So what is social media? A Noun, Verb, Adjective?

Here’s Wikipedia’s take : The term Social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue.

I’ve had my copies pre-ordered since January. Have you ordered yours yet?

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This post first appeared on our blog  How Connected Are We? on February 2nd, 2009. Between the time that I finished writing it and publishing the post (late on the 1st), to 10am the next morning, Gail Lynne Goodwin had visited the site and left a comment. We have shared this story, the story of Gary Vaynerchuk (who has been mentioned in every social media presentation we have done since), talked about Gail and the 100,000 Hugs Campaign, and recommend Seth Godin at every turn. For those of you who are close to the community, you know that Al and I are meeting with Gary and Seth January 14th and 15th, 2010.  It seems that Gail and I are also meant to connect. When researching the MasterMind concept I came across a very well done post by Gail about the concept. So Gail, if you are reading this, put me on your mastermind advisory council list!

We are a phone call or an email away from anyone in the world that we’d like to meet. Who inspireis you, supports you, or is one of those people who you would just like to meet to be in the presence of someone amazing?

Read the Original Post Below, and see our first introduction to Gary at the bottom:

How connected are we?

Colin Thomas from MLIVE.com sent me a link a couple of weeks ago that caught his attention. There was a women in the audience of a keynote speech by Gary Vaynerchuck, that talked about how to promote a 100,000 hugs campaign going around the world. Besides the hugs being interesting, the keynote itself had some great information! The next thing I did was pick up the book Tribes by Seth Godin on the recommendation of a friend. I read that straight through, and wouldn’t you know it that Godin references Gary V. in the book. If that’s not enough coincidence for you, I somehow got to following the 100,000 hugs campaign, and Gail Lynne Goodwin sends a direct message via twitter wondering if I’ve heard of her campaign. Small world, getting smaller? I am realizing the power of the connection. How connected are you?

(photo by photo david @ flickr cc)

What a special message we have to share with you from one of the world’s leading inspirers. Gary Vaynerchuck has a special message for all of our incredible Enthusiasts!

This video comes just a week before Sandi and Al will be travelling to New Jersey for a special meeting with Gary at Wine Library, followed by an exciting day planned with Seth Godin. Check back next week for the latest in these amazing experiences!

Do yourself a favor and buy the book now if you haven’t already!

If you have heard of @GaryVee or Wine Library TV or not, whether you like his style or not, this book is a must read. I picked up the book Crush It! for several reasons. We’ve been following Gary since he had a couple thousand friends on Twitter, and one of his first keynote presentations in Arizona. Al’s been watching WineLibrary.TV because he finds it entertaining. I have been watching from a distance. @Sazbean interviewed Gary on Twitter for the release of this new book, and she shared the experience with us. So at the bookstore over the weekend we picked up the book. Then I picked up the book to start reading and couldn’t put it down.

Gary V. admits that videos are his thing. Writing is not. He hired a very good writer then, to take his dictated words and put them into the book. I think it was excellent. The content, the culture, the advice, and the examples all hit right on. I like the concepts that Gary has, and they relate very closely to everything we teach at InSights. I’ve been pondering what to write to Gary since in the book he welcomes feedback and says that every email he gets will be answered. What to say to someone with such an audience, and such a great message to share? Nothing like pressure. I figured I’d write an email and put it into a blog post, updating you as I get a response. Tonight I went back through the book underlining key points. And I NEVER write in books. Wow. This is a keep you up until all hours of the morning contemplating your life and business book. Did I mention that everyone should read it? I have not recommended a book this strongly since…EVER.

I’ve been asking people who come to InSights in search of advice for their futures what they would do if they never got paid again. Gary asks the same question, though he relates it to passion. Whatever you are passionate should be your focus. That is the thing that you can monetize, and whether you do or not, at least you’ll be happy. I have people ask me about the hours that I keep. I work. A Lot. I also play. A lot. The difference between work and play doesn’t really exist because working is playing and playing is working. I love my office. It’s a great space. It’s creative and relaxing and fun and productive all at the same time. So many days or nights you’ll find a group of people at the office, just because it feels just like home. Put a shower in at InSights and some people would probably never go home. Can you say the same about what you do?

My note to Gary V. may turn into a series of posts, because I don’t know that I’ll be able to get all of my thoughts out in just one post. I don’t know that I’ll want to. You see, for me, this is working. Reading great books and choosing the best parts to bring up in future classes that I get to teach in front of people who are looking for inspiration. So my job becomes seeking inspiration from those around me to share with others.  So to the people who may talk to me and ponder my hours at work, it’s not work, it’s life. You are the luckiest when they become one and the same and you are simply living. I am living. I am dreaming. I am loving it.

Are you?