You're Doing It Wrong and That's Okay

Different Colored Trees - Image Credit Mike Pennington used under Creative Commons Licence.
Dare to be Different.

Being different is something that doesn’t come easy to many. Stepping outside of social norms and doing things unexpected creates a very uncomfortable feeling for most people. Ironically, when you step outside of what people consider “normal” you start to get noticed.

Last night I shared a post on a social network about why I thought people were leaving. I didn’t specify that people were leaving faster than they were arriving, because that’s simply not true. What I was suggesting, however, is that certain improvements need to be made in order to regain the attention of the people that have turned their backs.

Immediately, after posting my thoughts, I was criticized for suggesting things that I wasn’t suggesting at all. The post ballooned into a thread of over 150 comments within two hours. People were clearly upset with the message I was conveying and wanted me to know why.

On the contrary, had I written a post about why so many people are coming, and why the network is the bees knees, I don’t feel that the level of interaction would have been nearly as high. In fact, I don’t think posting something that everyone agreed with would garner much interaction at all.

Within the thread of comments, someone suggested something that has had me thinking all day, the Abilene Paradox.

The Abilene Paradox basically suggests that people will always agree with the feelings of a group, regardless if they agree or disagree with the feelings themselves. People want to be accepted, they want to be cool like everyone else. Well, the problem with the Abilene Paradox happens when you’re trying to get noticed.

The Abilene paradox is a paradox in which a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of any of the individuals in the group. It involves a common breakdown of group communication in which each member mistakenly believes that their own preferences are counter to the group’s and, therefore, does not raise objections. A common phrase relating to the Abilene paradox is a desire to not “rock the boat”.

If you want to stand out in a crowd, you simply can’t do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes you need to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Try something different.

When you first do this, you are going to notice resistance. People are going to wonder why you are diverging from your normal course. You will likely get some negative feedback and an occasional splash of “Hatorade.” Don’t worry. This is normal.

The fact is, when you step outside of your norm and do something contrary to what people expect, it catches there attention. As long as you are doing this with good intentions, and occasionally, if warranted, an explanation, you’re doing alright.

Different Colored Trees - Image Credit Mike Pennington used under Creative Commons Licence.
Image Credit Mike Pennington used under Creative Commons Licence.

Don’t let any group of people tell you you’re doing it wrong, because what proof do they have that they’re doing it right? If you’re trying to blend in and stand out at the same time, you might need to address your priorities. Becoming relevant, authoritative or considered an expert in any field means that you need to explore all angles. Never leave a rock unturned.

In the end, when you challenge your own thoughts, your own ideas, your own course of action, you can learn a lot. If not from yourself, then definitely from the feedback you receive in doing so. Remember though, be receptive. You should listen to what people are saying and invest in a fresh perspective.

“If people aren’t making fun of you, you’re doing something wrong.” – My High School Band Director

Then again, you can always do what everyone else is doing in fear of hearing “You’re doing it wrong.” Let me know how that works out for you…

Image Credit Mike Pennington used under Creative Commons Licence.

How to Make It Work: Getting Published

This week I interviewed +Evo Terra about books.

This morning I hosted a +G+ On Air hangout with publishing expert +Evo Terra and discussed tips on how to become successful at publishing your own book.

During the podcast we talked about different publishing services and Evo’s two start-ups. Watch the video below to learn more and make sure you subscribe to my channel on +YouTube! (http://www.youtube.com/petergmcdermott)

Never Judge a Man by His Vocation

Garbage Man Learns Irish Language

When you think of your garbage man, you probably wouldn’t think of someone that studies foreign languages in their spare time. That’s because we profile people and come up with our own stereotypes. It’s sad, but we all do it. Here’s a great story of NYC Sanitation Worker Ed Shevlin and his passion for speaking the native tongue of the Emerald Isle.

I was reminded of this when I saw the NY Sanitation Department marching through the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Ed Shevlin Polishes His Irish While Collecting the Trash

Ed Shevlin, a city garbage collector, studies the Irish language and culture — and polishes his conversation skills with Irish speakers along his route in Queens.

Embracing Failure: Why Learning How to Fail Will Help You Succeed

Old Flying Machine
Old Flying Machine

One of the biggest things I have learned over the past few months is how important it is to fail. You can read about it from so many prominent authors, and hear about it from so many successfully people, but it won’t start to make sense until you start to embrace your failures.

Continue reading Embracing Failure: Why Learning How to Fail Will Help You Succeed

Do You Want to Make an Impact?

Do You Want to Make an Impact?
Do You Want to Make an Impact?

It seems as the global population grows, more and more people feel the need to “make an impact.” This philosophy of making a difference with your life has really got me thinking a lot about how the way we think is changing. As future generations become more and more “mainstream” there seems to be less diversity in our occupations and less time away from work.

America (and other Western countries) are shifting more and more towards service and away from industry. Not too long ago it was common to have coal miners and factory workers as your neighbors. They were good people, working hard for an honest living. Now, in the suburbs of America, it seems that most of us work in cube farms providing services for other individuals and businesses.

There is nothing terribly wrong with a shift from blue collar to white collar work, but it seems as though we are finding our jobs more and more mundane and they are taking up more and more of our time. No longer do we have 40-hour work weeks with worry-free weekends. Instead, we drag ourselves into the office each morning and try to pry ourselves out sometime in the evening. The work doesn’t stop there, though. Usually there is a Blackberry or other device constantly reminding us of our occupational duties.

I think that our increasing passion to make a difference comes from the separation of ourselves from our vocation. No one wants to be known as a “project contributor” and they probably don’t want to define their life by that. I, for one, want to die being “the person that…” and I don’t think I am alone.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson

It doesn’t matter what your passion is, but I bet you it probably isn’t related to your work. If you love doing what you do, then consider yourself lucky. But, if you are like so many other people, what drives you to be independent, to succeed at something? Is it money? Is it happiness, fame? Why do you want to make an impact?

If one thing is for certain (well two, if you count taxes) we have a limited amount of time to enrich our lives and the lives of others. So putting your nose to the grind and finding something that will benefit not only yourself, but others—and possibly society—is a huge desire.

“I like my job because it involves learning. I like being around smart people who are trying to figure out new things. I like the fact that if people really try they can figure out how to invent things that actually have an impact.” – Bill Gates

I would love to make an impact on the world, but I don’t think that is going to happen, so I’ll settle on making an impact to my audience. I have been working hard to create content, engage my audience and build a tribe. Hopefully when I move on to do other things, create other products and services, I might have a few members of that tribe standing behind me. But, as I am doing all of this I need to keep focused on what pays the bills and keeps the lights on at home.

Perhaps in a few years I will hit a breakthrough and finally find myself loving what I’m doing. Until then, I’m going to keep trying to put a dent in a few people’s trains of thought. The universe comes later.

Have You Ever Crawled Through the Mud In the Rain?

Why I am teaming up with +KOMU 8 News +Sarah Hill.

Lady with child in PET
Lady with child in PET

Person Energy Transportation (or P.E.T. for short) gives the gift of mobility to people all around the world that suffer from paralysis, disease and other circumstances which have caused them to lose their ability to walk. Each of these hand-cranked carts allows these individuals to use their own energy to power themselves through third world countries which lack the infrastructure that you and I take for granted every day.

For a mere $250, the P.E.T. organization can gather materials needed to construct a hand-powered cart that allows people lacking mobility to commute through their communities, find work and restore their personal freedom. No longer will they have to crawl on the ground or depend upon the support of others to get from point A to point B.

If you live in a metropolitan area like I do, you might take the infrastructure around you for granted. Most modern suburbs in the United States even boast sidewalks on every street. However, in countries like Honduras and Vietnam, accessibility is a major problem for most people. Especially those with mobility issues.

+Sarah Hill is undertaking a project to raise One Million Dollars which would fund the construction of over 4,000 P.E.T. carts and restore mobility, freedom and jobs to 4,000 people in third world countries who suffer at no fault of their own.

How +Sarah Hill Plans to Do It

Sarah will be using +Google+ Hangouts to her advantage. As she has integrated the technology into her +KOMU 8 News U_Newscasts, she will be offering people the opportunity to “sponsor” segments and get their name out in exchange for their donation to her project. With over 600,000 followers on +Google+ and the ability to touch people with her stories, I have no doubt that +Sarah Hill will be successful with her endeavors.

How You and +Peter G McDermott Plan to Help

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Since I don’t have 600,000 followers and don’t appear daily on an NBC affiliate, I’m going to depend on +The Internet to help me get the message out and show +Sarah Hill that the little guys can make a difference too.

Since my following count is about 5% of Sarah’s, I’m going to recruit you and all of your friends, family members and colleagues to help me raise $50,000 towards Sarah’s goal of $1 Million.

What’s In it For You?

If you have seen my YouTube videos or read my blog, you know that I am a fairly competent speaker, engager and story teller. I like sharing new ideas and innovation (you would know that if you ever read my profile). So, if you want to help me with this project of raising money, I want to help you with getting the word out about your product or service. I will be offering my consulting services and audience reach at no cost to those that help me raise funds and meet my modest goal of $50,000.

So what are you waiting for? If you want to join in, be sure to join my team on Crowd Rise: http://www.crowdrise.com/mcdermott/

Only $50,000 to Go!

How to Find Almost Anything on Google

It’s great to see that Google’s marketing team is starting to reach out to the non-geeks of the world and show them how to use features that more seasoned users like me already know how to use.

Sometimes you need to put things in context and remember that your aptitude in utilizing the Internet might be light years ahead of your friends and family. This quick video shows people that aren’t as technical as most of the people active in social media how to utilize some great time-saving features.

Continue reading How to Find Almost Anything on Google

Does Teamwork Work in Social Media?

Teamwork
Have We Forgotten Teamwork?

So, tonight, after attending a meeting for speakers interested in +PodCamp Nashville, I went out to dinner with the lovely +D’nelle Throneberry and talked about teamwork and how it relates to social media as a business strategy.

The first thing we talked about is something that “social media experts” are afraid to admit. Social media has grown so much that it is no longer under one umbrella. There are so many aspects of new media that one person can not simply master them all.

Currently the game is being played on a no-frills referral basis in this market. If you’re looking for WordPress, there’s someone for that. If you want to do a Twitter campaign, I can point you in the right direction. Looking for Drupal? There’s a couple of guys in town that do that…

Clearly, what I learned from our conversation and observing the relationships and businesses in this market, I know that everyone is really excited about social media. Especially the people that do it for a living. They are all working independently and love itWhy?

I can understand leaving your M-F 9-5 to become an independent entrepreneur and do what you love, but why do it alone when there is a team of people there all passionate about the same thing?

As this space continues to evolve, more technologies and networks start popping up, we are going to need more than just a few experts. Regardless, though, of how much it grows and changes, all of these things that propagate are all related. There is no reason we should work in silos. That’s why we left Corporate America in the first place, right?

I think that if a group of people with a diversified range of talents band together they will be much more successful than a bunch of people all out doing it on their own.

I don’t care how wide or great your referral network is, there is strength in numbers and if you band together, you can do amazing things. Teamwork is where it’s at.

What to Do with 15 Minutes Minutes of Free Time

What do you do when you have 15 minutes of extra time in your day?

Maybe a meeting ended early or you finished up a conversation 15 minutes before your next appointment. The bottom line is you have 15 minutes of free time that you need to capitalize on. So how do you do that? Continue reading What to Do with 15 Minutes Minutes of Free Time

Never Discount the Importance of Your Connections

I just had two incredible conversations with two of my favorite innovators within this space. How did we meet? Google+ Hangouts of course.

Although we might not talk all of the time or keep up with each other on a daily basis, when we feel the need to tap into each others’ creativity and critical thinking skills, we know we are there for each other.

Continue reading Never Discount the Importance of Your Connections