Leif's Biz Talk posts

Stop clowning around, I mean it! (Anybody want a peanut?)

I'm hear to report that a very strange thing is happening here at Biznik -member profiles are sprouting humiliatingly bright red clown noses. After reporting this to the Biznik team, they immediately investigated the possibility of viral sabotage to the biznik site. However, when I later looked in the mirror, I saw to my horror that this virus has apparently broken into the REAL WORLD! AAAAAHhhhhh!

But seriously...

If you are in support of: not taking yourself (or others!) too seriously having fun in life and work helping Leif not feel so silly and alone Bizjam (whether going or not)

then please commence clownification of your biznik profile by downloading this clownnose and then pasting it onto your profile picture.

Let's start a Nez-olution!

BizJam is going to rock! Are you coming? If not, how come?

Last Bizjam was a wonderful opportunity for many of us to engage in business networking, meet new friends and potential partners, learn a ton of useful information, and overall have a super fun day (and night!)

This year is going to be even better with the bonus day on learning about what is arguably one of the hottest trends and most empowering tool-sets available -new/social media (social medi-huh?) After this day, you'll be in the know and empowered with practical steps related to getting started with your own business enriching tools like blogs, podcasts, social networking sites, how to be found on search engines, building your own online community, etc. No need to keep feeling 'in the dark' about all the change thats happening!

So, I'm curious. If you're not already registered, are you planning on coming? And if not, whats holding you back? We'd love to see you there! Here's the sign up link if you're ready.

Warmly, Leif

Biznik Confession Booth

Come into the light, you'll find you're not alone.

In the spirit of humor, humility and humanness (all of which etymologically grow from the decay of the earth -humus), share with us your business badness (not in the sense of mistakes, like this great biznik post, but more intentional naughtiness).

Recycling Time!

"Be Sexier in Person" -good thoughts for bizniks

Just read a great post from one of my favorite bloggers and social media guys, Chris Brogan. I think Bizniks could really benefit from it. It's primarily some good social advice about what to do when your in a networking situation --wrestling with insecurity, wanting to make a good impression, etc. The heart of his post is about finding confidence in yourself and being brief. Check it out here. I'm curious to know what you guys think (theres great discussion there as well).

Hey BizJammers: What do YOU want to learn about building Online Community

I was just thinking (sorry): Who knows best what an audience wants to hear --the audience or the presenter? The presenter may know best some of what the audience needs to know, but the audience knows best what they want/expect to cover.

And isn't social media, sites likes Biznik, largely about getting good feedback, refining your product/service, connecting with your 'community'?

Well, I'll be presenting during the Social Media day of BizJam, on "Raving Fans: Using Social Media Tools to Build an Online Community for your Business" and what a missed opportunity it would be for me to not ask you, the BizJam attendees, what you want to learn about this subject.

So go ahead and let me know some of your questions, expectations, or whatever you think will help me to make your time worth while. This will help you prepare for the conference as well. I won't be answering here, but I'll be gathering info. The workshop will be divided into a time of presentation, engaging group interaction, and Q&A.

PS I imagine other presenters would love to get some advanced info as well (perhaps that should/could have been part of the Bizjam site?) so poke a few of them (facebook language) to start a thread.

Look forward to seeing you at BizJam -Leif

Spark Tagline & CrowdSourced Logo Feedback

I've been having a lot of fun experimenting with 'crowdsourcing' using CrowdSpring to produce a logo (How it works: you offer a price and then are guaranteed a minimum of 25 submissions.) Check out my logo options here, I'm curious to see what YOU think.

(*For the record, and in support of the excellent biznik designers here, I should say that I think that developing a long term relationship with a designer you like is the best option. However, if you need something simple, fast or probably cheap (or haven't yet found that person) using something like CrowdSpring seems to be a pretty cool way to go.)

Second request for feedback: I've been battling with choosing the best tagline for SSM. Though I do social media consulting and development for a variety of genres (podcasting, blogs, social sites, etc), my focus seems to be heading in building online communities, so which is your favorite:

Spark Social Media:

1. -"Building Online Communities"
2. -"Igniting Online Communities"
3. -"We Build Online Communities"
4. -"Enriching & Expanding the Conversation"
5. -"Enriching & Expanding Your Conversation"
6. -"Igniting & Empowering Online Communities"
7. You suggest

Notes on words:

• While community seems to be the most appropriate (and popularly to be used) word, some people don't like or get it. So is there a better one?
• Enrich (with new layers of connection).
  
• Expand (as many are looking to the marketing/reach aspect).
• Empower (as it has to do with giving new social tools)
• Conversation (like because SSM services are not always a 'place' like community)
• Ignite (because it plays off spark well)
• build because at heart, thats the end product people want

Who is my target market? I haven't refined as much as I'd like to, but so far its been mostly small businesses, associations, networks, non-profits, and people who are gathering community around an event/project/hobby/etc.

Thanks for any thoughts or feedback! Love ya, Leif

I dare you 2 (.15)

Wow, 2008 went fast, huh? Can you believe its the end of December already? Tell us, what is your business life like? How did your goal-setting go? Were you overly or under ambitious? What did you learn?

(Spoiler: I am playing off this (I dare you 2) previous post, encouraging us bizniks to role-play as if its the end of the year, sharing how your business has changed. Its intended as a reminder/refresher for those of you who posted goals earlier, an opportunity to slightly change course, or as an opportunity for those who haven't shared goals yet to do so in this unique way)

New Forum Category for "Wanted:"/"I'm looking for..."

I had this thought last week.... Wouldn't it be cool if I could Let bizniks know I am looking to hire someone for XYZ? Search through these 'wanted ads' to see if I can serve somebody?

Now, I realize that we have a section in our profile that's called "What I need"...but: As has been noted in past threads, it almost always gets used for things like "I need new clients for XYZ" There is no way to discuss the request publicly.

Just a thought. -Leif

Have you also been going through a major idenity/focus shift?

During a Biznik event today, a number of participants talking afterwards discovered that the past 6 months have been a little wild, in terms of identity and vocational focus. We talked about the 'ooze' a caterpillar apparently turns into before being changed into a butterfly.

At times we felt it was rough, dark, confusing and yet at other times (particularly more recently) it has felt more exciting and hopeful.

As I write I realize that this time period parallels our fall and winter seasons, yet it is much more than that.

Just curious if others have felt the same, and if you too are shifting towards the excitement of spring for your work (and really, for me at least, something bigger in the world in general).

Looking forward to seeing and flying with your beautiful wings. -Leif

Seattle Soul Tech: Now by donation (see Media disclosure)

Is your current use of technology, or lack of technological know-how, helping or hindering your business to thrive? Well, you're not alone if you've thought of circumstances in which your experience with technology is blocking your productivity. Come join others wanting to creatively find ways to be more empowered and balanced in their daily use of various technologies -email, web services, cell phones, and more.

For some of you, that might mean becoming more aware of technologies that can help your business become more productive, for others it may mean setting boundaries or discussing practices that have helped others become more technologically efficient.

As this is not a Biznik event, some participants will be focused more on personal use, then business use, but our interactive processes, questions and discussions will apply to all perspectives.

Soul Tech workshops, recently featured in the national section of the LA Times, are a fun, cutting edge way to help you become more productive and balance in your life.
We have recently decided to offer this workshop on a donation basis, with the understanding that nobody will be turned away, excepting we reach maximum capacity.

This workshop is scheduled to be filmed and shown on The Today Show, so participants must be willing to be on national television. There will be a non-filmed section of the workshop, to allow for the option of more personal disclosure. Please only attend if the topic is genuinely interesting to you, and not because of the potential media exposure. We look forward to having some fun, creative biznik energy there!

Call 1-877-I-AM-GAME if you're ready to register or if you have any questions. More information can also be found here at the Soul Tech webpage.

-Leif

"I love talking about this topic – meeting the people who attended, their openness, the group participation. And I am particularly pleased that I learned about the many tools available to help me achieve my goals.” -Jeanne Verville, Part Participant

Seattle Soul Tech: Now by donation, and to be filmed for The Today Show

Is your current use of technology, or lack of technological know-how, helping or hindering your business to thrive? Well, you're not alone if you've thought of circumstances in which your experience with technology is blocking your productivity. Come join others wanting to creatively find ways to be more empowered and balanced in their daily use of various technologies -email, web services, cell phones, and more.

For some of you, that might mean becoming more aware of technologies that can help your business become more productive, for others it may mean setting boundaries or discussing practices that have helped others become more technologically efficient.

As this is not a Biznik event, some participants will be focused more on personal use, then business use, but our interactive processes, questions and discussions will apply to all perspectives.

Soul Tech workshops, recently featured in the national section of the LA Times, are a fun, cutting edge way to help you become more productive and balance in your life.
We have recently decided to offer this workshop on a donation basis, with the understanding that nobody will be turned away, excepting we reach maximum capacity.

This workshop is scheduled to be filmed and shown on The Today Show, so participants must be willing to be on national television. There will be a non-filmed section of the workshop, to allow for the option of more personal disclosure. Please only attend if the topic is genuinely interesting to you, and not because of the potential media exposure. We look forward to having some fun, creative biznik energy there!

Call 1-877-I-AM-GAME if you're ready to register or if you have any questions. More information can also be found here at the Soul Tech webpage.

-Leif

"I love talking about this topic – meeting the people who attended, their openness, the group participation. And I am particularly pleased that I learned about the many tools available to help me achieve my goals.” -Jeanne Verville, Part Participant

Seattle Soul Tech Workshop, Jan 26th: Come for free if you refer/bring a friend...

If you recognize that the role of technology in your life can be just as much of a hindrance as a help, then come join others wanting to creatively find ways to be more empowered and balanced in their use of daily technologies.

Soul Tech workshops, recently featured in the national section of the LA Times, are a fun, cutting edge way to help you become more effective in your life.
I'm offering a FREE registration to any biznik who comes with another friend (spit the cost with them, or just bring our friend!) Call 1-877-I-AM-GAME if you're ready to register or if you have any questions. More information can also be found here at the Soul Tech webpage.

Workshop Marketing/Promotion Suggestions...

Hey guys, Can you help me out here?
Despite the fact that our "Soul Tech: Living a passionately productive life amidst a tech-stressed world" recently received national press in the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and more...we still have over half our spaces available for the upcoming Seattle workshop (Jan 26th, 1:30-6, Velocity dance studio on capitol hill) and I'm trying to figure out why...
(Cool note BTW. I received an email from the producer of Showtime's longest running Series, "Penner and Teller: Bullshit!" saying they would like to have us on their show (series called "The Good Old Days" or possibly "Caffeinated Culture"...possibly filming this workshop, or doing a private workshop for their staff. Now that would be cool...)

I think that the main lesson for me is that mass exposure (I figure readership was close to 2 million) is nothing compared to targeted exposure...or maybe a biznik guru could chime in and tell me what really is up.

One recent needed change I've made to Soul Tech's webpage is to reword some of the materials to make the benefits/value more clear...maybe that was my problem; maybe people are just too busy; maybe the article's inaccurate slant of the workshop as more of a regular 'support group' deterred people; maybe its too scary a topic to face for our tech-addicted world; or maybe....?

Anyway, if you have some thoughts on how to best market a workshop like this one, I would be greatly appreciative!
Thanks! -Leif

I've converted! Changing Biznik Hats...

Hi guys, I've missed being around biznik more frequently. My absence has been due primarily to spending more time with another social network that I've created and that is more directly in my line of business, shifting priorities (ie, bringing home the bacon), and working with the echoes from my recent unexpected national press the LA Times.

Many of you know that in addition to doing personal and organizational development and various themed workshops through my business Spark Northwest, I'm also a pretty geeky guy who has done computer work (new media consulting and creation, computer coaching, etc) off and on over the years. A few bizniks wisely pointed out to me that highlighting the geeky hat would probably make much more biz sense on Biznik than the former OD work. My first thought was to create a second profile, but I was quickly schooled about the confusion that that could create. I was finally convinced to 'convert' and just now have changed my profile --so check it out and let me know if it creates any new Sparks.

I've also posted two new promotions that I think a number of you will be interested in: a podcast package that will get you up and going with your own podcast in 6 hours, and a computer help package you can slip our not-so-geeky friends and family for Christmas (:

I look forward to being more involved again at Biznik as well as working more closely helping some of you Bizniks become more empowered through new social media.

Warmly, Leif

Congratulations Biznik...1000 Community-wide topics

Just noticed that fact and thought it needed a little woohoo. (: I'm on my last night of an amazing Applied Improv workshop here in Banff, Alberta (be-u-ti-ful!) and haven't been bizniking while here because I'm with my core biz network (improv types) for the first time (what a great 'homecoming' its been too). But look forward to catching up with folks soon. warmly, leif

Shiny new Spark Site

Hi guys, I've finally created a new Spark Northwest site that I think looks prettier and hopefully gets folks on the info-track they are looking for with more ease. The core design, which I think actually look great, is thanks to Kelli Lewis (who is a Biznik, but hasn't had a chance to put her profile up yet.) However, I'm still tweaking the content and have probably messed up plenty of her original work.

Anyway, I would love any feedback (here or personal email) you have to give.

Thanks! -Leif

Multiple Profiles for Multiple Businesses?

Hi Dan & Folks, I'm curious what you think about this: I've got two very different kinds of work...one is high touch (breakthrough workshops with people) and one is high tech (social media consulting and development).

Though in my mind they are related (in a similar way as Biznik has a tech side and a people side), I think others could get confused.

Should I create two profiles, or try and talk about both within one?

A little riddle for you...

(I searched "Multiple Profiles" in biztalk and couldn't find a previous post on this, but sorry if it has been covered already).

I dare you 2.1

Okay, a handful of you asked for this...

What are 1-3 SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals for you to achieve by the end of this year?

...so go for it, if you dare (:

Seattle Soul Tech -Restoring balance to our tech-intense lives

Hi Bizniks, I've got some great news for folks who wanted to come to the last Humanity 2.0 event, but found that a full day at Orcas was too far away and too long. Introducing...

Soul Tech: Restoring balance to our tech-intense lives

A Spark Northwest and 820Vision Experience

When: November 17th, 1:00p - 5:30p

Here's the link to the leiflet pdf, and to more information at our site.

You know how when going on a vacation it takes a few days to relax and get in the vacation mind? It is like that with our tech-intensive world. Technology can be fun and effective and it can be addictive, stressful and soul-deadening.

During a recent Spark Northwest Humanity 2.0 workshop on balancing technology and need for human fulfillment, participants identified several major challenges, including:

• How do we deepen awareness of when we are too consumed by technology?
• When we become aware, how do we consciously choose new behavior that deepens our happiness and connection with others?
• As we work to establish a balance between technical and soulful aspects of living, how do we stick with it?

The Soul Tech workshop will address these challenges. Using a fun and inspiring group process, you will develop a clear understanding of where you are at and where you want to go with technoloy, from a soulful living perspective, and you will layout a concrete plan for getting there.

We’ll use a mix of facilitation, games and activities that are at once fun, insightful and respectful. You will end up with specific ways to bring balance and happiness to what can be a fast-paced technologically absorbing world.

Location Seattle

Time and Date 1 noon to 5:30p on Saturday, November 17th, 2007. Call to reserve a seat.

How do I register?

Registration is limited, so call soon. The workshop costs $65 and includes snacks and beverages. To register, or for more information, call 1-877-I-AM-GAME, or visit us at www.SparkNW.com. We look forward to meeting you and giving you one of the most memorable days of your year!

I dare you 2

One year from today I will have...

I dare you to state one semi-outrageous business related goal that you think there's at least somewhat of a chance of becoming a reality by this time next year. I think it would be fun to see what people say, and for us to come back to this thread one year from now (I'll put a reminder in iCal.)

...Take a risk, challenge yourself, dream it!