Daryl Hunter – Hubby, Daddy, Mentor, Friend

Here's a slightly different topic for discussion today.

A week or so ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a local lunch-n-learn.  I was asked to present on how my team utilizes social / web media to support our active userbase. I love to talk (duh) but I'm especially passionate about what I do.  Let me focus a little on two slides from the conversation that really express my passion well.

The first slide I stole directly from Kevin Penry – one of our DLT – directional team leaders.  Kevin is a big charts and graphs guy, and when I first saw this information presented, it resonated with me.  I asked Kevin for some of his time so he could give me a little insight into why this chart resonated with him as well. We share the same passions.  Here ya go:

Here's the short version.  The purple bar represents us.  That's our lifetime – approximately 1950-2050.  Notice the approximate world population.  It's going to triple during our lifetime. Wow.  Never before in the history of the world has this happened.  Now, think about what's happened during our lifetime – education, computers, technology, etc.  The world is smaller.  People today are more connected both relationally and digitally than ever before.  And we're only halfway thru our lifetime.

Why does it matter?  There are many implications – from both spiritual and non-spiritual perspectives.  From the spiritual side, you can believe that we're more aware today of the pain and suffering and NEED in the world.  From the non-spiritual sides – since people are connected, and the technology exists – why wouldn't we use it?

So – my challenge to those people in attendance the other day – and to you reading this – think differently and be willing to utilize different methods and tools to "reach people" and "support people" in your organization.

Another slide I want to talk about is this.  I've had this in my head for years, and finally took time to put it in a visual form:

Check it out.  Many of you that read this – MOST of you – are IT professionals that stumble in here.  You probably are focused in the "little circle" – supporting the staff in your organization.  That's awesome.  I hope you're doing the best you can.

But, I want to challenge you a little.  You have more impact than you think.  Your "footprint' is bigger than your organization.  As I was preparing for this presentation, Matt Jury, posted on his blog about the "footprint" concept.  I replied to the blog, made these points at my talk, and want you to hear this too.

Now is the time to enlarge your footprint.  You are smart.  You have talent and ability.  People want to hear what you say.  You've got the "little circle" down.

Let's talk more about the middle and outer circles.

I really encourage you to get involved in a local User Group.  Pick a technology or two.  Pick something else that you're passionate about.  Get involved and share your knowledge.  You learned for a reason – and that reason is NOT to hoard information.  Get out of the "ownership" model and get into the "stewardship" model.  Consider what's in your head as a gift.  Sure, you can toss it in your closet and keep it.  Or, you can display it and share it with your friends (and new friends you'll meet along the way).

Utilizing social media, user groups, and even a blog or newsletter – you can be a great steward of what's inside of you.  Do it.  Do it now.  That's why I do this blog.  Well, I do this blog primarily because I know I'll forget the details of what I do – but I also do this blog so I can share what I learn with you.  And here you are.

Anyway – I'm sure that's a little preachy.  Thanks for sticking it out.

Bottom line: you are not alone, you are smart, you have talents, you should share.

Now – go do it and report back on how it goes!