Mobile Office for the Laid Off Worker

Laid off? RIF'd? What to do with all of this time you suddenly have? Some of us have discovered an interesting mix of community. Starbucks and Wi-fi...well, actually in my case, Starbucks and Social Media. Not sure about other Starbucks, but my chosen haunt resembles a coffee blend of the television show Cheers.

People come through the door and get in line. A smiling staff member says "morning Norm" (Pardon the pun - but one just walked in). "Tall Espresso?" Norm replies, "well, actually Latte today. How are you this morning Jen?" Jen responds. "Great. Changing it up on us, huh? That will be $3.20, please." Norm smiles. "Trying to keep you on your toes." Staff laugh and respond. "Thank you, and have a great day!"

When someone leaves Starbucks, Jen notices and says to them, "hey, have a great day Barb." Barb glances back. "Hey, you too Jen."

I'm new to this Starbucks, so as I did when I first joined Social Media networks....I simply listen and learn about this community. The irony? My choice of the non-virtual community is coming in probably about 150 characters as people go through the coffee line. A real live Twitter.

Amazing What Spring Can Bring

Just finished wrapping up a 2.5 month long project from hell on April 14th. Felt great to complete it as it had been all consuming through long days, late nights and weekends. Walked into the office only to find out I was laid off.

Wow, amazing how one moment changes everything. So, now a forced vacation while I work with all of the other unemployed peeps to find a new position in an economy where not many can afford to hire. The irony was that I had driven into the office on that fateful day and 1 block away from my parking garage, saw a homeless person with a sign saying "Looking for Work." Thought when I saw him "thank god I've got a job."

So, now begins a new adventure while I look. Will keep you all posted.

Thinking about Twitter

Sitting at my office taking a mental break from a project I'm working on and thinking about twitter. For the last almost 7 months that I have been on twitter, I've used it for a variety of reasons. To develop relationships, truly an online community of thought leaders. As a news source of headlines from around the country and the world. And most recently, to keep up on Tour of California.

Yes, that's right. Thanks to @tourdetweets live coverage of the race has been on my laptop providing great moments of coverage. And @lancearmstrong broke the news of his bike being stolen.

What an interesting world we live in! And how the heck did I live without twitter before? :)

Mentoring Attorneys on Social Media

Slowly, I have been working with some of my willing law firm partners on social media. It is exciting to watch as they begin to get it - what is it? The power of the social media conversation. Blogging, Facebook, JDSupra, LinkedIn and Twitter. They test the waters cautiously at first...

Most begin with LinkedIn. It is viewed by them as an online bio...similar to the website. It is safe. They set up their profile and begin to build their connections. Then comes the blog for those who are more adventurous. It is the social media conversations and relationships that create the power of this medium.

I began the same path almost a year ago. Starting with LinkedIn. I created a profile and thought hmmm, I don't get it. Got many emails from people who wanted to have me as a "connection." And I said "why"? I simply didn't get how getting connections to people could be of value. But I learn technology best by trying, so I set up a profile and began playing. After a month, I began to get it.

Then I attended a webinar by Kevin O'Keefe, CEO of LexBlog on LinkedIn and Twitter. At this point, I understood the value, and power of LinkedIn. But, microblogging in 140 characters or less? Answering the question "what are you doing?" Huh? I'm sorry? I didn't get it. Why would anyone really care? But, again, I learn best by doing and if there was someway that this might benefit my partners, well, what the hell. I was willing to try.

So, I started following those Kevin suggested and I tweeted a little. Not often. Mostly listened. My tweets were quite boring to say the least. "Running a database routine" or "Playing tennis league". But then I began to get it. I started developing relationships with fascinating people of all industries and walks of life. Truly amazing the power of twitterville.

And now, I'm mentoring a small group of attorneys and enjoying watching them through the learning process. They are getting it too. What a fun experience.

Economy, Holidays and Twitter

So, today officially we are in a recession. Wow, that's incredible news (sarcasm). Feel like I've just witnessed the "Emperor has no clothes." Everyone look surprised. And then there's the holidays...yep, no money, no credit.

Unemployment rising, banks closing, dow down....and then, there's social media. Let me tell you. It is marketing, news of the future.

Followed Mumbai attacks via twitter. Have found that traditional news sites like http://www.cnn.com/ are too slow for me. Yikes, I've become addicted to quick news. And how you build relationships quite quickly. So, if you haven't checked out twitter. I suggest you do so.

Begin by following interesting people in your industry...or even outside. If you have a blog, post a link to a posting...but also, promote others. Remember, it is just like networking in the non-virtual world. People get tired if all you do is say...how about me.

Interesting Post by Justin Rebello on "Why Attorneys Flocking to Twitter for Marketing"

Lawyers Weekly Blog Post

Great Blog Posts on Lawyer SEO Junkies like Crack Cocaine Addicts

This is a great blog post by Kevin O'Keefe, CEO of LexBlog, LexBlog's VP of Client Development, Kevin McKeown, asked Kevin about lawyers and their SEO fixation. Working for a law firm, I had to simply nod. But lawyers aren't the only profession fixated with this. I get asked about SEO everytime someone finds out I do anything with web stuff. There is nothing better than doing an excellent job when working with your client...internal or external. Establishing a professional reputation will spread the world...more quickly with today's social media, but important with or without technology. Thanks Kevin for a great blog post.

Lawyer SEO Junkies like Crack Cocaine Addicts