One person that can make a difference

Found this quote today from R. Buckminster Fuller. Was actually looking for a different one about making a difference… but this one is great too.

Never forget that you are one of a kind.

Never forget that if there weren’t any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn’t be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world.

In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person.

Richard Buckminster Fuller

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-03-29

• I know it’s old but still thrilled at the innovation that is: hear song in Starbucks, go to iTunes on my iphone, artist/song listed, BUY. #
• Matching business mentors with mentorees (women business owners) for Mentoring program which starts 25 March. Always a challenging maze. #
• I’m such a sop! Reviewing mentoree applications (I’m matching them to mentors) and their passion and business dreams/goals have me in tears. #
• Mad dash to pack and exit hotel room before extended checkout time. One day I swear I’ll be running early for a checkout! #
• Been playing in social media space for a while and now ready to build yr community & create conversations with clients? http://bit.ly/t2iZ9 #
• Are you using squarespace as a blog platform? I hear it’s pretty good. Our designer may freak:-) if we change platform but — just asking! #
• Listening to net@Night podcasts. I am 3 weeks behind which is ok. Fun to do backtoback episodes. Not subscribed? Find it on US iTunes site. #
• In the SFO British Airways Lounge (that’s where they put Qantas folks). Coolest bit is u walk from lounge onto plane without going to gate! #
• Back in Sydney. Today: final session of current mentoring program and launching next program tomorrow. 3 hours off the plane and racing. #
• Just a few mins before Business Performance Management session with mentorees. Let’s see if they’ve done their Business Review Checklists. #
• Amazon is having a special on “Dummies” Social Media books until the end of the Month… some good titles. http://bit.ly/zxyPp #
• When was the last time you looked at yr business performance? Margins? Pricing? Profit? Expert advice to our mentorees today on MentorNet. #
• Asking: What process do u have in place to review yr business performance? Funny what we DON’T make important when busy or times are tough. #
• Lots more Aussie women seem to have joined Twitter. Could it be Social Media Month newsletter? (Pat, pat on back?) http://jijr.com/Nz5 #
• Cashing in a Christmas gift voucher for massage. Massage + jetlag is likely combination for some zzzzzzzs. #
• Up early (still on US time tho back in Sydney) Good opp to prepare for the launch of today’s business women’s mentoring program! #
• Today: Staff meetings, Launch new mentoring program, Prepare for Board Meeting, Catch up on outstanding marketing todos. And …. Breathe! #
• Mentors are now briefed and ready to go. They generously volunteer their time to mentor on our 6-month program. Amazing generosity, huh? #
• Mari Smith penned this 4 our member newsletter: 10 Reasons to Use the #1 Social Network for Business http://short.to/2txw Thanks @MariSmith #
• RT @SilkCharm: Facebook strategy. Signup as yrself. Create a business PAGE. Create ad strategy around that. ‘Tis not hard, boys and girls. ) #
• Started listening to Crowd Sourcing on the plane yesterday. I was so excited I wanted to hear it at triple speed pace. http://bit.ly/G7e2O #
• Briefing new mentorees on what they can expect from the MentorNet program and the 6 months of mentoring they are about to begin. Exciting. #
• Proofing our weekly member bulletin. Why is it that I can still catch errors on the fifth read-through? Hmmmm. #
• RT @guykawasaki: How Twitter can make you a better copywriter http://adjix.com/jpv4 [SD: Clarity, brevity - better writing skills explored] #
• Sneezing and spluttering… not good. Have a business webinar to run later . Off to down some Vitamin C. Wanna make me chicken soup? #
• It’s like a blind date today at the Australian Businesswomen’s Network when MentorNet mentorees meet their mentors for the 1st time. Fun! #
• Have u caught this month’s Social Media edition of the Women in Business eNewsletter? Tips/strategies/interviews etc. http://snipr.com/eashw #
• Listening to a binaural track for being centered, organized & reenergized. Created by @JamesBurgin and @BettyPearce. Hope it clears my head. #
• Got hru the Meet Your Mentor session without spluttering too much from this cold. Had my low (sore throat but sound like a vixen) voice on. #
• Got thru the Meet Your Mentor session without spluttering too much from this cold. Had my low (sore throat but sound like a vixen) voice on. #
• Board meetings seem to come around so quickly. Good way to keep me on top of/accountable for big goals. My Advisory Board is gold to me. #
• Great board meeting this morning-Productive, big picture thinking. Love working with smart women! Now gotta do some small picture detail. #
• How can you tweet yourself to success? Here’s what @sarahprout wrote for our member newsletter. http://is.gd/pbqs #
• RT @guykawasaki: Legal drinking ages around the world. http://adjix.com/2epr [My partying compatriots in Greece have no min age limit. Opa!] #
• RT @JamesBurgin: #FollowFriday Two smart Suzi’s on two sides of the planet: @SuziDafnis (OZ) and @SuziPomerantz. (US) Must be in the name. #
• Got my Zappos Culture book following SXSW promise from CEO Tony Hseih. Have you seen this thing? http://bit.ly/RRbWG #
• RedBalloon is a great e.g.of Aussie business that has integrated social media into business strategy. Interview w-CEO http://snipr.com/encch #
• Forgot it was earth hour til shortly ago. Then guiltily ran around the house turning out lights explaining to NZ houseguest. Sorry earth. #
• Sydney is just divine today! Great for lunch with harbour views and good friends —- Work projects can wait! #

Business Culture Lessons from Zappos billion dollar experience

On of the highlights for me from South by South West’s Interactive festival this year was the keynote from Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, a $1 billion dollar online business that sells shoes (and quite a few other things).

According to Tony Hsieh, backbone of the Zappos success story is its commitment to customer service and to its culture and building a powerful context within which. This culture defines your decisions, those you recruit to fulfil the company vision and (in Zappos case) your customer relationships.

At the end of his presentations (some highlights below) he offered to send the audience (yes, all thousands of us) a copy of Zappo’s culture manual.

Being ever-conscious of not wanting to waste his money (the company turns over billions did I say?), I decided that since

1. I was in Australia and
2. both my partner PJ and I were attending

that we’d just put our names down to receive one copy.

I wondered whether they’d actually mail it to Sydney.

It arrived yesterday and here’s a couple of things.

1. It’s a whopper It’s over 500 pages of insider information (including warts and all stories from employees) and covers Training, Merchandising, Business Development etc. – an insight into the culture and values of this powerful organisation. What inspires them to hand out this to thousands of people? Pretty amazing in my eyes.
2. It’s compelling reading It’s sitting on our dining table so that we can enjoy bite-size pieces of it over the coming weeksI am a big believer in culture and ritual and identifying what it is that is true and important for you to have in your workplace. As a business owner I am challenged to define the culture and ensure we stay congruent to it. About Zappos Culture In his talk which you can watch if you go here, Tony talked about Culture being your “committable core values” and asked:

Are you willing to hire and fire according to these values?

Here are those that I managed to jot down:

10 Rules of Culture from Zappos

1. Deliver Wow through service
2. Embrace and drive change
3. Create fun and a little weirdness
4. Be adventurous, creative and open-minded
5. Pursue growth and learning
6. Build open and honest relationships with communication
7. Build a positive team and family spirit
8. Do more with less
9. Be passionate and determined
10. Be humble Watch the video for a better look at the Zappos organisation.

Oh, and here’s a really bad mug-shot of the two of us.

I’d seen Tony the week previously on TV when he was guest on Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice show and on TV he came across quite shy and humble.

In real-life he also excuded a humble air which surprised me and which I found interesting, cause people do success so very differently, don’t they?

Barrack Obama interview One of Jay Leno’s career highlights. What’s yours?

The other night Jay Leno ended his interview with Barack Obama by saying:

“This has been one of the best nights of my life.”

No doubt, being the first host to have a sitting president on your show was a career highlight for Jay Leno.

And understandably so. It was a solid interview where both men ‘held their own’, had friendly conversation and engaged the viewers.

Jay Leno has hosted The Tonight Show since 1992.  And, while I’m sure he’s had many career highlights – I was really happy for him to have had this highlight – especially as he moves towards the end of this gig as Today Show host.

A couple of things came into focus for me watching this show:

PRACTISING YOUR CRAFT
Jay Leno has ‘practised’ on many guests before this interview. He’s been honing his skills for thousands of hours. He’s interviewed the biggest names, he’s a masterful interviewer and he was as ready as anyone could be to host this interview.

Assuming we still have many thousands of hours left on the planet… what skills/vision for our lives do we want to spend time mastering?

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

In his newest book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell explains that studies have also shown that excellence at a complex task requires a minimum level of practice, and experts have settled on 10,000 hours as the magic number for true expertise.

Outliers: The Story of Success


I started to think about my career highlights – and while I’m sure the best is yet to come for me – there are a number that stand out for me already. (Will save those for another post!).

My notes to self:

• What am I practising?
• What have I put thousands of hours into becoming a master at?
• What am I (or do I want to) put time and energy into today that will influence my future career and life highlights?

Amazon is having a special on Social Media books until the end of the Month

Amazon in the US is having a sale til the end of the month. Taking into consideration both exchange rate and discounted prices, I think there are still good deals here on books that you may or may not be able to find locally in Australia.

The Dummies range is really practical and perfect for beginners. I particularly find their checklists and language really works well to give me both the theory and the action to take.

If you choose ’slow’ delivery it can be pretty cost effective. I thought it was too good a deal to not let you know about. So.. here are the titles on special. Click to see more information and to order.

Let me know if you go ahead and get any and what you think.
Suzi

- Sent by Catherine McFarlane on behalf of Suzi Dafnis

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-03-22

• Community guidelines create the context for participation. Just like the corporate culture in good organisations does. Makes sense. #sxsw #
• Is your community fun like Govt or like a party at your house? What happens when ppl offend is treated differently w-these styles. #sxsw #
• Geeks need sleep – even when you don’t have time! [new site from @JamesBurgin and @BettyPearce] http://www.soundslikesleep.com #
• Very excited. Guy Kawasaki and Chris Anderson interview is going great. ” I want to walk the talk.” C. Anderson talking about his book Free. #
• It’s easier to achieve popularity than to monetise it. … The conversation between Chris Anderson and Guy Kawasaki at #sxsw #
• Free-mium (e.g. premium) – is the opposite of premium – you give away 99% to sell the 1% that you make money on. C. Anderson – #sxsw #
• If U cn convert 5% of yr users 2 paid, then U cn make good $. C. Anderson (author of new book “Free”) Guy Kawasaki – this isn’t easy.- #sxsw #
• If you do not make your product free, piracy will make it free for you. (radical thought from C Anderson) #sxsw #
• The idea of openness, free, sharing is easy to grasp. Its the business model that trips things up in people’s thinking. #free #
• RT @MellisaMcJunkin: – So, 2 Irish guys walk into a bar. You’d think one of ‘em woulda seen it. (SD: for @Mari Smith StPats Day Champion) #
• Mentoree says: My Eyes Were Opened to a Whole New Way of Working and Communicating — with @thepowertobe — http://jijr.com/DyH #
• About to start social media webinar with Australian BUsinesswomen’s Network. Guest speaker is @AnneBB. #
• but we are still ‘closed’ to public #
• We are flying now in the How to Use social Media webinar w- @AnneBB & the Australian Businesswomen’s Network. Awesome conversation. #
• RT @thepowertobe: Just finished fantastic webinar about Social Media – BIG THANKS to @annebb and @suzidafnis!!! #
• Woke up at 3am after dream in which I couldn’t decide whether to tweet or blog! Is this some new disorder that needs a name? #
• Networking Without Leaving Your Desk | new video on | BNET Video – with yours truly. http://tinyurl.com/networkingfromdesk #
• Social media optimisation is gaining more traction as it delivers strong results for those using it in the right way. http://snipr.com/do07p #
• Going over recent member feedback on our shopping-cart process. Time-consuming but getting good feedback on things that we can fix/improve. #
• A wee video I shot recently for BNet online channel on how to Network without Leaving Your Desk. Let me know if u like. http://bit.ly/EsSKL #
• You just cannot get good Mexican food in Sydney. In Texas however u sure can. Margarita any1? Rocks no salt for me http://twitpic.com/28ecr #
• In case u missed it during the #sxsw keynote. Chris Anderson (The Long Tail)’s new book out “Free” in July. Yeah. http://tinyurl.com/ddryoc #
• More correctly – Chris Anderson’s (The Long Tail) new book – “Free” out in July. Oh words, u trip me up sometimes. http://tinyurl.com/ddryoc #
• Doin’ an “I just bought a “livescribe pen” dance. I have my new productivity weapon. Yeah. http://twitpic.com/28wk1 #
• Is Facebook likely to change verbage from “Fan” Page 2 something more business-like? Still feel stupid asking contacts 2 join my Fan page. #
• Impromptu ‘bookmarking’ class with @JamesBurgin coming up. Better high tail it. Looking forward to some new skills that I can share. #
• Social Networking: 7 Big Mistakes and How to Avoid Them by@MicheleConnolly — http://short.to/22s1 #
• Watching Jay Leno interview Barack Obama and really doing a good job of it. Must be a career highlight for Jay. http://twitpic.com/29ncb #
• “Most of what got us into trouble was perfectly legal. There was no law to protect people.” — Barack Obama on Jay Leno’s program #
• Barack looking at credit line for small businesses outside of relying on banks. — Obama on Jay Leno’s show (That sounds like a great idea.) #
• RT @katetribe: #surveytip Check & remove questions that ask about 2 things at once. U won’t know if the answer is for 1 or an avrge of both. #
• Stealing some last minute sxsw vibes. Retro Rock band playing at Joe’s cafe. Some days I miss my rockgig’chick days:-) [?] #
• Tweet Yourself to Success by @SarahProut — Great, easy to follow tips. http://jijr.com/DyF #
• No recent tweets @JamesBurgin ? Must be head-down working on new site now @peterdjohnston & I have left town http://www.soundslikesleep.com #
• If u have the Weekend Australia paper today and the Australian Businesswomen’s Network is in it let me know? Doubt I’ll find a copy in SFO. #
• Just checked in to the St Regis hotel in SFO. Opulence, luxury, divine detail. I love beautiful hotels. mmmmm. #
• “The key thing about any new technology is whether it creates a bigger market than it cannibalizes” -Thomas Lesinski in BusinessWeek #
• Is it okay if I move into the SFO St Regis hotel? I’ve stayed in lots of nice hotels but this one is uber-gorgeous. http://www.stregis.com #
• Asking ‘friend requests’ to instead join the Australian Businesswomen’s Network Page and Facebook tells me I’m engaging in bad behaviour! #
• Looking at the profiles of new followers. Some people have really strange followers/following/updates ratios! e.g. nofriends/stalker/silent #
• So excited to connect with more Australian Businesswomen’s Network members on Twitter. Welcome aboard ladies! It’s gonna be a fun ride. #

Why your small business is a vital part of the economy

This weekend’s Weekend Australian newspaper includes a story titled: Viability Aside, New Enterprise is Vital to a Strong Economy

Australian Businesswomen’s Network member Cathy Cousins and I participated in this interview a number of weeks ago. In fact, Cathy referred the journalist to me (a great networker she is!).

If anything, the advice that I share on the importance of Networking, Education and Mentoring are even more relevant today than just a few weeks ago.

Here’s an expansion on what are quoted as my ‘golden rules’. They work, regardless of the economy!

Education: I truly believe that education is the cornerstone of success. Importantly it doesn’t have to be tertiary, academic education. Just figure out where your knowledge-gaps are and read online, download audio books, buy paper books, attend seminars, webinars etc. etc….

Now is a great time to upgrade your skills. The way that small businesses can do business has changed, partly because of the technology that is available to us. Do you understand, for instance, how social media and social networks can help you grow your business? (Here’s an interview I did recently for BNet TV on Networking without leaving your desk that may help.)

Mentoring: I’m very passionate about mentoring as a tool for business. That’s why the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s (ABN) MentorNet mentoring program for women is something that I ‘harp on’ about and encourage women to participate in. A structured mentoring program (regardless of your gender) will introduce you to education, experience and networks that will help propel your business knowledge and your confidence. What’s the role a mentor? Here’s our definition.

Networking: Right now, when so many people are experiencing hurdles in business they’ve never had to face (and even for those that are sailing smooth), who knows you is more important than who you know. I again, encourage you to stay connected with those that matter, join new groups/networks of like-minded people with whom you can share ideas and resources, and be network-worthy i.e. rather then seeing what is in every situation for you – see how you can contribute

These rules have been the underlying foundations for me from when I first started my career. I believe they still hold true.

The Weekend Australian article also quoted ABN member Cathy Cousins of Sweet Little Things.

Network without leaving your desk

Like most businesswomen, I’m extremely busy. I need to make the most of my time and the more that I can achieve from my desk, the better.

So when I was invited (by Flying Solo’s Robert Gerrish) to be a part of a B-Net Business Network interview I took the opportunity to use it to talk about one of my favourite subjects. How to Network Without Leaving Your Desk.

The interview was released this week. It’s about 7 minutes long and it gives you some quick tips on using technology to network from your desk!

Here’s a link to the video now: Networking Without Leaving Your Desk | Suzi Dafnis

By the way, I’m currently writing a course on ways to network without leaving your desk. If you have ideas you’d like to contribute I’d be happy to hear them. Just send me a comment here or email us (see the envelope symbol at the top of this page).

Flying Solo is Australia’s community for solo & micro business. Check out their newsletter and great resources on their site.

Why Twitter is like a box of Lego

I started ‘tweeting’ regularly in October 2008. Since then it’s become a major distraction/addiction/pastime and strategic tool for business.

When people ask: “What is Twitter?” I often reply by saying “it’s a micro-blogging platform that allows you to share information using 140 characters at at time”.

Then… I realise I’m telling them the FEATURES… but what they really want to know are the BENEFITS.

So, here is what the BENEFITS have been for me. I have been able to:

• Network with like-minded people across the globe with whom I can network, exchange ideas and learn from and with
• Be inspired by thought leaders I respect
• Find resources that I can share with my network members
• Share ideas and the lessons that I’m learning as I navigate the business owner journey
• Make new friends and laugh at the silliness that is sometimes my life
• Sharpen my writing skills and ability to be succinct in my written communication
• Discover new resources and tools to help my grow my business
• Be a part of an interesting community that enriches me

And, it’s been the major contributor to my team of thought leaders, friends and resources. It’s also a way for me to share knowledge, resources, and support my community of women in business.

All that said, here is the best explanation I have heard (by whom I cannot recall but it was this week at the South by South West Festival):

Twitter is like a box of Lego. It’s whatever you make of it.

So, go play.

1. Sign up at www.twitter.com (choose a name that makes sense and don’t try to be cute )
2. Look for thought leaders to follow (If you need some hints look thru the list of people following me – there are some great thinkers there.)
3. Sit back and watch the conversation
4. Contribute in a way that adds value

Cheers,
Suzi

P. S. Just an FYI – I am soooo bad at Lego. I’ve never been able to make anything more than a, um… , tower!  I’m in awe of people that can create something to look like anything!

Suzi on Twitter

How do you monetize social media?

I’ve been at the preeminent technology festival, South by South West for the last three days. As you’d expect, much of the content in presentations is about, or touches on social media.

We’re using multiple hash-tags, showing twitter-roll on the screens in the seminar rooms, populating new social networking sites and connecting in the flesh with Twitter friends we’ve met online.

The question of “How do you monetize Social Media?” keeps popping its persistent but ugly head only to be knocked down by panelists.

Here are a few of their (consistent and often repeated) responses:

Add value to your community

Stop trying to be the top-ranking, most followed. Instead focus on providing what your community needs and wants.

Start tracking the right things

Page views, individual visitors, names on a database are all dead metrics.  They are short-term and will not reflect the strength and power of your community. Consumer happiness, referrals are more relevant measures.

Give more than you receive

Share, connect, contribute to your community. Why are they part of your community? Learn and then share knowledge/resources, even if it means sending them to your competitor.

Be relevant

Stop broadcasting information and start to engage in conversations that are relevant to you community needs

Seek out and respond to feedback

Even the very worst feedback should be acknowledged and appreciated. If someone takes the time to give you feedback it shows that they WANT to engage but you’ree making it tough for them. (Ok, total nutters that rant are an exception.)

Yes, it sounds all soft and fluffy – but I think they are right.

Oh.. and the money… apparently it will come.

Are you willing to try, and then trust?

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