A community really thrives when we all help each other succeed – when we shift from being passive viewers to becoming active doers. It’s what I like to call ‘shared muscle’.
The most powerful way to do this – to build up this shared muscle – is to know exactly what each other wants and then help each other to get it.
So simple and yet so often ignored
Over the years, I have witnessed many groups of people united by a cause, common interest or employer fail because they didn’t understand what each other really wanted to achieve. When it came to understanding each others areas of greatest want and need, people just assumed, guessed or ignored.
Even more frustrating were the subsequent laments of:
“If only I had known what she wanted, I could have helped!”
“I had no idea he needed help there!”
“Why didn’t you tell me you needed support there?”
“All they had to do was ask me!”
The most valuable community on the planet
Fuelled by the recent sharewords post, where the generous souls of this community quickly rallied to help one another succeed, I have a goal for this community to be one of the most effective, productive and mutually valuable groups of people on the planet – on and off line!
It’s a huge ambition, one that will depend on us being very clear about how we can help each other succeed.
The easiest way to build community value
So, let’s do that right now. Let’s spell it out for each other in the comments below.
Just take a minute to share with us how we can help you and how you can help us.
1. Your needs
What would be the most valuable thing(s) this community could do for you to help you succeed?
Please detail specific actions and if more than one thing, please list in order of priority.
2. Your contribution
What help (e.g. specific action, expertise) are you prepared to offer the people in this community to help them succeed?
3. Your ideas
In your experience, what do you think will help make this community more mutually valuable?
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73 Responses to this post
May 20, 2010 at 7:17 pm |
Hi Robin
Thank you for this succinct, yet elegant post. You’re a true professional who clearly likes to surround himself with like minded professionals, who know what they stand for.
Firstly, as a Publicist with over twenty experience in the Government & Non Profit Sector, I’m always looking for campaigns with social value. As a Performing Artist, I also have a solid track record with established and emerging Entertainers & Artists across most genres.
Secondly, the most rewarding client relationships have been with people who are clear about their goals. They know what they want, can articulate their needs without being needy, and are willing to work with me in achieving their goals.
In which case, trust is important, particularly for emerging clients who’ve not worked with PR & Marketing Specialists. If rapport translates into a level of trust early on, I’m confident with the final outcome.
Thirdly, I need prospective clients to understand the value of my time. Professional people, are always looking for a degree of professionalism from prospects. While I’m not suggesting, one needs to be a smooth as an experienced public figure, I do look for mutual respect. Kingmakers (which is what a Publicist is) know the stakes, therefore respect is paramount.
Finally, I need to get paid …
Hope this helps
DMW
May 20, 2010 at 7:53 pm |
Outstanding, Catherine. Thank you for your contribution. We’ve spoken many times and what you have written above gives me an even clearer picture of what’s important to you from a business perspective.
So, in terms of the specific, tangible and day-to-day help that this community can bring to you, what actions would have the most impact?
For my part, I will be:
a) commenting on your blog posts with thoughts and ideas that build upon your themes and seek to bring others into the conversation;
b) continuing to encourage you on Twitter and Facebook with retweets and comments;
c) referring ‘like minds’ to your online resources – especially your two blogs;
d) offering whatever commercial thoughts, ideas and ‘advice’ that is helpful in terms of helping you focus and succeed in your entrepreneurial ventures.
Am I on track?
What else is useful?
Best,
Robin
May 20, 2010 at 8:36 pm |
Robin, another great post of yours – I’m really liking this notion of a community of like-minded people actively supporting each other!
And Catherine, thanks for kicking off the discussion, my dear!
Being a PR professional myself, and in light of the recent conversations you, Robin and I had about PR and marketing, I wouldn’t hesitate a sec to recommend you to prospective clients. I’d do it “les yeux fermes”, as we say in French (meaning “with my eyes shut” – trusting you so much I’d trust your guidance even in the dark).
I guess for me to be able to send you the best referrals possible, I’d love to know more about 2 things:
1) I know you travel a lot between Sydney and New-York, how is that working for you from a consulting perspective? Are you looking for potential clients in both cities? Year-round or seasonally? For instance you’d rather focus on NYC in the next couple of months?
2) If you were to define your ideal client, who would that be? What would he/she do, and what’s the #1 thing you can help them with? For instance, do you do more work with emerging artists, or artists that are already established? Within the artist community, is there any area you specialise in? I remember you mentioned mix media artists, would that be your core target?
Can’t wait to help you more!
Myriam
May 20, 2010 at 9:46 pm |
Hi Myriam @ Detours
Now you’re introducing board room dialogue.
My experience with Senior Ministers of the Government, Corporate CEO’s and decision makers has provided me with strategic insights. I cut my teeth in the toughest political arena in Australia, known as the bear pit, the NSW Parliamentary Press Gallery is not for the faint hearted.
In addition to that I’ve worked with a World Class Sport Figure, as well as emerging Artists and Entertainers.
For this reason, my client’s entry level is:
Someone with a solid body of work.
Someone who NEEDS to take it to the next level.
Someone with an International outlook, who is based in either Sydney or New York.
They don’t need to be major celebrities, but do need an established profile and network.
This level is exciting for me, as a clients at this level are prepared to be groomed and ready for the play.
I don’t wish to rule out serious celebrities, of course if the call came, I’d be a fool to turn it away. (Who wouldn’t like a call like that) Notwithstanding, contenders of that stature are usually set in their ways, nor easily persuaded of the merit of an alternative point of view.
In answer to your question about year round or seasonal, I say a boutique stable of emerging and established artists, from a variety of genres would keep me busy all year round.
Thanks Myriam, you’re a Champion among Champions
DMW
May 21, 2010 at 11:46 am |
Hello my dear,
Very useful – thanks for this very clear answer!! Now I have a crystal clear idea of the calibre of people and organisations I can send your way, and how I can help spread the word about your expertise. Loving this action-oriented post!
May 21, 2010 at 12:11 pm |
Myriam
Just wanted to say thanks again for including me at the tail end of your #choctour yesterday – wish I had seen the whole package and look forward to doing so.
I’m here also to ask though what exactly can I do to help you with your business – how can I help you grow? What would you like me to do?
Everybody is going to LOVE what you do as soon as they know it exists so let me help you in any way. I am here to support along with the others!
Best Regards
Helen
May 21, 2010 at 12:32 pm |
You’re most welcome about yesterday, Helen!
All right, let me have a think this afternoon around how I could best benefit from your expertise to help me promote my tours, and I’ll get back to you. Really appreciate your help!!
May 20, 2010 at 8:43 pm |
I love your specifics Robin.
Collaboration with people like your kind self is so refreshing. It’s clean, direct and on the table.
What else would be helpful? hmmmmm…. I know!
Weekly I receive 2-3 requests for features on my blogs. Now my blogs are not up there with ProBlogger, but if I’m receiving requests for features, I’m doing something right.
However, the majority of the enquirers haven’t done their basic research. As a Press Officer, I never sent a Press Release for an Art Opening to the Financial Review. Ludicrous logic!
If someone wants me to do a feature, please read my blogs and pitch accordingly. Pitching to a blogger is no different than pitching to a journalist. Journalists are very busy people, you need to respect their time, as well as do the leg work for them.
I’m not going to post a story that’s incongruent with my business, or as I’ve said on my ‘My Divine Occasion’ Blog, http://catherinewhite.posterous.com ‘My Divine Occasion reports and represents my experiences, not third parties, of which I have no experience’
Is this what you were asking for?
Loving the drilling down …
Warm regards
DMW
May 22, 2010 at 7:49 pm |
Yes, precisely. Thank you!
May 20, 2010 at 9:51 pm |
I like to make people look good online. While I was thinking today and trying to come up with a way to explain what I do (always trying thanks to Robin’s prompting:) I came up with How to win friends and influence people online. I think that Dale Carnegie book was a massive seller but now we do relate to people on a global scale online. The old rules (firm handshake, eye contact) have changed – now a well laid out website,friendly photo and clear wording are more important if you want to do business or make contacts online.
So I want to show people how to create a winning impression online. And win business, open opportunities and maybe even make money… since that is what they all seem to want to learn most of all. Starting with myself of course:)
So, if you want to help me you can:
a. Visit my site.
b. Leave a comment.
c. Tell all your friends, relatives and colleagues about it if you like it.
I will do likewise for you.
I think a skill swap would be good. I can help with web design tips. I could use tips from a publicist. Is it just about who you know? I want to be in the papers! How can I get my foot in the door?
Catherine – You have great traffic on your blog. Why don’t you and Myriam have your own domain names? That would make me sit up and notice you more. What you say sounds impressive but if I notice someone doesn’t have their own domain name I tend to write them off as amateurs… Many big names don’t have their own domain names so that’s not always true. Just one of the first impressions people get from the web.
Right after a longer check of your sites.
Catherine – You look and sound amazing. I want you on my team:)
Myriam – Love your site. Want to take the tour now. Will BEG my pals at Coca-Cola to treat me and the other happiness and live positively ambassadors next time I’m in Sydney with them. July 16th probably.
To make this community more mutually valuable we need to committ to each other and stick together through thick and thin! We need to boost each other’s confidence and morale and cheer each other one.
May 21, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
Hi Annabel,
Lovely to meet you – and thank you for your kind comments about my blog and chocolate tours! I’ve pencilled in July 16 so I’m all free for you, in case your pals at Coca Cola give you the green light… and decide to come along
I’ve visited your blog and you can count on me to leave regular comments, your posts are really interesting. I think I’ve already read some of your contributing posts on ProBlogger, great reads…
Now I really liked your comments about domain names, etc. Were you talking about our personal name’s domain name (eg http://www.myriamthibault.com) or our business domain name? I own both, and I’m about to properly launch my Mytinerary website next week. However, I haven’t done anything yet with my personal name’s domain name. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on how to best leverage this platform, in addition to mere sign-posting to my business website.
Also, just like Catherine, publicity is my forte (I worked for 10 years in the PR industry prior to launching Mytinerary), so don’t hesitate to email me at myriam[at]mytinerary.com.au if I can be of any help there. And we’ll even be able to chat in French, since I saw you have a BA in French
May 21, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
Dear Annabel
Lovely to meet you. I just visited your site and it’s mind blowing – fresh, informative, clear. I want a day to devour all the articles!
I shall be spreading the word about it as fast as I can. Let me know as well if there are any other ways I can support you.
When you commented about Catherine’s and Myriam’s domain names I felt terrible because in my ‘race’ of day to day keeping up with everything I know that I had exactly the same thought but I had not communicated to them about it. This is an example perhaps of the ‘two minute rule’ from David Allen GTD. It would have taken me less than two minutes to call, facebook, tweet or email that thought to them but I did not do it!! Anyhow I am behind you with this – it may have been on their list of things to do and I often see it possibly because people get ‘stuck’ and don’t know how to do it.
I can help with that!
I heard from Robin that you are into Zen Habits etc so I feel we are kindred spirits! I look forward to learning more about how I can help you further! Your blog is spectacular and I shall re-evaluate my blog http://www.keyboardkarma.com to see where it can be improved!
My sharewords – transform technology into productivity are put into practice with phone/face to face training where I assess where clients are right then and how I can move them into a more productive zone in as little time as possible – saving them time and therefore dollars. I’m also about getting more bang for your buck out of the money spent already on hardware/software – finding the essential and fastest features to use while ignoring the rest. I’m not an under the desk cable girl any more preferring to test and test as many software/iphone apps as is possible so I can deliver the best.
I am able to offer global support using gotomeeting. Distance is no barrier.
warm regards
Helen
May 21, 2010 at 9:13 pm |
Hi Helen, that’s lovely thank you and I appreciated your lovely long comment on my blog too. I’m equally happy to meet you. I really can’t ask for more than that. Recommendations for my blog Get In the Hot on Twitter, Facebook or email are invaluable. My main aim is to build subscribers and visitors – the faster the better:)
I like that you liked my comment about Catherine and Myriam’s domain names. I wrote that first but it looked bad just blurting that out so I moved it down the page a bit. But really we have to be able to give each other advice fast and know we have each other’s best interests at heart. It does feel like a rude way to introduce myself but we have to cut to the chase:)
Re your sites it would be great to integrate blog and biz site. At the moment I just keep hopping from one to the other. The blog makes me want to dash off to your biz site or LinkedIn, Twitter etc and then I get to the biz site and again am directed to jump off to social networks or the blog. The info I want it there – what you do, how you do it, how much time it will save me and how much more productive I’ll be when you’ve worked your tech magic – but it’s buried. It’s too complicated and there needs to be clear calls to action. Call me to find out how I can help you. Email me now to make a booking etc. The language is complicated. Eg. productivity consultations for businesses globally by using high quality screen sharing software. Maybe you could simply say I will help you do this wherever you are. All the diff things you do are in the blog but you should pull them out and bullet point them. Eg. I can show you how to:
Master your iphone
Use tungle
Sort out mobile banking
What you say in your comment about share words and explanation of what you do it golden. I totally get that and dig it but it’s not so clear on your sites.
If you’d like to get business online there are many ways you can make it easier for your site visitors to find out what you do and be convinced that they need you right NOW! Do call me to discuss anytime. Follow @getinthehotspot on Twitter and I can DM my number.
This comment reply is really hard to handle. I keep losing comments. The obvious solution is a forum. 100 people…
PS. I see you have one of Robin Dickinson’s videos on your blog. That guy gets around doesn’t he?!
May 21, 2010 at 9:21 pm |
Hi Annabel, wow, I find your advice to Helen very useful – thanks a lot for sharing.
PS and don’t worry at all about cutting to the chase, we’re here to help each other out and constructive critique is part of it
May 21, 2010 at 9:49 pm |
Hi Annabel
Thank you for your feedback here, as well as your calling card on ‘My Divine Occasion’ blog.
I love your site, it’s fresh, informative and purpose built. As a first time visitor, I found myself wanting more.
It would be a pleasure to exchange talents and gifts with you, in fact I need assistance with my sites, as it’s time to take them to the next level.
I own http://catherinewhite.com.au and nearly finished redesigning it, however my original direction has changed.
You see, in redesigning my business model I’m not just looking at where the income is, or where my passion is. I’m asking myself how do I want my day to look, and what do I want my life to look like. I have a clearer picture of the experiences I want, and more importantly who I want to share those experiences with.
Which brings me to people like yourself, Myriam and others who are precisely the kind of people I want to share my experiences with. People of quality, people who know what they want, who possess a personal presence that shows up in their business.
Let me know how I can help you Annabel, it would be good to talk further on email or skype.
Hope this helps
DMW
skype: thedivinemisswhite
May 23, 2010 at 11:15 pm |
Short version – good, we will skype to find out more:) I think your approach of designing your business and lifestyle together is marvelous. Agree with the people thing too. I want my blog to be a place where motivated, positive people can hang out helping each other and sharing their goals in a safe place which is what’s happening here. Great to have connected with so many like-minded people here thanks to the remarkable Robin:)
May 24, 2010 at 9:49 pm |
Thank you, Annabel. I suggest we schedule a group skype call to discuss next steps.
I’ll organize it.
Best, Robin
May 25, 2010 at 2:56 pm |
Thank you:)
May 22, 2010 at 6:20 pm |
Thanks for the feedback Annabel – all great points suggesting a little more ‘tweaking’ required. I will take you up on your offer of contacting you offline to discuss further.
Have a great weekend!
Helen
May 22, 2010 at 7:43 pm |
Let me know what happens!!
May 25, 2010 at 3:02 pm |
Marvelous:)
May 22, 2010 at 7:47 pm |
Priceless feedback, Annabel. Thank you.
May 20, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
Hi Robin, Excellent idea! Kudos for thinking big, and something tells me you have the energy, know-how, and community to pull it off.
1. a. Learning about any and all aspects of interactive marketing. b. Finding new opportunities for collaboration or client work.
2. I’m happy to share anything I can about marketing and business management in general. I’ve got a lot of experience in management, social media, SEO, and sales. Action-wise, I’m always looking for good guest bloggers for my Word Sell blog. That interest definitely extends to members of this community.
3. Probably more like-minded people joining the community would be most beneficial. We can all help to make that happen in a variety of ways.
May 21, 2010 at 7:53 pm |
Thank you, Brad. You’re always so reliable. The experience and expertise you bring to this group is exceptional.
Your guest post opportunity is fantastic. Annabel Candy (see above comment from her) immediately comes to mind as someone who could add real value to your audience.
Brad, I rely on your blog as a great resource for practical SEO, copy, marketing advice that works.
Best,
Robin
May 20, 2010 at 10:13 pm |
Hi Robin
Love these questions….
My Needs
I would appreciate referrals to potential business clients who have productivity issues that I am able to solve.
What can I provide?
I am indebted to my ‘community’ and of course will provide specific helpful information on the fly to help them with their businesses – over coffee, while car pooling to events etc etc. My brain is overpacked with technology tips and sometimes they just have to be let out but I receive the most joy when I know that these have made a difference and especially when they have helped a business find more customers or be more profitable.
My Ideas
I still have this somewhat crazy idea of us all pooling together and having a brain swap – whether it be for a day or a weekend and no it wouldn’t be a place where we talked about facebook and twitter – I’m thinking it would be some kind of place where like on this post we stated what it was we needed help with and the ‘team’ came up with answers. This of course would need to be a ‘select’ group along the lines of today’s – not too large…. but a group where everyone could bring something to the table….
I’m now thinking on overdrive for both Catherine and Myriam. May I also turn the tables and ask what it is that could be done for you Robin? How might we also be of value to you?
Today after a truly successful training delivery I drove what some would consider a long distance to spend 45 minutes with eight tremendous people whom with the exception of one I have known for less than 12 months. This morning prior to each training seminar I introduced myself by saying “I’m Helen Crozier. I transform technology into productivity” The sharewords that you gifted me work and are comfortable…. they are living proof that this community is priceless and you should be very proud of what you have achieved in the short time you have known us.
I look forward to seeing it’s continued development and seeing how we thrive.
Divine Miss White… I hope we will have a blast one day in New York too…..
Myriam…. bless you for spreading so much joy with your delightful tours….
best wishes to all…
Helen
May 21, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
Hi Helen,
Great comment – thank you for sharing. What I really love about your business is the fact that what you do is clear to me, and so I find it quite easy to “sell” you to people whenever something relevant arises.
I really love your idea about a day out or even weekend somewhere to “brainstorm” together as a community. I think some really good, mutually beneficial projects could come out of it. Kind of an offline version of Robin’s post around share-words.
Until we get there, maybe we could also do something about the format of the #nscm coffee mornings. I mean, I always enjoy going there for a good chat with some of my friends and contacts, and also to meet with new faces. But sometimes I think we could do more with what we have there, and there’s not always a clear “now what?” after each session. I don’t know, maybe an #nscm “Teux-Deux” to-do list, where everyone who agrees to be part of the program would be accountable to the others? Anyway, just a thought
May 21, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
Afternoon Myriam our posts have been crossing today!
Thanks for the thoughts about #nscm and ‘teux-deux’ – that is totally possible. Shall give it some thought. I see your comments further down with how we can help – excellent leave it with us!
Helen.
May 20, 2010 at 11:24 pm |
What a wonderful discussion! Even as my eyes are attempting to remind me it is past my bedtime I am energised by the flow of conversation that I know Robin the wonderful wizard can entice!
The clarity with which Catherine, Myriam, Brad, Annabel and Helen state their purpose/intention for their respective businesses are lessons for all both professionally and privately. Thank you for sharing in the spirit that you have. It thrills me to be in the company of such critical thought!
May 21, 2010 at 7:46 pm |
I agree with you Radhika, they are true professionals – as are you for bringing forth your encouragement.
Thank you,
Best, Robin
May 21, 2010 at 12:28 pm |
Hi Robin,
All right, my turn to have a go at your question:
1) There are a couple of ways people can help me grow my business:
- they can help spread the word (or even better, buy tickets!) on my deluxe artisan chocolate tours. The ultimate indulgence for chocoholics and foodies this winter!
- I’m just about to launch my ultimate foodie tours in Paris (Sept 20-26, 2010), so don’t hesitate to spread the word with foodies and/or francophiles around you.
- Another good referral for me is blue-chip companies and luxury brands who want to treat their best performing staff and most loyal VIP customers to something really special. I’m already working with some of the leading watch / jewelry brands from Europe and I’m really proud of the bespoke experiences I’ve created for those wealthy customers that have it all.
2) My contribution: happy to help with anything PR-related. And of course don’t hesitate to talk to me if you’re travelling to Sydney or Paris and need tips on off-the-beaten track destinations and things to do.
3) My ideas: already shared some of them in my reply to Helen Crozier’s comment above. At some point, a website or directory with everyone’s details might be useful, even though most of us are already connected on Twitter. Or maybe a collective blog with a theme for each week, such as “This week, my big news is…” or “This week, the perfect referral for me would be…”. Just so we keep each other up to date about our businesses and needs.
I don’t know… your thoughts?
May 21, 2010 at 8:18 pm |
Myriam – Mais oui on peut parler francais, ca fait toujours plaisir. Thank you for your lovely long reply. Re domain name I was just thinking about the business one which you link to from your name here currently on Typepad I think. If you had a unique domain name for that I think it would help let people know you’re serious about the business. I did email Coca-Cola with my request. We ask them for everything and they do try to oblige. Fingers crossed, it would be great to meet you that way. Thanks also for the PR help offer. I’ll have to think exactly what I want to do and need to know. I’m thinking a nice write up in the LA Times but currently starting small with a few mentions in the local Noosa press. Lol. From small beginnings:)
Re how we proceed with our discussions. Yes, there must be a better way. Let me think about it.
May 21, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
Salut Annabel,
Merci beaucoup pour ton commentaire, et ravie de pouvoir parler en Francais avec toi! Et peut-etre a bientot a Sydney pour de plus longues conversations j’espere?
Thanks for clarifying what you meant re: domain names. Good point. I thought a lot about this when I was looking for my business name and blog name. For the business, I knew I had to find a name where the .com.au domain was available, ideally the .com as well. It was a bit of a headache to find a business name that fit my specific brief (I needed something that would suggest travel, convey the “personalised” approch of my tours and services, and I also something easily understandable in French AND English). So when I did find the right name, I registered it and bought the .com.au domain, even if the .com wasn’t available (someone was trying to sell it to me for way too much money).
Now for the blog, I faced the same issue but was less successful. I really liked “Detours” as a name (again, suggested travel, roads less travelled, and it’s a word that exists both in French and English) but the .com or .com.au domains weren’t available. I admit I just went for the “easy” option and kept that name, even if it meant I didn’t have my own domain name. In retrospect, that was probably a mistake… Hopefully, the effort and hard work I’m putting into my blog will still convince visitors I’m serious about my business. And of course, I’ll regularly come back to your blog for useful advice
PS: bring on that LA Times article – and in the meantime I’ll keep an eye out for you on relevant PR requests from http://www.sourcebottle.com.au!
May 22, 2010 at 7:44 pm |
That’s excellent, Myriam. Great teamwork!
May 25, 2010 at 3:01 pm |
Myriam – Mais oui, I would love to meet you in Sydney or anywhere:) Yes, it’s so hard to get a domain name but I think the .com.ao version is more important for you since your tours are Aussie related so that’s good.
Oooh, I will have to keep an eye on sourcebottle myself. Thanks for the tip and here’s hoping we get to meet soon.
May 25, 2010 at 7:18 pm |
Looking forward to meeting you in Sydney Annabel!
PS: I really liked your new blog post on “How to stay focused”. Great read… http://www.getinthehotspot.com/how-to-stay-focused-in-9-words/comment-page-1/#comment-9493
It actually reminds me of a very interesting episode of “Black Chair” Robin posted a couple of weeks ago, about diamond-shaped focus. Different content in your respective posts obviously, but you guys seem to share a very similar approach to business – good on you!
http://www.radsmarts.com/2010/05/diamond-focused-business-planning/
May 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
Hi Myriam
Would it help you if I posted a blog about your Chocalate tour while I’m in New York? Is there any value for you if I compare my experience of your Chocolate tour yesterday, after I have taken the New York tour?
I am eager to refer international business to you from NYC. I can do this on my blog, as well as my YELP profile?
What do you think?
Warm regards
Catherine
May 21, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
Hi Catherine,
You’re the best, thank you so much for your kind offer to blog about my chocolate tour, I’m truly humbled!!
I got your note on Facebook and I thought about it this morning. I agree with you, it would be fantastic if you blogged about my chocolate tour while you’re in NYC (great to help me grow awareness of my tours with overseas travellers). I’m not 100% sure a point-by-point comparison between the 2 tours would necessarily work, because all tours are different and are trying to achieve different things. Also, I wouldn’t want you to feel obliged to say which tour you preferred…
However, I know you’re an amazingly skilled writer so if you found a way to express how the NYC chocolate tour is “quintessentially New York”, and how my own chocolate tour is “quintessentially Sydney”, I think that could be interesting. Trying to convey how we both try to capture the “heart & soul” of our respective chocolate scenes…
What are your thoughts?
I’m at your disposal anytime should you need additional info for your story, specific facts, etc!
May 21, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
Hi Myriam @ Detours
I believe I can create worth for you if I connect your story with the the tourism industry in New York.
My post will be a story, as opposed to a point by point comparison. From what I see your Chocolate tours are cultural-centric, whereas the New York tours seem to be Chocolate-centric The online reviews on their website and Yelp reflect this point of difference.
In my opinion, (born out of my experience with your tour yesterday) you have introduced a cultural event to Sydney. Your tours not only educate and tantalise, but engage the hearts of your participants with the international community. [...] [have to stop there, otherwise I'm giving my blog away ...
) ]
Let’s talk before next week when you leave for Paris and I leave for New York. [Tres pair of Jetsetters]
Love your work Miss M
DMW
May 21, 2010 at 9:01 pm |
OMG Catherine, you absolutely nailed it!!! I love your “cultural” angle, this is really different. I knew you’d come up with something really unique, now I can’t wait to read your story!
May 21, 2010 at 9:36 pm |
I want to see this story. I will send Coca-Cola to read it. They took 4 mums to Shanghai. Our only stipulation was choc supplies, that tour is right up our alley. Who wouldn’t enjoy it?
Can I sum up how you want us to present you in a few words to see if I’m on the right track – Winning PR for artists? I can’t wait to see the new site because the blog doesn’t let me know you do PR at all at a first glance…
So I have a few contacts in NYC (met one in Shanghai…) and in Connecticut (old old friends) – what can I do – just email them and say I know this woman who’s really hot in PR – you should get in touch with her if you ever want to look like a star?
I think what everyone is doing right is putting up smiley pics of themselves. It’s lovely.
May 21, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
Just popping in to show my appreciation and love of this post! Carry on
May 21, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
Giggling Annalisa
I love the way you leave your calling card with an affirming wave.
Nice …
May 21, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
We’ll charge tickets soon if you don’t jump in Annalisa
May 21, 2010 at 7:45 pm |
Hey Annalisa – how can we help *you*?
Robin
May 22, 2010 at 7:53 pm |
TO ALL PARTICIPANTS
Blogs were obviously designed for broadcasting and not interaction like this. Several people have raised the idea of this group developing into a web-based forum of ‘members’ who can start seriously helping each other succeed.
What are your thoughts?
Best, Robin
May 23, 2010 at 6:12 am |
Hi Robin
You know my thoughts on this subject, but for the record I think a private forum is of value.
As for me I am loathe to disclose, or give too much away in public forums. For example, I may not wish to enter into collaborations or cross pollinate with people, just because it seems like a good idea here.
Purpose built private forums by their nature allow a greater depth of discussion.
I don’t wish to appear mistrusting, however real meaning is found away from the spotlight.
Hope this helps
DMW
May 23, 2010 at 11:16 pm |
I’ll second that.
May 23, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
Hi all,
Robin & Catherine – yes, I love the idea of a private forum and, in the hope I would be invited to participate (;-P) I would feel a lot more comfortable in sharing expertise, experience and wisdom. Not because I’m miserly in my information-sharing … but because I know that a large part of what I ‘sell’ is my ideas and whilst in the public space I am wary of full exposure. This relates directly back to your earlier post Robin, of the person shutting up shop because they are exhausted from the ‘free-sharing’ … and recent comments about ‘bored rich’
Further case in point – this blog post has had 192 views, but only 40 comments … so there are a lot of voyeurs in this conversation.
Having said that I am keen to play in this community Robin, and I’d like to answer your original questions.
My needs:
1. creative, thoughtful and insightful ideas and potential solutions to problems / challenges – a space where I can bounce ideas and receive quality feedback from ‘thinking’, like-minded professionals.
2. quality referrals to small business owners who need someone (me) to spark their peak business performance.
3. Mentoring via observation of those I consider ‘top performers’ in their field (that is, people who are playing here)
What I’m happy to exchange in this community for those benefits:
1. quality insights & assistance to those asking for help
2. ideas, lateral thoughts and solutions
3. relevant & thoughtful connections to other resources (people, sites, information books) that I have in my ‘library’ of business information
4. anything else I can
Ideas to make this community mutually beneficial:
1. I’m with Catherine – a level of privacy for ‘community’ members
2. Forum-style web platform … it is hard to follow these conversations in a blog – it becomes too ‘linear’ whilst the conversation is actually multi-dimensional
3. Protect the current ‘quality’ of contributors and therefore contributions … will largely happen by self-selection, but it is something to be mindful of
What you (we) are embarking on here Robin is quite unique … sure, there’s lots of ‘forums’ but none where the company is so select and ‘sophisticated’ (for want of a better word). There is a quality here that needs to be protected … maybe through the form of simple agreements or exclusivity … I’m not sure … but I am impressed and inspired by this game you are playing
Thank you again for the space you create and hold … and for inviting me to be part of it.
C
May 24, 2010 at 9:45 pm |
This is top input, Cat. Can we pick up the conversation on skype when you have a few minutes?
Best, Robin
May 24, 2010 at 10:22 am |
Lets build a private forum!
After the amazing experience I have had with Robin offline and also in the discussions on this website I completely support the idea of a private forum to take these discussions to the next level. Completely agree with Catherine and Cat that we would be able to express ourselves even more openly on a private website.
I am beginning to specialise to some extent in membership websites so would be more than happy to put time and effort into putting together a WordPress based private website for this group and see where it goes.
I think Myriam really touched on some of the possibilities, ie being able to tell the group what you need promoted right now.
Also being able to support each other using our particular super powers would make us as a group a real force to be reckoned with in the business world.
Anyone interested?
May 24, 2010 at 11:23 am |
Hi Tony
Very generous offer there Tony.
I love your reference to a coalition of super powers, as precisely the benefit available to members in such a forum.
Clearly, timing is everything, as well I would like to pick up a point Cat makes about ideas being her stock and trade.
While a private members forum provides a degree of security, it won’t guarantee members don’t breach trust.
I pulled up stumps in a private forum as a result of another member consistently hijacking my ideas
Leadership & strong moderation is the key to the success of private forum, qualities already demonstrated by Robin.
I look forward to seeing how this develops
Regards
DMW
May 24, 2010 at 12:24 pm |
Hi Catherine,
You raise very good points about trust, moderation and leadership. I think Robin brings the integrity and vision needed to protect the delicate ecosystem a private forum needs to have longevity.
On the superpowers front I am already picturing x-men type characters, for example Myriam, being half PR adviser half tour guide with her choc-ray vision that can look into a city and see all of the finest chocolate vendors. And yourself being able to leap between New York and Sydney on a single thought. An image of you flying a clients up from the ground level to dizzy heights of exposure also comes to mind. Your striking style is almost a super hero character in itself I might add.
regards
Tony
May 24, 2010 at 9:53 pm |
That’s really thinking outside the dots, Tony!
Thank you.
Best, Robin
May 25, 2010 at 7:22 pm |
Hi Tony,
Like your comment, I was giggling on the bus reading it the other day, trying to picture our little community as super heroes – bring on the X-Men silver leotard and 3D googles my friend!
Myriam xx
May 25, 2010 at 10:59 pm |
Hi Miriam,
Glad the X-Men reference gave you a chuckle as did the silver leotards for me.
You need a gravatar account so we can see you face next to your comments, and for anyone else wondering how its done you just go here: http://en.gravatar.com/ and register your email address you use to comment with then upload an image and voila.
Tony
May 24, 2010 at 9:52 pm |
I very much value your advice and guidance on this, Catherine. Let’s discuss further face-to-face.
Best, Robin
May 24, 2010 at 3:25 pm |
I like where this discussion is going – private forums are close to my heart! (and business) Tony C, excellent idea to practice with WordPress – I’m also practicing with IBM-powered technology which enables “communities of purpose” to collaborate together http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_of_purpose )
Robin, this community which you are leading via your thoughtful blog is definitely one of “purpose” that I am proud to be a part of. Lets discuss this further in our current “private forum” (aka Skype!
May 24, 2010 at 3:40 pm |
Thanks for the new term ‘communities of purpose” Tony H! I like it a lot and the wikipedia link was a very good read too. I think the people commenting on Robin’s posts are definitely a community of purpose. Defining the exact ‘purpose’ might be a great discussion post ….erm Robin…is there a Robin here somewhere….
May 24, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
Right here, fella!
May 25, 2010 at 3:05 pm |
Hey Tony, thanks for checking out my blog:) Great to meet you here!
May 25, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
Hi Annabel,
hey I just realised we both have round avatars, SNAP!
Really enjoyed you blog, you have taken blog writing to an advanced level so its a wealth of knowledge for people wanting to learn the skill.
May 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
Round avatars rock, everyone will get them one day. Looks as if you’re enjoying life in your personal hot spot too:)
May 24, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
Thank you, Tony H. I’ll call you.
Best, Robin
May 24, 2010 at 9:51 pm |
Thank you, Tony. Excellent thinking. I will call you to discuss.
Best, Robin
May 26, 2010 at 6:27 am |
Hi Guys
Personally, I’m all for making things open and taking things onto Skype chats to talk through with people. I’m on a few community sites and private forums, and I just don’t use them – too much typing for me, and TBH too much of the same people. An open forum means new people easily get involved, and I can come and go without too much guilt, because there is conversation – like there is here.
I understand there is an issue of privacy and the need for safety – a way to have private vs public discussions would be nice.
It’s hard to say really! Of course I’m in though, whatever happens.
Scott
May 28, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
Here here! So over typing and writing, that’s what I do for work. Would love to talk to you all but meeting face to face would be even better. Are there any experts in teleportation to hand?
May 30, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
Let’s get some people together when you are next in Sydney!
May 30, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
Love that you’re *in* no matter what! Thank you, Scott.
Robin
May 27, 2010 at 10:22 pm |
Hi All – hope you dont mind my jump in here – every time I click into another one of Robin’s posts I find my mind whirling at a hundred miles an hour – its quite inspiring and energising
Many of you are talking about getting your message, skills and expertise out to small business community in Australia – and I operate in an ideal environment that could well be a good vehicle/conduit for this to happen – the bookkeeping network of Australia – this industry is at the forefront of “trust advisors” to the SME market in Australia – trust has to be established quickly and effectively for a bookkeeper to operate in the marketplace – we deal financial management of the business and in doing so the business owner has to trust the bookkeeper – in my 20yrs of experience I have seen the highs and lows of business operators, been trusted with bank account access, been a marriage counsellor, recruitment officer, mediator, business owner bodyguard, sounding board, shoulder to cry on, event organiser – the list of roles is endless
Im just a country girl but I have been fortunuate in my career to have had some strong mentors, I have worked extensively in community and regional development in Central West NSW through my role as a business favilitator, mentor and small business trainer with the Business Enterprise Centres of Lithgow and Bathurst – met some amazing people and yes Ive even had the time to get the data entry completed and financial obligations of my clients met – on this journey Ive had my ups and downs, raised my daughter (6 years as a single parent) and met the most incredible man (through the internet)who shares my passions and is now my husband and business partner
Ok thats the background sorry to bore you!
I have over the last 10 years built a reputation among the bookkeeping community by participating in a similar forum for bookkeepers and consultants and sharing my skills and expertise, speaking at conferences and seminars and training others – mostly for free I might add and I am now seen as a “leader” in this area – and now its time to generate the income through our new business venture Train, Nurture Grow a couple of bookkeeping heads providing skills through training, a comfortable nurturing environment for new entrants into the industry nad a dynamic growth environment for the more experienced who are always looking for ways to value add to their clients and grow their business!!!
The bookkeeping network in Australia is an incredible vehicle that has yet to be fully explored – you will find bookkeepers in every small town, regional and capital city across our land and they are at the coalface of SME business – would you like to take this journey with us???
Regards
Leanne
May 30, 2010 at 12:43 pm |
This is really interesting, Leanne. I would like to discuss your thoughts in detail. Perhaps a skype chat? Are you on skype?
Best, Robin
May 27, 2010 at 10:26 pm |
PS – Im on skype – just search for Leanne Berry
May 30, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
Hi Robin
Would love to have a chat and yes I am on skype – Leanne Berry
Look forward to hearing from you
May 30, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
Great, Leanne. I’ll be in touch!
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