DISQUS

Interesting question John. I guess it depends on what you're building...and what your firm has to say about it. If you're directly competing with them as a moonlighter, and you're tweeting on company time, then they may own a right to say the "friends" you made are yours. If it was done on your own time, on your own dime, then maybe not.

The newfound transparency of new media is both a good and bad thing for employees, as you can see more into the person and see that they're not happy. At the same time, you're able to build a powerful personal brand if you're willing to be open and transparent and add value to others.

Very interesting to think about!

This is a great book Michael, but the video is showing up as no longer available. I'd really love to watch it if you can re-post it...and I'll bet your readers will appreciate that too.

it's sad that this is the exception and not the rule for customer service, but it is.

Great story for Sandisk (but sad ending for their former employee). Hopefully they have a replacement signed up to do this.

Great interview with an outstanding designer! It's fun to learn about Mike's thought process and about what he's going to work on next. The sketchtoons are awesome, and he definitely needs to do something with this to take it to the next level...maybe a coffee table book or something?

Focus on the goal people. If your goal is to have smarter conversations, then you're absolutely right Robert: you should focus on that goal. If your goal is to make more money, or attract those that can help you make more money (aka Mr. Arrington), then you should absolutely do whatever will take you to that goal.

I like the idea of smarter conversations. My goal is to connect with more authentic people.

Thanks for another smart conversation!

Great point John. I always try to personalize every invitation I make, even when it's someone I'm pretty sure knows me well. The last thing I want is for someone to not connect with me, or worse, to mark me down as a spammer. Sure, if it's the guy/gal you sit next to at work every day and you were just talking about LinkedIn you don't need to worry about this. Everyone else, find a way to remind me I know you.

This is especially important for entrepreneurs who may be reaching into an organization to connect with someone they met semi-briefly. A note that says "Great meeting you for coffee last Thursday. If there's anyone in my network that can help you out, let me know." is much more likely to hit than "I'd like to invite you to join my network." Sure, both might get you in, but who are you going to recommend, endorse, and share with your network?

What's up Todd? I know you...and I am VERY glad I do.

I'm philgerb just about everywhere.
http://twitter.com/philgerb
http://www.linkedin.com/in/philgerb
philgerb @ gmail

Interesting picture of you. You look so...contemplative.

You are absolutely right Ben. NOTHING replaces face-to-face time. High tech is good; high touch is GREAT!

3 books, and only 3 books, John? Tough stuff!

OK, here are my top 3 of recent memory:

1) Made to Stick - Dan and Chip Heath
If you're a storyteller, this is a great book to help you tell better stories.

2) How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
A classic book with a classic message. Be interested in people, and they will find you interesting. Simple stuff really.

3) Now Discover Your Strengths - Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton
This is the best book on management I've ever read, and a great one for all of us to remember to focus on what makes us all great...our strengths, NOT our weaknesses!

Same great site, only with fewer calories!

I notice no difference Ben (and that's a great thing!)

Ben - I thought I'd give you an update: I did achieve all my goals by the end of 2007. Now I have over 400 blogs linking back to me according to Technorati. Thanks for helping ME make it great!

Go to it Ben! If anyone can do all 57 it's you! Can't wait to read your results.

Congrats Tony. I know God will continue to use you for big things. I look forward to those candid Perry Noble shots, and to you wearing lots of pink shirts and hanging out with Terry Storch. Wait, I've confused all the news. Anyway, congrats :)

Wow Ben, you had QUITE a year! I see the Technorati top 1000 for you in 2007 my friend. Keep making it GREAT!

$350 for charity is awesome, and 70 posts is amazing. Well done everyone!

Thanks for sharing my goals here Ben, and for encouraging me to get 'em out there. 25 new bloggers virtually is my goal. I've got 1 new one already today! Whoo-hoo!

Dude, looks like a great time you had. Thanks for sharing the experience Ben.

So now that's Basil's lost, are you going on the road Ben? You're welcome to come to Milwaukee anytime, though I hope to make a tour across Canada one of these days. I've met a lot of really cool people from Canada, so between there and Des Moines, I've got some road trippin' to do!

Glad you're okay Tony. This is quite a story though. And the illustration...man, you could make that the one on your header, it looks so much like you :)

Amazing news Ben. Tony will be a GREAT addition to the GNM team. Very excellent. Can't wait to hear what he has to share.

Nice outfit Chris. Very smart and crisp. You almost look like a grown up. Don't go acting different now that you're famous though. We like you just the way you are!

You deserve all that you're getting and more Chris. Well done! You will create amazing things at pulvermedia, and whatever they're paying you isn't NEAR your value! Go Chris Go!

Other than the Gonzales pick, I think you're looking good. I've pasted in my team. Let's see who does better! :)

T. Brady
A. Johnson
Ro. Smith
N. Burleson
RB
S. Jackson
A. Gates
K. Barlow
L. Coles
L. Smith
M. Brunell
B. Edwards
R. Longwell
Carolina
Philadelphia

I'll be able to say that "I knew Tony back when he only had 50 people subscribing to his blog." *sniff*

You're awesome Tony! Thanks for doing what you do!

Awesome stuff Chris. Thanks for the tip! Call me anytime at 414.751.5312 (dang, that sounds like a pick up line).

Robert - Will you ship it to Wisconsin? If so, how much?