I’ve delivered plenty of those to you here, or in the other ways that you interact with me.
And there will be plenty more to come, because that’s very much part of who I am. But I’ve reached a place in my professional career and in my role within this industry where I feel like I need to push the envelope a bit, get brave, take risks, issue challenges to myself and others. Because I have the benefit of immersion, whip smart people around me, and passion for what I do.
Is that going to alienate some folks? Sometimes turn them off because I’m more brazen or opinionated or trying really hard to uncover the nitty gritty in something without a side of affirmations? Probably.
I’m never going to move to a place where I’m lobbing personal attacks at people, or inciting flame wars, or any of that adolescent crap you see around the internet. It’s not conducive to anything, and it’s not my style, nor the point.
But I am going to continue to challenge ideas, issue reality checks, disagree with things sometimes and ask hard questions. I’m going to grow more protective of my community, my networks, and my time, so I can focus them where it’s helpful and useful. Because I think some folks need to, and I’m volunteering to be one of them. I hope you’ll challenge me right back, and keep thinking about where you can make the most impact, too.
If that’s not your thing, that’s totally okay with me. I thank you for your investment with me thus far, and I will wish you good journeys to wherever you’re headed next. There are lots of amazing destinations in this social media space that are full of the foundations, the formative topics, the more comfortable conversations, the stuff that can really help those of you voyaging into this world for the first time. They’re sure to serve you well.
But if you’re still here, with me for the long haul, buckle in. I promise to keep the dialogue constructive, deliberate, honest, and as thoughtful as I can muster. Sometimes that will include a bit of the sass that’s unavoidably me. But there’s much new territory to be explored in this, the social media landscape, the future of new communication, and in the human factors of culture, trust, motivation and change that underpin it all.
I’m eager to see what’s beyond that horizon, so I’m okay with the waves I’ll have to ride to get there. See you on deck?
Aye Aye Captain!
Count me in for the journey.
I’m glad to have you here. But you knew that. 🙂 I have a feeling we’re going to create a bit of constructive mayhem together.
Aye Aye Captain!
Count me in for the journey.
I’m glad to have you here. But you knew that. 🙂 I have a feeling we’re going to create a bit of constructive mayhem together.
Sounds like the real deal! Can’t wait to see it!
.-= Ellen Mitchell´s last blog ..Foursquare Day Phenomenon, Join the fun! =-.
Despite my own recent bitching about negativity in the social space (how ironic is that? Well done, Meg!), I think balance is key in how we approach these ideas. It’s not negative to take a critical and objective look at things, and it’s not negative to challenge established notions.
Besides, you don’t use your platform to swing a bat or call names or slander or blast negativity across the page, you use it to open up a window and get some air in the room (even if it’s a little bit bracing for a few folks.)
That’s why I’d turn to you whatever mood you’re in, even if you’re feeling frustrated.
And realistically, even if you do swing a bat now and then, you’re going to do it mindfully, when no other message will get through.
Do what you gotta. I’m here.
.-= Meg´s last blog ..they were the best of captions, they were the worst of captions. =-.
Thanks, Meg. I’m glad to have you around to constantly reset, push, and challenge thinking. You do that for me often, even when I don’t say so. Thanks for that.
Sounds like the real deal! Can’t wait to see it!
.-= Ellen Mitchell´s last blog ..Foursquare Day Phenomenon, Join the fun! =-.
Despite my own recent bitching about negativity in the social space (how ironic is that? Well done, Meg!), I think balance is key in how we approach these ideas. It’s not negative to take a critical and objective look at things, and it’s not negative to challenge established notions.
Besides, you don’t use your platform to swing a bat or call names or slander or blast negativity across the page, you use it to open up a window and get some air in the room (even if it’s a little bit bracing for a few folks.)
That’s why I’d turn to you whatever mood you’re in, even if you’re feeling frustrated.
And realistically, even if you do swing a bat now and then, you’re going to do it mindfully, when no other message will get through.
Do what you gotta. I’m here.
.-= Meg´s last blog ..they were the best of captions, they were the worst of captions. =-.
Thanks, Meg. I’m glad to have you around to constantly reset, push, and challenge thinking. You do that for me often, even when I don’t say so. Thanks for that.
Made me think of: “To thine own self be true.”
Made me think of: “To thine own self be true.”
Amber:
I just tightened my belt. I’m on board. Wait. Are we going “on a boat” again (cues music vid)?
Hugs, not drugs.
In all seriousness, one of the big reasons I have a ton of respect for you, Amber is that you do challenge, you do push, and you don’t always agree. In fact, you and I disagree at times. You disagree with people you respect, your friends, your colleagues. That’s good. That’s healthy. It keeps the neurons firing. And heck – it’s way more exciting. Keep kicking ass. I’ll be there for the ride.
Just make sure you smile and laugh along the way.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
.-= DJ Waldow´s last blog ..Hello World: Eva Claire Waldow =-.
Thanks for that, my friend. Disagreement with respect is some of the highest compliments you can pay someone. It means they cared enough to discuss it, and you can’t ask for much more than that. Thanks for being here, and for keeping it as real as you do.
Amber:
I just tightened my belt. I’m on board. Wait. Are we going “on a boat” again (cues music vid)?
Hugs, not drugs.
In all seriousness, one of the big reasons I have a ton of respect for you, Amber is that you do challenge, you do push, and you don’t always agree. In fact, you and I disagree at times. You disagree with people you respect, your friends, your colleagues. That’s good. That’s healthy. It keeps the neurons firing. And heck – it’s way more exciting. Keep kicking ass. I’ll be there for the ride.
Just make sure you smile and laugh along the way.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
.-= DJ Waldow´s last blog ..Hello World: Eva Claire Waldow =-.
Thanks for that, my friend. Disagreement with respect is some of the highest compliments you can pay someone. It means they cared enough to discuss it, and you can’t ask for much more than that. Thanks for being here, and for keeping it as real as you do.
People don’t like waves. Many just care to float along the calm. Any disturbance in the water incites panic. The disturbing white cap in an otherwise preconceived ocean of banality.
Few understand the artists temperament. Fewer still understand that some in this space don’t necessarily look at the social web landscape in terms of labels, roles, and patterned communication. Many do, and that’s okay. But artists need to express themselves regardless of the medium. This can be disturbing to other who may not appreciate the need for expressionism. People see this as nothing more than an echo chamber for the vain and self absorbed.
If it wasn’t for these available outlets, we would all pretty much go crazy. Running on the same track only builds internal tension and resentments. Taking the time to express opinions, thoughts, and feelings is essential in this space. The double edge sword is that it can lead you exposed and vulnerable. But this is the true path of the artist.
The flip side of this is that the audience doesn’t recognize they share the same responsibilities until it’s too late. Shaken, they begin to question whether their participation is required and if it too leaves them vulnerable to the criticisms. It’s easier to be the audience. You can always change shows. The artist, however, can not without creating friction amongst the fans.
Amber. I consider you an artist. Keep challenging and keep creating.
.-= DaveMurr´s last blog ..High Tech Redneck =-.
I appreciate that very much. It’s been interesting to see how subtle shifts in my tone, approach, etc have changed people’s perception for me. Hell, the haircut even did that. Who knew?
I promise not to change my name to a symbol anytime soon, though. 🙂
People don’t like waves. Many just care to float along the calm. Any disturbance in the water incites panic. The disturbing white cap in an otherwise preconceived ocean of banality.
Few understand the artists temperament. Fewer still understand that some in this space don’t necessarily look at the social web landscape in terms of labels, roles, and patterned communication. Many do, and that’s okay. But artists need to express themselves regardless of the medium. This can be disturbing to other who may not appreciate the need for expressionism. People see this as nothing more than an echo chamber for the vain and self absorbed.
If it wasn’t for these available outlets, we would all pretty much go crazy. Running on the same track only builds internal tension and resentments. Taking the time to express opinions, thoughts, and feelings is essential in this space. The double edge sword is that it can lead you exposed and vulnerable. But this is the true path of the artist.
The flip side of this is that the audience doesn’t recognize they share the same responsibilities until it’s too late. Shaken, they begin to question whether their participation is required and if it too leaves them vulnerable to the criticisms. It’s easier to be the audience. You can always change shows. The artist, however, can not without creating friction amongst the fans.
Amber. I consider you an artist. Keep challenging and keep creating.
.-= DaveMurr´s last blog ..High Tech Redneck =-.
I appreciate that very much. It’s been interesting to see how subtle shifts in my tone, approach, etc have changed people’s perception for me. Hell, the haircut even did that. Who knew?
I promise not to change my name to a symbol anytime soon, though. 🙂
Honestly I didn’t think the disagreeable comments on the post over on the Ragan site were that big of a deal. Some disagreement is good as it expands the reach of your message, and challenges you to think in different tones.
Or it keeps you from getting stagnant 😉
.-= mack collier´s last blog ..How your company can save money on social media services =-.
Hey Mack –
Oh, those comments were mild, and just a smattering. What you didn’t see were the backchannel ones I got from those not necessarily brave enough to put their criticisms out publicly, or to call me names in an open forum. I’m too professional (irony) to out those people and their emails, but there were some crazy ones in there, and not just for this post, either. 🙂
It’s all part of the process. If everyone agreed with me all the time, I’d really feel like I was doing something very, very wrong.
A
Uh – did I miss a controversy on someone else’s site? 😉
.-= M. Edward (Ed) Borasky´s last blog ..Twitter Search API Changes – More Exciting News From Twitter! =-.
Honestly I didn’t think the disagreeable comments on the post over on the Ragan site were that big of a deal. Some disagreement is good as it expands the reach of your message, and challenges you to think in different tones.
Or it keeps you from getting stagnant 😉
.-= mack collier´s last blog ..How your company can save money on social media services =-.
Hey Mack –
Oh, those comments were mild, and just a smattering. What you didn’t see were the backchannel ones I got from those not necessarily brave enough to put their criticisms out publicly, or to call me names in an open forum. I’m too professional (irony) to out those people and their emails, but there were some crazy ones in there, and not just for this post, either. 🙂
It’s all part of the process. If everyone agreed with me all the time, I’d really feel like I was doing something very, very wrong.
A
Uh – did I miss a controversy on someone else’s site? 😉
.-= M. Edward (Ed) Borasky´s last blog ..Twitter Search API Changes – More Exciting News From Twitter! =-.
I love the “take it or leave it” approach. I’m on board!
@awoodlock
That’s the best I’ve got to offer, and I can’t be much other than who I am at the moment. So here goes nothing. Thanks for your support! 🙂
I love the “take it or leave it” approach. I’m on board!
@awoodlock
That’s the best I’ve got to offer, and I can’t be much other than who I am at the moment. So here goes nothing. Thanks for your support! 🙂
Amber – you’re awesome and I love reading your opinions even when mine differ. It’s people like you that challenge and push those of us in the space to be better ourselves. I don’t comment a lot but I’m always here reading and I’m a huge fan. I am DEFINITELY along for the ride!
I think you were right when you said that if you weren’t getting the “hate” mail you’d be doing something wrong. Shame on those people for being vicious though and not having the courage to post their own opinions. I think there is so much room for open discussion and even heated debate on a lot of issues, but I like your approach of not resorting to outing those people or name calling. You’re classier than them.
You go girl! 🙂
Amber – you’re awesome and I love reading your opinions even when mine differ. It’s people like you that challenge and push those of us in the space to be better ourselves. I don’t comment a lot but I’m always here reading and I’m a huge fan. I am DEFINITELY along for the ride!
I think you were right when you said that if you weren’t getting the “hate” mail you’d be doing something wrong. Shame on those people for being vicious though and not having the courage to post their own opinions. I think there is so much room for open discussion and even heated debate on a lot of issues, but I like your approach of not resorting to outing those people or name calling. You’re classier than them.
You go girl! 🙂
You have to break some eggs to make an omelet. I thought the post was great, and you were clear at the outset that you knew it sounded “cranky.” To me, it was simply an added dimension to your already great writing style. Nothing wrong with that at all as long as it’s genuine.
Keep ’em coming.
You have to break some eggs to make an omelet. I thought the post was great, and you were clear at the outset that you knew it sounded “cranky.” To me, it was simply an added dimension to your already great writing style. Nothing wrong with that at all as long as it’s genuine.
Keep ’em coming.
I am certainly happy to hear this. I get so much more value out of people/resources who challenge instead of reinforce what I already know. Can’t wait to see where you take it. (and btw, i’d love to see waves ten times as large as your recent “unprofessional” post 😉
.-= Eric´s last blog ..This is not a test =-.
I am certainly happy to hear this. I get so much more value out of people/resources who challenge instead of reinforce what I already know. Can’t wait to see where you take it. (and btw, i’d love to see waves ten times as large as your recent “unprofessional” post 😉
.-= Eric´s last blog ..This is not a test =-.
Keep making waves – and keep riding them. And every time you have a wipeout climb back on, paddle out and keep on riding.
.-= Earl Gray´s last blog ..Earl52: Mobile office-ing with an cold Coke Zero while the Toyota’s getting an oil change. — at Crofton Automotive http://gowal.la/s/4tWM =-.
Keep making waves – and keep riding them. And every time you have a wipeout climb back on, paddle out and keep on riding.
.-= Earl Gray´s last blog ..Earl52: Mobile office-ing with an cold Coke Zero while the Toyota’s getting an oil change. — at Crofton Automotive http://gowal.la/s/4tWM =-.
Full speed ahead, Amber. Keep on being you. I feel like I’ve been a passenger on the Naslund Express from the beginning, so count me in as a delighted passenger.
Do I always agree with you? Of course not. Do you keep me thinking and intrigued? Hell to the yeah.
At your service,
Michael
Full speed ahead, Amber. Keep on being you. I feel like I’ve been a passenger on the Naslund Express from the beginning, so count me in as a delighted passenger.
Do I always agree with you? Of course not. Do you keep me thinking and intrigued? Hell to the yeah.
At your service,
Michael
I’m there.
Let’s shake some shit up.
We decide what’s next.
.-= Jeremy Meyers´s last blog ..The difference between a message and a story =-.
I’m there.
Let’s shake some shit up.
We decide what’s next.
.-= Jeremy Meyers´s last blog ..The difference between a message and a story =-.
Keep making waves Amber. I really enjoy reading your blog. As Art Kleiner in his book The Age Of Heretics said, the risk with organisational heretics is that they sometimes get burned at the stake!
Curiosity, re-framing, being self aware of prior assumptions and the willingness to challenge what we might take for granted are the only ways we can progress.
I despair at the uncritical tendencies in marketing as a profession. More needs heard about the views of Chris Hackley, Mark Tadajewski and Douglas Brownlie et al. Otherwise Social Media marketing will only ever be old wine in new bottles. The world is full of Marketing Robots. We need to stop the march of the Kotleroids (Alexander Repiev) otherwise marketing will continue to be dismissed as the ‘colouring department’ and disparaged at board level for having nothing to contribute to creating sustained competitive advantage.
In fact, forget waves…how about a Tsunami!
.-= Paul Johnston´s last blog ..So Where Exactly Is Competitive Advantage? =-.
Keep making waves Amber. I really enjoy reading your blog. As Art Kleiner in his book The Age Of Heretics said, the risk with organisational heretics is that they sometimes get burned at the stake!
Curiosity, re-framing, being self aware of prior assumptions and the willingness to challenge what we might take for granted are the only ways we can progress.
I despair at the uncritical tendencies in marketing as a profession. More needs heard about the views of Chris Hackley, Mark Tadajewski and Douglas Brownlie et al. Otherwise Social Media marketing will only ever be old wine in new bottles. The world is full of Marketing Robots. We need to stop the march of the Kotleroids (Alexander Repiev) otherwise marketing will continue to be dismissed as the ‘colouring department’ and disparaged at board level for having nothing to contribute to creating sustained competitive advantage.
In fact, forget waves…how about a Tsunami!
.-= Paul Johnston´s last blog ..So Where Exactly Is Competitive Advantage? =-.
Been loving the new direction (read: the occasional needed 2×4 to the side of the head) that has been coming with some of these posts. Been enjoying the mix of both your uber informative and these newer posts that force us to think deeper.
Looking forward to riding a few of the waves you make (and hopefully get inspired to make a few of my own). Let’s face it, the price of wave making is nothing compared to the risk of not.
.-= Michael Schechter´s last blog ..Win A 36? Pearl Necklace From The Sunrise Collection! =-.
Been loving the new direction (read: the occasional needed 2×4 to the side of the head) that has been coming with some of these posts. Been enjoying the mix of both your uber informative and these newer posts that force us to think deeper.
Looking forward to riding a few of the waves you make (and hopefully get inspired to make a few of my own). Let’s face it, the price of wave making is nothing compared to the risk of not.
.-= Michael Schechter´s last blog ..Win A 36? Pearl Necklace From The Sunrise Collection! =-.
Amber,
Thanks for this post. Something I’ve learned over the past few years is to be “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” To not live in the “lay-z-boy” chair of life and maintain consistent comfort. I want to live on the edge of my seat. Ready to learn, challenge, and to be challenged.
I am the only one on my team who’s totally immersed in Social Media and have been dubbed our “social media expert.” Although I’m flattered, I also know it is a title by default. haha! Having said that, I recently had a conversation with my boss here regarding social media and I specifically asked him to disagree with me and challenge my thought process. I don’t want them to be OK with everything I propose. I’ve found both parties benefit when a genuine “why” question is asked out of desire to improve and not simply disagree. This is the challenge I crave.
So, bring it on Amber…I’ve buckled up and I’m ready for the journey…
Summer
@summerjoy
Amber,
Thanks for this post. Something I’ve learned over the past few years is to be “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” To not live in the “lay-z-boy” chair of life and maintain consistent comfort. I want to live on the edge of my seat. Ready to learn, challenge, and to be challenged.
I am the only one on my team who’s totally immersed in Social Media and have been dubbed our “social media expert.” Although I’m flattered, I also know it is a title by default. haha! Having said that, I recently had a conversation with my boss here regarding social media and I specifically asked him to disagree with me and challenge my thought process. I don’t want them to be OK with everything I propose. I’ve found both parties benefit when a genuine “why” question is asked out of desire to improve and not simply disagree. This is the challenge I crave.
So, bring it on Amber…I’ve buckled up and I’m ready for the journey…
Summer
@summerjoy
About time. 😉
.-= Brian Clark´s last blog ..Why Third Tribe is Shutting Down =-.
About time. 😉
.-= Brian Clark´s last blog ..Why Third Tribe is Shutting Down =-.
The truth of the matter is, you can choose to stay put and be good, but to be truly great at anything you have to push the boundaries. Not one brilliant mind ever succeeded in change without doing so, and I would not expect you to be an exception.
Do your thing, I’ll do my thing, but I will be watching you can bet on that!
@craigsutton
The truth of the matter is, you can choose to stay put and be good, but to be truly great at anything you have to push the boundaries. Not one brilliant mind ever succeeded in change without doing so, and I would not expect you to be an exception.
Do your thing, I’ll do my thing, but I will be watching you can bet on that!
@craigsutton
I wouldn’t expect anything less. Count me in – I like living on the edge.
Amber –
Keep doing what you are doing. As someone that is diving into this space, your insight are both appreciated and respected..big time! By doing what you are doing, you setting clear expectation on who you are, what you are about, and where you want to head…sounds like a Leader to me.
Thanks for all that you do, and I look forward to a lot more.
Buckle Up!
-Mike
@mjtwit
I wouldn’t expect anything less. Count me in – I like living on the edge.
Amber –
Keep doing what you are doing. As someone that is diving into this space, your insight are both appreciated and respected..big time! By doing what you are doing, you setting clear expectation on who you are, what you are about, and where you want to head…sounds like a Leader to me.
Thanks for all that you do, and I look forward to a lot more.
Buckle Up!
-Mike
@mjtwit
Frankly I like the fact that the culture around social includes honesty and authenticity, even if that means giving bad or negative news. It’s life, it’s the way it is. And it’s much more interesting than mind-numbing spin. So kudos to you for reminding folks that it’s okay to be different/controversial/provacative.
Cheers-
Carlo
.-= Carlo Delumpa´s last blog ..Make The Jump to Social Computing =-.
Right on, Lady, and Ride the Waves! I’m with you in everything you do. So, Ride on 🙂
Delighted to hear you talk about culture.
Frankly I like the fact that the culture around social includes honesty and authenticity, even if that means giving bad or negative news. It’s life, it’s the way it is. And it’s much more interesting than mind-numbing spin. So kudos to you for reminding folks that it’s okay to be different/controversial/provacative.
Cheers-
Carlo
.-= Carlo Delumpa´s last blog ..Make The Jump to Social Computing =-.
Right on, Lady, and Ride the Waves! I’m with you in everything you do. So, Ride on 🙂
Delighted to hear you talk about culture.
Amber, thanks for the opportunity to comment. Whereas I’d love to wax poetic, time is of the essence and if I shoot all of my proverbial ammunition at once, oveerwhelmed. This said…
Check out Gerald Lucas’ post on TS Eliot’s Formalist school of thought (as it applies to literature,) dating back to 1996. http://Ez.com/x4hw
Lani Rosales’ (@LaniAR) post on the same topic is worth a read as she specifically asks “How Would TS Eliot [considering his formalist bent] View Social Media?” http://Ez.com/kc9l (I committed to responding to Lani’s post last July and never got around to it. Here is to two birds, with one digital stone.) I should also note that I do not necessarily agree with Lani’s premise because writing for your audience, as opposed to with your audience in mind, compromises the “I and Thou” relationship between writer and reader (IMHO)… which can subsequently devolve to sophistry, possibly compromise the integrity and credibility of the writer.
I reference the articles because there is much that can be garnered from a deeper thought into context, the expectations of the audience, the over-empowerment and entitlement mentality of said audience, and writing in new[ish] mediums.
If you’re so compelled, I’d love to take a deeper dive and correspond here or via email on this stuff.
Before closing, it was great meeting you at SXSWi. Be well.
Towards creative fidelity,
JS
.-= Jason Stoddard´s last blog ..Geek Love Goes Mainstream: Hallmark Says I Love You with Augmented Reality =-.
Amber, thanks for the opportunity to comment. Whereas I’d love to wax poetic, time is of the essence and if I shoot all of my proverbial ammunition at once, oveerwhelmed. This said…
Check out Gerald Lucas’ post on TS Eliot’s Formalist school of thought (as it applies to literature,) dating back to 1996. http://Ez.com/x4hw
Lani Rosales’ (@LaniAR) post on the same topic is worth a read as she specifically asks “How Would TS Eliot [considering his formalist bent] View Social Media?” http://Ez.com/kc9l (I committed to responding to Lani’s post last July and never got around to it. Here is to two birds, with one digital stone.) I should also note that I do not necessarily agree with Lani’s premise because writing for your audience, as opposed to with your audience in mind, compromises the “I and Thou” relationship between writer and reader (IMHO)… which can subsequently devolve to sophistry, possibly compromise the integrity and credibility of the writer.
I reference the articles because there is much that can be garnered from a deeper thought into context, the expectations of the audience, the over-empowerment and entitlement mentality of said audience, and writing in new[ish] mediums.
If you’re so compelled, I’d love to take a deeper dive and correspond here or via email on this stuff.
Before closing, it was great meeting you at SXSWi. Be well.
Towards creative fidelity,
JS
.-= Jason Stoddard´s last blog ..Geek Love Goes Mainstream: Hallmark Says I Love You with Augmented Reality =-.
“A smooth sea never once made a good mariner.”
Someone famous said something to that effect once, Amber. Thanks for the unrest!
“A smooth sea never once made a good mariner.”
Someone famous said something to that effect once, Amber. Thanks for the unrest!
Waves crest and ebb, but the overall direction is forward. I’m glad that you’re there to challenge assumptions. Through your questions, I learn.
Best,
M.
.-= mckra1g´s last blog ..mckra1g: Strategic use of ‘freemium’ actually creates more fans/customers that pays off longtail. #GDMarketing =-.
Waves crest and ebb, but the overall direction is forward. I’m glad that you’re there to challenge assumptions. Through your questions, I learn.
Best,
M.
.-= mckra1g´s last blog ..mckra1g: Strategic use of ‘freemium’ actually creates more fans/customers that pays off longtail. #GDMarketing =-.
Now that I’ve actually met you in person (PDX Social Fresh) I’m even more encouraged to see you out there challenging folks. We don’t learn unless we are both encouraged and challenged.
.-= M. Edward (Ed) Borasky´s last blog ..A Little Known Fact About Mozart =-.
Now that I’ve actually met you in person (PDX Social Fresh) I’m even more encouraged to see you out there challenging folks. We don’t learn unless we are both encouraged and challenged.
.-= M. Edward (Ed) Borasky´s last blog ..A Little Known Fact About Mozart =-.
Love this answer to comments: “If everyone agreed with me all the time, I’d really feel like I was doing something very, very wrong.”
Exactly how it should be. Your focus is what makes you unique and fascinating. Keep it clear and take no prisoners – nobody needs disinterested baggage.
Engaged passengers are what every tour bus driver wants to make the journey informative and entertaining. Count me buckled in!
Holiday weekend just started here. Hope you have a good one, Amber.
.-= John Glynn´s last blog ..Sir Stirling treats himself from Hospital =-.
Love this answer to comments: “If everyone agreed with me all the time, I’d really feel like I was doing something very, very wrong.”
Exactly how it should be. Your focus is what makes you unique and fascinating. Keep it clear and take no prisoners – nobody needs disinterested baggage.
Engaged passengers are what every tour bus driver wants to make the journey informative and entertaining. Count me buckled in!
Holiday weekend just started here. Hope you have a good one, Amber.
.-= John Glynn´s last blog ..Sir Stirling treats himself from Hospital =-.
Amber,
The thing about making waves is… that motion is what brings about change, progress, innovation, education. Without critical thinking, all we are are cogs in the machine and I am all for knowing both how the machine works and how we might be able to improve on what the machine does, who it benefits, and how it works for us, as well.
Without disagreement, varying opinions and viewpoints, there would be no challenge, no competition, no need to rise above, improve, and become the most excellent.
I am with you on this quest to be most excellent and push others to do the same. Count me in, Capt. Amber! 😉
Sara
.-= SaraKate´s last blog ..074. Merry Go Round: Short and Sweet Spring Edition =-.
Amber,
The thing about making waves is… that motion is what brings about change, progress, innovation, education. Without critical thinking, all we are are cogs in the machine and I am all for knowing both how the machine works and how we might be able to improve on what the machine does, who it benefits, and how it works for us, as well.
Without disagreement, varying opinions and viewpoints, there would be no challenge, no competition, no need to rise above, improve, and become the most excellent.
I am with you on this quest to be most excellent and push others to do the same. Count me in, Capt. Amber! 😉
Sara
.-= SaraKate´s last blog ..074. Merry Go Round: Short and Sweet Spring Edition =-.
I recently learned of your blog & subscribed to your RSS feed after you were featured on SiteSketch101.com ‘s ‘Most Influential Females Online’ list. Way to go!Â
I like sass and attitude and I’m on board. 😉 I’ve already learned some good stuff here. Thanks! Â
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I recently learned of your blog & subscribed to your RSS feed after you were featured on SiteSketch101.com ‘s ‘Most Influential Females Online’ list. Way to go!Â
I like sass and attitude and I’m on board. 😉 I’ve already learned some good stuff here. Thanks! Â
 Â
“It’s the power of change, the momentum behind a shift in thinking or perspective, or the downright frustration with the status quo that sometimes propels us to a new place.” I couldn’t agree more!
I get extremely frustrated with the “But, we’ve always done it this way.” spiel and the unwillingness of many to foster, or even accept, change. Why not change? Why not try something new? Why not make a change for the better?
I’ll keep trying to do that, and I’ll keep reading your posts/riding the waves right there with ya! =)
.-= Laura Maly´s last blog ..Daily inspiration: Gone Fishin’ =-.
“It’s the power of change, the momentum behind a shift in thinking or perspective, or the downright frustration with the status quo that sometimes propels us to a new place.” I couldn’t agree more!
I get extremely frustrated with the “But, we’ve always done it this way.” spiel and the unwillingness of many to foster, or even accept, change. Why not change? Why not try something new? Why not make a change for the better?
I’ll keep trying to do that, and I’ll keep reading your posts/riding the waves right there with ya! =)
.-= Laura Maly´s last blog ..Daily inspiration: Gone Fishin’ =-.