Spending a whole day at the Cleveland Clinic proved pleasantly surprising. While my little sister felt like a pin cushion, I had day full of Twitter, crosswords, a few new friends and some striking artwork. I wanted to share some visuals from that remarkably contemporary facility.



Hanging in the lobby was wire & steel poem, a stunning piece of art but hard read. Lora and I realized that we forgot to get a copy of the text available in print at the information desk. It was so much more than just a "W" and "E".



A thinking type man sat at the entrance and left me wondering why I couldn't read his face?


While outside trying to get reception for my phone, I ran into these two fellas fixing the gorgeous round still water, see-through pool. They asked me if I got there good side. The approaching policeman asked me if he needed to confiscate my NikonD300? Next step, media office to plea my case in dumb like fox blondness. Which worked :)



This photo doesn't do this felt sculpture any justice. So tactile! The muted colors and soft texture drew me and onlookers in. THIS is where the policeman should have been staked out because following the "please don't touch" rule proved impossible. For me, at least.





Edgar from the S Building gift shop became my BFF and hooked me up with a Blackberry phone charger (mine missing) which he let me borrow for the day. So I hooked him up with an Iced White Mocha Venti. Thanks, man!

Scott Stratten
@unmarketing

Perhaps the best way to catch up with Internet wunderkind, President of Un-Marketing is to throw out a 140 character line in Twitter. For Scott Stratten (a.k.a @unmarketing) the self-labeled speaker and Jedi of viral marketing, Twitter is no tangent to be sure. Instead, it is a viral forum where he can help others (like him) build relationships, become a recognized expert in a field, build referrals and get current satisfied customers.

Because I have been afflicted with a penchant for social marketing on Talent Revolution, Facebook and Twitter, I have been able to witness Scott busy in action. You don't have to be online long before the @unmarketing sightings appear. He's everywhere. "On January 1, I vowed to go 30 days on Twitter with everything I got. And that's what I did. I literally, outside of teaching at the College a few times a week, I spent all my spare time on Twitter to build momentum," says Stratten.

What distinguishes Scott Stratten in social media also serves as the crux of the Un-Marketing approach: he is there for YOU, not himself. His amiable presence, his simple but savvy business videos, and his quick sense of humor have earned him nearly 10, 000 (fans) followers and a rock solid business. I can tell you first hand, it's not his song writing, singing ability or his music videos...(trust me on that one.)

Here's a Q & A with Canada's Scott Stratten:


Q: What was the catalyst behind the creation of "Un-Marketing"?

Scott: In the corporate world, I was a Sales Trainer. I kept hearing stories about the only way these people got new clients was to cold call and many them felt physically ill before going to do one. I asked each of them if they liked being cold called at home etc... and every one of them said no. I thought it was madness to try and market/sell to others in ways that you hated. Then after seeing all the costs VS returns on advertising etc.. and realizing that didn't work well either, I knew there had to be a better way. (cue the big drum sound) THE UN-MARKETING WAY!!!!!!!!

My theory (which is here) is that people buy from people they know, they buy from people they trust, and they buy from people that are viewed as experts. So in recruiting for example, since my career started out in HR and I used the services of recruitment firms from time-to-time, I used the firms that I learned from, that held sessions on how to retain good employees, that sponsored seminars with other experts, that gave me knowledge. In turn, that made me think of them as the authority in the field. That contrasts the other firms that would just cold call to tell me how great they were.


Q: For those of us who are new to Internet marketing, do mind explaining "Viral Marketing" and its benefits.

Scott: Viral Marketing is the same thing as word-of-mouth or "buzz" it's just usually attached to the online world. it's when you see something online and say to yourself "I HAVE TO SEND THIS TO ....." and off it goes. It has its own momentum.


Q: You have made 60 online movies that have been viewed over 60 million times. What was your initial reaction to such an overwhelming response, and what do you believe is the primary reason for this success?

Scott: The first movie I ever made was The Time Movie which was for my own motivational speaking business. My reaction when it blew up was to crap my pants. I was so unprepared for success that I literally turned off my computer and just sat there. (the entire story is on video ) However seeing something successful virally is pretty basic, and this is why the Time Movie worked: There are three reasons why something goes viral. 1. Emotional 2. Funny 3. WOW. If you can make someone feel one of those three things, they are gonna pass it around.


Q: You have become a Twitter mentor of sorts to countless followers. Tell us about someone who guided your Social Networking experience and how.

Scott: Well, I've been online since 1994. I don't mean I tried surfing the net for a bit off and on since 1994, I mean I've been ONLINE since then, I don't think I've ever logged off :-) And was doing social networking online before they called it that. I didn't have anyone show me the ropes, I used the same mindset as I did in HR and Marketing: People like to feel special, people appreciate it when you learn from them. My first big focus on Social biz networking online came with Ryze.com a few years ago then on to Facebook and now Twitter.


Q: Your famous tweet "Daily reminder to take 5 minutes to read other tweets and comment/reply/retweet. Nothing about you. Build, interact, give." hit home to me. Tell us your why you repeat it and have you ever received any unique or negative reactions to it? Like "Whaaat nothing about me...?"

Scott: I say it everyday for two reasons: 1. So it reminds people the best way to get is to give. We don't usually have to be reminded to talk about ourselves :-) 2. On Twitter 90% of people aren't online at any one time, and even fewer will see one specific tweet from you. So the more people I can have see it, the better. The only negative/unique responses I've had was one person said I recycle tweets, and that was wrong. So I told him to ask for his money back that he paid for the tweet and the unfollow button was right underneath my pretty picture.
**giggle**


Q: Go back a decade and share with us something you would have done differently. And something you're most glad you did do.

Scott: I would have positioned myself as the front man and made Un-Marketing a much more public brand, instead of being behind the scenes of everything. I know I have the personality and style that works out there (did I mention modesty too?) but just laid backed and worked off of referrals for years. That's not a way to build an empire, it's a way to go bankrupt, and I almost did. Never rely on one source for your business. I would of built multiple funnels that would perpetually bring business to me.


Q: You are extremely gracious when interacting in social media and I wonder if that becomes overwhelming. How to you manage to keep above your mailbox and maintain such an intricate network of followers, friends and clients?

Scott: I have a motto "If you believe relationships build your business, then building them should BE your business." My job is relationships, everything else can be delegated. I don't get email notifications anymore except for direct message. I auto-follow those that follow me, because if I tried to read every profile before adding them, THAT would be overwhelming. I use TweetDeck and it keeps it flowing.


Q: What projects and/goals are in the immediate future for Un-Marketing?

Scott: Have 20,000 followers on Twitter and then throw the biggest Tweet-up bash in Vegas the world has ever seen. After that... who knows :-)

We're in! We appreciate Scott for taking time away from the computer, Blackberry and business to enlighten us here at Talent Revolution. You are an inspiration and a role model and a man clearly living your ultimate career lifestyle.

Special thanks to my TR collaborators Chris Reed & Amanda Hite !

Leigh
@fleurdeleigh

With business booming, contacts growing, and life in general flourishing, I find it important to take a moment to consider the impact of two little words. Thank you.

Because I feel luck abounds in my personal and professional life, I have started to take daily pause in my day to thank 5, maybe 10 people giving gratuity where due and perhaps surprising someone with a little grateful spirit. What has happened since is remarkable.

The notion came to me when my husband Paul left a post it note on the mirror saying “Thanks for being my wife.” Simple. Yet I folded it and put in my billfold and carried it with me. What I realized was a) I’ve got a keeper and b) that we share a fundamental need to be recognized, to be appreciated.

I am rather new to social networking and have begun to make my way around some networking sites like Facebook, Linked-In, Talent Revolution-the career networking site that serves as a second job for me and my new fave, Twitter. What I noticed that in all of them I was amazed by how many times I saw those two little BIG words. “Thank you for your kind words.” “Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.” “Thanks for your awesomeness.” “Thanks for the follow...” “Thanks for opening my eyes...”

Not only is gratuity a noble habit, but it is a great business approach. The amount it takes to shoot an email, a text message, a phone call to a client is trace. The impact of those little words can loom large. In my recent Adventures in Twitterland, I decided that I was going to use my manners, be my socially true self, and reach out to ALL my followers with a little thank you note because I felt it was the right thing to do. Nevermind, that I am now hundreds of folks behind in my “hello” notes as I visit all websites looking for what drives that person. I have considered Twitter tools advised by others like the auto direct message (DM) and have opted out. They don’t ring true to me. But at least they contain those two words, Thank you. (so if you just started following me, please be patient :)

What ensued from a habit of saying “thank you” earnestly was a big giant snowball of good stuff. Connections with fabulous folks, mentions here and there, new business, unsolicited assistance. You name it. Good things come to those who are grateful. I’m living proof.

Instead, I have been sending roughly 30 people a day a genuine “thank you” letting them know that they have been impactful, kind, eye opening, a good father, mother, or friend. A sage business associate, a good well-manner kid. Don’t forget to shed light on the kindness of others. Especially, the ones right next to us. It can be for big stuff or little stuff. (like a note in my daughter’s book bag that says, “Thanks for your big smile. It makes me happy.” You may be lucky enough to make someone else’s day.

And...thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Now go forth and thank a few special people.

Two weeks ago, I was fumbling around on Twitter in a serious tangent on an unproductive day. (yep, just that one day...) I was not entirely new to the social networking experience and was adding “what are you doing now” type tweets every so often engaging in a little self absorption. But on that day, I tried something entirely different. I listened. I started to read interesting blogs about how to get the most out of Twitter, explored links to strange new places, heard people, absorbed advice and then realized I had lost hours of time...From that day forth, my Twitter experience evolved like an emergence from a chrysalis.

Suddenly, Twitter no longer served as a glorified test messaging diary but turned into a powerful networking entity. (I hear many of you saying, “duh...”) The loudest message came from sage social networker, Scott Stratten, big time microblogger and self-proclaimed Speaker & Jedi of viral marketing. He regularly tweets, “daily reminder to read other tweets and comment/reply/retweet. Nothing about you. Build, interact, give.” Simply stated, but also the crux of what makes Twitter so valuable. It was my first lightbulb Twitter moment.

Here are a few actions that I took making my Adventures in Twitterland profound this last week.

Say thank you. Ask how you can help.
Let’s face it. We are all short on time. But earnest expression of gratitude and extension of help are actions well worth their time. The Twitter experience will feel cold if you don’t reach out to people so be genuine, thoughtful, interested and see what ensues. I assure you. You’ll be glad you did. Who knows, you may connect with some great people. If you’re lucky, you’ll gain recognition and the business will follow. People like Graham Smith @imjustcreative, and Rajesh Pancholi @r27 , Scott Stratten @unmarketing, Talent Revolution member Laurie Ruettimann sent me out in their network and because of them my followers went from 67 to 500 in less than two weeks.

Learn by following links.
Without taking a moment to enter a link, you are just walking down a hallway without ever opening a door. What an incredible resource it can be if used properly. A friend sent me a “how to” link instructing me the proper way to clean sticky keyboard keys because I had asked in a tweet. Here are two great links: an interview from Paddy Donnelly's awesome blog with Guy Kawasaki, THE man on all things Twitter "How I Twitter" And another from Calvin Lee of Mayhem Studios resident “really nice guy” and how he twitters. Spend a bit of time clinking those links and you'll learn volumes.

Retweet. I repeat, retweet.
So much information streams by you like speed boats on the water so I started marking cool/funny/insiteful tweets as “favorites”. That way, I could share by rebroadcasting (retweet or RT) them with my followers who may not have benefited from them the first time around. If you see something that stops you or moves you, retweet it. This is also one way you can say thanks to folks who have helped you.

Shed the ego.
For some in Twitterland, followers are a status symbol. Yes, Twitter appeals to the narcissist in all of us and yes, it is nice on the ego when people reach out to you. But the moment you stop seeing followers as a “SUM” and see them as “SOMEONE” is the moment that twitter becomes meaningful. (Not that Guy Kawasaki’s 53,602 followers don’t make his experience meaningful :)

Take some time each week to find cool people to follow. Engage.
Take advantage of follow friday where people send tweets listing folks they recommend. I save these as favorites and add them during the week. People whose tweet style I like, typically have spot on recommendations. I have connected with awesome folks this way.

Believe in the Karma.
There is a Buddhist philosophy about Karma that goes something like this: Good Karma has pure intentions.Often Tweeter’s intentions are see-through. If you send a direct message (DM) that includes your website, your blog, your product before a relationship is established, your intention is self-serving and transparent. If you are trying to get a buck of Twitter in a DM, you’re going about it the wrong way. Dig in. You are sure to find ways to bolster your online business or add revenue to your pockets. The information is out there if you search. Do good for others for no reason. Think honestly about your intentions.

Mind your manners
My mom often said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” The rule applies in Twitterland. In my decades in business, I have learned that good manners make the work place fun and profitable. Promote nice. Play nice. Be nice.

Hopefully, you'll find these tips useful. I don’t expect you to have the same awakening that I experienced in my last week or so on Twitter, but I want you to have this information so you as least have the opportunity. May your Adventures in Twitterland be brilliant and fun.

Here we are at the dawn of 2009 and surely many of you are looking ahead, formulating resolutions, financial goals, staffing or just thinking about your ideal destinations for the upcoming year. "Where will the road take me in '09). Being a bit backward at everything, I pose a different challenge. Think for a moment with me about the road behind you. Here are 5 of my personal career "failures" that remarkably turned out to be valuable life changing lessons.

5. (backwards, I told you) I worked in a plastics company as a Sales & Marketing Manager. I failed to look at the environment in which I thrive personally & professionally. Not ashamed to say that I like "pretty" places. This job had me in a stinky antiquated environment, meeting with dry Rocket Scientists who didn't get me or me them, and It drained all my energy. That and the job of department head was too big for me. I had no Marketing experience and had to wing it. Departmental budgeting was hell. (We did have a company plane though which was sooo cool.)Lesson: Go & grow where you'll thrive. Take a good look before taking a job that will move you up on the ladder, fill your poketbook but leave you everyday being someone you're not.

4. Then I worked for a elitist dictator. As creative director for an advertising firm. My boss had absolutely no people skills, hired me to be the people person for the team building loyalty and business for the firm. In the end, as much as I tried to rally the team to succeed, she showed them repeatedly that she cared nothing for her staff. Do yourself a favor, scrutinize who you are going to work for. Working for bosses that suck, sucks. Lesson: Work for people/companies that genuinely care and YES they are out there. I work for one of them!

3. I got fired, let go, served severance! I was a victim of the Pink Slip Epidemic (see Amanda Hite's blog :) ) So I took a few years off, licking my wounds and I didn't work. I played a lot of golf and fell into a giant bunker of unhappiness. Lesson: Idle time is the devil's playground but it can really shave numbers off your golf handicap.

4. I taught creative writing to college students. Fabulous. But not with a fancy salary. I found myself sacrificing emotional reward for financial reward. I was young (22 years old) and overly ambitious. I was lured away from noble teaching and took a the job that led me down the sales road for the next ten years. Turns out as one of my big regrets. I still substitute teach occasionally and accept that I may never get ROI on my Master's investment. Lesson: Define your personal "payment" terms. Seek to fill your emotional bank and your piggy bank at the same time.

5. I was a beer rep for a distributor and sold what I called "candy to babies". It was perfect for me, a recently divorced, single mom who needed an easy win in a fun career arena. My daughter reminds me about getting dropped off to school in mommy's Miller Lite truck. This was a turning point in my life. While it seemed like a strange fraternaty type role for me, I met my darling husband Paul and married him a few months after. Lesson: Your career journey will take you down unusual roads. Enjoy the ride. And, marry your soulmate when you meet him. :)

For those of you who don't know me, I am a Talent Agent with Talent Revolution and owner of my photography company, fleur de leigh. As one of my Twitter friends said it, "You're so lucky" to be doing what you love. I say the road to this lucky place (performing my dream jobs and living my UCL) was bumpy and bendy and often wild...but full of self discovery.

That enlightenment got me here.