Facebook and Networking

I was recently pulled, kicking and screaming, into the world of Facebook. “I have more than 200 contacts on LinkedIn!” I cried, “Why do I need to be on Facebook! It’s a waste of time.”

But a friend convinced me that I would have fun on Facebook, so since I’m always out to have a little fun, I set up a page. Rudimentary information only: Name, schools, jobs, etc. Nothing that I wouldn’t mind sharing with a couple million people.

Within 24 hours, I had 60 friend requests. Not business contacts, but friends from elementary school, from previous jobs, and from college. I decided Facebook would be my “let off some steam and let my hair down” world. No business contacts, only friends from days gone by.

I like to think that I’m pretty good at keeping in contact with friends. About once a month I go out for drinks and revelry with people I went to school with starting when I was just five years old. I go hiking with high school classmates at least twice a month, and I communicate on a pretty regular basis with college roommates and floor mates.

But Facebook is fun and addicting and keeps me in touch with friends in a much more relaxed and “let it all hang out” kind of way. So I poke, I send smiles, I update my status and comment on others’ status, too.

And then one day a light bulb flashed bright neon.

I updated my status about a work project with which I was struggling. I got a number of comments and messages from people across the globe (yes, I even reconnected with friends who are no longer in the United States). Some offered to take my mind off the project, while others asked, “What exactly do you do for a living?”

Several of those inquiring about my professional exploits were people I have known for more than 40 years. One is part of my bi-monthly hiking group.

Picture that light bulb getting brighter and brighter.

I realized that, if my friends have no clue what I do, then I do a really bad job of networking with the people I have known the longest. And the people who, presumably, know me the best.
I explained what I do to those who asked. Not in a 60-second elevator speech kind of way, but a less polished, more friendly manner. I told them about the kinds of clients I have and what kind of work I like to do best.

And my efforts turned into referrals. Two so far, amounting in about $20,000 worth of business.
So the lesson of the story is this:

1. Nothing is ever strictly for fun. There are always business ramifications involved.
   
   
2. Make sure your closest and oldest friends know what you do. You may think they do, but there is a good chance they have a vague idea and nothing more.
   
   
3. No matter how good you think you are at keeping in contact, you can always do better.

My trip to the Waianae Coast

Earlier this week, I took a drive down to the Leeward Coast. It’s a beautiful drive, with the ocean on your left and the mountains on your right. I saw dolphins playing in the ocean, not 50 yards off shore. It was a great opportunity to kick back and reflect.

I enjoy taking pictures, so I parked at a beach and snapped some shots. The sky was gray, the day was windy, but it was a great experience nonetheless.

As I was taking the pictures, I reflected. Here are some of my learnings:


1. There is beauty wherever you are, sometimes you need to look harder to find it.

2. When you think you're done, you're not.

3. Changing your perspective helps you see things that were there all the time just waiting to be discovered. Or it can cover it up completely.

4. You can change the way you see and experience things. You control your experience.

5. If things aren't exactly how you want them, wait a few seconds. It will change again and maybe this time it's perfect.

6. When you think you've seen everything, look again.

7. Be aware of the details. They can make a big difference.

8. Look down. Sometimes the best ideas are right in front of you.



If you want to see all the photos I took that day, go here:

http://gallery.me.com/nkdesign#100081

Sully the Hero

There are hundreds of people who are still alive thanks to the skills of Captain Sullenberger. The news has been inundated with photos of the airplane, the response teams, and reaction from survivors. It seems everyone has an opinion and wants to say something about the heroism displayed by the captain and crew.

Someone is missing in the chorus. Someone important. No, not the captain and crew. They, understandably, cannot talk to the media until after the NTSB investigation is over.

It’s US AIR! I watched about 8 hours (total) of network and local news on January 15 and 16 and saw Mayor Bloomberg and even the White House spokesperson. But I have not heard nor seen any statement from US Air.

US Air has a very tenuous position here.

On one hand they have to work with the legal team to ensure that whatever they say won’t expose them to litigation or go astray of NTSB rules.

On the other they need to get out there to assure the public that they are taking care of things, that they are thankful for no fatalities, and that their aircraft are otherwise safe.

The media has not made it easy on US Air, choosing their own experts and survivor accounts over a statement by CEO Doug Parker. The statement is sound, albeit a little boring (which is why the media is choosing not to run with it). It essentially says:

• They’re happy no one was seriously hurt.
• They’re grateful and proud of everyone pulled together to aid in rescue
• It’s going to take a while to determine what happened but they’re going to work with NTSB on the investigation.

Employees

Right now, employee relations is vitally important. Employees need to know what they can and can’t say, and that any media inquiries need to be referred to the communications department.

In absence of information, employees will make stuff up and the rumor mill will run rampant. Stay in front of the information curve by issuing written briefs, holding meetings with all staff (baggage, tickets, janitorial, executive, etc.), providing employee hotlines, emails, etc. This will go a long way in ensuring that US Air sends one unified message to the public.

Customers

US Air also needs to reach out to its loyal customers to assure them that they continue to fly...and, more importantly, that it is safe to fly.

US Air certainly has its hands full right now.