2morrowKnight's Awesome Blog

Facebook's IPO

2012-01-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The site Pnosker reported today (Jan. 27th) that Facebook will file its IPO next week. Monday? Tuesday? No one knows for sure. The IPO announcement comes after the publication of the post below, which presumes the announcement would come in May.

Facebook is making serious moves in 2012, which is essentially a continuation of changes it made to it's site in the second half of 2011 - both in style and substance. I wrote a post on it last September. Interestingly, the site Paid Content reported that it is looking to replace YouTube as the host for Vevo, a premium service for music videos. Upgrades, enhancements, improvements. Why so many? To be clear, there is no one thing driving it.

But, Facebook's initial public offering of stock (IPO), which many believe is coming in May, may have more to do with the changes than anything. It is expected to be the biggest IPO in history. Even bigger than Google's. The Wall Street Journal Q&A video above provides great context of the anticipation around what will likely be a perpetual conversation piece in both tech and finance.

The Phenomenal Jeff Pulver

2012-01-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

This is the latest post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who've helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking. It was co-written by Amy Neumann and Mark Horvath. It was also cross-posted in the Huffington Post Technology Section.

No matter who you are, or where you are from, every member of humanity is inspired by the extraordinary stories of ordinary people in social media. Great stories re-awaken and rejuvenate us, and are retold, re-imagined, re-invented, and, retweeted. Who among us isn't impressed by the tech insights of Jazz Baker and Kathy Meyer; the global adventures of Paul Steele and JD Andrews; and the goodwill of Lotay Yang and Ryan Hodgson? They tell their stories: passionately and consistently. As Madeline Ostrander keenly observes:

There is strength that comes from knowing one another's stories. Personal stories remind us that others face the same difficulties and vulnerabilities we do. We discover our own power when we realize we aren't alone and recognize humanity all around us.

Jeff Pulver, one of the most accomplished social figures of our time, is a master in this space. He brilliantly uses technology to "connect" all areas of the globe, so it's easy to see why his 140 Conference, which launched in 2009, has become an institution and a must-attend global event. Everyone it seems has a seat at the table, and is drawn to the speakers who come to share their thoughts.When you present the storied history of social media, its important to "honor the source", meaning you highlight the industry trailblazers behind decades of groundbreaking concepts. The men and women who laid the foundation. But, you also give voice to a new generation of leaders advancing the conversation, and elevating the medium. Connecting those dots is the genius of Jeff Pulver.

All of the writers on this post have met Pulver. We believe there is something impressive about an accomplished visionary who remains humble, and works vigilantly to keep the social media door of opportunity wide open for others. So we were excited when he agreed to an interview. His own story of innovation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy is impressive by any standard. He believes in the old saying: "You don't shine by putting out someone else's light." This is why he remains both successful and relevant.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Pulver

As a co-founder of Vonage back in 2001, you have an eye for the future of technology. What trends are you spotting from meeting all the social media "characters" at your 140 Conferences?

I helped pioneer the VoIP industry back with work I did starting in 1995, the founding of the VON Coalition in 1996, the launch of the VON conference in 1997 and the passing of the Pulver Order in 2004. My work with VoIP continues to this day. Vonage came out of another company I started back in 1998. You could say that I have been exploring the future edge of technology for awhile. The one trend which is consistent is the return and rise of humanity. A mega trend which will become more obvious in the months and years ahead.

Your 140 Character conferences are hugely popular, #140conf on Twitter, where you bring in "characters" for 10-minute sessions on a wide range of social media-related topics. You feature many social good panelists. What types of social good do you find yourself most drawn to?

It should be noted that #140conf is not a conference about Twitter. It is a conference which explores "The State of NOW" and the effects the real-time web is having on both business and on individuals. #140conf is just the hashtag that we use to promote the conference and the underlying conversations amongst our worldwide community.In terms of social good, I find myself drawn to the people who are discovering their new found ability to bring about positive change by leveraging the social web and their voice or passion. Whether it is building schools in third world countries, raising money for those affected by natural disasters, sharing love with those who need it the most, or sharing my voice to help raise awareness of something which needs attention, as long as it something positive and good, I am happy to help. I look for those people whose passion you can feel and whose track record shows that they know how to take an idea and a vision and morph it into something with meaningful results.

At the Los Angeles #140conf in October last year, you introduced a brilliant singer with a guitar that you heard on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and loved. That guy, Andy Grammer, is now a wildly popular national artist. Do you have other similar stories, anyone you'd like to highlight?

Serendipity and music are continued themes at the 140 Conference. At the first Tel Aviv #140conf in December 2009, music artist Yoni Bloch shared the platform which was the basis of his new startup Interlude. It was used to create the interactive music video which S-Curve Records used to launch Andy Grammer. This video won MTV's 2010 Interactive Video award. I make a small cameo.Back at the first #140conf in June 2009 in New York City, Diane Birch was introduced to the #140conf community and performed at the same event where Wyclef and Jim Jones spoke at. She gave a great performance.

What new social media projects are you excited about?

One of my own personal pet projects is JustCoz. It is a platform for social good, where we offer the ability for people to donate a tweet to causes which they wish to support. I also have a new stealth-mode startup which is playing in the social communications space.

How would you define yourself in 140 characters?

Entrepreneur; Disruptor; Early-Stage Seed Investor; Dad; story teller; Purple; Soulful; Photographer; DJ; Poker Player; Producer of #140conf

To find out more about Jeff Pulver's exciting projects and future 140 Conference events, follow him on Twitter, like his Facebook page, and circle him on GooglePlus.

Authors' Note: In case you missed it, here's Part 23 of the series: Maz Nadjm on the Power of Twitter.

Jordan Knight Offers A Fascinating Peek Into the Male Mind (Guest Post)

2012-01-17T05:19:00.000-08:00

Mandy Hale. Photo Courtesy
of Mandy Hale

Mandy Hale is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, author, and the force behind the popular and insightful The Single Woman twitter feed. Like many of us, she is fascinated by human behavior. One of the most inspirational people online anywhere in the world, she is an astute observers of relationships and cultural shifts. She understands their power, value, and how they shape attitudes and behaviors. Her interview with legendary singer Jordan Knight (below) confirms this. It is a pleasure to have any of her work - celebrity interviews or motivational posts - on my blog. Enjoy!

BY: Mandy Hale, “The Single Woman”

Jordan Knight.

He’s mysterious. He’s a bit of an enigma. We think we have him figured out one minute, and the next, we’re just trying to keep up. He sings passionate love songs…yet we rarely hear much about his personal life. He’s a firecracker on stage…yet sometimes shy and reserved face-to-face. He’s the object of desire for legions of women across the world…but he’s happily married. And he laughs when you call him a romantic…swears he’s not, even…but the very next minute he’s telling you a story about the song he wrote about a girl he used to see on the subway at age 14 who he fell in love with from afar but never quite got the nerve to talk to.

Just who IS Jordan Knight?

A few days ago, I asked my readers and followers to submit their most burning questions they wanted the male perspective on…without telling them that Jordan would be the male perspective.

Since the only thing possibly MORE mysterious than Jordan is the male mind itself, it seemed to make sense that by asking Jordan to weigh in on some of things that puzzle women most about men, perhaps the other mystery – Jordan himself – would be solved.

Sometimes you peek behind the curtain of a magic show, or a band, or even a person or a relationship…and you’re disappointed.

But every once in awhile, you peek behind the curtain, and the person you see standing there shines just as bright with the spotlight nowhere in sight.

That person is Jordan Knight.

Jordan Knight. Courtesy
of Star Pulse

* * * * * *

My phone rings promptly at the time Jordan and I had agreed upon for the interview (a rarity in the business.) It’s snowing in Boston, he says. “My son thinks he made it snow,” he continues. “He told me this morning, ‘Daddy, I wished for snow last night and it snowed!’” He laughs, sounding less like the lead singer of one of the most successful boybands of all time and platinum solo artist and more like a proud papa.

He’s on his way to rehearsal for his upcoming solo tour, “Jordan Knight: Live & Unfinished,” which will be hitting a series of handpicked cities across North America over the next couple of months. After a wildly successful summer tour with NKOTB, where they teamed up with Backstreet Boys to create supergroup NKOTBSB, Jordan says as much as he loves his band of brothers, he’s excited, if a little nervous, to fly solo again.

“With solo shows, there’s a self satisfaction,” he explains. “You feel really accomplished, like ‘Man, I’m doing this by myself!’ With a group, you feel like you’re part of something a lot bigger. It feels like a brotherhood. For me, both are necessary.”

With an overwhelmingly female audience, it’s not unusual to think that Jordan might have picked up a word of wisdom or two along the way for the fairer sex. What is unusual was the candor and genuineness with which he spoke. Within minutes I felt like I was getting advice from one of my guy friends rather than interviewing Jordan Knight.

The popularity of the book and the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” (which Jordan hasn’t seen but is familiar with the concept) has left many a woman scratching her head, wondering: Are relationships and love REALLY as black and white as they seem?

It was time to find out.

TheSW: As women, society and our moms and friends and the movies always teach us that guys only “pick on girls they like.” Is this true, or is it actually the opposite?

JK: I think there’s truth to that. Sometimes when two people are fighting, it’s kind of like there’s some kind of tension there. Why would somebody really even care to fight with you or pick on you if they didn’t care? I think if they didn’t pick at you, it means they’re not interested in you. Sometimes you try to get a person’s attention by being an irritant.

TheSW: Well, then, that aside…how does a girl know if a guy is REALLY into her?

JK: Little things. Like, is he asking about your life? Is he in tune with your life? Does he really genuinely take time to talk about your life? If you’re spending time trying to make him care, then he isn’t into you. He’s into himself. I think all ladies need to know the secret, though. The way to make somebody into you is to stop trying to get them to be into you. If they’re not into you, do your own thing. Hang out with your friends. Everybody wants what they can’t get.

TheSW: So there’s truth to the whole “hard to get” theory. Men like it when women play hard to get?

JK: If you’re always trying to pull something out of the guy, you create exactly what you don’t want. You’re going to get exactly what you see wrong with that person. It’s human nature. Women don’t like guys who do that, either. If a guy’s always nagging you or being jealous or checking in on you and acting insecure, you’re not gonna want anything to do with that guy. You want a guy who has his own thing going on. It’s not a man or woman thing. It’s a human thing. We all want what we can’t get. Don’t want what you can’t get. Let the other person want what he CAN’T get. Be ungettable and you shall get.

TheSW: That said, who should be the one to initiate the date – the man or the woman? Do men like it when a woman asks them out, or does it take away the “thrill of the case?”

JK: I think it’s great when a girl asks a guy out. I don’t see any problem with that. I don’t think guys do, either. Women think “I could never do that. He might think I’m too forward.” But I think a girl can ask a guy out, as long as you’re not overly serious about it, like “It has to happen. There has to be a positive outcome.” Don’t be too hung up on the outcome. Don’t be serious with it. If it’s you just casually calling “Hey, I’m gonna be here with some friends. Join us if you want.” Keep it light and you can initiate the meet-up.

TheSW: Speaking of “the thrill of the case,” why does it seem like as soon as a guy “catches” a girl, he loses interest?

JK: It goes back to everybody wants what they can’t get. You should always make yourself a little unattainable. Of course, at some point that has to come to an end. But if you think love and a man is going to provide you with everlasting happiness, that’s not the greatest attitude. If a man sees that without him, you’re gonna be fine and you’re gonna live a happy life, I think that’s attractive. Don’t just sit at home waiting for the guy. You have to have your own thing going on, not wait on somebody else to provide you happiness in your life. You’ve gotta provide happiness for yourself first, and then other people are going to want to join the party.

TheSW: So what’s sexier for the woman to wear to the party? Jeans and a t-shirt, or a LBD?

JK: Both. Don’t be looking ragged ladies, don’t do it! (Laughs) Men like women who are put together. No doubt about that. But you can still have it going on and have it together in a t-shirt and jeans. That is very sexy. If you can rock both, that’s great.

TheSW: So let’s say at this party, a guy asks for a girl’s number but never calls. What does this mean?

JK: He could have lost the number, he could have been interested at the time but now he’s distracted…there are many different things. Maybe he’s scared or nervous to call. Or he could be just not that into you. There is truth to the “just not that into you” phenomenon. The more you accept that, the better off you are. Move on. Don’t think of striking out as a failure, or somebody not calling you as a failure…it’s just another step in finding somebody. Don’t fear rejection. Don’t put so much emphasis on it. It just may not be the right time or the right person. So what?

TheSW: What about the serial texters, who never call, but always text?

JK: If a guy’s into you, I would think he would wanna hear your voice and enjoy talking to you. You can only get so much out of texting. Plus, is he only texting you at 2:30 in the morning on a Friday night? If you’re only getting booty calls, you have to decide if that’s enough for you.

TheSW: Is chivalry dead?

JK: I don’t think chivalry is dead. I do think you teach people how to treat you. You carry yourself in a certain way, people are going to treat you a certain way. Holding a door for a woman, little things like that…I don’t think that’s dead. I like doing that kind of stuff just because it makes me feel good, and it shows my wife that I love her.

TheSW: A lot of ladies asked “How do you know when you’ve met The One?” How did you know?

JK: It’s kinda like…you just know. It’s almost like if you have to ask the question, maybe you haven’t met the one. In my case, I just felt like I could be myself. I felt like I didn’t have to worry about down the road…does this person like me for frivolous reasons or because I have money or because I’m famous? I didn’t have to worry about all of that. It’s just an intuition…how do you feel around that person? I felt calm and safe. If you’re always on edge and you’re always worried, then that’s probably a good sign that it’s not ‘The One.’

TheSW: Do you believe in love at first sight?

JK: I believe in love at first sight, sure…but love over time has to be nurtured. You have to grow with that person, you have to grow yourself, and your love will grow. It’s not as easy as love at first sight if you wanna go long term. It’s not gonna be as easy as ‘The Honeymoon Stage’ for the rest of your life. There are gonna be challenges for sure. There is no eternal bliss in love. To have a long-lasting loving relationship, you have to look at yourself and you have to see where you’re going wrong instead of trying to change the other person. I think that’s the only way to have a relationship. Don’t overestimate your ability to change another person and don’t underestimate your ability to change yourself. If you’re always focusing on changing yourself, the relationship will keep getting better. If you’re focusing on changing the other person, the relationship will stay stuck.

TheSW: Well, let’s say the couple doesn’t make it past the Honeymoon Stage. In that case, do you think it’s possible to be friends with an ex?

JK: I guess anything’s possible, but ask yourself the question: Why are you trying to be friends with your ex? Let’s be honest, folks. Are you just trying to get the ex back? Let’s not lie to ourselves. If you have a boyfriend and you’re telling your boyfriend “My ex is just my friend,” just make a choice between the two and go one way or the other. (Laughing) Why torture all of us?

TheSW: That begs the question: Can men and women ever be “just friends”?

JK: I don’t think so. I think to a certain degree, yes, but when there’s a guy and a girl saying, “No, we’re just friend, we’re just friends,” one of the two is interested in the other one. They guy might be saying “We’re just friends” but the girl might be hoping it’s more than that, or vice versa. Any time any of my friends say “I’m just friends with that girl,” I’m thinking “Well, YOU may think so.” (Laughs)

TheSW: Women dream of the perfect “fairytale ending.” Do men have similar thoughts about love?

JK: If you think of a “fairytale wedding”…it’s really just a moment in time. It’s like getting an award and thinking: “My life will be perfect once I get this award.” There’s so much more than just that one little moment in life. You have to live your LIFE. Once you hit that moment, it’s not going to make you happy for the rest of your life. Happiness is in everyday life. That’s why I titled my album “Unfinished.” It’s not about the end. It’s about the process. Did you do it the best way you knew how at the time? Don’t just think about the platinum award hanging on your wall. Think about whether or not you had fun doing it. Life is a work in progress and people are a work in progress. It’s a journey, not a destination.

TheSW: Any final words of wisdom for single women?

JK: When I was in the 8th grade, I would take the train to school, and for the whole school year, there was a girl that got off the train before I did…so I would see her on the train for like 4 stops. I always thought she was really gorgeous. I would fantasize about us being on the train alone and talking, lovey dovey kind of fantasies. I never got up the courage to talk to her. I wrote a song about it called “I Wish.” So there are guys who are shy. Don’t be afraid to initiate. It’s a scary thing because we all fear rejection…but you can take the rejection. It’s not the worst thing in the world. You can’t worry about what the other person is going to think of you, how nervous you are, or if you’ll look like a fool. It’s better to make a fool of yourself than to always wonder. Bottom line, if you love and respect yourself, love’s gonna chase you. It’s gonna follow you. Loving and accepting yourself comes first. Men will see that and know it instinctively, and they’ll wanna be a part of that. They’ll wanna be a part of that party.

* * * * * *

Jordan Knight is currently touring the U.S. on his “Live & Unfinished” tour. To learn more about the man behind the answers and to see if he’s coming to a city near you, visit http://www.jordanknight.com/.

Bill Gates as Non-Profit Role Model (INFOGRAPHIC)

2012-01-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

When you consider the scope and depth of what billionaire Bill Gates has done with his fortune, it is literally astonishing. Since 2007, he has given away $28 billion to charities worldwide. That comes to about 48% of his net-worth. Wow.

The Gates Foundation, which he runs with his wife Melinda Gates, is a giant in international philanthropy. It continues ground-breaking work to end malaria, and, to expand education where it meets the 21st Century needs of a booming global population.

This infographic does justice to the legacy of a true pioneer and thought-leader.

Infographic Courtesy of The Next Web

Huffington Post Launches "Good News"

2012-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting idea. Reporting on the "feel good, positive, inspiring, uplifting" things that often go unnoticed, or under-reported. Broadcast and print journalism have attempted variations of this in the past. According to many in the media, many viewers and readers say that want a more positive take on the issues of the day, but, unfortunately, the most negative reporting often gets the higher ratings, or the most hits. So much of the "good news" reporting has been discontinued.

But, like Arianna Huffington, who wrote a blogpost on the new vertical, I strongly believe this new section can work. The last few years in social media have taught me many things, including this important point: no matter what people go though in their daily lives, people still want to be inspired. On Twitter, which I regard as "the heartbeat of social media", quotes are among the most retweeted. From continent to continent, people are looking to add some meaning to their lives, and to connect with something extraordinary.

So count me in as someone rooting for the massive success of Huffington Post Good News.

Maz Nadjm On The Power Of Twitter

2012-01-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is my new Huffington Post piece! It's the second anniversary post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who've helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking. It was written with series co-founder Yasamin Beitollahi, and published in the Huffington Post Tech Section.

"Twitter's arrival as a cultural force happened by steps, not a single breakthrough event." When co-founder Biz Stone uttered those words to the Financial Post, we couldn't have agreed more. From its big splash at SXSW in 2007 to the first off-Earth tweet from the International Space Station, the success has been exciting. But, there is no doubt that the use of Twitter during protests against Iran's Presidential Election in 2009 was a huge turning point for the site.

As NPR's Terri Gross points out,

[Biz] Stone says he first realized that Twitter could be used as a global organizing tool in April 2008, when American graduate student James Buck was arrested while covering anti-government protests in Egypt. On his way to the police station, Buck tweeted one word -- "arrested" -- to his friends, who were able to call the consulate and Egyptian authorities and help secure his release.

Fourteen months later, when the U.S. State Department asked Twitter to delay a planned network upgrade to help safeguard the rights of Iranians voicing their dissatisfaction over the 2009 presidential election in Iran, condemning both the process and outcome of the election, it was the beginning of what Stone had envisioned. It was a moment Maz Nadjm, a leader and respected member of London's social media scene, fully embraced the popular social networking site and began to broadcast messages and images to the world in solidarity with the freedom fighters in Iran.

You've been on Twitter for a number of years and witnessed a number of changes. What are your thoughts on where the site is headed?

Well what I do love about Twitter is that it's disruptive in a number of ways. As founders of the service have admitted nobody really expected the turnout. Twitter has changed the way many of us communicate, engage with each other, how we find new people and topics to talk about. We see brands and celebrities on the site trying to harness the daily and fast 140 character conversations.

One area that stands out for me is the speed of news breaking out on Twitter. After the Mumbai incidents many news organisations amplified their social media approach, mainly Twitter engagement. As they realised they were behind and simply not fast enough compared to Twitter breaking that event. Second biggest and groundbreaking event was the Iran Election, globally known as the Twitter revolution. Twitter, due to its simplicity and mass audience, allowed the news of repression and horrible violence against peaceful demonstrators to come out from Iran. Suddenly the whole world knew exactly what was happening in that country. Recently we've seen the ArabSpring; how revolutions and demonstrations are being organised and communicated through social sites like Twitter.

As a member of the education and digital communities, how do you use Twitter to connect with your audience?

I've found Twitter extremely beneficial for my professional and personal growth. It is much easier to get in contact with key people. You can now have a one to one chat with anybody on Twitter; it definitely beats any type of cold calling! Another benefit is that you can find like-minded people much quicker, no matter what business or profession you are in.

Thanks to events and speaker opportunities I get to travel a bit. I always end up meeting people I've engaged with on Twitter. Recently I was in Dublin, Ireland, and met a lot of twitter friends for the first time face to face. I also organise tweetups and dinners through Twitter giving me the opportunity to meet fantastic people and making new friends.

Talk a little bit about TSL Education. People love how it's impacting lives on a global scale.

Basically it's about changing the world. Improving education changes kids' lives, and in turn it changes society for the better. TSL has proven that pooling knowledge leads to radically better lessons, while saving teachers prep time.

We believe by leveling the playing field early in a child's education you can fundamentally alter their education experience, career prospects and future quality of life. Key to TSL's vision are teachers, we provide online space where they can share their vast knowledge and maximise learning for greater good.

What's next for you?

I consider myself lucky as I got into social media back in 2003. I started one of the first social networks in the UK and created one of the first social media agencies in the UK in 2006. I've advised a number of large companies like Sky News International, Star TV, Chelsea FC and Ogilvy Group UK with global clients. But I always consider myself a student; I'm an avid reader and love to learn. Being a mentor at universities, advisor at start-ups and attending events helps me to keep myself up to date.

I'm currently fascinated by the topic collaborative consumption. It describes old world behaviours, such as lending, exchange, swapping and bartering that are now able to operate at scale, across geographic boundaries enabled by technology. The term was coined by Rachel Botsman whose work has brought together thousands of global innovators and entrepreneurs - all using technology and human ingenuity to develop new ways of sharing, lending and exchanging time, skills and resources.

How would you define yourself in 140 characters?

Passionate, early adopter, helper, connector, good listener, advisor, mentor and learner.

To find out more about Maz Nadjm and his new projects, subscribe to his blog, follow him on Twitter, add him on GooglePlus, and friend him on Facebook.

Authors' Note: In case you missed it, here's Part 22 of the series: Passionistas

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Wow. It was great 2011. Thanks to all of my readers for making it the best year yet. It's been rewarding responding to comments, researching tips emailed to me from readers, and simply trying to keep my blog updated, readable, and relevant. So much to look forward to in 2012...

Expect the same analysis of trends and shifts in technology, charity, sustainablity, business, media, and other areas. Readers love this blog's inclusion of guest posts, and are strongly supportive of pieces where I collaborate with other bloggers. I read your emails, tweets, comments, and I am constantly figuring out how to improve the brand.

There will also be a greater emphasis on interviews in 2012. I recently posted something on my Facebook Timeline: "When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen." I love this. So many people around the world itching to share their story, and aren't being heard. I want to make sure that my blog (and my work in general) remains a reliable platform for them. So look for the Twitter Powerhouses Series I co-founded with Huffington Post blogger Yasamin Beitollahi to "take it up a notch", so to speak. The same goes for my work with Smedio. More interviews, and few awesome surprises. Stay tuned...

A quick note to my readers... It's important to be mindful of the past, while always looking forward, shooting for greater heights. I've had success in 2011, and I've experienced failure too. What is life without the highs and the lows, right? I've learned so much from all of it, and I'm using it as a foundation for 2012. So apply the lessons you've learned and make it the best year ever. Again, I thank you.

Serious in my thoughts and actions,

~2morrowKnight

Like Water, For Charity

2011-12-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

Water covers less than 70% of the earth, but less than 70% is drinkable. In fact, 443 million school days are lost each year due to water related-illnesses. So 'clean water' is not simply a health issue, but a way to empower families and communities. It is one of the defining, moral issues of our time, and it requires serious action.

This is why I joined the #12DaysofGiving, a twelve-day bonanza of giving, sharing, and promoting social good from December 13th to Christmas Eve. Spearheading this amazing effort are do-gooders Amy Neumann, Joseph Ranseth, and Katie McCormick. They are aiming to raise a combined $12,000 for the causes and charities highlighted.

Of the twelve charities, I chose Charity: Water, because of their amazing efforts to bring clean, safe drinking water to billions of people who don't have it. A billion people. That's one in every 8 of us. Charity: Water responds to the need by building freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and sand filters. These are transforming lives in places where "the only source of water is a polluted swamp."

Photo Courtesy of Charity: Water

So far, in nineteen countries, over forty-hundred projects have been funded, meaning two million people will receive clean water.Over the years, Twitter's Alyssa Milano has been a consistent supporter of their work, raising both money and awareness. This CBS story cemented just how highly regarded their work is.

How can you help? Go to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, GooglePlus, LinkedIn, Chime.in and then share this post. You can also make a small donation at the Charity: Water page on Crowdrise.com/12DaysofGiving. The World Health Organization says that for every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is an economic return between $3 and $34. So your Charity: Water donation will be a gift that truly keeps on giving.

I am so honored to work with the amazing #12DaysofGiving Team. This inspiring, twelve-day initiative is just what we need for the holiday season. Something that greatly connects us to the world's pain, and moves us to do something extraordinary.

Happy holidays everyone! Keep on giving.

~2K :)

TIME Magazine's 2011 "Person of the Year"

2011-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

As a kid, I always looked forward to whom TIME Magazine was going to pick for its "Person of the Year". In my family, it was always something we talked about and debated. So when TIME chose "the protestor" as its 2011 Person of The Year this morning, I received lots of emails and calls from family elders. Some thought Steve Jobs deserved it, while others (like me) thought Congresswoman Gabby Giffords would get it.

But as TIME Magazine (and everyone who corresponded with me today) acknowledges, 2011 protests worldwide - from New York City to Cairo to London - have profoundly impacted the way we live, and what we are discussing. These demonstrations were aided largely by social media giants like Facebook and Twitter. I wrote about social media's role in the Cairo protests back in February.

Certainly, the 2011 choice is very timely. Great analysis of their selection on the website, and in the video below.

WATCH:

Awesome Podcast with Claire Diaz-Ortiz and Amy Neumann

2011-12-03T01:08:00.001-08:00

Excuse my over-excited title. I'm just excited about the newest podcast (below) from Twitter's Claire Diaz-Ortiz. For those of you unfamiliar with her, she is the head of social innovation at Twitter, and writes about trends and shifts in international philanthropy. In other words, she rocks.

So does my good friend Amy Neumann, who Claire interviews. Anyone into all things "social good" will consider this a treat. Both women symbolize what is fantastic about philanthropy and "giving back". This is a great, fascinating interview: relevant information, interesting tips, social media figures, etc.

LISTEN:

Why Chime.in is Worth the Login

2011-11-19T00:31:00.001-08:00

Above is my page on Chime.in, the new social network that is one of the most exciting new things in tech. You connect with groups of people and build communities around their interests. I love it. Though shopped by some as a "twitter competitor", I believe it stands strong by itself without any need for comparisons.

Yes, there will be comparisons. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr and GooglePlus have all tried to carve out an identity separate from other sites. This looks to be even harder in the coming years as smaller networks are expected to emerge to take their share of the social landscape.

Right now, Chime.in is one of the best in social media. Seriously. It is clear that Uber Media founder Bill Gross and his team have done their homework on the other sites, and have integrated their own specific ideas to create something unique. Tech editor Bianca Bosker explains:

The site allows users to tag their chimes with up to five interests such as "Apple" or "architecture", and let's people subscribe to updates about a particular topic, essentially a stream of "chimes"that are aggregated based on the tags authors have added to their posts. As on Twitter, users can subscribe to each others' feeds, though Chime.in offers additional control over what appears in their "chimeline": Individuals can choose to receive only updates pertaining to a particular subject..."

This is why Gross calls Chime.in an "interest network", a term that is also a recognition of its creative genius. It's worth a try. So when you get moment, sign up, log in and chime in.

Amit Gupta Needs Your Help

2011-11-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Social media has toppled governments, marketed products, and is always inspiring and generating ideas for greater innovation. But when it involves the social good, the results are often amazing. The campaign to get Amit Gupta a bone marrow transplant is a prime example. Gupta, the founder of photojojo, was diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Through mostly Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, people - from India to the United States - are spreading the word, participating in donor drives, and ordering a free test kit. As of November 11, 2011, there are just less than 20 days left to find him a match.

Can Social Media Save Amit Gupta? Porter Gale asks. I'm optimistic that it can.

WATCH:

International Brands (Infographic)

2011-11-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

A great infographic from Havas Media! It was in the brilliant new post - "Meaningful Brands" - by strategist Christel Quek, one of Havas' rising stars, and one of the most respected voices in social media today. When you discuss global brands and how they impact our lives, you have to analyze all of the relevant aspects. No shortcuts.

This is value of this infographic. The scope and depth is impressive. So is Christel's spot on analysis of the ten statistics that make it standout. It's hard to not be impressed. This could easily fit in with the consistently effective infographics we see from the Gates Foundation.

http://ladyxtel.com/meaningful-brands-havas-media/

Passionistas

2011-11-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is the latest post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who've helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking. I co-wrote it with Ann Tran and Elianne Ramos.

This is cross-posted in the Huffington Post Women Section.

We are all impressed by those who create valuein the lives of others, work tirelessly to accomplish their dreams and embodythe purpose-driven life they often reference in their conversation. Passion istheir fuel. It adds depth and energy to their vision, and provides a spark tocreate something timeless and substantive. As Arianna Huffington so brilliantlystates, "passion is the key to success." Writer Gretchen Rubin shares a similarthought:

A passion gives you a reason to keep learning and to work toward mastery. It can often give you a reason to travel, and therefore to have the new experiences so key to happiness. It gives you something in common with other people, and so fosters social bonds. It gives you purpose. It often has a satisfying physical aspect -- rock-climbing, fly-fishing, knitting. It gives meaningful structure to your time. It makes the world a richer place.

In the Nineteenth Century, inventor Ada Augusta Lovelace provided concepts and technical framework for what is recognized as an early computer. Over 100 years later, in the latter part of the Twentieth Century, leaders Patsy Takemoto Mink, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Shirley Chisholm would all make history of their own. Their accomplishments, and those of many, many others, are rightly celebrated for the lasting impact they have had on our lives. Indeed, centuries and decades come and go, but the passion to make it happen remains the same.

If it's true that passion is defined as an intense, driving, or excitable feeling or conviction, then these women profiled in this post are its prime example. The fact that each one of them is passionate about different things is not coincidental: they represent the diversity of voices in our world who have found a channel for their ideas and use them to better not just their own life, but the lives of those around them. What makes their work unique is its focus, determination, and intensity. What drives it, as evident by their actions, is passion.

Porter Gale

Porter Gale, former VP at Virgin America, is a bonafide global citizen. A popular and respected
blogger for Huffington Post and AdAge, she’s very passionate about new media and how we can
use it to create positive change and develop connections. She’s launching a highly-anticipated
business venture in 2012. She told us: “Every day is a gift. My happiness level is
increasing with age.”

The Single Woman
TheSinglewoman, brimming with quotes and affirmations to help you ‘Seize the Day’! When
Oprah Winfrey expressed gratitude about it on her Twitter feed, there was no doubt that it had
struck a chord with a global audience. It’s a phenomenon. The posts are not only passionate,
but elegant.

Olivia Zaleski
A world-renowned authority on environmental issues, Olivia Zaleski is passionate about green technology. She promotes green alternatives in her speeches and public appearances. The first editor of the
Huffington Post Green Section and a former reporter with CNN, Zaleski is now a new media correspondent with The Daily, the first national daily news publication created for the iPad.

Lily Jang
The beautiful world of Lily Jang: she speaks three languages and is one of the most celebrated journalists in social media because of the way she stays connected to her fans. Her great profiles and reports reverberate far beyond her viewership.

Isa Zapata
Isa Zapata brings a whimsical and vibrant element to her art, combining her
Latin roots with eclectic sensibility. Using social media for social good, Isa Zapata is using Twitter, Facebook and her blog to spread the word about her nonprofit endeavors. Her statement to us: "I want to make people happy with my art, and remind everyone that life is simple and beautiful."

Britt Michaelian
Britt Michaelian is known as the Smart Start Up Coach for Lifestyle
Entrepreneurs at Work Smart Lifestyle, where she helps aspiring entrepreneurs design businesses
that allow them to pursue their dream lifestyle. Britt is also Co-Founder of Social Media Girlfriends,
a fast-growing social media community for women to connect, support and encourage each other to be the best they can be.

Carla Young
Founder & Publisher of Momeo Magazine and Entrepreneurial Moms, Carla Young is an inspiration many. With a dedicated staff and loyal following, she is able to focus singularly on her passion for helping ‘mom bloggers’ and momprepreneurs.

Natalie McNeal
A specialist on career development and a savings expert for geezeo.com, Natalie P. McNeal is the author The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.
In fact, the word “Frugalista”, which she owns a trademark for, was a ‘Word of the Year’ finalist by
Oxford University Press.

Green Girls
GreenGirls, the creation of the eco-minded Apple Levy, is a great resource of articles, blogs,
videos and other content highlighting a green lifestyle. Her work with eco-conscious
celebrities is well-known

Sarah Austin
A smart popular culture observer with keen eye for what’s hot, and a knack for epic videography.
This is how many describe Sarah Austin. And they’re correct. She's an angel investor in a
tech start-up, and her Pop17 site, which deserves its own prime time show,
profiles great names in the world of social media.

Click here to see the entire list of 41 women in this Passionistas post.
Authors Note: Incase you missed it, here's Part 21 of the series: 39 Inspiring Men and Their Passion forCharity.

Hillary Clinton on the World Stage

2011-11-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Back in 2008, a mere two weeks after the presidential election, Huffington Post blogger Matt Littman, in a piece titled What Makes a Great Secretary of State?, cheered openly for Hillary Clinton to take her current position:

At a time when the world is yearning to see America return to the forefront of global leadership, Secretary Clinton can lead the charge. She already may be a historic figure, embraced by the world community, but in this role, she would add significant international achievements to her legend.

That was 2008. And three years later, we see just how brilliant Clinton's foreign policy leadership has been. She has been an amazing force in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. From the uprisings in Northern Africa, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestine conflict, and the perpetually perplexing negotiations with North Korea, her vision is making a big difference.

Whatever differences Obama and Clinton have, they have buried them for the good of diplomacy and national security. And we have all benefited from their partnership. So its easy to see why TIME Magazine (above) put her on their current cover. She has used her power in a very smart way, and this has only elevated her throughout the world.

Though Clinton wants to step down from her post in November 2012, I hope she stays another four years. She is already one of the best U.S. Secretaries of State in history.

For Tessa Kravitz, Social is the Business

2011-10-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

I must admit: it’s always great talking with someone who doesn’tthink being business-savvy and social media inspired are incompatible. This iswhat you get when you have an extended conversation with Tessa Kravitz, one ofthe busiest people I know. It’s not just about building a large following shetold me, but doing your best to consistently and engage that following, nomatter the size.

From the Business Examiner to small business clients, her digitalphilosophy of “engage, empower and share” has its fans. Includingme. While some are still unwilling to embrace and utilizepopular platforms like Twitter and Facebook, Kravitz believes they are vital tothriving in the 21^st CenturyEconomy. As an entrepreneur, she looks at both sides of the coin, and testsevery angle before making her judgment. This approach works well, and oftenwins over the social media skeptics.

You have a diverse group of business clients. How do you manage all ofthem online, and connect with a wide range of customers?

Business visionary Teresa Kravitz

I use a few different tools to manage their online presence. TweetDeck for Chrome is my favorite for managing Twitter from a computer(versus a phone), I like it because I can see all the mentions from the variousaccounts I manage in one column. On my phone I use Plume, which also gives methe mentions for multiple accounts in one column. For Facebook notifications Iuse Postling so I am instantly notified when someone posts and I can send theemail to my contact when I need to get additional information to post.

To find content I use Stumbleupon and also look over content thatcompanies in their industry post and sometimes share that too. I aim for 'informative and interesting' when I post, trying to keep the sales pitches to aminimum. We do use social media to showcase new items, sales,events, and anything else followers might want to know.

I also have a Google Alert set up to find mentions across the weband reply to those as needed. Which sometimes brings me to random forumsthat are related to their industry. For Twitter, I use Bufferapp to spaceout tweets and not blast a lot out at once. I collaborate withclients, I maintain a shared google document so they can see what I have instore to post next, and so they can drop in ideas as well, but they usuallyjust email things that come up for me to consider posting.

In terms of who I connect with, I use Northsocial to connect withnew followers and rally the troops to get current followers excited. Welaunched a sweepstakes recently and grew the page from 3100 to 5000 in a weekand saw increase in activity on posts and random questions and comments comingin to us.

How were you able to convince companies that social mediawould benefit them?

For the most part, my clients have come to me, so there hasn'tbeen much convincing. A lot of that is because the Business Examiner hasa pretty strong presence in the local business community so most of my clientscame from those relationships.

For people that are hesitant to get on Social Media I tell themthat they could be missing referrals, opportunities to say thank you to kudosfrom customers, and ensure that any negative comments are dealt with... havingan open channel for customers to connect with you is amazing!

Even having a small presence is better than nothing at all. For instance,having a presence but never saying anything... as long as you answer whenpeople take the time to reach out to you, that would be a step in the rightdirection. To me, refusing to put your company out there where customerscan find you, just doesn't make sense... you're missing out on so much.

To get a better understanding of how she combines social media and commerce, follow her on her Twitter feed.

The Rise of the Tweet-Ready Marketing Event

2011-10-18T03:22:00.000-07:00

It's one of the newest trends: companies inviting notable names in social media to a grand opening or product launch so they can post about it on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. As the Wall Street Journal vlogger Elva Ramirez (above) notes about the arrangement: "they're getting you to engage with their brand but they're getting you to tell all your friends about it too." So look for this type of marketing to catch fire in 2012.

Businesses have taken a big hit for not being responsive to consumers on social media platforms. But if done right, the "tweet ready marketing event" could go a long way towards reversing the bad press for their non-responsiveness. A failure to reach out to consumers is potentially damaging behavior in the short- and long-term, especially with a tech savvy generation more comfortable in the online world.

The Art of Healing Our Wounded U.S. Veterans

2011-10-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

This is my recent piece, cross-posted in the Huffington Post Impact Section.

Russell Simmons once said, "Art allows people a way to dream their way out of their struggle." The co-writer of this post, Lori McNee, couldn't agree more. Her work is extraordinary. As an artist, she gives back to her community through the expression of art. Recently, she had the unique honor to convey the healing power of art to a group of veteran women who have been severely wounded in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

This opportunity was made possible through Higher Ground, an amazing nonprofit that taps into a network of resources to aid long-term rehabilitative efforts for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, blindness, severe burns, and much more.

Because we are particularly supportive of charitable efforts to look after veterans and their families, art therapy for wounded warriors is something to really get excited about. In fact, McNee's art session was a huge success. The majority of the women warriors had never painted before. So in order to alleviate any of their anxieties, they were assured that they were not there to impress anyone with the end result.

One healing factor of art is that it gives the participant some measure of control over what they do. It also allows the creator to focus on something positive, which takes them away from their discomfort and benefits their health in the long run. A safe environment was provided where the women could explore and courageously express their intuitive feelings on their own canvas, in a non-verbal way with the support of Higher Ground therapist, Cara Barrett.

Lori McNee and Women Veterans. Photo Courtesy of Higher Ground

The women were distracted at first, and some had a hard time listening to some of the instructions. This behavior is a common symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, once they started freely playing with the beautiful acrylic paints, brushes and other fun tools, the ladies became engrossed in their art.

They were taught about the hidden meaning of color and how artists can use color to express themselves, and to create a mood in their paintings. Some of the ladies chose cool, calming colors like blues and purples that represented the peace they were feeling during this art activity. A few of the others gravitated toward the warmer tones like red, orange and yellow to represent their courage, determination or optimism.

One lady even depicted an emotional memory of her late Troop Leader, while others painted abstract designs. Each woman enjoyed the process of creating her own work of art. Afterwards, the project was assessed and the women were asked how they felt while they were painting. The majority of them said painting felt wonderful; they didn't think about any of their injuries, pain and stress.

Another awesome activity from Higher Ground! Their summer and winter camps in the picturesque mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho are extraordinary. The veterans leave the camps with a restored sense of independence, a desire to improve work and school performance, and an increased ability to cope with combat related stress. Indeed, our veterans should also be cared for when they return home, and not simply on the field of battle.

This post was co-written by Lori McNee.To learn how you can help, please contact Sun Valley Adaptive Sports and Higher Ground.

The New Google Doodle: Claymation!

2011-10-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Google's new doodle pays tribute to claymation pioneer
Art Clokey. Image Courtesy of Google

There are few things I look forward to in tech more thanGoogle’s Doodles. They have paid tribute to figures, historical periods, and the best of innovation. They are always creative, thought-provoking, and educational.Simply put, the folks at Google always swing for the fences.

Their new doodle doesn’t disappoint. It celebrates thework of Art Clokey, the godfather of claymation. I remember his work as a kid.He was a trailblazer in his field, so it seems fitting that he would be recognizedin this way.

See more of his work here, in the Washington Post.

Steve Jobs: iVisionary

2011-10-06T03:02:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs. Photo Courtesy of Apple

Yesterday was truly a sad day. Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56. He had a long battle with cancer, and he was visibly thinner, so we figured this day was coming. But Jobs was one of my heroes. And we want our heroes, and she-roes, to live forever. Jobs was admired on nearly every continent. A thought-leader and creative genius who believed in taking risks, and inspiring humanity to achieve the impossible through revolutionary design and cutting edge technology.

He started Apple Computers in his garage in 1976 with $1300. He failed, made lots of mistakes, and was repeatedly told no, but it never stopped him from working hard, and believing that he could give full substance to the scope and depth of his vision. He invented the personal computer, and revolutionized the music and phone industries with the iPod and iPhone. And changed the way we consume media with the iPad.

He also helped change the way we see animation with Pixar, the company responsible for some of the most stunning animated movies of the past 15 years. As Boing Boing editor Xeni Jardin pointed out, Jobs studied Buddhism, Hinduism, calligraphy and a host of other subjects - things that assisted his seemingly seamless merge of people with the power of technology. My mom met him in Los Angeles in 1982, and they had a great tech conversation. She remembered him as a great salesman for the Apple brand, and a serious "ideas" person. And she was right.

He created and debated ideas, but never let them sit on the shelf and just catch dust. I loved that! He was all about the WOW factor. Like Henry Ford, Maggie Lena Walker, Milton Hershey, Reginald Lewis, John D. Rockefeller and many, many others, his legacy will be celebrated long after his passing. As Steve Jobs himself once said:

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.

Indeed. Great words from one of civilization's greatest minds. R.I.P. Mr. Jobs.

Artwork by Jonathan Mak

Cory Booker's Amazing Speech at the Google Zeigeist

2011-10-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love how Cory Booker starts his speech at the Google Zeitgeist Conference: about being optimistic regarding what can be, while having a "deep sobered understanding of what is". I have followed his career for almost seven years, observing the way he has greatly transformed the landscape of Newark, NJ. This has to be one of his best speeches. You'll be moved when he discusses the boy whose life he tried to save and his father's "grand conspiracy of love". From beginning to end, you'll see why he is one of the world's most inspiring and most talked about figures.

A Few Thoughts on Facebook's New Changes

2011-09-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Zuckerberg has done it again. Love him or dislike him, he understands technology and trends, and takes fulladvantage of them to the benefit of Facebook. He saw that GooglePlus debutedwith a roar, and clearly won over a lot of people with interesting new featureslike “circles” and “the hangout”.

But it is doubtless that Zuckerberg lost any sleep. Here’swhy: because he joined GooglePlus, and his status on that site as the mostfollowed (or “circled” person) focused attention back to Facebook. His strategy worked, and worked well.

Personally, I’m a Twitter guy. Yes, I have a bias. Twitterrocks baby! And so does Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. But when something great emerges, I point it out. And Facebook’snew moves are great on so many levels. It’s partnership with Hulu and Spotify -allowing you to view films and listen to music on the site - could turn it into an entertainment hub, and its“subscribe” and "lists" features dramatically improve the overall usability. The amazing Timeline is just icing on the cake.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Photo Courtesy of Facebook.

To be clear, GooglePlus remains as relevant as ever. But Facebook has made changes and tweaks that clearly redirect the conversation. There arelots of people who are uncomfortable with Facebook’s size and reach, and are tired of adjusting their settings. LOL! But the site's numbersaren’t taking a beating: it just passed 800 million users. Solid by anystandard.

I’m certain that Mark Zuckerberg laughed himself silly overthe wild predictions about Facebook being destroyed by GooglePlus. Ididn’t see it in June or July, and I don’t see it now. I just believe we are in aperiod of robust innovation, and social networking in general will benefit. And that's a good thing.

Twitter is on a different track all together, and will also continue to surge. But...if GooglePlus responds to Facebook's changes with the force, things could get exciting in the short term. We will see. Stay tuned.

39 Inspiring Men and their Passion for Charity

2011-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is the latest post in our series, TwitterPowerhouses, which focuses on the contributions of people who've helped to expand, influence, and redefine how we view social networking. I co-wrote it with fellow Huffington Post bloggers Amy Neumann and Yasamin Beitollahi.

This is cross-posted in the Huffington Post Impact Section.

A life of kindness and gratitude is tremendously powerful. And when applied to the charitable efforts making the world a better place, the results are often extraordinary. From across diverse backgrounds and all ends of the globe, these gentlemen exemplify a global view of sharing and helping others in their daily lives, and through the amazing networked nonprofits they support. They all embody the spirit of Booker T. Washington's famous words: "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

Reluctant to talk about themselves, they deftly shift conversations from themselves to other people, or to one of their many projects. They are dreamers and visionaries. They like to imagine vibrant communities bursting with culture -- music, art, history, theater, film -- and full of people realizing their potential. But they're not only dreamers, they want people to be a part of their dreams.

Claire Diaz-Ortiz, leader of Social Innovation at Twitter Inc., and author of the book Twitter for Good, is brilliant in the international community of philanthropy and is someone all three writers on this post respect. Her ideas, and Twitter, have led countless people toward social good. The Networked Nonprofits we support - 2morrowknight with SeeYourImpact, Amy with United Way, and Yasamin with The 1010Project - are impacted by her work. And by Twitter. As are all of the men highlighted here. In fact, if it weren't for Twitter, we may not have had the honor of talking with all of them and sharing their insights.

In a world that will soon have 7 billion people, these men understand how important it is to engage non-profits that help raise our standard of living, expand our worldview, and give us hope for the future. Indeed, together, we thrive!

Andy Baldwin
Why he rocks:
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Andrew Baldwin, M.D. is a physician, humanitarian,
U.S. Navy diver and media personality serving as a family medicine resident at the
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Southern California. AndyBaldwin.com
On Twitter: @DrAndyBaldwin

  His favorite non-profit:
@GotYourBackNet (GotYourBackNetwork.org) As the founder, he makes sure it
provides an avenue for the children of fallen soldiers to learn and be inspired by
the most successful leaders of our generation.

Jeff Rago
Why he rocks:

Pop Culture Explorer. Belly Laugher. Spirit Seeker. Talent Lover. Red Wine Sipper.
Dessert Eater. Tongue-In-Cheek Talker. On Twitter: @jeffrago

His favorite non-profit:

“The NOH8 campaign @NOH8campaign is a grassroots effort which started as a silent

protest on the passing of proposition 8 in California and has grown into a national

campaign for equality, tolerance and love. I am proud to play a small part in this effort as

I deeply believe ALL human beings deserve the right to love and be loved freely

and without consequence.”

Clement Yeung
Why he rocks:

A Huffington Post contributor, Clément Yeung is also the founder and co-director of Easisell Ltd.,

a digital marketing and conversion optimization consultancy based in the UK. Clément and his team

provide businesses of all sizes with marketing materials & website real-estate designed to reap the highest returns in today's world wide web. On Twitter: @ClementYeung

His favorite non-profit:

@KIVA “There's something that feels so right about "investing" in a person that has little money, a big heart and an idea to create something that will have a deep, lasting positive impact for others. As employers, we understand the power that building a profitable business can have on the lives of those in and around it. Kiva's microloans may have a considerable impact many factors greater than serving their initial benefactor alone.”

Reg Saddler
Why he rocks:
For many, there is no need for an introduction here. He’s a tech wizard who is one of the most
humble you’ll ever meet. A social media guy who lives and breathes all aspects of tech,
business and news. On Twitter: @zaibatsu

His favorite non-profit:
Reg suppports the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation @GatesFoundation because, as Bill puts it,
“Our friend and co-trustee Warren Buffett once gave us some great advice about philanthropy:
‘Don’t just go for safe projects,’ he said. ‘Take on the really tough problems.’”
Those problems include global health concerns, agricultural efficiency, and education.

Sunil Jain
Why he rocks:
A blogger and WordPress pro, and owns Tech18, an emerging blog about all aspects of Technology. He loves helping friends worldwide, and values education. On Twitter: @gupshupblog

His favorite non-profit:
“I would like to tell everyone about @Nisha360, a 20 year old girl who is using Social Media
(Twitter) to start "The Water Project,Inc" - an organisation which will provide water to communities
all over the world, suffering needlessly without it. To support her project, you can donate here and
she also updates her blog daily to get the support from everyone and until now
she has reached 70% of her goal.

Click HERE to see all of the 39 inspiring men and the nonprofits they support.

Authors' Note: In case you missed it, here's Part 20 of the series: The Social Media Vision of Jessica Northey.

Ending Malaria (Infographic)

2011-09-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

I love infographics. And there is no doubt that the Gates Foundation consistently has some of the best ones. On ending polio, boosting nutrition, explaining the benefits of breast feeding, and extolling the virtues of education. This one below on Malaria is equally powerful. This is a must-see. We need even more cause-based infographics to sharpen our focus of what's being done to make a difference in every corner of the world.

GOOD Magazine also has some great ones, including one on the issue of water in developing nations. Nonprofits and charities don't get the kind of attention in social media that they should. So if it take infographics and other tools to create awareness, then that's awesome.

I'm an optimist and a realist. And I know we can put an end to malaria in our lifetime. (CLICK THE IMAGE below to see why millions are enthusiastic about the progress being made.)

Style With a Smile: The Fashionable Mollie Ruiz-Hopper

2011-09-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Photos by Chad Coleman

Bold colors. Cutting-edge designs. A sense of adventure with a twist of daring! I love the ideas and energy that infuse the world of fashion. These are also the very things that have come to characterize Twitter's Mollie Ruiz-Hopper, one of the emerging, exciting voices in international style.

As a writer for an ABC News affiliate, and creator and editor of Mollie In Seattle, Ruiz-Hopper has cultivated an impressive fan base that gives her support and feedback. A fan base she keeps rock solid by being approachable, relevant, and gracious.

Like the catwalk itself, she uses the grand stage of social media to express her passion for fashion. She manages to pull all the threads together - the innovators driving her industry and the trends we’ll be talking about. So it was truly an honor to connect with this philanthropist, noted ‘ideas woman’, and fabuloso fashionista.

How do you believe social media has changed your industry? I'm a blogger/writer and I also work in PR. Social media has really revolutionized the way people communicate with one another in such a great way. It kind of puts people on a level playing field where we can now communicate with virtually anyone, anywhere, anytime. News comes to us in real-time. I can watch a live stream of my favorite designer's fashion show and get up to date information on the latest trends in shoes. Information is now endless and available to me all the time whether I'm on my computer, smart phone or iPad. This is all a result of the awesome-ness that is social media.

Photo by Mike Luong

I know you have a love for Nordstrom, which has emerged as one of big companies greatly benefiting from social media. What are they specifically doing right? Nordstrom is doing a terrific job with their social media. They're constantly posting great links about clothes and products new to their stores, information on upcoming events, and are always quick to respond whenever I have a question or comment. There are a lot of other big companies out there who have Twitter and only push information about themselves. What I love about Nordstrom and appreciate as a devoted customer is that they're always talking to people, responding to my tweets, following up on recent purchases and even suggesting things to me that I might not have thought of for myself. I just love that Nordstrom is now a presence that is always with me. If I have a question about mascara, they're there to answer it right away.

You are quite the fashionista. Everything you're doing is just consistently buzz-worthy. And that's hot! How are you managing to thrive in Seattle, which is particularly strong in the fields of technology and sustainability? First, thank you very much! Fashion is something I've been crazy about ever since I can remember, I think it rubbed off on me from my mother and grandmother who were very fashion forward and my style role models. I think the most important element in anything is that you have to be genuinely passionate about what you do, whether it's technology, wine or in my case fashion. I love waking up every morning and dressing up in something that makes me feel good. I also have a smart phone that helps me stay connected with my friends, family and social media all the time. I can update my Twitter feed whenever I need to, take a picture of a pair of shoes I want, or friend someone on Facebook I just met at an event. I attend different networking events, sometimes it's weekly, and sometimes it's monthly. An important part in remaining relevant in any industry is showing up, being an actual body and face that people can shake hands with and relate to. Finally, it's very simple: be a nice and pleasant person to be around, if you're happy and positive others will want to share in that.

To find out more about Mollie Ruiz-Hopper and her great insight about the world of fashion, follow her on her Twitter feed and read her work on Facebook. This is cross-posted in Smedio.

Famine in East Africa Moves Mom, Female Bloggers to Act

2011-09-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is cross-posted in the Huffington Post Impact Section.

I am a huge fan of everyday people who push the boundaries of convention to raise awareness for causes that matter. And few causes are as urgent right now as the deadly famine in east Africa.

A population equivalent to entire state of Ohio is at risk of starvation in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and other parts of East Africa. Hundreds of thousands refugees have fled the drought-stricken region, and in the past three months, nearly 30,000 children have died.

Now, one mom is using social tools like video, blogs and an unconventional fundraising platform to change that.

Blogger Sarah Lenssen decided she had had enough of watching a famine unfold - and get buried - in the news. So she dreamed up a powerful campaign to help people take action, called #Ask5for5. It works like this: you donate $5 to provide food and water in east Africa. Then, you get five of your friends to give $5.

Ask5for5 and help save a life! from Ask 5 for 5 on Vimeo.

Sarah's an inspiring change-maker that models what it means to be a citizen philanthropist. She likes to imagine what would happen if that circle got extended out 9 times (5 x 5 x 5 x 5...). In just nine iterations, the campaign would raise over $2.4 million dollars.

I had a chance to ask her a few questions about what motivated her to start #Ask5for5 and how female bloggers worldwide have powered her campaign. Here's what she said:

Why did you start #Ask5for5? I have two children who were adopted from Ethiopia in 2007 and 2010 respectively, and both of them were born in the regions that are experiencing extreme drought. The situation is very personal for me. It could be my son or daughter suffering. The idea that they would go day after day without food or water is a thought I want to push fromy mind. But the thing is, I have to imagine it -- because although they aren't mine, they are many daughters and sons suffering.

John Harrison, BlueSkyhill Creative.

I knew I couldn't sit by and let the news overwhelm me (although that's hard when you see the grave images of what's happening). It was time for me to do something. But I knew that in order to make an impact, that it couldn't just be me. And that's where #Ask5for5 was born.

If you could tell people one thing, what would it be?

I'd want to tell people about Khaleed. Last week, his mom took him and his siblings on a harrowing 15-day journey through Somalia in search of food. Two of his siblings, ages 2 and 4, died on the way to help. After arriving at a camp for internally displaced people, 6-year old Khaleed was on the verge of death. Jon Warren, a friend and staff member at the development NGO World Vision, has seen too many children die, and he was worried. While Jon left on a two-day assignment elsewhere in Somalia, his colleagues treated Khaleed with rehydration salts and Plumpy Nut, a peanut-based food that rushes nutrients into the body. When Jon saw Khaleed again, just 2 days after he started receiving treatment, he said the difference was night and day.

When Khaleed arrived, he couldn't move. Now, he had the energy to sit up on his own. The vomiting and diarrhea had passed. He had made it through the worst. So if I could tell people one thing, it would be that there is hope. We can make thousands of stories like Khaleed's come true. We have to work together.

What inspired you to recruit female bloggers to your cause?

I've been blown away by the number of moms who resonate with what's happening, and who want to step in for the forgotten voices of other mothers and children. Blogging is a grassroots way of getting the word out to people that we CAN do something. I've connected with many other adoptive moms who've blogged over the last five years since I began blogging. And over 25 moms (adoptive and non-adoptive) I asked to join me by allowing me to guest post about #Ask5for5 last Thursday, did so with enthusiasm. I think many people are just waiting for the opportunity to do something, and #Ask5for5 has been just that: an easy way to DO something rather than feel overwhelmed. One more reason? Research done by The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press reported Wednesday that 4 percent of Americans were primarily following the story of the famine. But five times as many said the stock market was their top story. Bloggers are stepping up and using their influence to spread the word about causes that normal channels of media often struggle with.

If people can do one thing next with their five minutes, what should it be?

They should go donate $5. Then, they should email all their friends and ask them to get involved. It's simple, fast and effective. I'm telling everyone I know: we may not be able to change the world on our own, but together, we absolutely can.

What's next?

You! Please join us.

We need your help. Last week, over 30 bloggers joined with me to spread the word about Ask5for5, and it was so successful, we want to get hundreds more! I'm looking for at least 200 bloggers who will allow me to guest post on their blogs during Social Media Week - the week of September 19th- 23rd. If you're willing to use your blog as a medium to spur action and help save lives in East Africa, please email me at this address! And by the way, while it's been mostly women who have jumped at the chance to allow me to guest post, men are equally powerful advocates and we're so grateful for that.

For more info, on #Ask5for5, visit SeeYourImpact.org.

The Power of Networking

2011-08-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone who knows me: I love social media. It is a tremendous platform, and I am blessed to have met and worked with some amazing people all over the planet. Establishing those relationships meant that I had to reach out to people, inquire about what fuels them, and had to be consistent in what I've done from the beginning: share and communicate with everyone, whether you have 500 Twitter followers, or 500,000.

I bring this up because of a Huffington Post piece ("Serendipity in the Sky") I saw today from outgoing Virgin America V.P. Porter Gale. A smart, accomplished and connected woman, she has been the architect of Virgin's social media strategy. I loved her piece so much that I had to share a passage from it:

I was recently asked to speak on social media at a conference. After some thought, I emailed the host group and inquired if I could speak on networking. The reason? My thoughts are that networking is all about making the most of random moments. It's not always about building your Twitter following or increasing the number of folks in your G+ circles or maintaining your Klout score.
Sometimes, the most powerful person in your future is randomly sitting next to you at an event, in the grocery store or on a plane.

I relate wholeheartedly with her point. Over the past two years, I've worked with entrepreneurs, social media strategists and bloggers who have major reach and respect - but don't have a huge social media presence. If I was hung up on the size of their following, instead of "the quality of their following" and didn't make the most of those random moments, I would have missed out on some valuable relationships. I am passionate about connecting with people who add value to my social media experience.

Porter Gale's words remind us to never lose sight of the power of networking. No matter where you are in the world, the possibilities are indeed endless, and so are the opportunities to elevate, empower, educate, and enrich. Let's do it.

How Zoo Animals Anticipated the Washington DC Earthquake

2011-08-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Fascinating discussion. Famed conservationist Jeff Corwin explains how animals at the Washington DC Zoo knew (well in advance) about the earthquake that shook much of the Eastern United States - from DC to New York City to Boston. This reminds me of similar stories about animals in Southeast Asia who sensed the roar and power of the deadly 2004 Tsunami - well before it crashed into the shores of India, Thailand and other countries.

Great insight!

WATCH:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Heart of a Twitter Artist

2011-08-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is cross-posted in the Huffington Post Culture Section.

Art has always been an important part of civilization. It provides a road map of where we have been, shows us who we are, and gives us an idea of what's possible. Stylistically and substantively, social media is increasingly playing a part in the work of some 21^st century artists like Gaby Zwaan.

Originally from The Netherlands, Zwaan made a huge splash at this year's 140 Conference, which is long respected as a winning platform for both emerging talent and dynamic personalities. And he clearly made the most of his appearance. Dressed in a cool suit and sneakers, his energetic presentation and Twitter-themed art made him an instant audience favorite.

Zwaan's work is masterful, thought-provoking, visually-stunning, and brilliantly expressive. I'm sure this is what the Tour de France organization saw when they approached him in 2010 for a project. As an arts geek, I can tell you that there are probably 140 reasons to love and appreciate the work of Gaby Zwaan. Maybe even 141. Either way, his star is on the rise.

You were the big draw at Jeff Pulver's huge 140 Conference back in June. Everyone loved your art. What has the experience been for you since then?

I really liked being at the #140conf. It was interesting and a great way for me to show myself. Speaking on stage with Jeffrey Hayzlett was really great and painting two twitter-inspired pieces the next day topped it off. But what was the icing on the cake was the love of all the people that where there and came to talk to me. I always love it when people tell me what my work makes them feel like or what it reminds them off. After the 140 conference, I was also in New York for a meeting with a gallery. They loved my work and in early October, I will be showing in New York City. A dream come true! I also signed on with an agency that will represent me in the USA.Once home I started painting for my NYC show and got all 14 pieces done.

I can tell you love Twitter from some of your artwork. How does the site's 140 character platform appeal to you?

Yes I do like twitter. I see it as a way to show people what I'm doing, and more important, what I'm all about. When Van Gogh, another famous Dutch painter had something to share he always wrote letters to his brother. I was in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and I saw some of those letters on the walls there. I have a vision that one day my tweets will be on a wall in a museum. I see twitter as part of my DNA. It is just as important to me as the paint I use. Could not do what I do without both.

One of Zwaan's Twitter-inspired paintings.

Courtesy of Gaby Zwaan.

How important do you think art has been to civilization?

When I check the news every day I almost have to think there is no civilization anymore. So I hope art was not important to getting us into this mess. What I do think is that all forms of art will bring us some positive light that will get us through this mess and hopefully back to a bit more civilized world. And I can only hope that at least one person that looks at my work and has a better day then he/she would have had if my art was not there.

Who are some of the artist who have influenced, inspired, and/or shaped your artistic vision?

I have to say none actually. I only started painting in the summer of 2007 and before that I thought art was uninteresting. I never went to a museum. Well, once but that was to impress a girl (laughs). I knew some painters, mostly the Dutch masters but that was about it. Once I started painting I started to get interested in art. Somehow people always want to compare your work/style to other artists and I've been compared to many many but different ones all the time.

What influenced me is the way street artists think and the way they act. I like that and I think that it helped me to do just what I feel like doing. I like doing stuff with balls and that is what street artist do too. I like to take on the impossible, like showing in a amazing gallery in New York. That's something I just went for even though some people said it was not going to happen at this point in my career. When people tell me I will not get there, it inspires me the most. I'm like an athlete, I want to win. And then once I cross the finish line, I put the bar higher again. I thrive on challenges.

For more info on Gaby Zwaan and his amazing, eclectic work, follow him on his Twitter feed and check out his personal site.

A New Voice for Asian Americans

2011-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is cross-posted in the Huffington Post Culture Section.

Eighty-years ago, in his best-seller The Epic of America, historian James Truslow Adams coined the phrase “American Dream”. He defined it as not merely the acquisition of riches and luxury vehicles, but rather as the opportunity to prosper and succeed according to one’s own ability. Sung Lee, the President of AMN Radio, couldn’t agree more. His newest venture is giving vision and voice to those who are helping to redefine the dream, and its significance, for a new generation.

In a major move, Lee’s AMN Radio has partnered with Radio Seoul to create a radio programming that speaks to the Asian-American experience. Their first show called “The CL Show” went on air July 30th of this year. Its host, Christina Lee, is well known in the digital entertainment industry and in the Asian community. She’s also the host of “Pulse”, an online show from the PlayStation Network.

Photo Courtesy of AMN Radio

“The CL Show” originates from Los Angeles. It’s the only English language radio show currently in the United for Asian-Americans. It’s available to listen live on the Radio Seoul app on iPhone, and soon will be available to download on podcast. These are necessary steps to reach every possible demographic, especially the elusive 18-34 range, which is not being properly served or represented.

Which brings us back to the pursuit of the “American Dream”.

Christina Lee does an extraordinary job. She’s perfect for twenty-first media: someone who brilliantly articulates the culture-neutral commonalities that bring us together, and the culture-specific differences that make us unique. In an America more diverse and vibrant than ever before, Lee’s show is a necessary platform to discuss, debate and design the issues that engage our communities. Though designed with Asian-Americans in mind, it easily appeals across ethnicity, gender, race, and region.

AMN Radio’s Sung Lee told me that his goal was to create a network with tremendous value. And he’s done just that. After all, the American Dream is about value. Always has been. Not just tolerating each other, but valuing each other. With that kind of appeal, AMN Radio will soar. Yes, America is at its best when it creates, builds, and thrives on the strength of many voices. And host Christina Lee is certainly a voice worth listening to.

For more info on AMN Radio and its upcoming projects, follow them on Twitter feed and friend them on Facebook page.

Monica Sethi and e-Buzz Edge Bring the Sizzle

2011-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

A recent post in The Next Web detailed just how much technology has revolutionized the food industry: photo sharing apps, food specific apps, location aware review sites, and the multitude of networked restaurant reviewers. To navigate through the changes, many entrepreneurs are turning to tech-savvy foodies like Monica Sethi.
Specializing in digital marketing and website development, Sethi started e-BuzzEdge. In a relatively short time, she has managed to convince hesitant, food industry entrepreneurs to be aggressive about embracing technology. Not simply to remain relevant, but to increase revenue and brand awareness by tapping into the ever-expanding world of social media.

When did you realize that businesses could truly benefit from social media?

I still recall sitting in my favorite coffee shop with a friend and the topic of Twitter coming up. Her words still resonate in my mind: “I really don’t need a play-by-play of someone’s day. I don’t care what you ate for dinner or what movie you watched.” Up to this point, I had been using social media for personal reasons. During this time though, I found myself giving friends and family advice here and there on how to leverage social media for their business. I would also go into different places and think “these guys could benefit from social media for XYZ reasons.” Whether it was for reputation management, brand awareness, customer service, loyalty rewarding or education, the benefits and uses were unique for each business.

But it was my friend’s words in that coffee shop which provided that “a-ha” moment. She may not care what someone ate, but others do. People love talking about where they are, what they ate and showing photos to go along with it. What a great opportunity for restaurants to create ‘brand ambassadors’ to help create that buzz. After all, social media is “word of mouth marketing on steroids”. At the same time, I also knew diners would love an outlet to communicate directly with restaurants outside of a venue. It was a win-win situation. I immediately approached the owners of Co Co. Sala, an award-winning Washington DC restaurant. At first, they were hesitant since at the time, restaurants were not very active with social media - especially not on Twitter. But after two days and seeing immediate results and endless benefits, they were hooked. And I must say, so was I!

I like how you use lots of social media tools, including foursquare. Brett Petersel of Mashable notes that foursquare is a great tool for restaurants and eateries. What have the results been like?

Foursquare is an amazing flexible tool for restaurants. One sweet thing about Foursquare is that there are different “check-in” specials a business can offer to fit one’s different goals. For example, if you want to reward someone for frequenting your establishment the most, you have the “Mayor” reward. To reward new customers, you may offer a ‘first check-in special’. The power is in the numbers. When someone checks in via their mobile device, Foursquare is able to automatically update one’s Facebook news feed for all their friends to see and broadcast to all their Twitter followers. The average person has 130 friends on Facebook. If you have 10 people check-in on Foursquare, 1,300 people on Facebook will be notified. My favorite benefit of Foursquare is the ability for the restaurant to be able to reach out to the guest regarding their dining experience. Each time a guest’s check-in is tweeted, we will reach out to the individual and thank them for dining with the restaurant and ask for feedback. This is a great way for the business to not only solicit feedback but also provide the diner with that exceptional customer service which they deserve. Customers seem to love this too.

What else do you have on the horizon?

I am an avid learner. I love to learn new things and in turn, share what I have learned with others. With the digital world constantly changing, I think the opportunity to do just that is what makes social media so appealing to me. I would love to continue growing e-Buzz Edge by helping businesses stay current in the digital space and to educate them on the importance of online customer engagement and two-way communication. On a personal level, one of the biggest benefits I see is the ability to be a voice. I plan on becoming more involved in organizations using social media for social good.

To find out more information about e-BuzzEdge and its owner Monica Sethi, follow them on Twitter and through the company website. This is cross-posted on the Smedio blog.