Truth be told, I didn’t expect to be writing this post at this very minute; after all, one wants one’s first blog post to be slightly more than just “why I’m here” blather, doesn’t one? However, I was given so much help today in working out some WordPress kinks by Joe Perez of Zealous Marketing, it reminded me all over again of the power of connection that we, as communicators, possess.
Why do we do what we do? And by that I mean “public relations,” “social media,” whatever you want to call it… I’m going to call it “communications.” It’s not the easiest of lifestyles – one is often on call. And it certainly isn’t for the money, though of course there are those who have made a most lucrative business of it.
Well, I do it because I love being able to use my talents as a communicator to bring people together and figure out how to use communications to reach a shared goal, to achieve common objectives. It’s not always easy, since everyone doesn’t start out talking the same language at first. But it sure is fulfilling when we finally get there.
I believe – at least, I hope – that’s the reason most of us do it. Good communication enables powerful connection. And that connection can have a positive impact on lives at micro and macro levels which, in turn, can influence the way the world turns.
That power of connection blew me away today, when thanks to my Twitter community, I received expert help within minutes, and that was just for an issue I was having with this little blog (if you’ve been plagued by similar issues, by the way, check out Joe’s “Installing Google Analytics on WordPress” video). Imagine that power of connection at macro levels; what great possibilities lie within a communicator’s hands.
Point. Click. Connect. That’s all it takes.
[…] On January 10th, this blog turns seven. Isn’t that crazy?! It feels like just yesterday that I was writing my first post. […]
[…] in all, GSB rocked. It brought home the point of connection. Heck, it was a point of connection. Isn’t that what business is […]
[…] my community, have been very good to me – from egging me on when I started this blog a whopping 11 months ago, to helping me find Darby the GSD a home. I hope I’ve been good for […]
[…] I’m here because you are. […]
[…] When I started this blog, I had nothing of the kind. […]
[…] Isn’t that the whole point of social media… the point of connection? […]
[…] returned from CA reminded of the power of connection, of ideas, of […]
[…] think my theme is connection. That’s what my very first post was about, and that’s what I keep coming back to, when I write, or teach, or work with […]
[…] returned from CA reminded of the power of connection, of ideas, of people. And if I’d simply said, “This doesn’t look like there’s enough in it […]
[…] that the whole point of social media… the point of connection? So if you have read all the way through to the end of this post, I thank […]
[…] My first post, for example. Even though I’d secured the URL, etc., I still hesitated over what, exactly, the first post should be. […]
[…] When I started this blog, I had nothing of the kind. […]
[…] here because you are. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or Subscribe by Email. Thanks for […]
[…] my community, have been very good to me – from egging me on when I started this blog a whopping 11 months ago, to helping me find Darby the GSD a home. I hope I’ve been good for […]
[…] in all, GSB rocked. It brought home the point of connection. Heck, it was a point of connection. Isn’t that what business is […]
By the way… your blog name – good for a PR Blog. Bad for a hair removal service.
I’m just sayin’.
Great to see you online Shonali. Now if only you could talk about how some awesome people have helped you prove that social media can lead to paying gigs! (Like on Twitter and stuff.)
If only…
Congratulations on your first post:) Look forward to reading more on your blog!
[…] Point. Click. Connect. | Waxing UnLyrical Congrats @shonali on your new blog I am really glad Shonali Burke started her blog and going by her first post it is going to be terrific. (tags: pr blog social media dc blogs) […]
Congratulations Shonali! What an interesting post.
Effective communication is not all that easy. It seems as if the more tools all of us have the harder it is to really communicate. I thought your piece was inspiring.
cheers, Sandy
Congrats! Looking forward to insightful articles about effective communication, ROI, and metrics (and how to apply them).
Is Facebook a ‘Dandy Social’ option? If so, did you not want to add it?
Congratulations Shonali!
Love the title and content. I look forward to reading more and seeing where life takes you in 2009!
Kevin
[…] Point. Click. Connect. | Waxing UnLyrical Congrats @shonali on your new blog I am really glad Shonali Burke started her blog and going by her first post it is going to be terrific. (tags: pr blog social media dc blogs) […]
Yipeee ! You rock, liked the title of the blog. congrats on the launch. Can’t wait for more posts
Congrats on your first post! I look forward to great things written in this space because I know how powerful your ideas and passion are in the offline world.
Your first post captures what this social space is all about…collaboration. Pinpointing the title associated with this action is mute. We are communicators.
Good luck!
Hi Shonali,
Terrific and apropos first post. Your blogging life is off to a great start.
Best,
Daria
Ah, looks like you have already become a rockstar in the blog world!
You are absolutely right about how it’s not all about money and more about using our talents to communicate better. Well said :)
I’ll keep watching this space for more.
Cheers.
Welcome to blogdom, fellow PR professional!
Congrats on getting your site up and running and for posting a fantastic first blog entry. Wow, and to think that just a few months ago I was having you walk me through what Twitter was. Little did I know you’d turn into such an authority! Best of luck with this and with the consulting. I look forward to checking back often.
Shonali,
I am SO EXCITED to be here as your blog kicks off. What a great first post to launch this new adventure for you.
The absolute and utter power of great communication is what keeps me coming back to this crazy field over and over again. When human beings use words to somehow find common ground, it’s the coolest thing ever.
Congrats to you on getting this started, and know that you have my full and unwavering support. Go get ’em!
Best,
Amber
Congratulations on getting started! I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say.
The design and title are unique and functional. You have my approval :) Good luck with this project!
Shonali:
Great title, great post … a fine example of communication. Love the blog :-)
@BrickandClick on Twitter
Yea! Waxing UnLyrical is live! I promise you, you WON’T regret going with WordPress.
And a very bloggy welcome to your own (non-tweet) space.
The first post is the hardest, for sure, and I love how this springs directly from your social network activity. Looking forward to hearing more in-depth commentary from one of my favorite social media mavens.
Welcome to the world of blogging! Great post, you nailed it! congratulations..
Shonali.
Congratulations! It’s always hard getting the first thing of anything done, so you are over the hump.
Just curious – if you go with the option of being a consultant, do you plan to use this as your public-facing platform, or have a Web site?
I do self-hosted Word Press as well, so it would be easy to add a portfolio, contact, etc.
My two cents – and I love the design.
Mark
Even now, I’m awed by the opportunities we have to connect and communicate with others around the world.
I look forward to reading your posts…
Saw your tweet about the new blog and had to check it out. You had me sold with the post title, “Point. Click. Connect.” That’s it in a nutshell. Social networking connections can become face to face friends, not to mention clients or colleagues. You’re off to a great start — I look forward to reading more.
Shonali – Congrats on your first blog posting. When you have the right connection with the right folks on the right issue, PR people can achieve a lot for their clients and meet their goals. Thanks for articulating that; looking forward to following your blog!
-Stacey