Take Those Linden Dollars and Buy Yourself a Life

What is it about the virtual gaming that we find so enticing? Is it that we can be anything and everything that we've always wanted to be? That we can do and say things that we wouldn't normally do behind these avatar masks without anyone ever finding out? Whatever it is, its changing the face of how we communicate today and creating another world where we really are free to be what we want to be.

It's a concept that we've been drilled with since child hood: be yourself, do what makes you happy...but at the end of the day how realistic is it? We have to worry about "real" things like school, bills, careers, relationships. And what if being super hero, zombie-killing warrior or blue native on the island of pandora just isn't...within reach? If that's the case, then you can always turn on your laptop and escape into this fantasy land where you are free to exist in whatever way you'd like.

But how does this affect us in the real world? Kogod student by day, virtual gaming junkie by night, it just seems odd. And what do these games tell us about ourselves? If you enjoy playing Grand Theft Auto every night and stealing cars and killing women..does that mean that deep-down you're a cold hearted murderer?

What about being a second life junkie? Does the fact that you're willing to spend real money to make fake houses and live in a fake world say something about your social life? It seems to me that there might be better ways to spend that money, like taking a real person out to dinner.

The fact of the matter is that we all enjoy the idea of creating a better, more perfect version of ourselves. And if plastic surgery isn't for you, then maybe second life is.

PS. Get excited for our SL class. If you aren't already, then watch this.

Don't Be a Networking Tool

When you hear the word networking, what do you think of? Do you envision a schmoozy, desperate, big-talking social climber?

I know I do, sometimes.

I think of the desperate-for-fame college students who actively look for cool or trendy events in DC where they can meet the city's socialites and shakers-and-movers. Then I think about them bragging to their friends over a cup of coffee about how they attended Capitol City Ball (tickets available for purchase) and other events that don't require personal invitations, membership, and aren't really that exclusive.

All these reasons and more and why I enjoyed this article on Myths about Networking. What so many people tend to forget is that networking is another word for building real, personal relationships. It's not how many people you know, but how well you know them and how well they know you and would be willing to help you. You can go to all the parties, events, and galas that you want, but all you're looking for are superficial relationships then you will soon find that you are out of luck and a networking failure.

Networking is about listening and caring and fostering relationships of mutual goodwill so that people will want to lend you a hand when you need one. It can be done online on sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn but you also need to take these conversations offline and into a coffee shop or a restaurant for lunch. Remember, just because we're all online doesn't mean we have to stay there.

Networking is a great tool, just make sure that you aren't acting like one.

My Personal Valentines Day Concierge: Meet my Blackberry.

A few minutes ago marked the end of Valentine's Day 2010, the reason why my blog this week was later than most other weeks.

As I think about everything that I did today, I realize that it wouldn't have been possible with my best friend, my Blackberry. Ok, that's an exaggeration. It wouldn't have been impossible (and my BB isn't really my best friend) but it did make planning, which was my responsibility this year, a lot easier.

So what did I plan? We went to the Museum of Crime & Punishment where we were handcuffed together as we toured the "Valentines Day Crimes of Passion Exhibit", got dinner at Rosa Mexicano, devoured cupcakes at Red Velvet, and saw Valentine's Day in Friendship Heights. And believe it or not, my Curve played quite a crucial role.

With my phone's GPS I was able to get directions to the museum, and then find an open parking lot near by (street parking was IMPOSSIBLE). Then, I used Google mobile to find an open restaurant accepting walk-in's which led me to Rosa Mexicano. From there, I used movietickets.com to find a theater that wasn't sold out of tickets to Valentine's Day. I pre-ordered the tickets, ate dinner, but wasn't really feeling the desserts the restaurant was offering. My next Google search? "Chinatown DC cupcakes" which led my feet, heart, and stomach to Red Velvet cupcakery. Everything within walking distance! It was perfect, and quick, and most importantly- easy!

I enjoy having that kind of power at the tip of my fingers. But I get it, it does raise some safety issues (maybe buying tickets from my cellphone isn't the greatest or brightest idea) but it gets the job done. And in a fast-paced world like this, who has time for planning ahead?

MoSoSo, you are so so cool.

"Listen, Learn, and Engage"

Those three words sound more like rules to live your life by then guidelines for a successful blog, yet they ring true nonetheless. Paul Boag's "10 Truths About Corporate Blogging" and Don Martelli's interview, "On Corporate Blogging" both outline the do's and don'ts of blogging for corporations.

While many of their points were one and the same, there was one "tip" for blogging that really caught my attention, and it was the idea that people like talking to people, and therefore corporate blogs should aim to build relationships with their readers, and use the blog as means of communicating with them and exchanging ideas rather than simply informing them about the company.

Corporate blogs should be run similarly to customer service, it should be a platform for readers, consumers, and potential consumers to ask question and get answers, provide commentary and feedback and feel like they are being listened to. I know that there is nothing that gets my blood boiling like large corporations thinking that they can walk all over me and that I'm not going to try and get at least one good punch in there. If that's what they think- then they are oh so wrong.

Individuals who are willing to open their mouths and comment and tell big corporations what they think need to be embraced- not shut out. They need to be given the time of day, because whether they like it or not, corporations have a lot to learn from consumers. And I don't think I need to remind you, Mr.Thom Ryan (CEO of CVS- my current irritation for reasons I will not get into), that the reason that you're sitting on the BIG BUCKS is thanks to your consumers. Without them...where would you be? My guess, nowhere.