Big Blue Line Mourns Another Fallen Brother

Social Media is changing how the world communicates. The ability to quickly spread news across various social media vehicles certainly is a benefit from bygone days with much slower communication methods. Take a look at how fast news of the election protests in Iran and the earthquake in Haiti spread on Twitter in the past year. Images and video were captured and launched around the world to thousands within minutes, long before traditional media was broadcasting on the ground.

When sad news hits close to home, it becomes even more evident how useful social media applications can become in spreading important messages quickly. On the evening of Friday, April 2nd, well-known St. Xavier High School Senior football star and USA Today First Team All-American, Matt James, died after falling off a balcony at his hotel while on Spring Break in Panama City, Florida. The news spread rapidly via text messages and a Facebook Group Page was quickly established: “R.I.P. Matt James”. The Facebook Group Page posted over 3,000 members by Saturday morning (roughly a 12 hour time span) and nearly 8,000 in less than 24 hours. St. Xavier students used social media to put out a call for action to meet at the school for a prayer vigil at 11:00 p.m. Friday night. The Facebook Group Page gave mourners a place to share their thoughts and memories about Matt and to offer condolences to his family.

Matt James was a young man loved by many with incredible talents both on and off the football field. He was scheduled to graduate in June and join fellow football recruit Luke Massa at Notre Dame for the fall under former UC coach Brian Kelly. St. Xavier spokesperson, Mark Motz, was quoted on the ESPN College Football Website as saying about Matt, “His message was that we have to take care of one another."

St. Xavier, the largest Jesuit boys’ school in the United States, is known for their motto: “Men For Others”. Last night, the students of St. Xavier exemplified this belief as they quickly organized a prayer vigil and ensured that their classmates heard the news about their fallen brother as soon as possible, given that many had fanned out with family for the start of Spring Break. Unfortunately, for this tight-knit community, this was a drill that they had been through before. I wrote about a similar call to action last fall, when students rallied together to support Junior classmate Kevin Le, after he was struck by a car. Kevin hung on to life for several days prior to succumbing to his substantial injuries. Read about Kevin Le HERE.

Funeral arrangements are still pending at the time of this posting. Please check the Facebook Group Page for additional details or to leave your thoughts on the Wall.

As you approach this holiday weekend, take some time to unplug: turn off the smart phones, notebooks and laptops and spend some quality time with friends and family. You won’t regret it…..

Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2010

New Media Cincinnati August Meet-Up

Attended the August 2nd Saturday New Media Cincinnati Meet-Up at the Pub in Rookwood Commons. The theme this time around was "Questions from a Hat" and the 50 or so attendees wrote in burning questions that they had regarding social media. Daniel Johnson Jr., founder of NMC, pulled the questions one at a time from his signature baseball cap. The questions were answered by volunteers from the audience and ran the gamut from highly technical questions on web development like the one by
@editvdo that was waaay over my head to the interestingly humorous question asking who had been working with social media the longest and who had the oldest Twitter account.


If memory serves me right, I believe our Mad Scientist in-residence, Catherine, aka @foxydot and Daniel Johnson Jr., are the group's early Twitter adopters. The question about longevity with social media became debatable around the definition of what social media truly means. Some folks go back many decades to ham radio days and even I submitted to the group that my foray with media and being social started on my driveway in my dad's parked car at age 13 on the CB radio.

Interestingly enough, I just discovered one of those early virtual friends on Facebook. We talked many times over the course of a Jr. High year, and although we were the same age, never met (just too far to ride a bike to). I remembered his real name all these years and found him on a friend's high school reunion FB page. Now we are connected on FB and "talk" often and are "friends" on Twitter (there is a difference between a follower and a friend). In fact, I had been searching my old journals for mention of our CB radio friendship and/or conversations and found the journal with him in it. Will absolutely have to scan some of the pages and post it to FB. I stated he was a "really nice guy" way back at 13 and today, an un-named number of years later, I can truthfully say he is one hell of a nice guy! Some things never change....

I digress, back to NMC.......Daniel did a great job of preparing a message for folks to become acquainted with prior to the meeting. It involved things we could do as a group to keep the noise down while people were speaking, since we have been operating without a microphone. This mic free state works for smaller groups, but we have consistently been getting around 50 folks in attendance. He also asked for the "regulars" (you know who you are!) to break out of their group comfort zone and welcome people who were coming for the first time.








There is always a great mix of people at these events. People of all backgrounds, experience levels and ages: all focused on sharing and learning. Many of the people that I have become good friends with were met in a completely virtual way first on Twitter. It's always so exciting to meet live after establishing an on-line relationship. The profile pics are a big help with identifying folks and that's why it's so important to make sure that you have a high quality professional close-up
for your smaller-than-a-postage stamp size Twitter pic. Back in the day, all we had to recognize our CB radio virtual friends when we met live, was the sound of their voice. Imagine that! And yes, I did participate in a couple CB meet-ups in my town (hoping my mom doesn't read this blog!)-I guess these were pre-cursors to today's Tweet-ups!



So, if you have been seeing a lot of posts about Second Saturdays in Cincinnati, you really must come out and join us. We have a total blast (just check us out in the phone booth above!) learning. sharing, connecting and creating friendships and business relationships. I know where I'll be on Saturday, September 12th
. Won't you join us?











New Media Cincy Phone booth photo taken by Christiaan Todd Photography. They do fantastic work!


Follow me @michellebeckham


Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2009

Creating Connections in the Virtual World

Marveling at the many manifestations of social media
Constantly amazed that the connections I make
Become profound real-life experiences
The virtual becomes the living, breathing reality

I have experienced the deepest friendship possible
The ability to learn about other cultures
Directly from the people living it an entire world away
Business relationships have been born through chance encounters on Twitter
Networking groups cementing the associations

I have found myself on the giving end- offering solace to a dad in distress
distraught over his 13 yr old anorexic daughter-
needing an anonymous outlet like Skype to bare his feelings of helplessness

I have chanced upon a YouTube video that touched me
Upon contacting the producer to thank her for her work,
Discovered that she was part of a missing family link
Dating back to my great, great grandfather.

I have been on the receiving end of good wishes and love
From old friends and newly found relatives via Facebook
The pictures we have been able to share are price-less.

Tweeted about needing a new car and amazing Ford technology
Within minutes heard from Scott Monty, head of Social Media for Ford
Heard from the model Brand Manager and from the local dealer as well
Experienced the impressive virtual and live customer service attention

Being naturally social, always inquisitive, and highly analytical,
These three traits propel me forward as I create connections in the virtual world
We are on the verge of changing the way relationships HAPPEN
But there will always be the need for people to come together live

For without direct human interaction, we lose our need to be authentic
And then where will we be???

Connect with me on Twitter here: @michellebeckham

Let me know your experience with creating relationships in the virtual world.




Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2009

The Ultimate Social Media Tool Kit: Going Beyond 101 For Business

Facebook | The Ultimate Social Media Tool Kit: Going Beyond 101 For Business

Greetings from Creating Connections! If you, or someone you know, has been searching for a local Social Media class that goes beyond the basics, then this intermediate class on Twitter, LinkedIn & Facebook Pages for Business is for YOU!


This 90 minute Social Media seminar is for anyone who has heard the buzz about social media tools like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook and wants to go beyond a general understanding. It will cover intermediate information focusing on profile set up, platform use and key business applications for several social media platforms. The seminar will include break-out discussion sessions and a segment on profile content creation.

Michelle Beckham-Corbin, MBA and Free-lance writer, brings a wealth of practical business experience from her 15 year career in Sales & Marketing with the Procter & Gamble Company as well as years of experience working with the Non-profit and Small Business Sectors. Her extensive knowledge of social media tools and energetic personality will keep you riveted in your seat as she shares the secret of "The Ultimate Social Media Tool Kit".

Be a part of the buzz (and tweets!) by learning how to use social media tools to connect with others in a meaningful way that will build relationships leading to business growth.


Participants will learn:

• Importance of developing a Brand Strategy
• The importance of Key Word SEO in Profile and Content Creation
• Profile set ups for:
• Twitter
• LinkedIn Company Pages
• Google Profiles
• Google Maps
• How to develop Tribes (Friends, Followers and Fans) for your Business
• How to manage social media tools in a timely way
• Brief overview of Facebook for Business

Date: Friday, June 5th, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Location: Benchmark Financial Services
8423 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

Seminar Cost: $49.95

Call: 513-474-4555 to Register- Space is Limited

Hands-On Lab Add-on:

There will be an optional add-on opportunity for a 60 minute hands-on lab course following the seminar for those who would like to be able to end the day with completed profiles in order to hit the ground running on Monday. This class will be open to the first 7 people to register and will include guided assistance through every step of the profile process and help with amazing, buzz-worthy, SEO- rich bios and other content creation

Date: Friday, June 5th, 2009
Time: 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Benchmark Financial Services
8423 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

Lab Cost: $39.95
Call: 513-474-4555 to Register- Space is Limited


Posted using ShareThis

C3: CREATING CONNECTIONS CONSULTING, LLC PRESENTS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SEMINAR

Maximizing Social Networks for Your Business


You are invited to join one of the best networking groups for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the area: the Cincinnati Small Business Help Group, as C3: Creating Connections Consulting, LLC presents a FREE seminar on Maximizing Your Marketing Message Via Social Media Tools.


C3 will present an overview on tips and strategies for business owners and entrepreneurs to enable best practices on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook as part of a sound Brand Marketing Plan. Come discover what all of the “BUZZ” is about in the world of Social Media. Lunch available.


Details: Friday, May 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Professional Business Services, Inc.
8425 Beechmont Ave
Cincinnati, Oh 45255
513-474-4555

Click Here To Register


Michelle Beckham-Corbin, Owner of C3: Creating Connections Consulting, LLC, has over 20 years experience in the corporate, non-profit and small business arenas. Michelle is a former Sales & Marketing Manager for The Procter & Gamble Company and holds an MBA from Xavier University. She is an active member of the New Media Cincinnati and Cincinnati Social Media Breakfast (SMB) networking groups.


http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebeckhamcorbin
http://twitter.com/michellebeckham


Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2009

Social Media- It's All in a Day's Work in Cincinnati

Spent a great day surrounded at the beginning and end by all things Social Media. Social Media is all about connecting with others through the use of new media tools and applications. Obviously, the best way for the social media magic to continue, is to take that connection off-line and turn it into an in-the-flesh encounter.

I am a people person. I absolutely love meeting people, discovering things about them and creating conversations which lead to relationships. I have a photographic memory and a huge penchant for remembering details about people. I put this gift to good use by connecting people to each other and to opportunites that I think might be a good fit. Malcolm Gladwell calls people like this "Connectors" in his book The Tipping Point. He states, "Connectors are the people who link us up with the world ... people with a special gift for bringing the world together." They are "a handful of people with a truly extraordinary knack [... for] making friends and acquaintances."
This is why I aptly named my firm: C3: Creating Connections Consulting, LLC.

Speaking in front of a group about a subject that I am passionate about is a joy for me. When one adds in the opportunity to meet with the audience participants in small groups or one-on-one for further conversation, I am in connection heaven. I had the opportunity to present a seminar on leveraging Social Media Marketing tools for the Small Business Sector at the Legacy Connection Group Meeting today. There were about 50 small business owners, entrepreneurs and folks in transition in attendance for my talk. It's always nice to see some familiar faces in the crowd, and today was no exception. I also met some great folks who have already connected with me on LinkedIn and/or Twitter to further our conversation.

I ended the day with a planning meeting call on TalkShoe with members of the Social Media networking group, New Media Cincinnati, founded by Daniel Johnson, Jr. In additon to being on the call, which was recorded and will be turned into a podcast for the group web-site, we were live-Tweeting the meeting. You can check out the tweets on #newmediacincy.

Cincinnati is a city brightly shining on the Social Media Highway Map. Groups like New Media Cincinnati, Cincinnati Women Bloggers and Cincinnati Social Media Breakfast, co-founded by my former Xavier University classmate, Daniel Lally are helping to raise awareness in the Queen City.

I continue utilizing Social Media into the night with this long overdue posting to my Blog (I have been sick for the past 7 days!) and will probably send out some tweets and comments to my FB news feed before diving into my Roberto Bolano book. My close friend has been on my case to finish The Savage Detectives so that we can discuss its contents. Maybe I'll tweet about what we discover, or then again, maybe not.....................



Daniel Johnson, Jr and Kevin Dugan, co-founder of Cincinnati Social Media Breakfast @prblog at a recent New Media Cincy MeetUp.



Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2009

NET-PRINTS: OUR OWN REALITY SERIES

I saw this phrase “…collision of professional and personal worlds” as part of a blog post entitled the “Blurring Lines of Work and Life” by Len Devanna. What happens when you make your total life a personal on-line reality series? What are the losses and gains that occur when you can be accessed and examined 24/7? I have been trying to determine if my uneasiness with the internet privacy issue is due to my age or to my own unique set of personality traits. I have a problem with posting all of my social media site contact information on each of my profiles for complete life cross-referencing. Many people have large lists detailing every possible way in which to connect with them: Facebook, Delicious, LinkedIn, Flickr, Blog site, Website, Twitter. The list goes on and on.

I like to keep my contacts categorized between business and personal social media sites with a few select people walking the tight rope between both of my worlds. I have always been an extremely private person, yet at the same time, I am highly extroverted and have a very likeable and approachable personality. This is a very fine line to operate under.

A great point was made by a friend of mine. He stated that if someone meets him at a business networking event and asks to “friend” him on Facebook, he ignores the request rationalizing that no-one could truly become his friend after a ten minute conversation. I just channel similar requests to my professional networking site, LinkedIn. My Facebook is a place for me to hang out and let my hair down with friends and family. I tend to post lots of pictures, especially from my high school and college years; a veritable “remember when?” collage. I also love to share music videos for favorite bands, some of my creative writing and links to interesting articles. I just don’t need the Vice President of P&G- Tremor to be my friend and pore over my private life unless of course we knew each other way back growing up.

I am a true marketer and I believe that when presenting the brand that is YOU to the public, perception is totally within the eye of the beholder. This is why I believe so strongly in personal branding and being cognizant of knowing who you are and how you want to be represented in the world. Let’s face it; everything on the net is fair game for anyone on the globe to discover about you. We all need to be aware of the dangers of trigger-finger posting and take the time to reflect on whether that Tweet, Blog Comment or public response to a LinkedIn question really captures the essence of who we are and what we are comfortable with sharing about ourselves: our brand identity.

One’s ‘net-print’ runs deep and lasts forever. A hasty post without thought can have repercussions that may last a long time. Stories already abound of people who have come to regret earlier posts that were rants or derogatory statements toward a particular organization or institution. Offers have been rescinded, positions lost and reputations massacred in the public eye. Picture comments you post on Flickr, or stopping by to leave some love on a favorite Blog might not mesh with the professional image you are trying to maintain on LinkedIn or one of the other business-oriented social media sites.

So, if you want your life to be fully displayed on the net through the use of blogging, micro-blogging, pod-casting, vlogging, social network site hopping, etc., then just take some time to determine how you want to be perpetually recorded. Remember, if you wouldn’t want your mother to see your ‘net-print’, then perhaps it’s just not appropriate to post.

As for me, I will continue to keep my professional and personal lives as separate as possible and will do an instant replay in my head before I hit the post button.

Here’s hoping you live a long virtual life with minimal regrets!


Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin 2009

My Life: Blessed

Right now my life is unbelievably busy, but in a wonderfully blessed way! I enjoy my work, my family and my friends. I do feel quite remiss at neglecting the frequency of my posts on here, which in a sense means that I am neglecting my inner peace. Writing is a release and a joy for me, so I must not be honoring my Lenten promise to spend some Social Network time with myself. However, I am having a total blast reconnecting with people from my very, very distant past. People who came in to my life for a blink of an eye, and who I never thought I would ever cross paths with again. Now we are conversing on Facebook and following each other on Twitter- (follow me here: ) how very cool. I will have to write a piece just on these incredible social media personal experiences. Considering that I lived all over the US growing up, it would be interesting to see just how many people I could connect my past to. Gotta have a good memory for names, faces, and places- and fortunately my analytical brain cranks at high gear!




Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin

SOCIAL MEDIA

What happens when your past meets your present? When recollected memories between two or more people differ so dissonantly? People come into our lives and leave a lasting imprint, whether we realize it at the time or not. Those among us who have been gifted with the ability for introspection and have a high emotional intelligence or sensitivity realize over time just how these human interactions interplay with who we later become.

Social Media tools give us the opportunity to reach out and touch someone from the past. Many of us would be loathe to pick up our land-lines or even our mobiles to call a long-lost love or friend or classmate out of the blue after discovering their number on Google. There would be intimate stress involved in making that contact. Would the person on the other end remember us? Would they even want to speak with us or would they slam down the phone in shock and/or disgust? This is where those dissonant memories come in. Yours may be shaded in the pastels of time, while the receiver of your call may be remembering in present shades of fiery red.

As humans, we naturally fear rejection and the act of reaching out is a risk that some refuse to take. Social Media tools give us the opportunity to reduce risk and rejection. A good researcher can use MySpace, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Facebook or any other social networking site along with Google to discover where the “missing” person is in their lives and lessen the stress factor of making contact.

Within minutes we can answer the following questions about that certain someone from our past:

• Where they live- including a Google Earth satellite shot of their home-
• Phone listing
• Email listings
• Relationship status-one search site will also give you a list of people who are related to them for free
• Education and Employment history
• Interests

I could go on, but this short list gives a mini-background check that reduces the fear of connection. With knowledge, we feel more secure, more tied to the person. We can then take that step to contact them armed with some facts and figures to help refresh their memory of us.

Social Media also enables us to reach out and touch someone REMOTELY if we so choose. We are given the ability to test the waters by sending a tentative message via email or an actual networking site. Once the message is sent we wait, hoping to hear from said person. If we don’t, nothing is lost, as we never really made a connection. There is no rejection to recover from, in fact we can rationalize that they simply never got the message.

However, if a link has been made and the stress has been lifted, we are left to sort out those discordant memories. How you combine pastel with fiery red to make a new palette is the joy in rediscovery. Social Media tools help you discover, decipher and connect. What happens afterwards is out of cyberspace hands and left for total human interaction.

Here’s hoping that we all can reconnect with those special people who occupied our lives, our minds, and our spirits and walked with us for a short time on this journey called life. To those of you who walked by my side, listened to my words, and loved me with all of your heart- I thank you immensely. You have made me who I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Copyright Michelle Beckham-Corbin