Friday, October 28, 2011

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

Goodaccounts_gonebad

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. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

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

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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.

Friday, October 21, 2011

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

Baldcafepronto

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  FightCRC click here  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

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.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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

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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.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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

Screen_shot_2011-10-13_at_11

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.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Who else is going in circles over Google + ?

Mick-circles

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.