Archive for May, 2008

Waging Peace

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good living · Tagged , ,

by Cate Montana of The Global Intelligencer

Peace is breaking out all over.

If you get your news from mainstream TV and radio, you probably haven’t noticed. But here are a few startling statistics the networks have overlooked in their rush to promote the usual stories of crime, corruption, terrorism and war.

  • More lasting peace initiatives have been successful in the last 15 years than over the last two or three centuries combined.
  • More individuals and private groups are involved in effective grass roots peace-making and conflict resolution efforts than ever before.
  • Thirty years ago the great majority of the world’s governments were autocratic, totalitarian regimes with democracies far in the minority. Today approximately 70% of world governments are democratic.1

With our attention fixed on “the problems,” we rarely hear stories like the one about the philanthropist who subsidized a group of 8,000 Transcendental Meditation practitioners to engage in group meditation twice a day from 1988 to 1990, near New Delhi, India.

During this same period, the seven year war between Iraq and Iran came to an end. The Soviet Union’s brutal invasion of Afghanistan was called to a halt. In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet Union dissolved, and the Cold War, which had held the world teetering on the brink of extinction for forty years, simply evaporated. Coincidence? Not hardly.

There is a technology of peace, and many organizations and individuals have been utilizing it for a long time. The most prominent is the Maharishi University of Management, based in Fairfield, Iowa, founded by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

With a university degree in physics, Maharishi was determined to ground the ancient science and meditation practices of the Vedas in modern scientific understanding and terminology. In line with his stated goals to “bring enlightenment to every individual on Earth, and to establish a state of permanent peace in the world,” he established the university in 1971 to not only provide an excellent academic and holistic education for students from around the world, but also to take meditation mainstream by providing scientific proof that meditation is effective in reducing stress, and inducing calmness, peace and mental/emotional fortitude.

World renowned physicist John Hagelin, responsible for the development of a highly successful grand unified field theory based on the Superstring, is Director of the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy at the university and a professor of physics. Along with Hagelin, scientists at the university have meticulously conducted over 600 scientific studies on the effects of meditation, and have been awarded nearly $20 million in federal research grants over the years to continue their investigations.

From this research, the effectiveness of meditation as a world-wide peace inducing technology has been extrapolated. “Reality is really one of unity, one of awareness, and universal consciousness,” says Hagelin. “With the discovery of the Unified Field, we are witnessing a total transformation of human knowledge — from the isolated understanding of specific laws of nature to the holistic understanding of the unity of existence.”

Transcendental Meditation, also known as TM, is not just healthy for the individual, it’s healthy for the planet and everyone on it. By tapping into the peace of the unified field, individuals meditating alone or in groups, literally emanate the qualities of unity, oneness and peace that characterize this underlying quantum level of reality. Studies have even revealed the number of meditating participants necessary worldwide to effect optimum change: either one percent of the earth’s population of 6.5 billion, (6.5 million), or the square root of one percent which is (maybe you guessed it already) approximately 8,000.

Because of wave amplification dynamics, having that number meditating in one large group, such as in the New Delhi experiment, is ideal. However it is also effective having smaller groups around the world meditating. To this end, Hagelin is helping establish the University of Peace worldwide, with the main campus in Iowa.

The goal to establish one University of Peace near every state capital in the U.S. is currently underway, and campuses are already in place in over 100 countries. In India, about 175 small campuses, with an average of 350 students each, have been established. One campus is being created in Washington D.C. “Which is not enough to bring peace to the world,” says Hagelin, “but it is enough to bring a very powerful source of peace to the United States and particularly in and around Washington D.C. where the influence of peace and sanity is perhaps most critically needed.”

The Lebanon study

One of the most well-known, and best controlled studies of the peace-creating effects of group meditation occurred during the Lebanese civil war in the early 1980s. With Israeli troops heavily involved, the situation around Beirut and the Chouf mountains was rapidly creating a middle-eastern powder keg. Into this arena in 1983, Drs. Charles Alexander and John Davies at Harvard University, in collaboration with Maharishi University of Management researchers, brought 200 experienced meditators, setting up a group base in Jerusalem along with local Israeli meditators, for a period of two months. In addition, a smaller group was formed in Lebanon, containing both Muslim and Christian meditators, and five other larger groups were established at various distances from Lebanon, ranging from 2,000 in Yugoslavia to 8,000 in the US, at intervals over a 2¼ year period.

“The Lebanese participants were heavily at risk doing this,” says Davies, co-director of the Partners in Conflict and Partners in Peacebuilding Projects at the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland. “If their fellow countrymen had known that Muslims and Christians were talking with each other, let alone meditating in harmony, they would have been killed.”

The results were highly significant. After controlling statistically for weather changes, Lebanese and Muslim, Christian and Jewish holidays, police activity, fluctuation in group sizes, and other variant influences, during the course of the study violence in Lebanon decreased between 40 to 80 percent each time a meditating group was in place, depending upon the measure and statistical approach used. This pattern was replicated seven consecutive times between 1983 and 1985. During the period each of the seven groups was in place, the average number of people killed during the war per day dropped from twelve to three, a decrease of more than 70%; war-related injuries fell by 68%; the intensity level of conflict dropped by 48%; and cooperation among antagonists increased by 66%. And the effects didn’t stop there. Violent crime incidents, auto accidents and fires in both Lebanon and Israel also decreased significantly during each of the studies.

According to an analysis of the results by the Maharishi School of Management, “the likelihood that these combined results were due to chance is less than one part in 1019, making this effect of reducing societal stress and conflict the most rigorously established phenomenon in the history of the social sciences.”

In 1988, Alexander and Davies’ meticulous findings on the very first study in 1983 were published in the prestigious Journal of Conflict Resolution. But the backlash of criticism was formidable, and it was another 15 years before Davies’ research showing that results were replicated seven times over with different groups could be presented in another peer-reviewed journal.

Peace from the bottom up

It is precisely because of the closed-minded attitudes of mainstream scientific organizations and publications, mainstream politics and mainstream journalism, that individuals such as Maharishi, Hagelin and Davies are taking peace-creating initiatives to the streets, teaching individuals how to transform their personal lives and showing them how they can make a difference in the world.

“Our most important responsibility as citizens is to create peace in our own lives,” says Davies. “We have to move beyond hypocrisy if we’re going to make peace. You can’t impose peace in a complex society, such as we’re living in now, through simply dictating what’s right and what’s wrong while not living up to your own standards. The first step of responsibility, which applies to all of us, is to be able to look to our own lives and see if we’re living and being the peace we want to create.”

Davies works to create peaceful solutions to political rivalries around the world through conflict resolution with Partners in Conflict and Partners in Peacebuilding Projects. His organization helped resolve an often violent Peru — Ecuador conflict over disputed territory when private citizens of both nations agreed to meet at the Maryland headquarters. “The solution that came up in our workshops was, let’s make this a bi-national park that honors the people that have died on both sides fighting over this sacred ground, and have shared sovereignty,” says Davies. “So that met the needs of both sides — it was win-win — and was incorporated as the basis for an official peace agreement.”

His organization has also been involved in mitigating tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, contributing to an agreement on how the very limited water supplies there could be managed. Civilian workshops eventually arrived at a solution where people’s basic needs would be met at a low cost within budget parameters, while higher rates were established for irrigation and luxury use and water waste minimized. “Since those agreements emerged, water issues are no longer a deal breaker for a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” says Davies. “And that’s still the case.”

Davies is clear about the need for taking personal responsibility for creating peace. By uplifting one’s thoughts and expanding attitudes through meditation, people can prepare themselves to take a greater responsibility for world affairs. Changes in attitudes and widened perceptions are critical if a difference is to be made.

“We mistake the world for being some sort of zero sum place — we’re all fighting over limited resources,” he says. “But it’s not the resources that are limited. It’s the capacity to manage the resources well … and understand the human needs that are at stake. You’ve got to connect with people as human beings. From there, that and a little empathy allows you to be able to very quickly find ways of building partnerships that allow both side’s needs to be met.”

The Peace Government

After running for president on the Natural Law Party platform in 2000, Hagelin now eschews the regular political channels with their stubborn complexity, hierarchical structuring and lack of innovative thinking. As President of the US Peace Government, which is the US affiliate of the Global Country of World Peace founded by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in October 2002, Hagelin is busy building partnerships that carry grassroots peace efforts far beyond America’s shores. Literally a country without borders, the Global Country of World Peace is pulling together organizations, citizens and diplomats from around the world who hold the vision and who are willing to learn the scientifically proven principles and policies of governance under Natural Law.

According to Hagelin, the international diplomatic community in Washington D.C. has welcomed the existence of this essentially self-proclaimed Peace Government, and has been very active in visiting Hagelin’s D.C. offices for luncheons and planning projects — especially peace promoting projects in their own countries. “There are many countries in the world that are not particularly pleased with the current administration,” Hagelin says, “and are very eager to explore the possibility of relationships with an alternative government in the United States that is fundamentally concerned with their welfare and peace, and prevention of crime and promotion of education in their country.”

For more information uspeacegovernment.org

1John Davies, Ph.D. Co-Director, Partners in Conflict and Partners in Peacebuilding Projects, Center for International Development and Conflict Management, Department of Government and Politics, University of Maryland, College Park MD

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goodmedia seeks outside sales

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good jobs

ideal candidate. At goodmedia, we believe happy people are productive people, so we do not have a whole lot of rules. We are project and customer oriented. What that means is … get the job done in whatever way motivates you and make sure the client is happy in the process. That’s it! You can work from home or from the office … wherever you are most productive is where we want you to work. The ideal candidate for this job needs to be a self-starter. Does not need to be micro-managed. Loves to have a good time. This is a “get what you put into it” sort of job. If you want to make a little bit of money then you only have to work a little bit. If you want to make a lot of money, then you might want to work a little harder. This is a commission-based position. Sales people who meet their 90-day goal will be offered a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

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The Big “O”

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good marketing · Tagged ,

At goodmedia we are all about organic — from what we wear, to what we eat, to how we grow our business. The most impactful way to grow your business is through organic growth. We hear that phrase all the time — organic growth. But really, what the heck does it mean? Well, it is really quite simple. There are four basic ways to grow your business organically.

1.    Acquire more customers
2.    Sale current customers more products/services
3.    Sale current customers more expensive products/services
4.    Sale current customers more profitable products/services

The most obvious choice of the four is to acquire more customers and in so doing create a larger base from which to draw revenue.

An, “If you build it, they will come” philosophy has been the ruin of many small businesses. There is a reason why the movie was called Field of Dreams. In the real world, building your business is the easy part, getting the customers to come to you is the hard part. So, how do you draw more customers? Marketing.

  • Research and create a strategic marketing plan. You may want to enlist the help of a professional.
  • Evaluate your current product/service offerings and make necessary adjustments to reach out to a client base you are not currently addressing.
  • Know what the competition charges and price your product/services accordingly.
  • Know your customers PROBLEM and be the SOLUTION.

Marketing Tips

  • Target Marketing. Get comfortable with the fact that not everyone is your client. Narrow in on who your target market is, and develop a pitch and sales collateral that is effective for that niche.
  • Maximize Your Budget. Don’t overlook the importance of sales. You will get more bang for your marketing dollar by focusing on the sales-marketing relationship. These two are co-dependents. There is no use in spending money on marketing if it is not followed up with aggressive sales efforts and vice versa. And, your sales efforts provide the client interfacing necessary to build effective marketing tools.
  • Make Personal Contact. Make a point to call at least ten potential clients everyday. Call — not email. There is great value in personal phone calls that is lost in email. Follow your call up with a handwritten note.

I also recommend Jeff Crilley’s book, FREE PUBLICITY. As an Emmy winning reporter, Jeff knows the insider tricks to getting media attention. Free publicity is always a good thing.

Marketing is not an event, but a process. It has a beginning, a middle, but never an end, for it is a process. You improve it, perfect it, change it, even pause it. But you never stop it completely. - Jay Conrad Levinson

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The New Science of Consciousness

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good living · Tagged , ,

New science” or “the consciousness revolution” are two terms that refer to the premise that our consciousness, or point of focus, physically impacts the brain and vice versa that the brain can effect consciousness. While this is a relatively new concept in which only about 5% of scientists prescribe to, it is making some significant waves in the sea of behavioral and social sciences and most significantly in cognitive psychology, which emphasizes the relevance of mental processes such as intuition, insight and visual intelligence as more important than external behavior. While behaviorists prescribe to the theory that behavior can be treated without regard to the mental state, cognitive psychologists argue that mental states organize and control behavior. Evolutionary theorists, scientists who work in biology and related sciences, are getting on board with the cognitive psychologist by accepting that consciousness can indeed cause physical change.

So, how does new science compare to conventional science? Conventional science approaches theory from three different perspectives:

1. Positivism, which asserts that only that which can be physically seen is real.
2. Reductionism, which reduces phenomena into smaller pieces from which to study.
3. Objectivism, which asserts that all things–the universe and everything in it–is capably of being quantified.

New science asserts the theory that the sum is always greater than its parts, and therefore cannot be isolated into smaller pieces.

In her article, “The Science of Consciousness,” Laurie Nadel, Ph.D. explains, “The new science, on the other hand, rejects the use of quantum physics to explain the mind because it does not believe that everything can be explained in physical terms. That belief is, in itself, a revolutionary idea. In looking at mind in all its complexity as a biological fact, the new science asks us to reexamine our own thoughts, feelings, values and beliefs, and to take them seriously as agents of change.”

So, what is the message to walk away with? Our consciousness, the state or focal point of our mind, is the point from which our physical matter originates. My good friend Laura Lewis often says, “Change your mind, change your matter.” If you want to create change in your physical being, new science asserts that it all begins in your mind, which make you the ultimate creator of your life and your being.

Learn more about the New Science of Consciousness at The Global Intelligencer.

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Eco-Fashion

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good living · Tagged ,

Do these pants make my tush look big? Am I too old to wear this? What do you think about this color? I am sure we have all asked these questions at some point in our lives, if not this week (or this morning!)? But have you ever stopped to ask, “Is my wardrobe contributing to global warming?” Well, unless your armoire is chock full of eco-friendly fibers, the answer is a resounding–yes.

Michael Lackman, owner of LotusOrganics.com states, “Global warming is caused by pollution of the Earth’s air. Other symptoms of this dysfunctional relationship include pollution of the Earth’s waters in our oceans, rivers and ground waters; pollution of the Earth’s agricultural lands with toxic pesticides, herbicides and insecticides; and destruction by clear cutting of life-giving ecosystems such as rainforests and old growth forests.” While there are certainly many, many factors involved in global warming, and for that matter the general wear and tear we are imposing on our planet, Lackman explains that the toxins involved in generating the clothes worn worldwide are having a devastating impact on us, our land, our water, and our air. “The raising and production of organic natural fibers and their manufacturing into fabric and apparel would have a small impact on improving Global Warming. All the hazardous and toxic chemicals involved in conventional cotton clothing contributes hugely to poisoning our planet’s agricultural lands, turning ground water and rivers into potentially carcinogenic waste waters, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of agricultural workers worldwide, encouraging the social pollution of sweatshops, and aggravating chemical sensitivities and health problems in a growing number of people wearing conventional chemical clothing.”

Unless you are flight attendant or a pilot, chances are your wardrobe is more well traveled than you. Just take one garment and try to track its journey. Where was the cotton originally grown? Where was the cotton milled? Where did it go to then become fabric? What was its journey to the fabric store? How far was it shipped to arrive at the clothing manufacturer? What retailer purchased it? Where was it warehoused? How far did it have to go to get shipped to your local retailer? How far do you live from the store you purchased it? And, that only takes into consideration the pollution involved in its traveling. What about the pesticides involved in growing your garment? And how toxic were the environmental conditions in which the workers who made your garment a reality from seed to slacks?

Okay, that is enough questions for one week! There are a plethora of online (see you don’t even have to drive) options for organic and fairly traded fashions. Even Target has gotten on board with organic fashion–at least in their infant line. If we all took the stance that “My purchases make a difference,” then together we really can make a global shift!

Checkout these cool eco-fashions at the Ecoist.

Originally posted on ThatsFit.com

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Recipe For A GoodLife

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good living

After years and years of highly unscientific research, I have determined there are three ingredients in the recipe for a goodlife. Live. Love. Laugh. Together these three ingredients are all that is necessary to experience the flavor, texture, consistency and color of a goodlife.

Live. Live in the now. When we are fully present to the moment, we experience life fully. There is no worry of what tomorrow may bring. There is no regret about yesterday. There is simply this moment. In every moment, there is always something to experience. Living in the now gives us the presence of mind to experience life. Right now, what are you experiencing? What are you thinking? Feeling? Touching? Smelling? Hearing? Tasting? IT is always happening. IT is life. Life never stops; it is simply our awareness of life that stops.

Love. The second ingredient required in a goodlife is love. In his book, which everyone should read at least once, The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dreams, Paulo Coelho writes, “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” We all originate from the same Source, which is Love. We come from Love. When we are able to operate from that source, our lives are full of passion. Whether it is work, play, friendship, romance, a connection to the animal kingdom or nature, the power of love transcends all conflict and creates a unity in purpose. Mother Teresa said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” To Live is to Love.

Laugh. Laugh loud and laugh often. Laughter is the voice of our soul bursting forth from our physical being. There is nothing more contagious or more healing than laughter. Dr. Jean Houston, scholar, philosopher and researcher in Human Capacities poignantly claims, “At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.” A life filled with passion, love and laughter is inherently packed full of possibilities.

Live the life of your dreams. Love everything from the soul of your being. Laugh with joy of an innocent child. Imagine the possibilities.

What is your recipe for a goodlife?

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What is a conscious consumer?

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good consumers · Tagged

Simply put … consumers who give a damn. Consumers who believe buying fair trade, purchasing eco- and animal-friendly products and working with socially responsible companies takes precedence over price and convenience.

The concious consumer knows the impact every dollar she spends has on the consumer market at large. Conscious consumers know their spending habits directly impact how products are manufactured and marketed. Conscious consumers are living in the moment while focusing on the longevity of our planet.

And the good news? It is real easy to be good. Conscious consumers do not “do without;” they simply make different buying choices. They value their money, and they value the impact their money has on the local and global community.

You hear it all the time, and it is true–it is easy being green. By making even one eco-conscious decision each day, you can have a radical impact on this planet.

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Discovering Your Golden Arches

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good marketing · Tagged ,

What do Nike, McDonalds, Exxon and Google all have in common? A brand so strong we can all close our eyes and see it as though it were right in front of us. Now, close your eyes and think about your own business. What do you see? If the answer is a black void of nothingness, then you can be sure that is what your clients see as well.

We all have brands we know and love. We have brands that we are loyal to simply because of the emotional connection we have as consumers with the brand. Think about Apple. There is an entire cult-like following with the Apple brand. I know because I am one of them. Apple has done an extraordinary job at cultivating the market and making it cool to be a part of the Apple way of life. McDonald’s is another example. I am pretty sure we never ate at McDonald’s when I was a child. But I know for a fact, I begged my parents to stop and eat there just about every time I saw those glorious arches.

Developing a strong brand that your clients can connect with is the most important aspect of marketing and growing your business. Read on to learn more about how you create a strong brand for your business.

The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a “name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those sellers. Branding is about setting yourself apart from the competition and creating a connection with your target market so that they see you as the only solution to their problem. Starbucks is a great example. Starbucks has done such a tremendous job of branding their product that many people will only drink Starbucks coffee. As a matter of fact, you often hear people say, “Want to go get a Starbucks?” The Starbucks brand has almost become synonymous with the word coffee. To successfully brand yourself, your product or your service, you must understand the needs and wants of your client. Branding is about how your potential client perceives and connects with you, your services or your product.

Brand Objectives
1. Deliver a clear message.
2. Establish credibility.
3. Make an emotional connection.
4. Motivate the prospect to become a buyer.
5. Establish user loyalty.

So, you may be wondering … how do I accomplish these objectives? You first have to define your brand. Spend some time with the following questions. Be honest with yourself in the answers. You may want to brainstorm with your colleagues or partner.

Defining Your Brand
1. Define the qualities of the products and services that your company offers.
2. What solution does your product or service provide?
3. What are the core values of your products, services and company?
4. What is your company’s mission statement and is it in line with your core values?
5. What sets you apart from the competition? What do you offer that is different from the competition?
6. Who is your target market? Who do your products and services attract? Are the answers to these two questions congruent with one another?
7. Does your company have a tagline? How effective is it in communicating your company’s mission statement?
8. Create a personality, character or symbol for your company that represents your products or services. What is the character like? What qualities stand out? Is the personality of your company innovative, creative, energetic, or sophisticated? Is this personality something that will resonate with your clients?
9. Use the personality you created to build a relationship with your target market. How does that personality react to your target audience? Which characteristics and qualities get the attention of your prospects?
10.Using your answers to the above questions create a profile for your company. Describe the personality or character you created with words just as if you were writing a biography. Be creative and very descriptive.

Once you have a solid concept of your brand and feel certain it accomplishes your brand objectives, you must evaluate how effectively your current corporate identity is communicating your brand. Do your clients “get” what your company is all about? What is the emotion your clients experience when connecting with your company? Your company’s brand is the very foundation of your business. Your brand is the absolute center of all your marketing initiatives and is not an area that should be overlooked. Consistency in your marketing collateral and overall corporate culture is vital to the growth of your business.

Once you have discovered your Golden Arches you must implement your branding strategies at every single point of public contact. When you close your eyes and see your brand, you need to feel confident you see exactly what your clients see.

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8 Easy Eco-Living Tips

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good living · Tagged ,

Part of creating a peaceful planet is good stewardship of our planet. The follow tips are easy things we can all do to assist in creating a more peace-filled planet.

8 Easy Eco-Living Tips

Join an online group that has a green purpose. For those of us with limited time, you can even join an online group or support an important eco-cause financially. Checkout Green Peace, one of the nations oldest and most respected eco-conscious organization.

  • Stay educated on important issues facing our planet. GreenDaily is a great place to get up-to-date info on products, trends and politics impacting our planet.
  • Eco-commuting is all about fitness for both you and the planet. Trade your conventional vehicle in for a hybrid. With gas prices at an all-time high, this is smart thing to do for both your budget and the planet. You might also want to consider walking or biking when commuting locally. Check out Electra bikes … these babies are so cute you will look for any excuse to cycle rather than drive.
  • If you are secretly in the closet as a non-recycler, it is time to join the green crowd. People have all sorts of excuses for not recycling, one being they simply do not know what their community provides in terms of services. Earth 911 makes it easy to learn what your city has to offer. Just go to the Web site and type in your zip code and Voila … all the info you need to know. No more excuses.
  • Be a scuppy. The scuppies of today are the yuppies of yesteryear: socially conscious upwardly mobile people who walk their talk. If you see trash on the sidewalk, by all means … bend over and pick it up! Scuppies look after the planet the way they look after their own backyard. Let’s face it, everywhere is someone’s backyard. Lead by example.
  • Be a conscious consumer. There is no more power than the power of the almighty dollar. Put your buck to work supporting companies who are making a difference. Buy local whenever possible. Buy organic whenever possible. Educate yourself about the companies in which you choose to do business. If they are not good stewards, you are not a good steward for supporting them.
  • Go for the paper and the paperless. Still getting your bills snail mail? Just about every company offers online billing. Switchover to paperless invoicing. Opt for paper bags at the grocery store or bring your own reusable bags. When you are purchasing just one or two items, don’t use a bag at all!
  • Shut off the water. When brushing your teeth or washing dishes, don’t let the water run and run. Turn it off when you are not immediately using it and only turn it on for rinsing.

Going green is not hard to do. If we all take baby steps, together we will be making leaps and bounds toward a better planet for ourselves and for future generations.

Share your ideas and suggestions for living an eco-friendly life!

Originally Posted On ThatsFit.com, The Daily Turn On!

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The Power of Web Relationships

May 14, 2008 · Filed under good marketing · Tagged ,

Clients frequntly ask me about ways to market their business on a shoestring budget. Blogging is the best way to accomplish just that. And, guess what? It is free. Remember the days of googling the name of the guy (or gal) who gave you his phone number at the bar and getting all the low-down scoop on him? Well, those days are almost gone. Unless, of course, he is doing some social networking. There is so much content available on the Internet, it is getting more and more difficult to get noticed than ever before.

Wikipedia defines Social Networking as a social structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, idea, financial exchange, friends, kinship, dislike, conflict, trade, web links, etc. HUH? Simply put, social networking is setting up profiles on various sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Moli, LinkIn, Gaia Community; the list goes on and on.

Social networks are comprised of nodes and ties. Nodes are the individual actors (you) within the networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors (who you know and who knows you and who knows who you know).

Social networking gets really cool when you add in the component of blogging. Blogs are a collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world. Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules. In simple terms, a blog is a Web site where you write stuff on an on-going basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what’s new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.
There are about as many blog programs as there are social networking sites. Take your pick … WordPress, Blogger, Moveable Type, Livejournal, Battle Blog, Blog.com, Blogabond, Blogging Systems, Blogonize, Blue Kaffee, DeadJournal, GreatestJournal, LiveJournal, MySpace, NooBlog, Open Diary, Square Space, TypePad. Typo, Windows Live Spaces, WordPress.com, Xanga, Vox.

If you are offically totally overwhelmed, no worries. goodmedia is happy to set your blog up for you. Heck, we will even write it for you if you want.

Once you get your blog up and running, start telling the world what you think. Toot your horn about your business, but most important teach the public something. Content is Queen. We all want to learn something. When people ask the google gods questions, they want answers. The more you blog, and the more places you post your blog, the more likely the google gods are to point the seeker in your direction.

You can access public blogs, as well as your own. What is your platform? Oprah.com, Ivillage.com, Thatsfit.com, GreenDaily.com, cnn.com. Again, there is no limit to the number of place you comment. I will admit that I have become quite the addict on CNN. I just can’t help myself!

Check out the Web sites to your favorite magazines, professional associations, local news, favorite products.

You have to provide the content, google will do the rest. Don’t believe me? Just google goodmedia communications. We are totally in with the google gods!

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