TwestivalTO

Last night I experienced the potential and real power of social media. Throughout the world people gathered in their communities to socialize with a conscience. The charity of choice was charity : water.

How did these people mobilize? Twitter. Yeah, that cool, nerdy, yet powerful tool your brother uses and your PR manager spends hours on.

I'm not going to spend time here explaining the how and why this event worked all over the world because many people who know better than me already have. So I'll point you to them:

The Official event site.

The Official Toronto event site.

Sameer Vasta's take on the event.

My pictures from the event

A Neutral Gift that's Positive!

My wife is the executive director of Toronto Green Community. They have done some amazing work in just over 10 years. The windmill on the CNE grounds is just one example. In fact, they have also garnered the attention of musician Jack Johnson and his non-profit organization, All At Once.

And so, in honour of TGC, and with thanks going to storyteller, Sameer Vasta, I'd like to offer you the first 5 readers (I know. I'm stretching to think there are 5 people who read this this blog!) ONE day of carbon neutrality. If you claim this gift, Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of carbon offsets in your name. These offsets help fund renewable energy projects and are an important part of fighting climate change. All I ask in return is that you consider conserving where you can during the holidays.

Now that's cool! HERE'S the GIFT!!

What to do when business is slow.

Lots.

There are lots of things you can do when business is slow.

However, there are probably things you should do when business is slow. Today, I'm going to share with you just a few things you should be doing. So, let's get started, shall we?

1. READ. And I don't mean the daily newspaper. It's news that is over a day old and probably with nothing good to say anyways. Start reading books, articles, magazines, and even blogs about success, marketing, business and, of course, real estate. (If you're reading this and you're not in the r.e. business, then read up on stuff pertinant to your industry/profession) Why? Ideas. There may be little things these folks will suggest or present that you may not be doing right now, that maybe you should. For example, if you're thinking about having your own blog but don't know what to do then reading Chris Brogan would be a brilliant start.
2. GIVE. Your time, resources, and especially expertise. My friends, Tim Sanders and Sameer Vasta have recently talked about giving. Remember, what goes around comes around. Give and it shall be given unto you.
3. COMMUNITY. Or you can say, associate. Whatever term you use, it is more important now to seek the counsel of your manager, associate, mastermind group and/or mentor. Thousands of successful entrepreneurs have already survived and thrived through a recession. Find out what they did. Inquire about there thought process on what it takes to succeed in today's marketplace. There is strength in numbers!
4. WORK. But you knew that already, didn't you? Then why aren't you? Continue to market yourself. Continue to make phone calls. Continue to plant seeds so that you will have something to grow and harvest. Hundreds of people are leaving your industry today. There will be less competition tomorrow. It's up to you if you want to win.

Please don't consider this the extent of what you should be doing. It is far from that. However, I believe that if you follow my suggestions you will have a brighter tomorrow.

To your success!

(picture courtesy of www.musicforchange.com)