Too often we come across badly informed opinions or just sloppy writing in what we are reading on the Internet. The most obvious choice is to move on quickly to our next destination/blog post.
But what if we were to say exactly what we are thinking?
For example that a blog post is incorrect or badly written and cite the relevant sources to back up our information. A critical comment can be ten times as valuable as a general “oh this is interesting” or not commenting at all when you think it is poor.
Comments speak volumes about us all in a positive way be them positive or negative in meaning.
Below is a slightly adapted take on what I wrote to a group that I am member of that discusses social media.
There is a balance to be struck in my view. Obviously I do not expect anyone to push something that they do not like or agree with. With commenting you can always express that point of view you if you think it is not very good etc. Hence why I prefer comments rather than social bookmarking. (digg, delicious, Stumble Upon)
Social bookmarking is a one way action but it fundamentally express the middle road. In the sense you can not vote downwards. Maybe blogs should implement that sort of tool. If we are voting and it is not having any noticeable effect on our thoughts than maybe it is better to make a comment.
Honest criticism and voting does give a meaning to what we are doing in this medium.
If one is too busy to do it, than does it really matter if you read it all?
I also run a company, study law and have a Son. If I am going to do something, I am going to make sure it has an effect.
Last week I did How To Grow Your Business Online workshop for Lancaster university create project run by Joseph Buglass . The university well known for its management school. Is currently ranked third in the UK and is known for encouragement of entrepreneurship. So much so that Lancaster University Management School has hosted the first university-based Entrepreneurial Summit last year. One which is to be followed up by Sheffield university this year.
So what do you present to a group of young entrepreneurs? Cost saving factors is always going to be appreciate. I tended to focus on some things that I had learnt the hard the way and allowed them to ask questions. With so much advice and expertise on the Internet is really is about showing them what is important. I think the advice that stuck with them the most is “if you have not got the time to build a network to market your product than you will have to question what are you doing”. It is all about delivering above expectation so that they tell their friends and their friends. Whom naturally trust them.
The added benefit with doing this sort of presentation is that it brings you full circle so that you engage in your own projects in a more focused way.
Just got back from a presentation from four23 which is multi discipline creative studio. The presentation demonstrate the difference between corporate and creative lifestyles and how they by working together they achieve each other goals. Something that I hear constantly is how companies are looking for the right person. It was noted in the presentation how developing ones self is one of the most important aspects in work/life balance.
What was also fascinating was the style with which it was delivered. I think often if you just want to explain something the best way is just talk about it. Too often people get caught up with how they think it should be rather than what it simply is.
I have just watched the video which you can see below from Ted about what is happening at Second Life - virtual world. The next big area of growth will be virtual worlds in the coming decade. In fact I would go so far as to describe it as Web 3.0. The complete immersion of ones self into internet reality. Not only having two way communication but body communication too.
It interesting to wonder what sort of world would people create given the free reign of their imagination. Unfortunately just before christmas I read some where that down town on second life had became exactly the same as any major city in the world. Predictably? possible. As quoted from the website “The Second Life Grid™ provides the platform where the Second Life world resides and offers the tools for business, educators, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs to develop a virtual presence. Headquartered in San Francisco, Linden Lab has over 250 employees spread across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.”
So it is a business tool. The technology has still has long way to go but it is very interesting hearing from Philip Rosedale the founder of this.
One of the hardest things as an entrepreneur is to believe enough in your idea to do it, but not so much that overpowers everything else. I came across interesting article that expresses this sentiment exactly.
“Ego also gives entrepreneurs the confidence to sell their start-ups to partners, customers, and investors, and the courage to act like famous international CEOs even when they know they really are just playing a role. And ego is the force that allows entrepreneurs to get comfortable with their powerlessness and learn to love the word “no” instead of panicking in the face of it.
On the other hand, when allowed to run amok, ego keeps entrepreneurs from knowing what they don’t know and tempts them to believe their own press. Ego is also the culprit when entrepreneurs cling to their role as founder rather than turning their companies over to more capable managers. And ego is to blame when entrepreneurs can’t work with odd people who are clearly smarter than they are, or when they fail to remain calm and gracious in all business situations.”
Credit Control – “no sales transaction is complete until you have been paid for the goods or services you have supplied. If your customers are not paying you within the agreed timescale, be that monthly or whatever, then it’s time to call in these outstanding payments. Make sure you remind customers a few days before payment is due. Whilst a letter or email could do I personally favour a quick telephone call along the lines of “Payment for our invoice 123456 is due next week, can you confirm that you have no queries and that we can expect payment on time?”
If you don’t receive the payment then wait a day or two to allow for genuine postal delays – these do happen - and follow up with another call. Be polite but firm and don’t be fobbed off with excuses. Remember, other suppliers will also be chasing payment and if your client is short of cash they will get paid first.”
Of course a very simple point to remember in all this. If somebody has got no money, it does not matter what you do, it is not possible to get it back. Hence why a online/off-line reputation is so important and paying on time if you want to keep your credit.
Too often we come across badly informed opinions or just sloppy writing in what we are reading on the Internet. The most obvious choice is to move on quickly to our next destination/blog post.
Just got back from a presentation from 
