Sometimes it’s about the journey, not the destination.
A few weeks ago, social media super-user Eric Andersen reached 100,000 tweets. He commemorated the occasion by publishing a post that provided some of the backstory to his path from 1 to 100,000 and mentioned some of the folks that influenced and/or inspired him along the way.
2011 has been one of the most trying years of my life. I was laid off the same week in February in which winter storms inflicted tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage on my house. I am still dealing with the ramifications of both nine months later.
However, rather than waiting until I announce my next professional role (let alone the completion of the housework) to share some of the details of my journey I thought I’d do it now. While it’s important to remain focused on the end-goal, I’ve tried my best to appreciate the experiences I’ve had along the way. The last 8 months of unemployment have brought tremendous personal and professional development. I’ve learned a great deal, expanded my networking base immeasurably and have met (and in some case befriended) many incredible individuals.
In March, I completed a Mini-MBA at Rutgers University, earning a certificate in Social Media Marketing (you can read a recap of my experience here). I had the pleasure of learning from an impressive array of talented and informative instructors. As I noted in my recap, I had a chance to learn from Joe Sorge via Skype during Rob Petersen’s session. Joe has achieved a certain level of notoriety in social media circles in large part because of the success he’s had using social media marketing on behalf of his restaurant, AJ Bombers (you can learn more about this by reading Chapter 10 of Gary Vaynerchuk’s book, The Thank You Economy).
When Joe offered a discounted membership to Kitchen Table Companies (a small business “advisory board” he launched with Chris Brogan) I was intrigued enough to join. My experience with KTC and its community of engaging and motivated entrepreneurs has far surpassed any realistic expectation. The member forums offer a wealth of information, advice, support and best-practice. I also eagerly await the 2 PM ET airing of the accompanying Kitchen Table Talks show on the Pulse Network every Tuesday. Joe and Chris (and their roster of amazing guests) never cease to inform, inspire and entertain me on a weekly basis. The show has become appointment viewing for me and has introduced me to some awesome folks.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe & Chris in May at the New England XPO for Business where I had an opportunity to spend an afternoon with them and hear Chris deliver a keynote. They have since been kind enough to support my job search by giving me plugs during the “News” segment of Kitchen Table Talks. The video below is an entertaining highlight reel showing the amusing progression of the plugs from straightforward to more colorful (if you can’t see the video, you can view it by clicking here). I am indebted to them both for the exposure (and laughs) this has brought me.
I discovered that a weekly gathering called Innovation Breakfast was occurring right under my nose. It’s the brainchild of Bobbie Carlton, co-founder of Mass Innovation Nights. I’ve since become a fixture at Innovation Breakfast and have occasionally served as guest-host. More importantly, Bobbie has become a friend, mentor and source of inspiration and I’ve met a lot of impressive people through the breakfast.
Mass Innovation Nights has introduced me to many interesting and innovative startups and individuals. Through these monthly events I’ve also been lucky enough become friends with Christine Sierra (Bobbie’s partner at Carlton PR & Marketing), along with whom I was described as MassInno’s “cool kids in the corner.” Rest assured that the two people furiously tweeting about the companies presenting while trading stories about their kids can hardly be considered the cool people in the room. Mass Innovation Nights was also where I met the aforementioned Eric Andersen, who has been the Statler to my Waldorf at countless events over the past few months. His prodigious live tweeting is a sight to behold and if you’re a Boston-area Foursquare user, you’ve no doubt seen him appear on your phone as the Mayor of pretty much anywhere you’ve checked-in.
Without this period of my life (and accompanying immersion in social media), I wouldn’t be able count Lindsay Bell and Kaitlin Maud among my friends and confidants. Kaitlin has become a trusted adviser who has helped me navigate the local social media scene while having the misfortune of serving as my “wingman” at many an event. Lindsay is an immensely talented writer whom I’ve never met in person, but we’ve supported each other’s job searches across the Canadian/US borders through tweets. Both have also done excellent jobs in their roles as my personal PR reps (a volunteer gig, I might add).
I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by Mack Collier to have my blog reviewed during a #BlogChat on Twitter. You can read more about that here.
I am thankful for the contacts and friends I’ve made in the Boston startup and social media scene. As much as they each deserve their own individual shout-outs, it would take up entirely too much space and I’d feel terrible if I forgot anyone. It’s worth noting that this could and probably should merit its own blog post (heck, I could give you 500 words on Cutlers I’ve met in Boston alone). I’ll have to save that for another time though, but suffice it to say that I’m thankful for the vibrant community here in Boston.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the people I’m most thankful for; my family. My wife, sons and two loyal four-legged friends (not to mention extended family) have been incredibly supportive and have kept me smiling and laughing throughout some difficult times.
What or who are you most thankful for this holiday season? I’d love it if you’d share with me in the comments below.
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Thanks, Jason! Glad to have you aboard. I appreciate the support and am honored that you thought highly enough of my posts to add my RSS feed to your Google Reader list.
Beautiful read Dave. As I tell everyone I talk to, looking for a job is a full time job! And you’ve clearly illustrated that here with the incredible amount of effort you’ve been putting out since February. I’m so glad we met, you have helped me on my own (so far unsuccessful!) job hunt journey in more ways than I can count. Misery loves company….wait, isn’t that the name of our 2 member fan club..?? I’m not going to leave lame’o platitudes like “hang in there” and crap, cause I know you’re far too cynical for that. 🙂 We are gonna *kill it* in 2012 – mark my words. Virtual hugs, Lindsay
Thanks for the virtual hugs and ongoing support from afar. It is indeed a full-time job. I’m glad to hear I’ve been helpful to you as well. Here’s to a monster 2012 for us both!
Dave, thank you for sharing your post! Great article! First met you through #KTCO Kitchen Table Talks on Tuesday’s and love seeing you reference #blogchat 🙂 Please continue to keep us posted on your journey! Wishing you continued success in 2012!
Thanks for the note and wishes for a great 2012 Helen. I’m so glad that KTT/KTCO has introduced to me folks like yourself. Wishing you the best for 2012 as well!
Great post Dave! It’s been a pleasure to get to know you and have some fun during a very trying time for you and many, too many, people. Our #ktco community is a better place because of you!
Thanks, Joe. It’s definitely a shame that so many talented people have been impacted by this economy, but it helps a great deal to have supportive communities like #ktco to lean on in difficult times. See you tomorrow at 2!
Thanks Dave! Sharing our stories of unemployment, home repairs, balancing life and family and exploring business opportunities has kept me sane for much of 2011 – it’s nice to know when you’re not alone 🙂 Continued success in 2012 and hopefully we make a difference hanging out in that corner! Cheers!
Thanks, Christine. It’s definitely reassuring (and often cathartic) to talk about those shared experiences with you. Looking forward to more sharing in 2012!
And we’re thankful for you, Dave! (And we’re thankful that Mrs. CutlerDave and the kids share you with us!)
Thanks, Bobbie! Mrs. CutlerDave & the boys have me 6 days a week for our own version of Innovation Breakfast (innovative in that way seem to develop new ways to create a mess each day) and are glad to farm me out on Friday mornings.
Dave you have done all the right things during the past 8 months and I believe your next opportunity is right around the corner. I really enjoy the content that you share and produce and I look forward to meeting you in person at a networking event some time soon.
Thanks, Todd. I appreciate the support and vote of confidence. I’m sure you’ll find an exciting opportunity soon yourself. Looking forward to meeting you sometime soon as well.
By sharing your unemployment experiences in a positive way will help others. I’m sure you have had your share of downs too, but working toward a positive future is a huge plus.
A good friend came to mind in your words. He lost his job 6 years ago (a middle manager – due to an acquisition) …. and he started a job a few weeks ago. i did a lot of networking and seemingly stayed as positive as possible, but he endured.
I had lunch with him 2 weeks before he started, and I asked him what his best accomplishment was during the past 6 years. I listened to his answers, then told him what i thought it was (and one that he didn’t list) … Keeping the family together!
Thanks for sharing that story. I’ve definitely had my down periods, but I try my best to remain focused on the positives and stay upbeat. I’m glad to hear your friend persevered and landed a new gig and I agree with you that keeping the family together during such a prolonged period of difficulty should be his proudest accomplishment.
Smart way to market yourself. How hings have changed from the days of sending out a resume and following up with a phone call. Keep on keeping on. I’m sure some smart company will soon hire you.
Thanks, Tzipporah. I appreciate the support and vote confidence (and hope that you’re right). Times have certainly changed. On the plus side, there are an unprecedented number of tools and resources available to job seekers that can aid their search. I’m doing my best to leverage them and differentiate myself.
Thanks for sharing your thanks! It is quite inspiring. God bless!!! Keep enjoying the process-you are still producing!!!
Thanks! I appreciate the support.
Thanks so much, Dave! It’s been great getting to know you, and I’m honored that you would mention my post. Your story of course is a much more inspiring and uplifting one, and a fantastic testament to the power of social media for connecting meaningfully with others and developing long-term relationships. I’m tracking with you here on being thankful for the vibrant social community here in Boston, and you’re a big part of that. Great post, and I wish you all the best in job search success!
My pleasure. Likewise. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these past few months. I couldn’t agree more about my experience being a testament to the power and reach of social media. Thanks for the support and good wishes.
Well-done piece! I appreciate your openness about your challenges and ability to focus on things that help you stay positive. Good luck in your search and I’ll keep you in mind if I come across openings that may be of interest.
Thanks, David! I appreciate the kind words and support.
Oops, he Dave. I’m a WordPress newbie, just started a blog here last week. Must have my profile full set-up. Comment above is from David Crowley @socialcap @davidbcrowley.
Duly noted. Hope you’re enjoying WordPress thus far. I switched over from Blogger in the spring and have been much happier on this platform.
Hi Dave,
I just wanted to say that I really admire your positive mind set and creativity that you possess under such circumstance. I’m even more encouraged to reassess my own personal life and see the opportunity rather than roadblock.
P.s. you have such an amazing family, best wishes.
-Ratha
Thanks, Ratha. I greatly appreciate that.