The Virtual Wire

An interesting take on widely-used tech buzzwords

An interesting read ... 

The tech industry's most baffling buzzwords: A brief guide | The Industry Standard

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This guide lists eight buzzwords you'll quickly recognize.  And, you may have wondered as I did, exactly what they were intended to convey. 

You'll find included in the list (but not in this order): Web 3.0, cloud computing, disruptive, paradigm shift, seamless, solution, and prosumer (that one was new to me).

If you've ever wondered about the use of any of these buzzwords, this guide might bring you up-to-speed a bit. 

Happy 4th of July!

I've been away from the office for the last several days (albeit working on the road).  It's been great fun to get away and take time to enjoy some of the traditional summertime activities - picnics, family reunions, BBQs, and such.  I've enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to more of what the season has to offer. 

As the 4th of July approaches, however, I wanted to be sure and take time to reflect on the significance of this historical holiday. 

Thanks to Wikipedia.org we can find a good overview that begins with: 

"In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 ..."

"Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States."

(The summary continues with a bit of historical background.)

Part of the reflection for me includes remembering those who serve our country in the military and those who have sacrificed much (past and present).  I am grateful for their lives. 

Here are a couple famous quotes that I enjoy: 

“What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom “to” and freedom “from.” ~ Marilyn vos Savant

“We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others. ”  ~ John F Kennedy

I wish you a wonderful time of reflection and celebration on this Independence Day 2009! 

Selling ... do you hate it?

The opening lines of this article written by Tim Berry caught my attention:

"You know who you are. You hate selling, but here you are, making your way as entrepreneur, having to sell or sink. 

Oh yeah, I'm part of that crowd!  The "I hate selling" mantra has been heard from my lips many times. In fact, that was the biggest hurdle for me as I prepared to go out on my own and launch a micro-business. I did not want to "lose" my real self, which is what I had witnessed from some. 

Tim titled his article, "5 Points on Selling without Selling Your Soul."  I appreciate each point!  It is a list of fundamental principles for effectively developing a solid business. 

Each, too, is characteristic of good, strong interpersonal skills.  Skills we have likely (hopefully) honed as professionals - active listening, empathizing, truth telling, problem solving, and persistence.

You may find that you're implementing each of these points already.  This read will serve as a great validation, then, of your savvy selling skills!  I found it refreshingly relevant. 

Another quote to remember

I love the message found in these words:   

The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny ---- it is the light that guides your way.

-- Heraclitus

I trust you appreciate the sentiment expressed here, and I hope it brings some encouragement your way today.

In the news ...

NFIB Statement: Health Reform Must Help, Not Harm, Small Business

Fixed for America's Web site contains comprehensive information, current updates, personal stories, and so much more.  It's worth checking out and taking a closer look at this critical topic. I'm committed to exploring the issues affecting each of us as small business owners.  I know I'm not alone.

 

Laughing moments

Another busy-crazy-hectic week has found me! And, I'm stressed.  Okay, I know, I know, I'm responsible for my life-management-stuff.  Sigh.

Well, let's not, however, forget about that small matter of control.  Ahem, yes, I mean, now really, how much control do I have over the multitude of events, people, activities, and other life-happenings around me that do eventually touch me in some form?  Hmmm?  Maybe that's a little too theoretical for this venue, so I'll not take up any more of your/our time on that subject right now.

I will share the good news. I've found in the midst of the crazy-busyness much to laugh about. Oh, little silly things I've encountered throughout my daily activities evoked rounds and rounds of belly laughing. It's not in the details, so I won't share them - it probably wouldn't strike quite the same chord. Suffice it to say it's been a lifesaver for me - this laughter has!  I can make it through this week, after all! LOL

I ran across this quote and thought it oh-so-timely:

"[Humanity] has unquestionably one really effective weapon -- laughter. Power, money, persuasion, supplication, persecution -- these can lift at a colossal humbug-push it a little-weaken it a little, century by century; but only laughter can blow it to rags and atoms at a blast. Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."

        - Mark Twain, "The Mysterious Stranger, ch. 10", 1916

Now, I really "got" that message firsthand this week! 

Here's wishing all of us more of that great medicine -- moments of laughter in our daily lives!

Suffering from social networking overwhelm?

I've found a great blog article, and want to share it with you today.  Its title says it all:  "How to Manage Your Time with Social Networks."  

I've come across many "experts" advising me how to use the various networking sites.  In fact, I'm tiring of their advice. 

This post from Meryl.net, however, hit the mark for me with her short list of tips and solid, practical concepts.

My favorite tip is her first one: "Tell yourself that no one can keep up with it all."  (I guess I simply needed the reminder.)

And ... I appreciate her summary:

"Don’t let social networking overwhelm you. You’re the boss of your time and very few can be all over the place on a regular basis. Instead, take a step back and prioritize. Having a profile is better than nothing. Besides, you can point to where people can find you."

I've been re-thinking and rearranging work schedules and commitments in my own business and daily  activities -- a type of life management exercise.  It's a skill that continually needs attention, I've found. Determining what is most valuable and understanding then what can be left out is not necessarily easy.  It is, though, critical - avoiding overwhelm can be achieved! 

What have you found that helps?

Fighting feelings of isolation

Since beginning my VA practice and establishing my home office, I knew I would need to develop plans to ensure I would not easily become overwhelmed with feelings of isolation.  I confess, I was quite diligent in those early months, and found ways to meet my need for interaction with others. It was working beautifully!

I enjoyed my monthly networking meetings, and made engagements with other business owners to meet at a nearby cafe' or enjoy lunch together.  I regularly visited hot spots and worked from my new local library branch. My first client was local, and we regularly met together, sometimes at her office. 

Additionally, during those earlier months, I was engaged full-time with caring for my elderly parents, and that ensured lots of time out at various doctor's offices and provided occasions to simply be 'out and about.'  Another helpful practice has been to engage a few favorite colleagues and regularly interact via chat and sometimes a phone conversation does the trick.  Staying connected with a couple of industry-specific communities and forums has been helpful as well.  Joining a local ladies' oriented fitness center was a good idea, too.

As life and business progressed, circumstances changed.  During this past year, I realize now that I've not been as diligent about this matter.  As a result, feelings of isolation have crept up.  It's been a struggle for me lately. 

I'm working on making some adjustments, and will follow through with my plan to "get out" on a regular basis. It's a good self-care practice, too, and definitely worth the effort.

I'd love to hear from those of you who, too, fight this fight.  New Ideas and perspectives are welcome!

The invaluable benefits of really knowing ourselves

Much of my attention this week has been focused on this topic.  As well, I had a heightened awareness of the fact that so many individuals, unfortunately, have not yet spent adequate time and work in making these amazing and necessary discoveries about themselves. A good while ago I blogged about this here, and titled it, "Discovering the best in you!" 

I think it's worth re-reading, and thus the reference and link here.

Words that inspire action

"The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts:  to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, 'I was wrong.'"

by   Sydney J. Harris

Those are truly powerful words - especially when acted upon.  In fact, they require consistent, regular action from each of us for their power to be revealed.

 

Don’t you agree?