The thing I struggle with the most in Social Media is conflicting philosophies; “having a strategy” vs. “being in the moment”. It would seem to me that analyzing a strategy for SM takes the moment to moment connections to a different type of engagement. Frances said it perfectly: “Successful integration of social media occurs when digital tech merges with smart, applied technology of human beingness.” My question is..what should be the genesis of effectiveness? Technology or human beingness?

You were very kind to me at REBlogWorld and via Twitter, introduced me to Prezi, which I now use exclusively for all my presentations. I value your opinion and I am looking for it now…

So what barriers are holding me back from effective use of social media? I feel it’s the need to define what I do in a way that doesn’t offend the true experts, yet conveys my passion for helping others understand how the social media world works… Any ideas?

I look forward to learning and sharing via your future posts.

Thanks for saying what we’ve all be thinking for some time! And you ROCK HARD!

Ooooooooh Sue, I am so excited for you. I hope the move goes smoothly. I know you will be sad to leave the old house, just take with you the wonderful memories. Don’t make me try out my flirty moves on you Zeek men, cos trust me, I have NEVER NOT got what I wanted. Do I really have to use my endless charm and alluring British accent to get you chaps to listen?? or maybe a less subtle approach, like six inch heels and a french maid costume?? You really don’t want to know where I might stick my feather duster…..so please please give us an update!!

To echo what many others have said, I’m looking forward to your new writings and will do what I can to encourage you to share your thoughts, as I am sure they are thoughts that we will all derive value and inspiration from.

I’m hoping to put some of my CAS study to good use.

I think everyone can benefit from some strategy consulting. I know I do. Strategy is a road map. It’s hard to know whether you should walk, ride a bike, drive a four-wheel drive or hop in a Corvette and punch it if you don’t understand the road that lies ahead. Great strategy consultants help you see the road more clearly. And guys like me help you design the right mode of transportation.

What I want to focus on personally is how to give people who aren’t afraid of work easier ways to do the work. Teresa doesn’t need or want me to offer her marketing advice, but I think she’d welcome an easier way to do a few things she’s already doing. I think that’s where my my focus should be.

Regarding the panel, they may not want to consider themselves experts, but they can charge great day rates for their advice because they do have proven track record in the marketing arena. I’m just hoping that people will begin to label their skills properly.

Jeff, the reason people glom onto you is because you are a dynamic speaker and your writing is honest. Many people lack the self-motivation to get it in gear and build business. Sometimes a speaker says something that motivates you to move forward OR to feel more comfortable in your own skin which then reflects positively for you in the business world.

So…to answer your question…the only barriers I have are the ones I choose to create. I refuse to try and be all things to all people so I make choices about what works for me in my own personal situation. I refuse to be held hostage to what others think I should or should not be doing, and as such…the only thing holding me back, is me.

Excellent!

I actually wrote but neve posted a post “Call Me But Please Don’t Call Me a Guru”
back in the Fall.

I cringe at the term. In the presentations I’ve given I often state that IMO
the only social media experts are Marc Zuckerberg and the Twitter guys (most
people aren’t familiar with the name Biz Stone).

Then, I always start the presentation laying it all on the table by stating exactly
how much income I can directly link to blogging and social media before discussing
the how, why and what.

What’s holding me back from more? Like Jay wrote above, a well-defined plan.

Sometimes it’s hard to plan as Social media marketing changes somewhat day to day, week to
week. The tools change but what does not change is building connections both online and off.
At other times I know what I should do or be doing but hold back b/c of time and other pursuits.

What barriers are holding me back from being more effective using social media?

That’s a good question. I find offline follow-up using telephone, in-person connection, and e-mail establishes effective dollar productive outcomes. I suppose more of that will maximize social media effectiveness. I think it boils down to finding balance and blending online and offline outreach. Successful integration of social media occurs when digital tech merges with smart, applied technology of human beingness.

I’m doing more work these days being a part of a “Virtual Marketing Firm,” the members of which change depending upon the project.

Probably the reason I refer to it as a “new model of work” is that it is more virtual–we don’t have offices, unless we want to. Also, because my parents and many of my peers are so ingrained to “go to a job.” And, I “create my job.” A lot of people have been doing that for a long time, but I think that there will be even MORE, as the traditional method of work for most people changes with the current economic “rearrangement.”