Archive for July, 2009

Random Acts of Kindness?

I am very lucky to have lived in Denmark, Spain, Norway, Japan, Australia, and Greece, and have visited more than thirty other counties. For me international travel has been a great education.

It started in my sophomore year in college. While playing goalie for the Oneonta State Red Dragons soccer team I sustained a compound fracture in my right hand. After surgery I was informed that I had to skip the next season. I was one of only two Americans on the close-knit team. There were players from England, France, Poland, Cameroon, Haiti, Israel, Portugal and other countries. They encouraged me to attend the next semester at a university overseas. After all they came to the United States more for the experience than to play soccer. Known as football throughout the rest of the world, the sport of soccer is much bigger abroad than here in the USA. Football is the national sport of many countries.

Finding New Friends and Creating Relationships on the Web

In promoting my third book, A History of Horses Told by Horses, I am learning to embrace social media marketing, including Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. I’ve been using Twitter for six weeks now and have met many terrific, interesting and savvy people.

On Twitter, you’re allowed 140 characters when sending a tweet. It may seem short, but you can get in quite a mouthful. No one ever said networking had to be a long drawn out novel, sometimes shorter is better. Don’t underestimate the power of short and quick replies because with the right words they can be very effective.

These 7 tips will show exactly how you can get the most out of your networking efforts on Twitter.

1. Start by using your real name on your profile, upload a real photo of yourself and fill out your bio. Your bio is about you and not your business. People want to know they are talking to a person. Your website link will take care of your business.

Giving Thanks for Health, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

The original intention of this particular blog was to share in the celebration of America’s birthday, the 4th of July. Waving the red, white, and blue punctuated with a barbecue, followed by fireworks. Revelry meant to be shared with friends. Yet my fingers on the keyboard seem to be taking me in a different direction. I will try to follow their course.

I am very lucky in experiencing good health, in spite of a bout with cancer, and pursuing a life that centers on helping others. Yet at times, I am haunted with melancholy. Why? I am not sure but one way I combat it, without fully revealing its presence, is with the help and support of family and friends. I do not thank them enough. Do you experience this? Does most everyone? I’m not sure but the rollercoaster of life still puzzles me and makes it one thrilling and sometimes frightening ride.