Back From The Dead: Updates From The Blog Grave

Oh man have I neglected my blog.  No excuses really, just so busy with a variety of things, and I haven’t really thought of any topics that inspired me lately.  Therefore I’ll use this re-awakening as an opportunity to update all those that care (probably like 2 or 3 readers, of which 1 or 2 are probably bots).

New Job

Started a new gig back in March.  I’m a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office.  Fancy way of saying I manage the group of individuals that are professionally certified on the Office platform, and are the community leaders who provide insight, guidance, training, etc.  I’m their point person for the company.  It’s a pretty unique job, and I’m still trying to get my sea legs.  It will be awhile, and it’s certainly put the brakes on quite a bit of my social media involvement.  However I’ve got to get back on that bus, I miss it.

New Idea

I’m always going to be entrepreneurial in nature, and I finally got around to getting started on an idea I’ve had for quite some time.  I just finished reading Crush It, by Gary Vaynerchuk, and while I didn’t learn a ton, it was a bit inspiring, especially reading about his rise to the top.  The key takeaway for me was sticking to the premise of making sure whatever you dedicate your time to, is something you are passionate about.  You can’t fake that.  So I decided to work on launching AdultAthlete.com, a website that will be dedicated for adults who continue to compete in the amateur ranks.  Those that love sport, compete, and live a life of activity.  The site aims to be a place with rich content on a variety of sports, nutrition, equipment, etc., all geared for the 18+ demographic.  Still in the early stages, but I certainly plan to share my journey here as it continues to develop.  Be sure to visit the site for more info, or follow on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Tech Ed 2010 – New Orleans

I’m headed to Microsoft Tech Ed next week in New Orleans.  Never been to this event or the area.  Should be interesting as I don’t consider myself a very “techy” person, coming more from a Marketing background.  Regardless I always love to visit new areas, and I look forward to meeting a new group of people in a different part of the business.  Plus I get to put my video hat back on a help out with some interviews again.  More to share as I’m there next week.

That’s it for now.  I hope to get back on the blogging wagon, and share my insights on social media, community building etc. shortly.  Thanks for anyone that actually has stuck around!

More to come!

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Digital Printing Done Right: PrintingForLess.com

This week’s post is not my normal fare, but while on the surface it may not seem social media focused, it does have a social media spin.  Let me explain. 

I was in a coffee shop a few days ago and was listening to a local artist and as I sat there, I started thinking to myself how I don’t promote myself as much as I probably should.  I thought, boy, if I had some slick business cards with my personal brand, it sure would be nice to leave one with this artist and even the coffee shop in case they ever wanted to have some social media or digital marketing consulting done.  Something so simple, yet I was not armed with “ammo” I needed to leave my lasting impression with two potential clients.

I immediately raced home and started my plans to re-think my blog design, but more importantly, creating a compelling business card that I could always have at my disposal.  That’s where Printingforless.com came in.

I’ve used Printingforless.com in the past and have always been very satisfied with the entire experience.  The bottom line is that Printingforless.com GETS IT.  They get service, they get price, they get quality of product.  They nail just about everything, and they do it VERY well.  I’m thoroughly impressed with their operation, and they easily get my vote for best digital printer EVER.

For a mere $85, I’m getting 500 business cards, 2 sided, 4 color print delivered.  That’s a great deal.  Not to mention that they have worked with me to get the file I provided right despite my own errors in formatting.  They are patient, responsive, and a delight to work with.  They have a great team based approach to projects (I got to work with Team Big Sky this time around), and I’m still amazed at how quickly they work, how responsive they are, and no matter the roadblocks I have created in getting it right, they don’t charge anything additional to get it right.

They’re website is easy to use, and you can quickly and easily see what your projects will cost in real time as you change/update your selections.  The only feedback I have is that they consider spicing up their web design a bit.  The site looks a little 90′s and could use a fresh Web 2.0 update to bring it up with the times.  I’d also infuse social media a bit more into their site and service (wink, I’m here if you need me PFL!).  But hey, nitpicking here.  I’ll take the experience as is any day.

Take my word for it, they are the real deal, and an absolute must for any printing project you have today or in the future.

Click here to check out Printingforless.com.

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Turning Good Intentions Into Action

When I changed focus on my blog towards a professional approach my traffic went up considerably.  Makes sense considering most people are more interested in issues and discussion regarding social media rather then my life.  But every once in awhile, I experience something that warrants the occasional life reflection post.

My wonderful wife has always been about the most generous and genuinely caring person I’ve ever met.  She’s very passionate about helping others, and demonstrates this repeatedly through donating time, money and efforts towards numerous causes.

Jen asked me a few weeks ago if I was interested in a date night while her parents were here.  Of course I was down for it.  Two words….Olive Garden.  Oh yea, romantic feast here we come (jealous????).  However my wife had other plans.  This date night involved actually serving dinner.

The Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington is a homeless shelter that provides emergency shelter and other services to homeless families.  What makes them unique is that they are one of the very few shelters that actually keep families together rather then separate them.  You see, most homeless shelters are forced to separate parents and children for a variety of reasons.  The fact that this one actually fights to keep them together I thought was extra special.

My wife had been participating in a monthly event where she joined a few others to serve dinner to the families and I had always been meaning to go as well.  I think for many people it can be much easier to ignore or set aside the challenges and unfortunate situations that exist in our communities.  This time however I wanted to see it first hand, and help out as best I could.  And it ended up being exactly what I needed.

Go to a homeless shelter, or any worthwhile cause, and it humbles you.  It makes you put your trivial “problems” into perspective.  And for me, it left me asking myself the same question my wife told me she asks herself when she leaves.  What else can I do to help?

The fact is, Jen nor I are going to solve the homeless problem in our community.  But for this one night, we put smiles on the faces of moms, dads and children that are suffering.  The things we can take for granted like a special cooked meal go such a long way.

For the past 6 months I’ve been trying to find the best ways to make use of my time; trying to find a job, trying to start a business.  But for a few hours on a Monday night, I finally felt like I was making really good use of my time.

I guess Olive Garden will have to wait.

For more information about this very special homeless shelter you can visit their website here, or their Facebook page here.

And if you are so inspired to do so, you can donate to the shelter.  Believe me, they can need and appreciate it.

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