Association Marketing Springboard

Got turned on to Hugh MacLeod's October 2007 musings about Social Objects here and here. Around the same time, Maddie Grant tagged me with the Meme that's been going around (it's like catching a cold, only fun.) Somehow, my mind lumped them together.

First, some poetic thoughts from Hugh...

"Social Networks are built around Social Objects, not vice versa..."
"Granted, the network is more powerful than the node. But the network needs the node, like flowers need sunlight."

So...for associations jumping into the world of social networking, is this a case where the network IS the object? Is that enough?

I say yes, but only when we can build a place where people can truly connect, break the ice and engage in more positive interactions. That's what excites me so much about my experience connecting with people on Facebook. And it's why products like Directory 2.0 will change associations. Suddenly, I don't have to rely on a few, socially awkward interactions at networking events to make meaningful connections. I can connect with people anytime on any shared interest, including everything I'm about to list below...plus I never have a bad hair day, or something stuck in my teeth in my photo online.

So..back to the meme. Here are 8 things you might not know about me...though my Facebook friends probably already know 4 of the 8. Still, bring up any of these factoids when next we meet, and you'll have me at hello.

1) I'm a huge Michigan football fan, though I grew up rooting for Ohio State. I was young and living in Ohio. I didn't know any better.

2) I have a degree in oboe performance from a top music school and I studied with some of the most renowned oboists in the world. My oboe mentor, Harry Sargous, used to say "the world doesn't need another oboe player...the world needs another musician." I play music in several groups around DC, including the Washington Sinfonietta, Capital City Symphony and Capital Wind Symphony.

3) This is the Captain. We have a special connection.





4) My favorite scene in The Matrix--perhaps my favorite scene in all of cinema--is Trinity's opening a#$kicking, gravity-defying sequence.

5) I used to help manage tradeshows at a big agency. Big shows, small shows, corporate shows, association shows...every shape, size and variety. My super-geek database skills made me a registration savant.

6) I love to write. I forgot how much until recently.

7) My father was the junior high hurdles (track and field) coach in Kent, Ohio. My brother and I both hold our high school record for the 300 meter hurdles.

8) My grandfather was a chemical engineer for Dupont near Cleveland, where he helped develop toilet bowl cleaner. It may seem odd, but I'm very proud of that.

My turn to tag two more terrific association bloggers...
Cecilia Sepp
Margaret Core