February 18, 2010 by Robin Dickinson | 102 views | Comments (11)
There’s gold in them hills!
Notes:
This post is stimulated by the thought that we are surrounded by opportunities to succeed in the connected world. There’s a buzz in the air – a wave to be ridden. Stories abound of those who have struck it rich – or are on the cusp of making it big. There’s gold to be had, it’s just a matter of joining the rush and staking your claim.
The idea for the illustration came from reading Paul Wallbank‘s excellent blog post: The social media goldrush.
So let’s discuss this rich topic.
Your thoughts…
Where are the greatest opportunities on-line?
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11 Responses to this post
February 18, 2010 at 5:16 pm |
As you’ve stated before the calibre of attendees at our North Shore Coffee Meetings (#nscm) is extremely high. The buzz at these events is phenomenal – we have a very eclectic mix of business people including business development experts, technology gurus, marketing and social media types, productivity people including personal organisers, people in publishing, and a lot of just generally very interesting and motivated souls.
How can there not be gold in that? I mentioned to @hollingsworth that we almost need to package ourselves as a group and go hunt for sponsors so that we can say spend a weekend together in a place near the hills somewhere consolidating our position and ideas so we may merge into a sum greater than all the parts and really find those enormous nuggets. I’m loving the social and business connections I have made since regularly attending #nscm – let’s get organised and gather force!!
Helen
February 18, 2010 at 6:44 pm |
Excellent, Helen.
All that passion, energy and combined expertise is just dynamite waiting to explode. So who will ignite it? Who will lead? Or will that mess with the magic?
Like you, I sense the synergistic power and potential golden nuggets that are unearthed by tweet-ups such as North Side Coffee Mornings.
Will you lead?
Certainly, I huge highlight for me has been our continued and growing relationship, Helen.
Best, Robin
February 19, 2010 at 9:07 am |
This is a damn good question! Trust me after having amassed 1000% more information than I can handle – I am beginning to hate the person who invented RSS feeds – I seem to have many more questions to your point (and many others) than I do answers.
One thing I am sure of from a UK perspective is that there is room enough for everyone from whatever Tribe they belong; my bag is personal development and leadership (a bit Robin Sharma(ish)) and what I am staggered by is that no one seems to have worked out the connectivity and the window on the world for this area that the WWW gives.
There is a pattern to the money making schemes – free eBook, articles, impressive looking blogs and lots of cross-referrals from people in the know but I think the true Masters will be those whose Mantra is simple and easily understood and closes the gap on peoples desires and needs (check out Lauryn Hill’s live album from 2002 if you want a truly awesome musical context for this – the intro from memory).
I think the trick is not to think so much about monetising content but just to drive your wagon with insane passion and if you are willing to trust your instincts something big will come along. I do think though that the Mantra will have to be underpinned with some wisdom (not word trickery) which gives an in.
Sorry all a bit vague I know but I thought I should add my little bit.
Best wishes
Julian
February 19, 2010 at 6:14 pm |
Thanks, Julian. Great to get your input.
Your dream is inspiring:
“to see everyone discover their life purpose and realise their dreams.”
Do you plan to make money from this venture? Sounds like you have a book in you. Is that something you’ve considered?
How will you use your blog and Social Media to forge a pathway – to “drive your wagon” – to financial rewards?
Love your avatar.
Best, Robin
February 20, 2010 at 7:11 am |
The whole biz-op mentality that Julian mentions is driven by a desire to be safe – not only to follow the path of someone who has succeeded, but to follow each footstep precisely without stepping outside the outline of each footprint.
But that’s the precise path to failure. Nobody captures people’s imagination by being the second to come up with a great idea. Nobody wins the race by trying to imitate how the person ahead of them crosses the finish line.
We live in a world of amazing abundance. Each one of us has resources that we so take for granted that we never even consider how we can put them to work for us or others.
Interacting with others and the resources that their experience has put them in contact with is extremely valuable for pursuing the passion that “drives your wagon.” The copying around which the whole biz-op marketplace is built has no value at all.
We each have a story to tell. And in a world of connectivity, that unique story is our most valuable resource.
February 23, 2010 at 6:48 pm |
Thanks, Jeff.
We are indeed resourced beyond measure – and equipped with imagination, connections and abundant opportunities. Is this part of the problem? Too many choices and not enough focus?
How do we whittle down the choices in a world where new, exciting doors are being opened at such a phenomenal rate?
Best to you, Robin
February 20, 2010 at 11:50 am |
Your question makes me think of a Bugs Bunny cartoon where they go prospecting and whathisname (the one that looks like a bandit) is digging furiously, not realising he’s dug past the gold as it’s all muddy.
Social media can be a bit like that if you get stuck in the “biggest numbers” game of followers/friends/contacts.
The excitement of the buzz can be distracting and hollow if personal objectives and direction is lacking.
The long-term aspects of Social Media gold lies in recognising and nurturing the quality of connectivity that complements, enhances and further inspires the uniqueness of what we have to offer.
February 23, 2010 at 6:58 pm |
Thanks, Reeta. I must admit that I have been drawn into the excitement and buzz. The hustle and bustle and endless flow of stories and news is intriguing. Egos are tickled as numbers grow. Much of the focus is short-term – here and now! Why work away at quality when quantity is queuing at the door?
With so much fun to be had in the short-term, I feel like a bit of a party-pooper calling for longer-term focus and effort.
Your call for personal objectives and direction is critical. How do we get people to think beyond the short-term sizzle?
Best to you, Robin
February 21, 2010 at 7:49 pm |
I’m a dreamer so I think there is gold. But there’s even more fools gold and a lot of fools chasing the real stuff too. Plus a few dodgy geezers trying to get you to buy their pricey mining tools when a bit of elbow grease and determination would probably do the job just as well.
Good luck everyone:)
February 23, 2010 at 7:02 pm |
Thanks, Annabel. Nice picture you write.
Just curious, as someone who’s involved in the “gold rush”, where do you see the opportunities for yourself – as a prospector or as a supplier to the prospectors? Has your thinking changed on this since you first got involved?
Best to you, Robin
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