Tag Archives: Social network

Do the Important Stuff First

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This will be a quick one because it’s just a reminder of what you already know. But, if you’re like me, sometimes you need a reminder.

“Always do the most important stuff first.”

– Mom

In terms of ordering our lives, there will almost always be more to do than time to do it. And more options than our ability to choose, so being able to prioritize is critical.

When I was growing up, that usually meant that I had to finish my Algebra homework before I could watch TV. When I was in college it meant that I needed to finish my homework before I could go play pool or watch TV (I didn’t do as well with that sometimes). And now it means that I always try to put what’s most important in the first part of my day.

What does that look like?

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Unplug Well by Collecting

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Last week I told you that it was OK for you to unplug. However, that’s not going far enough. You need to unplug.

Unplugged Unplug Well by Collecting

Of course, saying it is the easy part, actually unplugging is difficult. It’s especially difficult if you’re afraid you’re going to miss something important. However, especially in terms of your electronic interactions, you can use technology to collect stuff that’s important while you’re unplugged. Then, when you plug back in, your important stuff is, in the words of Richard Marx, “right [there] waiting for you.” (yeah, I’m that old)

OK. I want to unplug. But how do I collect stuff?

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Filters Change Everything

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20120425 065555 Filters Change Everything

Yes, I did just put an Instagram picture of a toilet on my blog. It illustrates something: filters change everything.

What is common or even unclean can take on a new life with a different set of filters and a different perspective. That’s why it’s so important for us to pay attention to what filters we use.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

So, here’s the question for you: what filters are you applying to your life?

Filters Change Everything

Unplug – We’ll Be Here When You Get Back

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Rain on Window at Starbucks 300x3001 Unplug Well Be Here When You Get Back

Do you feel like you’re missing out if you ever unplug? Like you might miss one important status update or offend a friend by missing a tweet? As though you’re a bad citizen and friend if you’re a few hours (or a couple of days) late to find out that a friend is engaged?

Well, if so, here’s your free pass.  Use it wisely.

It’s a Place

Social media is a virtual space – a place or a destination. I think of it like going to church or to Starbucks. While you’re there, you can interact with people and do stuff together. And, unless you’re a community life director, you don’t need to worry about it while you’re gone. Continue reading →

Don’t Network Like This

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Bad Network

If your efforts to network look like this, you might have a problem.

In this view of networking, people and relationships are utilitarian. They’re used and not honored. While you might achieve a level of success using this method, it dehumanizes, devalues, and dishonors people.

60f98b28788211e180d51231380fcd7e 72 Dont Network Like This

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Does Facebook Cheapen Your Relationships?

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Have you ever wondered if Facebook cheapens your relationships? Seriously, have you thought about whether you’re building relationships or just serving some narcissistic need to feel informed, important, and connected? About whether you really care about people or are simply using social conventions to get ahead in life?

Note: If your approach to Facebook and other social media is just lead generation and selling stuff, you probably won’t care about the rest of this post. But if you value relationships and care about your friends and acquaintances as people, keep reading and then leave your opinions in the comments.

278281188 69cf451d39 z Does Facebook Cheapen Your Relationships?

I love Facebook.

I think Facebook (and social media in general) is great. It’s great that I have an easy way to keep up with my friends from high school and church and to meet new people. Sure, there are some things that just can’t be replaced – like being in the same place at the same time – but there are a lot of things that it does really well.

In many ways Facebook is like CRM for my friends and acquaintances. It’s how I can keep up with what’s going on in their lives (or at least what they share). It’s how I remember birthdays and anniversaries. It’s even how I often learn about prayer needs and social events.

And it requires so little effort. I love that.

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By Request: A Follow Friday Extravaganza

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3242828279 970541054d m By Request: A Follow Friday ExtravaganzaToday’s post is a special edition “Follow Friday Extravaganza” requested by Aaron.  

I follow every one of these blogs and tweeters, and, though I may not always agree with everything that’s written or how it’s presented, they always encourage, challenge, and inspire me.  I think they’ll do the same for you.

There are LOTS of great blogs and tweeters out there.  If you’ve found other killer blogs or tweeters, why not leave a recommendation in the comments?

The Blogs

Michael Hyatt

Michael’s Chairman of the Board at Thomas Nelson Publishers and writes consistently about intentional leadership.  In a word, his posts are amazing.

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Did People Think You Were Phoning it In?

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4426921 72ac8a506c m Did People Think You Were Phoning it In?One of the worst things you can do for your self-image and for your relationships is to phone it in.  It’ll just suck the life and passion out of you and tells others that you don’t care about them.  It can permanently damage your relationships and your reputation.

I don’t want to phone it in as a blogger, as a husband and father, as a spiritual leader, or as a business person.  I want to give my very best all the time because you deserve the best.  So I have to be present (not distracted) when I’m with people, deliver on my promises, and be intentional about investing my life in those around me.

I’m sure that you’re sometimes in a similar situation.  Think about this week – were there some times that you were just phoning it in?  How about times when you were giving your all but people thought you were phoning it in because you didn’t manage their expectations?

I think you’ll find some great wisdom in the articles this week that will help you on your path to delivering your best and letting people know just that.  But first, some most excellent quotes from my most excellent friends on Twitter and Facebook.

Get up to 200% more retweets

The Quotes

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August in Review – Quotes & Popular Posts

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In the past month I’ve made several changes to this blog and to how I approach my online relationships.  First, I’m more intentional about connecting with great people and sharing great content.  Second, I’ve shifted my focus slightly to the things I think you’re interested in: growing as a leader, living a successful, meaningful, balanced life, and (of course) faith.

One of the things that I’ve learned is that I’m surrounded by smart, insightful people who are generous with what they know, so I started collecting quotes from Twitter and sharing them (here and here).  I’d love to hear more of your insights as well as how you’re applying them in “real life.”

Top Five Posts for August, 2011

  1. How to Improve Your Relationship With God
  2. Do This to Bypass Failure
  3. Follow Friday Tweeters + Interesting Blogs
  4. The Week in Review – Great Quotes & Articles
  5. The Week In Review – Quotes & Tools

Surveying the list I have noticed a couple of things.  First, the most popular post is over two years old, written in July of 2009.  Second, three of the top five were essentially written by you.  I think that speaks volumes to what all of you add in value to the internet.  Thanks, again, for sharing.

What do you think?

Which of the quotes is your favorite (you’ll have to click the links to get to the quotes)?
How do you plan to bring that quote to life? 

August in Review Quotes & Popular Posts

The Week in Review – Great Quotes & Articles

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Looking over the last week,  I’ve come across some great quotes on Twitter and some excellent articles. Here’s just a sampling of what has tickled my funny bone, made me think deeply about how I’m living, or that I think you might find interesting.

If you have a great quote or article that you’d like to make sure I see, send it to @bdentzy on Twitter.  Of course, no guarantees – there’s a lot of great stuff out there.  But it doesn’t hurt your chances.

The Quotes

The Articles

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