The need to understand capacity for communication tools

We have arrived at an age where the need for self-exposure is nearly unprecedented in human history. People routinely film their entire lives, publish the daily activities of their families and otherwise make themselves entirely too available. It is along these lines that we are ushered into using social media and other tools to remain even more "connected."

What is important at any onset of use is to understand whether this new "thing" will be sustainable. I myself have just opened a page at a video site where a channel can be set up to record clear presentations for a website. In addition, there is a podcast which requires updates. Even though the podcasts are generally short, less than 15 minutes, this still requires a concerted effort in terms of time management. At this point there isn't even a large audience - I am strictly in the developmental stages with the new media.

At the point when there are comments which need responses and business proposals which need to be fielded the time issue will become constraining. There is a perception that an instant turnaround time will occur because of smartphone usage and other technology.

At the end of the day I am interested in plugging in to learn and connect with potential colleagues in both business and advocacy. However, I am squarely uninterested in becoming burned out.

Due dilligence when meeting new contacts

As a result of a conference earlier in the week many new relationships are forming. It is both a huge positive and a time management exercise. With each conversation and presentation of materials there is a need to read. I've been doing a lot of research on new messaging models, organizations and events that are taking place soon.

The same is true when meeting individuals who are activists in the community. It's important for me to do a brief skim of the internet and discover their past involvement. Some have co founded their own organizations or participated in much larger activists meetings such as the Social Forum. This is important to know because information, such as from the People's Movement Assembly, will inform strategy to move messaging to a broad audience.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to a question of capacity. The function of networking and meeting new contacts is to create the ability to move an idea forward or put an idea into practice. Without the proper information on how an individual may be able to help this may be futile. Also, there is a flash point when meeting "too many" individuals does a disservice. There are phone calls, meetings and readings to be done. In addition, the most beneficial is when these networks form their own connections that qualify relationships.

Example:

One advocate I met who is an advocate in D.C. happens to be the boyfriend of a woman whose father co founded two major movements with whom I now have a relationship. (The father was introduced in a manner totally unrelated to the first contact).

I like, met this English tutor at Starbucks

I was sipping on a cup of joe at my favorite chill spot the other day. To the table on my left sat a guy and his "student." She was Japanese and he was (it's implied) a per hour freelance consultant.

It seemed that he was very prepared, toting around many items and books in his napsack. There were workbooks and homework to be given out. Yes, I did "observe" the conversation because of the interest in how consultants conduct their business. It's wonderful insight into how they manage, or fail to manage, clients.

The one thing which struck me as out of tune was...his grammar. Repeatedly, he used the word "like" as if it were a comma. I sat a bit confused because as someone who majored in Japanese this individual undestands the nuances of language yet still speaks with that modern broken English?

Before they parted, I did introduce myself to him (a personal rule, always meet others who are conducting the same model of business) to find out more. My specific interest was how he met clients (i.e. word of mouth, internet postings and website) because during their conversation he referenced "my website." In a twist of irony, he supposed I was giving him a business pitch and told me "I don't need help conveying my message."

I sat - bubbling with thought - "it wasn't being offered, but now that you mention it..." there is one thing. Observation as a practice is a huge resource for learning. Self-reflective observation, though, can be immensely difficult.