Applications, Tips | LinkedIn moving the needle - what I learned at Tech & Social Change #@socgoodtech

LinkedIn Applications enable you to enrich your profile, share and collaborate with your network, and get the key insights that help you be more effective. Applications are added to your homepage and profile enabling you to control who gets access to what information.

• 

  Portfolio Display

  by Behance

  Showcase your creative work in your LinkedIn Profile with the Creative Portfolio Display application. Free, easy to manage, and supports unlimited multimedia content.

via linkedin.com

This past week I had the chance to sit in on the NTeN Baltimore based Tech & Social Change meet up: http://www.meetup.com/Tech-Social-Change-Baltimore/ - the topic was about using LinkedIn for NonProfits. The group was quite diverse from novice to advanced but still the discussion as all NTeN groups are known for turned rather lively and very informative. I'm always impressed at the level of expertise and passion NTeN brings together and the Tech & Social Change Baltimore group that Kate Bladow has ramped up was no exception.

As I listened to the discussions along with presenter / speaker Colleen McKenna ( http://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmckenna ) I find there is much more to explore on LinkedIn. Some of the functions are more in-depth then I realized and will have to start some discussions at my own work place in order to explore the value. I found many of the new features and concepts of how to use LinkedIn as an alternative marketing and engagement tool to be worth exploring.

As the point was driven several times, LinkedIn is just one of the many tools in our shed! It doesn't mean to abandon other social media tools, depending on what your professional or organizational strategies are will determine the usefulness of this tool.

In no particular order, here are some of my notes taken during the meetup:

Inmaps - a visual tool that provides a visual of your connections via your network in LinkedIn http://blog.linkedin.com/2011/01/24/linkedin-inmaps/ helps get a sense of where your contacts are in the cloud.

INfinity is another tool, picture is important in seeing the visual of your contacts. This is also via the LinkedIn Labs http://infinity.linkedinlabs.com/

Have you checked out the LinkedIn Labs?

Cardmunch, I can't wait to try this! This app transcribes / scans via smart phone camera - business cards and connects back to your LinkedIn, who evidently bought them - and it's free. http://www.cardmunch.com/

With 120 characters available in your Name and initial description use this space with key descriptive words that would be searched by potential contacts, recruiters, etc. Don't limit yourself.

Company accounts do NOT have access to the same apps as individuals, at least not yet. Concept is to build out your organization leadership which in turn drives contacts to your organization.

Alumni is newer option to find contacts and build out LinkedIn connections based on where you went to college. Schools are starting to really come on board with this service. Here is a post that details some of the benefits: http://doteduguru.com/id706-linkedin-alumni-group-tutorial.html

Turn off notifications to limit what updates are seen by public - this is a great tip if you are making modifications or simple changes of info to your profile. It is especially useful if you DON'T want your current work place to see updates happening and potentially get the wrong idea . . . . this change is done by clicking on your name, selecting SETTINGS and click on Turn On/Off Activity Broadcasts under Privacy Controls

Do you like getting "Recommendations" Don't except all of them - many organizations see them as not valid references and more of a PR ploy. "I like you and you like me" concept. So be careful what you share. Keep professional.

While I'm guilty of this you may want to reconsider posting ALL your Tweets via Twitter. Instead use #ln to post tweets on LinkedIn - this step by step setup can be found at http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/10440/linkedin-how-to-share-twitter-tweets-in-...

And the last tip I really can't wait to do involves your business card. On the back of you cards place a QR code that links back to your LinkedIn Profile URL - almost any URL shortner program can create these for you including Bit.ly and Goo.gl and you want to make more of a statement with your QR a little more hip look is an option with a "design" aspect - learn more at: http://mashable.com/2011/04/18/qr-code-design-tips/

Be careful out there, and keep those lawn blades sharp!

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he knows how to listen - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

When your password gets hacked . . . don't be lazy and don't be using 123456, that's mine!

I remember about 6 maybe 7 years ago - I had this extremely bright, gifted . . . she could be reading, talented Network Administrator / Developer who made the recommendation of using complex passwords for the organization and wrote this 4 page in-depth expose as to why and examples of how to come up with a complex password.  At first I giggled but the more I dived in I realized how big this was and all that was riding on something as simple as a password.

This was an organization that had never had complicated passwords and I'm sure a few of them were actually using the word "password" as their password.  Needless to say the change did not go over well, increased calls to the help desk were recieved, lock outs happened, there were some exceptions of course that had to be made but in the end she was right.  The need for complex passwords IS critical to prevent good accounts from going bad.

Because so much of what we did internally has moved via the external portals a complex password that didn't enforce  non repeating words, min 8 characters, caps, lower case, alpha numeric - all of it was going to be necessary if we wanted to secure our data and level of access.  This discussion was almost 7 years ago . . . . so I am always surprised when I see today so much of the social networking services that DON'T require something more complex.

The graphic I posted from e-Strategy After Hours David Erickson who publishes the e-Strategy Internet Marketing Blog and e-Strategy After Hours captures the inconsistent mess that we as consumers . . . or the "product" depending on you point of view - have to live with if we aren't creative and careful.  

Some of us, and I'm one of them, try to use the same password for many of the accounts we access, especially the ones I don't deem to be "identity theft" worthy.  But a lot of these services if hacked could become a source of embarrassment and if others are like me, if one password gets cracked for one service others like dominos are just ripe to fall.

I have seen password management tools and was recently recommended that I start using one - I'm talking about web browser applications that make remembering unique complex passwords easier but keep in mind - you are putting an awful lot out there sitting in a bunch of one and zeros as opposed to that gray matter you call your brain.

My gray matter isn't what it use to be, and as I don't trust the browser to remember the password I may turn to tools like:

• LastPass
• Xmark
• Mitto Password

. . . just to name a few, either way I'm gonna have to stop using 123456 as my Facebook password, dang it!

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him. 

Eric Lanke captures the challenge of "Innovation" : Why Innovation is Hard

via ericlanke.blogspot.com

I like this post from Eric Lanke about his experience from the WSAE's National Summit on Innovation for Associations - he captures the event and asks the questions we all come across when defining how to be innovative.

How are you going to do that? How are you going to get that done? Many times it means doing something different. Are we up for different?

http://ericlanke.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-innovation-is-hard.html#

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

10 Friends - 10 Dollars, 10 Champions needed to Fight Cancer - #frakcancer Be Bold Be Bald

I leave the house today, wearing my "I'm Going Bald . . . " T-Shirt and sporting my "Be Bold, Be Bald" head cap, get in my car to hook up with a pal for b-fast and I started to notice people looking my way and wondering: "why is this guy wearing a swimming cap in his car?"  

I'm positive they were thinking that - but I started feeling self conscience about the cap when it hit me . . . . people who are in chemo treatment are loosing their hair and going bald not by choice and must have similar feelings except - and I'm assuming this . . . loosing their hair has to be the least of their concerns, they are fighting to extend their lives - fuck the hair loss and fuck my feeling self conscience - pardon my French but I'm starting to learn more about this horrific disease in all its forms and it pisses me off.

So I got over wearing the cap - when I got to the restaurant and when my friend finally stopped staring at the cap, I was asked by our waitress what the scoop was, and I told her - I'm showing my support for those fighting for their lives and helping to raise funds along with awareness.  She asked if I'd actually shave and go bald - for the right price I said I would.  I know groups who have done that with their volunteers but for me this was a first step in the fight against Cancer.  I have had some close friends who lost their battle and a few who are currently fighting for their lives.  But I would do the deed - $500 donation would be all it takes to clip away and I'd film it, so I'm ready!

Now, if 10 friends could give just $10 today, that's an additional 100 dollars - 50 friends or followers and out comes the clippers - all of those funds will go towards the fight to end cancer.  AND it's a great way even after the event to show your support for those who - as we say at Fight Colorectal Cancer - are "Fighting for a Cure".

So it's NOT too late, don't delay: Be Bold Be Bald day is Oct 21 follow the action on twitter @beboldbebald #FightCRC click here http://bit.ly/nrV6t9 for my fundraising page.

See you boldly and baldly next time and thanks my champions for your time and support!

PS. All donations (online and offline) will be accepted through at least November 15.

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at

http://twitter.com/michaelsola

orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

Asking the right questions while using ALL your tools in the shed. Are your lawn blades sharp?

via johnhaydon.com

This post from John Haydon http://goo.gl/FI5Bq really hit a chord for me - the last few presentations I've stressed how imperative it is to hit upon one very simple theme - are you asking the right questions? Besides engaging are you finding your flag carriers?

I always like to tell the story about the pet owners who gift wrap a present for their dog - it's a crazy story http://goo.gl/qnqwB but one that helps drive home the point of asking the right questions to find who in a large group of members will have no problem going into battle with you. As John points out in his piece about asking the most important question of a first time donor, this process of data mining is key to understanding what you are doing right or what you need to change.

The tools we have available are plentiful and as I reminded a recent attendee who asked questions related to comparing Google + versus Facebook - it's not always about the new tools but more about why you and your organization are reaching out and can your culture from a resource perspective support these tools.

We sometimes forget it's not about having and using ALL the tools, it's about using the right tool for the right job. Have we forgotten about the Phone? Has the "industry" and "caller ID" services made us gun shy about actually picking up the phone every so often and reaching out to our donors?

Yep, it's time consuming making phone calls - you can reach more people more quickly with an email blast with links to impersonal polling services and while most people may find the call intrusive there is a theory that they gave you their phone number for a reason. Perhaps we are overlooking an opportunity or a hidden subliminal message that our members want to connect, they DO WANT YOU TO CALL . . . . it's OK talk to them.

Making that phone call in todays world is kinda old fashion - much like that letter writing thing we do - ahhh, letters. Yep, just another tool in the shed, keep those lawn blades sharp folks!

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

What's on YOUR shelf? Has anything changed in 13 years of tech?

Enjoy a little video of what I found and some thoughts on the titles of these CIO magazines circa 1998 - don't be alarmed.  You're still in good ole 2011 . . . 

 

 

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

Second star to the right and straight on to a new world! Fight CRC bound . . .

It's not every day one gets the opportunity to push the proverbial needle and change your career course but today is that day.

As some know, my role at National Wildlife Federation came to a disappointing halt in late August when the program reorganized and due to budgetary constraints the decision was made to focus more on a project oriented front as opposed to the operations and tech services I had been brought in to provide.  I don't have any regrets as I had the opportunity to focus on some large scale tech projects and work on national environmental challenges.  In the process I partnered with some extraordinary people who would quickly become good friends.  NWF is indeed stocked with large amounts of passion!

Providing service for the accomplishment of a noble mission has been the very cornerstone of my career and while this change hurt on a personal level, I never lost sight or hope that I would soon put my skills, passion and ingenuity to be that change agent once again.  

And I'm happy to report my soon departure from the 9.1% club of unenjoyment is coming to an end.

The last few weeks I have had the pleasure to start a dialog with an organization that redefines the dedication and passion I am looking to be part of and in a very new and exciting role not to mention a very different field.  During my college years I had worked for a small social services group in upstate New York that provided services to those in need.  Service to others was instilled early on in my career, the passion to help people who were in need but didn't know how or where to go.

Starting October 31 I will be joining Fight Colorectal Cancer based in Alexandria Va as their Vice President of Operations.  I will be succeeding Judi Sohn who has been in that role for over 6 years, sits on the NTEN board of directors, knows Convio inside and out and is a self professed Technology MacGyver.  Big shoes indeed.  I have a lot to learn and will be wearing many hats but the excitement and the services the organization provides will make the hard work so worth the effort.

The team is lead by Carlea Bauman - President and "chief firecracker", there is so much raw energy and passion it's mind blowing to be around!  I am really looking forward to partnering with Carlea and hope to repay the trust she has placed in me to help focus the organization and put all this opps and tech experience I've accumulated over the years to work in this scrappy upcoming non profit. 

The remaining team is just as passionate and I hope to share more about this committed and inspirational group who desperately want to see a cure for this horrific disease.  Colorectal Cancer is the number three most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, a cure can happen - it will take a fight to make it so.

I have a feeling I will be taping many friends and partners as I start the learning process so be ready for my call!  While my focus in the next few months will be in learning the new territory and watching reruns of MaGyver I hope to continue being a presence in the tech field.  You can run from tech, but you can't hide!

Fight Colorectal Cancer - Get behind a cure.

www.FightColorectalCancer.org

Facebook  |  Twitter

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

Who else is going in circles over Google + ?

I have been so negligent in diving into Google Plus - excuse me . . . Google +  I'm old school, spelling it out versus using symbols or acronyms seems more natural.  

This past week I had to run up to my son's school when I saw the shirt and my first question was - when are you getting a hair cut?  . . . . noooo, kidding I would never do that.  Actually it was: "Do you have one for me?" ( it's all about me after all, plus I'm contributing to this college experience with hard earned $$$$ so where's my shirt hippy? ) But alas there were no more new cool Google T-shirts with the circle logo promoting the Google + services - so all I got was this lousy image of a shirt and a kid with long hair - not the T-Shirt.

I digress, in a recent presentation we came upon the topic of Google + as compared to Facebook and I quickly pushed the question away stating the "what and how" wasn't as important as the "why" and tried to focus the group on understanding the "why" in which they wanted to promote and market their various causes and don't worry about the "what".  But I may have been wrong in making so hastily a comment - after all, if you understand what the tools can DO perhaps that will help you come to the "why" you want or need to market.  Reverse engineering does after all have a place in how we work with tech so why not go there?

The bottom line is: we are all looking to have a conversation, that's what these tools and they do it well.  I've always been a big fan of knowing and segmenting what my peeps are all about so I can have intelligent meaningful dialog. Google + does that segmentation very well. This same way of thinking applies to many non profits looking for the same focused dialog. 

So maybe I need to take some time, rethink my circles and do something more with the hundreds of PLUSES and peeps sitting in my Google + account.  And maybe, just maybe I'll get a T-Shirt.

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola orhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

2011 Chesapeake Watershed Forum | Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay @allianceforbay, we need a shorter hashtag

via allianceforthebay.org

This weekend I have the opportunity to present with my ex-workspouse but forever friend @starfocus on how organizations integrate and use social networking to help promote and message. I'm extremely lucky to have been asked and honored to be part of this amazing group of people who man this army to protect and restore the Bay.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is working with some broad and diverse organizations that are focused on messaging the education of restoration science and action to the Chesapeake region. For nearly 40 years the Alliance has spearheaded innovative ways to engage people and groups to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. And if you noticed what happened with the run off from recent torental storms, the rivers and tribs are having a negative impact on the bay this season making the need to engage and message for cleaner filtering that much more important.

The NWF MidAtlantic office has been a key partner in this group - and show casing how NWF has utilized the various tools and methods to engage will be a delight to talk about with those who are attending the three day forum.

This is also my first time visiting Shepherdstown, WV so besides hanging with some of my fave buds I get to see some amazing country in my own backyard. http://bit.ly/nLfzPg

Saturday morning I may be in need of an intravenous drip of caffeine but I'm betting my twitter stream will be getting a workout as we talk and train this dedicated army who are committed to saving the bay! Keep an eye out for some creative hashtags - we need to work on something smaller, a little help D?

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub.

Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

via market.android.com

In a recent Droid commercial I saw this dude speak into his mobile while abroad and it translated what he said. Wow. Of course I said "I need that" because that's part of what we do, we see shiny new stuff that we need.

The app appears to work like a champ, I installed it and within minutes my mobile was speaking fluent Spanish and all I had to do was talk or type what I wanted translated. So the question is . . . . did I do something smart by installing this app or did I just perpetuate being lazy? Thanks to the tech I don't need to learn the language now, I can just type or speak it up!

I'l have to play with this a bit more to see if it helps me learn, after all good tech teaches us, shouldn't make us lazy. Of course I already have the French language down pact: I vood lick to go to ze hotel - I learned that from Steve Martin. See, French is easy!

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

Net Neutrality Rules Published, Saving the Interwebs at last - let the lawsuits begin

via wired.com

Let's be clear - this has to be the one of the neatest wiring jobs of a server rack I have seen in years! Kudos to this poor shmuck who spent better part of a day color coding and wrapping all these cables into nice bundles - polite tennis clap time . . .

What does this have to do with Net Neutrality? Absolutely nothing and yet this is the pic that made its way in the news piece Wired published about Net Neutrality. The FCC has finally outlined the rules for what many of us take for granted or haven't considered, unless . . . . and here it comes, you live on your mobile and question the inconsistent costs between like services from different carriers.

Here is a brief definition of Net Neutrality:

"As the name indicates, Net Neutrality (also known as Network Neutrality or Internet neutrality) is all about creating a neutral internet. The term supports the view that Internet traffic should be treated equally.

The term also backs that internet should be an open platform like any other utility used in our home like electricity as Internet has already become part and parcel of our lives and has been indispensable.

Net Neutrality advocates no restrictions by Internet service providers (ISPs) and governments on content, sites, platforms, the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and the modes of communication." - http://bit.ly/pLeZGL

Now that the FCC finally has published the rules that go into effect 11/20 we can now rest assured that the interwebs are once again in safe and sound hands . . . . I jest, of course the lawsuits will soon start and all bets are off.

Bottom line is I don't see how mobile consumption wins or even comes out ahead especially when you see the limits being placed on basic functionality like tethering. Why should I have to pay extra to tether my mobile device to my iPad when not in a WiFi hotspot? I don't want a separate Verizon MiFi hot spot device and service, I want to use my 3G capable Droid that I'm already paying for thank you very much. And why are there caps on bandwidth use for the iPhones depending on carriers? Are we really saturating the network that we have to limit distribution?

Isn't that cable bundle picture a thing of beauty? So neat, so organized . . .

Michael Sola finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own. He doesn't like talking about himself in the 3rd person, just ask him.

Be Bold, Be Bald! - Nationwide Cancer Fundraiser, count me in!

via beboldbebald.org

I know what you're thinking - aren't you already loosing your hair? Yes, of course I am but now with a single stroke of a bald cap the act is for a good cause!

I know too many people this past year who have lost their hair due to chemo treatments, it's not much effort on my part to slap one of these bad boys on and make a statement: I'm sharing the love and admiration - Be Bold, Be Bald!

What are you doing Oct 21?

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker, he listens - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola or http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

US schools adding iPads, why you should be thinking Tablets

Oh to be a freshman again . . . . A few weeks back I mentioned how I think Non Profits should make an investment in getting their boards connected with tablets - auto configured access to either portals via services like Sharepoint along with meeting notes and documents related to budgets all via these devices would make such a difference in how organizations interact with their boards.  

The board would be connected virtually, allow for electronic voting, collaborate consistently via web meetings, reviewing documentation via consistent applications and save a ton of money down the road not just in printing costs but the labor costs to pull all this documentation and materials together.

So when I saw this piece about how US public schools are moving away from traditional teaching materials like BOOKS and instead distributing learning materials via the iPad I was stoked.

My youngest is currently enrolled at Hood College in Frederick MD - they distributed to the freshman class tablets - all their materials, assignments are being accessed via the tablet.  

It's streamlining education and getting this generation hands on access to tools that are not only mainstream but are fast rising to become the standard of how our culture will be connected and should collaborate.

 

It's exciting to see and to be a part of, I wish I was a freshman again - the things I would do differently . . . . oooooo, beer tent.

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

 

Don't bring your lunch, get your CIO to buy you lunch!

There is a lot to be said about how tech and business programs struggle to get on the same page but the simplest way I have found is lunch.  Yep, I said it - Lunch, paper bag, in a cafe, on a bench - it doesn't matter, as long as it's a bite to eat and good conversation with someone other than your iPad.  

Lunch has always been my work time where I would just catch up plow thru the day - BUT I have found that the best lunches I have had were always either with peers or partners of the programs I supported.  You may think these were meetings in disguise as lunch but they really were about connecting and more importantly reaching out. 

I recently read a post called "Five Cures for What Ails IT" from John Baschab, senior VP of management services at Technisource, a tech staffing and IT services company  - I really liked another of his points made about an IT Steering committee, been talking about a group like that for over a decade but it's a hard concept for most non profits to get behind - but I digress.  What struck me about the piece was the "lunch concept" - I jumped out of my chair when I read that and ran to the frig to make lunch - I was hungry but it was an "ah ha" moment. 

During my last outing with my former co-workers and friends I mentioned my disappointment at how the organization doesn't encourage more of a group lunch on a daily basis.  They have this huge lunch room which hardly ever gets used.  At CBF where I spent 10 years of my career they have a very active lunch room - lunch is available in the Cafe and gets heavily used by the staff, eating at your desk is discouraged.  There's a reason for that:  it stimulates camaraderie, gives you a chance to break the daily routine and hear what others are doing via a different channel.  

As John states, getting your program folks out and in a different setting stimulates the conversation between IT and the program your lunch mate works - also give you the Technologist an opportunity to pitch ideas and make that much needed connection.  Making connections is a must have for Tech programs to be successful.

Most times eating lunch with program partners and peers outside your department was more about listening - I'm a fan of the three L's: Look Listen & Learn  or is it Look Listen and Lunch?  I'm also a big fan of Breakfast. Can I get some waffles, please?

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

Bottled Purified Water Makes Me Insane

So another topic a little off the beaten tech path for me but I can't help it.  Water Bottles, I'm a fan of telling it like it is and right now Water Bottles have me thinking . . . 

I'm a fan of water - we all need water to live and I typically carry water with me as I'm afraid someday I'll open the car door and find myself in a desert or possibly floating in space and very thirsty.  I've seen the movies, I know it can happen.

When I read in a recent issue of Time Magazine how much we consume in plastic bottles and some push back from readers ( Melissa Gilespie Sept 5 issue for one ) about how they HAVE to consume their water in a bottle and avoid the tap - this really made me cringe.  I try VERY VERY hard to not purchase water in a bottle and I'm a water snob, I admit it, I like my water pure, I like it chilled, not shaken and I'm fine with no ice.  But it doesn't take much to pick up a water filtering system either on the go, at home or at work.  I use a Brita pitcher filter system at work for over two years now, it's the best $20 I ever spent www.brita.com.  At home I have filters on my sink and frig - when you consider the industry is a $50 - $100 Billion dollar ( yes, that's a B as in Billion ) consumer black hole, I'm not surprised people are so easily misled into buying overpriced bottled water.  So when I go out I prepare and fill a bottle . . . from the filtered tap of the local municipal system of course.

I wasn't aware of this but did you know almost 44% of "purified" bottled water actually comes from municipal water systems?  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09610.pdf

Mother Nature Network posted a 5 easy to understand piece about why we shouldn't be buying bottled water http://bit.ly/qfKIhQ and it makes a whole lot of sense.

It takes 200 million bottles of water to circle the globe, in 2005 over 28 Billion bottles were sold.  Do the math, this is insanity.

Want to know more? Start with the Sierra Club's fact sheet on bottled water.

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

Slowing down can be dangerous to your blog . . .

So evidently when you go from twice or even once a month posts to  . . . well one in a few months ( like I did ) you loose viewers and readers when you try to start back up.  How hard is it to get re-started?

I can understand that, I've certainly took a break on many fronts as time is very limited and there is only so much to go around.  Now that I have had a chance to reflect and have some free time I need to find a way to get back into the game.  Storytelling is something we all have the ability to do, sharing our experiences, finding an audience who you can engage with but also engages you back - all of this matters provided you don't burn out and find a way to get out there.  And while it's easy to rant and blog and post it's harder to get linked and really connect.

SEO ( Search Engine Optimization ) is a real cornerstone to distribution in todays medium.  It's a practice I need to pay more attention to  especially if you desire to engage at a level larger than your immediate family and friends.  For many of us who work the Non Profit world and are focused on marketing and messaging we live on on SEO - as a technologist I need to be focused more on this process.

In researching this there are volumes written on the topic - one very effective group who has a slew of information, especially if you are just getting your feet wet, is from Social Media Examiner.  They did this one article titled 7 Ways to Improve Your Blog SEO using inbound links which makes a lot of sense.  

"Blog posts that solve problems, provide a valuable resource, entertain, demonstrate innovation or even create controversy can all generate incoming links. Average content won’t cut it. It needs to be outstanding."

There's also something about the logo with the cute explorer dude carrying the magnifying glass - I use one of those now when I read the paper, do people still read papers?

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

Looking to take the iPad into the Board Room?

I'm always on the look out for ways to bring the tablets into the enterprise and this has to be one of the simplest ways - also talk about getting some real buy in at the board level.

Simply put - either provide your board with apps and links to materials for your board meetings if they have an iPad or tablet or and here it comes . . .  give them preloaded tablets as a means to connect them to your organization and activities that are happening with your partners, affiliates and coalition members.

There is a group out there called Diligent which provides a secure service for deploying materials that allows for either online or offline use in and for boards.  This service could even go beyond board practices but could be extended to internal senior managements that meet in diverse locations as they too could greatly benefit from this type of solution.

http://www.boardbooks.com/

 

Think about the paper you will save, think about how few issues you will have with access to internal data stores or SharePoint sites from different Operating system and platforms?  I like this idea, give them the tools and fully load them with a service that is both secure and robust.  

What was that line from Scotty said in Star Trek?  The right tool for the right job - BoardBooks may be that right tool!

http://www.boardbooks.com/diligentbooks/diligent-overview.shtml

Michael Sola is a Technologist who finds solutions and can translate tech into english. He's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

Sometimes you have to enjoy paradise.

I'm on vacation this week with my family in Maui - Island time is a phrase often spoken here and I now know why. After a long day cruising around a tiny bit of this amazing island we headed back towards our resort.

I was behind a relatively slow vehicle when I had the opportunity to pass, but I didn't as would've been the norm. I had this view of the water on my left and a sinking sun about to set.

Who rushes paradise?

Foursquare Meetup - 4/4squared/2011 day, perfect marketing #4sqDay

via meetup.com

I always struggle with the "check in" concept and at times wonder about the value of the geo tagging check-in concepts. Mobile devices have made the art of checking in much easier but posting where I am all the time is . . . well, it's a little intrusive - BUT I will say that when it comes to events and meet-ups, I'm there and checking in!

This coming event on Saturday April 16 looks to be a perfect date that FourSquare is using to market and expand it's level of engagement. The play on numbers is the like striking gold. 4sqDay aka the 16th of the 4th month couldn't be a better marketing bonanza for the foursquare addicts and community event planners are taking full advantage. Some are using it to actually collect items for the needy like this one:

*** MAYOR OF GAITHERSBURG SIDNEY KATZ WILL ATTEND EVENT AND PROCLAIM FOURSQUARE DAY IN PERSON! *** Please bring non-perishable food for donation to Manna Food Center! 15% of all food sales from 12-3pm will also be donated by Dogfish Head Alehouse! See the blog at http://4sqmo.co and see the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189316337777060 we will have our event at Dogfish Head Alehouse 12-3pm on Saturday April 16th! RSVP and see you there! *** FREE T-SHIRT TO THE FIRST 50 REGISTERED

The way 4Square had engaged with Meetup events and the number of schedules popping up all over the place is fun to see. I was surprised how easy and quick it was to use the service - I even managed to set something up for an event at the 16th. If you do any event planning and want to have a little fun give it a whirl. All you need is about 10 min, a meetup account and of course some 4Square savvy technical know how - the app helps.

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

Zachary Karabell for TIME: To Tweet or Not to Tweet | Me thinks Zach needs to get outside and mingle

via greatertalent.com

It's Sunday morning, I'm sipping a rather strong cup of coffee, flipping thru my emails, Facebook status, Tweets when I happen to catch Zachary Karabell piece he wrote for Time with a title I had used in one of my blog posts. In this case though the piece from Time was trying to place the economic value on Social Media. The full title was "To Tweet or not to Tweet - Social media sites are all the rage, but what is the added value to our economy?"

I will credit Zach ( can I call him Zach? ) with putting the various business aspects of the products into perspective - I enjoyed the article. It had a nice flow and was well written. But Zach missed the mark entirely when he tried to say that the tools are a "divider" of social and economic class. I think the stat he quoted from Pew Foundation that - "only 45% of adults making less then $30K have broadband service" does not represent or speak to the conclusions he makes between the "haves" and "have nots" when placing value on Social Media.

I don't have the space or bandwidth to get into the reasons why this country hasn't put more effort in making broadband a part of the infrastructure all across the US but between mobile, free WiFi in almost all coffee shops and even pubs, the Library . . . you mean to tell me that my fellow Americans who make under $30K don't have access to broadband content? Give me a break Zach, I don't buy it.

What Zach also missed is how social media has brought people together, how people with similar passions can more easily unite and share. How we connect today is very different with how we connected 5 years ago. If you weren't in my email list the chances of me reaching people outside my small network was slim. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn has changed the playing field and as a result expanded the playing field. As I commented in my blog a few months back, these services have become the new "In-Box" for many of us and the monetary aspect of using these, it's there Zach - it may not be measurable in the terms you are use to working with but value is most definitely there.

Added value is engagement. Added value is connections and networking. I streamline and work more efficiently because of Social Media and I have seen plenty of folks who make under $30K do even more with these tools. You want an economic value to social media? Try this out: Today I am planning to attend the "SWING INTO SPRING at LES FOLIES BRASSERIE, in Annapolis" I'm doing this because a Facebook fan page of a Jazz group I follow recently posted the event - the tickets are $8 I would have not seen or easily knew about the event if not for social media. and I'll most likely spend much more than $8

When I read how billions are being spent on these tools I'm reminded that when I signed up for Twitter it cost me zero dollars. My Facebook, LinkedIn, Yammer, Foursquare, YouTube, Google, Picasa, Posterous accounts . . . ZERO. These guys are data mining the crap out or me, I get it - anybody not in tune with that is missing the big picture, nothing is free. In fact come to think of it the only thing that cost me money was the subscription to Time - had I known I could read Zach's somewhat skewed comments for free . . . . may have to rethink my subscription.

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own.

The Accidental Technologist at #11NTC Me & Phil being mobile - Vol 2

Having my picture with Phil the Penguin was a lot of fun, I was hot just walking around and this Arctic friend had to have been melting!

Day Two was a continuation of Day One in the life of the Accidental Technologist at #11NTC except . . . . the Science Center was now available and with it came a slew of partners and solution providers that was for me a great time to meet and exchange ideas and see some cool solutions.

One idea in particular remains the Mobile front.  Mobile is plentiful.  Media and Mobile - Mobile is Media, or rather mobile brings media to an untethered audience.  The sessions focusing on this topic at 11NTC will touch on many of the mobile questions and standards the folks I have spoken with seem to crave.  I keep wondering though if standards are really out the window? For many of us we see mobile as a personal preference especially when it comes to device choices.

So what are we using mobile for and is there a way to move some of these mobile apps into the enterprise?

The two groups I spoke with who have taken mobile giving apps to new levels are Charity Dynamics and M-Give.  They are putting something as basic as the text to give programs we have seen groups like Red Cross and NWF use via mobile devices to work on web sites and as part of social networking apps.  http://apps.facebook.com/text-giving/campaigns/g9FlOWL6dpj/donations/new?sn=fb

I like this concept - think about how you could offer payment options other then credit cards for events or registration fees.  Plus I don't know how many times I'm online and I don't have my credit card handy but I know my cell phone! Maybe I'll ring up Phil the Penguin and see what he thinks.

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

The Accidental Technologist at #11NTC - Vol 1

Fellow 11NTC Newbies and Old-fogies, that last definition wasn't my idea but the #11NTCStory group liked it - I am writing to report that the T in NTC is alive and well and after the first night at the StoryTelling session #11NTCStory led by Michaela and Roger followed by the "Peter Campbell BeerFest" @peterscampbell it seems the energy of how organizations are using tech to tell their stories continues to be a theme.  

I was very happy to share several tools from the Droid App world like Cinch, Posterous and TweetCaster to help better make the Droid mobile devices more integrated with the messaging and in the process learned from others - for instance about how the newer versions of the FlipCam ( thank you Cisco ) auto compresses the videos depending on the upload source.  All this time I've been using third party compression tools.

This blog entry and the theme of "Tech" will focus on what I hear from others, no matter the significance, newness or pros or cons as the story is sharing, the sharing is key to learning.  I've mentioned in the past how this conference is much like a "family reunion" where we see faces we knew from previous sessions but also new faces and voices of NTC community.  Hooking up with old friends like Divas @blondegeek and @cariegrls but also fast on their way to becoming rock stars @SLianne and @BRCTweets makes for good conversation and lasting friendships.  

As we all share our stories don't forget to get out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to go up to a total stranger and simply say:  "Newbie or Old-fogie" see what they say and don't forget to tweet about it!

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

2011 NTC | NTEN - why am I not nervous?

via nten.org

This week I am anxiously awaiting the #11NTC conference in DC - this is an opportunity to hook up and learn from some amazing talent of our industry who are putting tech to work in so many unique and innovative ways.

One of the sessions I was lucky to be selected for was an invite only workshop for Story Telling on Wed evening. On top of that I will be one of many honored by the NTEN team as a contributor to our genre. I really felt humbled getting that notice and silly wearing my "aNTENna" but the contributions and help I have shared with so many is what I do, I don't even think about it. Sharing information, taking time to blog, tweet, call and present is what all of us need to do on a daily basis, inside or outside of NTC.

The "storytelling" session is going to be a real learning experience. The workshop will cover how to tell stories across various media and social networks and is limited to 25 people, so getting some one-on-one advice and training is a real thrill. After the workshop, participants will form the official 11NTC Storytelling Team, capturing the spirit of the conference through writing, photography, video, blogging and other media. So look out participants, I may be armed with a flipcam and looking for you!

This years NTC will not only mean catching up with some good friends but meet new ones I have had the pleasure of engaging online. I always look at NTC as a reunion of sorts, brings good like minded people together where we all learn from each other - how do you say no to that?

I don't think I mind missing SxSW, in fact I just checked the Tweets and my liver is happy I sat this one out. Saving my brain cells for 11NTC is just what the Doc ordered! See ya at the Tech Track: Veritably Valuable Virtualization – Voila! (#11NTCttvirt) on Friday Morning, I'll be the guy speaking and holding a camera, ready, set . . . . action and story tell!

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

Motorola Xoom vs the Apple iPad - why competition will drive me mad and racing for the store

via eweek.com

Don Reisinger did an interesting comparison of the benefits the Motorola Xoom has vs the iPad. The tablet market is ready to explode on this front and as you follow his piece it's clear Apple will have it's hands full trying to embrace new users. http://bit.ly/dTgYed

The one thing that will set all these devices apart however is going to be the APPS - who has the best access, who is developing them and for what device, which ones make the most sense for us as consumers and LOB folks to use. We keep hearing how there is an "app for everything" and with a plethora of devices about to drive us mad I worry about who will have access to the apps, how do we as technologist apply real solutions and more importantly how easy will they be to deploy.

At first it bugged me to no end that when using the iPad app store I was forced to use an iTunes account - but I understand the logic. If I have a device not connected to a billable service it makes sense to tap an existing provider like iTunes to process the revenue. It's an extra step, even for the freebies but I can respect the process. Should I be worried about the bean counters? At some point the cost of apps will need to be addressed on our mobile policies and who gets to in charge of that in our organizations?

Wondering how the Xoom will work in this field? Guess I'll find out - part of my evil plan for tech domination is to go out and test all the toys I can get my hands on. ( insert evil laugh here )

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

Who else is looking at their mobile options? Are your policies / practices updated? It's all about the DATA silly.

via syracuse.com

The past few weeks I have had a rash of inquires as to the use of the iPhones now that Verizon has finally stepped up, I'm betting I'm not alone. The information shared by Syracuse.com http://bit.ly/hIFgNX and a recent article I read in Time shares some much needed light when making your mobile policy tweaks.

The changes in the industry have once again had us revisiting our mobile policies but there are other factors besides carriers to factor in and it comes down to something as simple as "use" and money and the soon to be changing tax implications. Just what are we using these devices for?

In the Feb 28 issue of Time Bill Saporito wrote a piece called "Leaving Cell Hell" and I hate to tell Bill but at times I feel like I will never leave Hell. Much of what I hear is how "cool" the iPhones are and all the cool apps - doesn't sound like Hell at all and for the most part they are right, much of what these devices do is cool. For many of our staff who focus on "social networking" they won't have any problems in using these "cool" tools as the menu and moving around the device OS will be simple and fun. But . . . . that's not the norm for many of of the folks in our organizations. Many of us still have folks who's VCR clocks are blinking 12:00 - you know what I mean . . . but the real issue besides actually having a cell connection that works ( BTW - Verizon won that contest hands down ) . . . the issue is DATA, what about the data use? Does everybody need access to so much of the data that is out there?

We know that more and more the "voice" features of these devices is diminishing and instead the streaming of data and lots of it is where the mobile device has gone - is going. eMail is just a small piece of that data. Cisco is predicting that data traffic driven by VIDEO over mobile will become the leader of the data drain - further hogging an already crowded wireless network.

Many of these tools work fine over WiFi but not all the devices have WiFi which makes getting outside the building a whole new game. Did I mention tethering? Talk about a major lifesaver, to easily link your laptop or iPad or Notebook to your data plan of the iPhone or Droid is pure heaven.

Syracuse.Com puts the "DATA" into a very easy to understand perspective:

"If you do check the Internet and update your Facebook status often, Verizon's unlimited plan is enticing - but AT&T's $25 data plan gets you 2 GB per month and that's a hard amount to hit unless you watch videos or stream music constantly. You can listen to an hour of music every day, look at 20 sites daily, use 30 apps a week, and send 3000 emails a month and still wouldn't even hit 1.5 GB of data. Plus, any data used while connected to Wi-Fi doesn't count against a data plan - if you have Wi-Fi in your house or at work, it'd be near impossible to use even 500 MB. But still, that unlimited data plan is enticing."

This is why the carriers are looking to profit as the needs of the many expect to do more with the data these devices have access to. This is what's driving 4G networks, speed of that data. Although on a side note, it would be good to get the 3G network functional to the point it actually works - don't get me started on that. Make no mistake, Verizon has a data model in place that will make them a ton of money with the iPhone. I think we sometimes forget these guys aren't a public service group, they are trying to make $$$. This makes the all included plans attractive but unless you are a data hog and I mean a real data hog it won't be worth the costs.

I'm not sure where I'm leaning, I understand and appreciate the Blackberry model yet I simple love my Droid, I'm hesitant of hype and marketing - I always ask my team to find out exactly what the need is when getting a request and look closely at the costs.

It has to be more then "cool" - it has to be effective and you better know how to navigate the OS . . . and if you don't know what OS is you're getting a flip phone and you'll like it!

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

Greenzo - IT Power Needs You

I have some friends in Greenpeace, and no I don't think they've been in boats chasing whaling ships, but they are passionate and extremely dedicated, you have to be if your desire is to change the world.  So when I saw their campaign to get Facebook to change how they power their data centers, a big old light bulb went off.  How much electricity are our data centers drawing? will we need to increase the demand and more importantly WHERE will that power source come from?

The need to move from coal sources to smart power choices like wind as MD is attempting to do makes more sense then ever before.  And the quicker the better.

Earth Day as you know is rapidly approaching, lot's of organizations are gearing up to join in the conversation that Greenpeace is advocating for Facebook and that's how Green is IT?  I was recently approached by my good friend Beverly Magda, an Associate Dean at Georgetown, who is bringing folks together in an attempt to make a dent in the Greening of IT.  The summit is April 20 - 21 in Tysons Corner VA and I'm ready to lend a voice and help where I can, hope you can too.  http://www.greeniteconomicsummit.com/

Below are some facts shared by the Greenpeace campaign, the consumption of powering the Internet is stagering!  We need our green superhero Greenzo promoter of environmental consciousness (and G.E. products) - but for real, besides I like the green cape.

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

Did you know?

IT companies are rapidly increasing their electricity consumption, making IT one of the largest growth sectors for electricity demand. The amount of electricity needed to power the Internet would place it 5th if ranked among countries by electricity consumption.

Facebook has a real opportunity to lead by example by extending this spirit of innovation to the environment. The company can show that businesses can flourish by being clean-energy powered.

Our IT sector climate campaign

Greenpeace has been working with the IT industry for half a decade to get companies to be greener. Facebook's coal problem is representative of the IT sector's growing demand for energy.

At current growth rates, data centers and telecommunication networks - two key components of 'the cloud' that Facebook depends on - will consume about 1,963 billion kilowatts hours of electricity in 2020. That's more than triple their current consumption and more than the current electricity consumption of France, Germany, Canada and Brazil combined.

Find out more - visit www.greenpeace.org/unfriendcoal

The FOUR uses of the iPhone Confession app - that's right FOUR not three

via cnn.com

When I first saw this on Conan I thought he was joking but this is actually true. There IS an app for confessing your sins. Finally.

But upon reading the directions I think they left out some very important information not to mention clearly a forth part of the application they DON'T want you to know about. So here is my commentary and contribution to the actual application of the "Confession App".

The first is an examination of conscience that's designed to help Catholics prepare for confession before stepping into the confessional, "so you don't walk in and just start making up sins off the top of your head," I've done that, it's part of the catholic guilt they train us in.

The second part features step-by-step instructions for what to do inside the confessional. Typically this is the exchange of the money part. What? am I the only one who slips the Priest a fivester?

The third part is a space to record any absolution or penance from the priest. This is done directly on the iPhone by holding the phone close the padre - try not to breathe too hard as it will pick up all sounds in the booth, the Droid would NEVER support such a feature - just saying.

And the last part which was not reported in the article, is where the entire incident is digitally captured, a photo opp with you and the priest, the video provided you are on the WiFi service from with in the booth and the whole thing gets posted on Twitter and Facebook.

I lied about the last part . . . damn, I may need to confess now. Frak. Oops, is saying Frak an offense? I sometimes wonder if the App world goes too far and more importantly when is the Droid version of this coming? :-)

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own

To iPad or not to iPad . . .

There are so many things I already can't stand. Typing, not a fan. The device is all about flipping screens and navigation of content, I get it. But productivity and practical use like entering lots of content, I'm not sold.

Right now the App I'm in doesn't rotate. Serious? Thought that was the selling point, rotate the device so does the screen. So this means I can't use the bluetooth keyboard. Thanks, not.

Oh, the bluetooth keyboard cover helps but it's mushy and has one shift key and the enter key where the other shift should be. Did I mention when in portrait mode you can't use the dang keyboard? I also don't know how long it stays charged but not long is ny take so far.

And it weighs a ton! With the cover / bluetooth keyboard and iPad this weighs more than my HP Notebook. Which has a cleaner larger screen AND has two shift keys. Just saying.

What else do I hate? The lack of editing a word. Evidently you get to backspace a lot, it's the Apple way.

I hate using the "hate" word, I "dislike" many of the features especially the auto word fill but live for spell check which I can't seem to turn on without the auto fill - that I really hate!

I guess I should try adding some custom apps like Facebook as opposed to using the browser. I did configure the Citrix App and surprisingly it worked like a champ. Of course it worked better with the bluetooth keyboard which died in the middle of testing. Uggg

Scrolling around the net was fun, the YouTube app was cool although I noted that lots of video links in facebook just opened another FB page and not the video. Had to use the link, not very seamless.

And if I have to backspace one more time i'm gonna scream. Too late.

Why do I use Twitter? I get asked this a lot . . . and timing is perfect come #11NTC

via lakesidesoftware.com

It's not because I have a short attention span and only have time to read 140 characters ( not words - as I recently was asked at a conference ) - BUT using Twitter connects you with that random tweet which can be a gold mine.

In sharing some information with one of the folks I follow way across the country that is currently in a deep freeze I got ReTweeted and as a result of their network was picked up provided provided a very useful link on a project that I am in the midst of: VDI - Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. This retweet was from a different group caled Lakeside Software who was most likely spending time scanning and looking for key terms . . . like VDI. Still with me?

Turns out Lakeside Software http://www.lakesidesoftware.com/ has a tremendous amount of information on the topic, including short videos, links and a ton of resources I would never in a zillion years have found if these guys were not using Twitter in this fashion.

The information from their web site will be very valuable as we move forward on this project at NWF and especially as the topic of Virtualization will be front and center on the tech track at the 2011 NTC Conference in DC - it so happens I'll be a panelist on the Virtualization session. http://www.nten.org I love twitter and twitter

Michael Sola heads up the IT program at NWF. he's a blogger, invited presenter and speaker - he also rarely has to show ID to walk into a pub. Follow him at http://twitter.com/michaelsola : his views and comments are his own