friends

Recalculating

Every once in a while, when we least expect it, life gives us a new turn, a twist and sometimes a shake. And we often don’t know what to do. Three weeks ago I was told something that would once again in the past 1 1/2years  change my life and my perceptions on how short and valuable life is. But what is most important, once I heard the news and got into my car to head home to soak it all in, my Garmin said something I had heard a million times before ( see I am geographically challenged and need my Garmin for directions) she said “recalculating.”

Normally this means, we are going in a different direction. Or, we are going to take a different route based on current input. But that day, “recalculating,” took on a whole new meaning. It meant, just that, Cd, we are still heading in new directions, you’re still learning to take a different route and most importantly based on input, whether it be health, finances, family or friends, you need to recalculate.

Recalculate > Rethink > Regroup > Look ahead > Yes it’s about you and what is happening now,  but use current circumstances (input) to rethink your goals,plans and dreams.

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The “Wisdom of Friends” Powers Brand Advocacy

We are hearing so much now about how social media is creating a shift from ‘the wisdom of crowds’ to ‘the wisdom of friends’, but what does that really mean for brand advocacy?  A lot.  It’s this ‘wisdom of friends’ that brings a new “social power” to brand advocacy.

Social power (the ability to influence) used to be determined by who had the most money, was the most intelligent, or was the most effective at impressing their will on others, but that’s changing thanks to social media.  Now social power comes through connections of friends, or the “wisdom” of friends, so Advocates have much greater influence.

Numbers still hold some power, and they always will, but the strength of connection is becoming even more powerful.   Consumers care about reviews, evaluations and what other consumers say about your product, much more than advertisements… and that is great for a brand.  What they care about even more is what their friends think about your product.  One or two friends’ opinions — the “wisdom of friends” – carry more weight than many other opinions combined.

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Grace Beyond the Pew

Is grace a word we hear outside of worship? Its meanings include: elegance, politeness, generosity of spirit, or a pleasing quality. A topic of Pastor Jim’s sermon today, I began thinking on the way home from church about how I’ve seen grace in action outside the church.

  1. ABC’s Dancing with the Stars explained on Tuesday evening that what may have been perceived as the audience booing Sarah Palin (whose daughter Bristol is a contestant) the previous night, was actually the audience expressing its extreme displeasure with scores given by the judges on another performance. (Grace, as an expression of politeness)
  2. The effervescent Jennifer Delaye (JDK Catering; “cover girl” of the September issue of Business Woman and the August issue of Harrisburg Magazine) shared her perspective on innovation and shared slides showing examples of her fantastic event food and room decor design in my class on Tuesday. One of my students, Veronica, held her hand up in the middle of her presentation, and shared a high five with Jennifer, telling her, “You’ve got it going on!” (Grace, as a pleasing quality)
  3. One of my colleagues from Harrisburg Area Community College, Judy, was setting up our Artisan’s Marketplace in Gettysburg this week. One of the artists missed the gallery submission deadline; she offered (with my permission) to have the artist drop their work off at my home so I could transport it to Harrisburg the day following, so Judy could take it to Gettysburg to include it in the show. Judy was beaming ear-to-ear at her opening night on Friday, partly because she knew the experience wouldn’t have been as successful if this artist’s work hadn’t been there. (Grace, as generosity of spirit)
  4. I’m having the privilege of working with some terrific people I met in Memphis last May, thanks to folks like @HowellMarketing and @AnneDGallaher. One of the by-products of this meeting is the publication of a book on social media, with contributions from some of the people at this event. While I feel like I’m a relative newbie with this medium, @TheSocialCMO (who is coordinating all this talent) and fellow contributor @markwschaefer have been kind enough to allow to me contribute in some small way to this book. (Grace, as in elegance)
@markwschaefer and I at #BroganMemphis

While still recognizing that grace is easier to bestow on a thankful recipient, couldn’t we all use just a little more grace beyond the pew?

Kathy Snavely

(This post was written by a grateful recipient of grace in its many forms.)