If you think of Twitter like a noisy bar where everyone is talking and no one is really listening, then the @reply function is the equivalent of buying someone a drink. It might not lead to anything substantial (like a follow), but you will guarantee yourself a second look.
So why aren’t more of you @replying?
If you are struggling to gain followers, hone your voice, or find a niche, the @reply is a great way to practice.
Author and Tedster Elizabeth Gilbert discusses creative genius, the mega-success of her latest book Eat, Pray, Love, and the mounting external (and internal) pressure to top herself.
It’s an interesting take on the fear of failure.
Fear seems to persist throughout the creative process- from the conception (and prospective failure) of the dream to the daunting task of living up to your own success.
She asks of us: “aren’t you afraid of dying in a scrap heap of broken dreams with your mouth filled with bitter ash of failure?”
Well Elizabeth… Yes I am! And I’m sure most of you are too.
But she suggests that we shift our thinking and fast.
In her humorous examination of creativity or rather the “maddening capriciousness of the creative process,” she explains how it can all feel “downright paranormal.” If VH1’s Behind the Music has taught us anything, it’s that artists, and bright minds in general, all too often drown in their own ego (and other substances) and burden themselves with the identity of “genius.”
Instead we should think about the possibility of accessing our genius. It’s liberating.
For example, in Jamie Cullum’s performance, I witnessed the sheer brilliance of his performance through his physical presence. In Elizabeth’s words, he was “lit up on fire with divinity”.
Ole!
Tedsters big and small bought Jamie’s inspired albums en masse after the conference. (I downloaded 7.)
At the ripe old age of 30, Jaime is a prolific and award winning musician with all the trappings of… well… a genius, but he appears to be handling things pretty well. A popular Chinese adage says that success at a young age is a curse not a blessing. But I think that only success at young age, without maturity and mental dexterity, is a curse.
In my own pursuit of genius I just have to remember to say… “Come on, you crazy little genius who is assigned to me, I’m showing up for my part. What are you doing on your end?”
I encourage you to do the same… you owe it to your sanity.
Why All Your Smart Friends are Talking about Seth Godin: Tips from “Tribes”
2008 was a pretty great year for Seths. 20th Century Fox made “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane the highest-paid writer-producer on planet earth, Seth Rogen proved moreover that he’s worth his (considerable) weight in box-office gold, and Seth Godin’s book Tribes became a consensus must-read in business and innovation circles.
Ok, so the latter Seth might not exactly be a household name just yet, but I’m sure some of your friends are talking about him…at least the smart ones are.
If you haven’t read Tribes, buy it or stea-…I…uh… mean borrow it from a friend… YESTERDAY.
Seriously.
I just finished the book and it speaks to me on several levels AND I want to share with you some of the more critical points and highlights that will help you grow as an innovator and as a leader.
