John Ryan

Social Media on Ulitzer I use all of these social media tools and although they haven't put me on my own island in the Caribbean yet, I'm very pleased with the combined results. 1. Twitter – It’s the fastest way to share that you have created something of value. As a bonus, Tweetdeck or CoTweet are good ways to manage your Twitter efforts and research. Huge audience with lots of active participants. There are a few shady characters on Twitter but just like being at Grand Central Station, you just step aside and keep moving. It doesn't mean you eschew the benefit. Micro-blogging is probably here to stay so it's a good idea to get up on good habits regardless of what future tools look like. 2. Linked In – It’s the professional network standard where people will find you. A terrific way to maintain knowledge of what former colleagues are doing now. You can also join gr... (more)

The Popular Myth of Innovation and Big Companies

I've read a lot of material lately about innovation.  There are a number of people who characterize big companies as the following: Bureaucratic Corrupt Slow Boring Vast wastelands of soul-crushing activity Focused on status-quo All of this leads to the inability to innovate. There are plenty of examples that would support many of these characteristics.  Admittedly, size does make it more challenging to be innovative and agile.  But I would also argue that conventional wisdom is fueled by the size of the target itself.  Having worked at a company of one to a company the size of IBM,... (more)

Twitter's Value

Twitter has captured the imagination of those who are looking for a way to have a presence and communicate.  It is the current hot story in social media, but what the discussion around Twitter does not seem to highlight is the unfulfilled need. There is a great deal of dialogue around and on Twitter these days.  In a recent report from Hubspot, it was shown that Twitter's users may not be actively using the micro-blogging or distributed instant message service.  Nielsen Online said the same thing in April of 2009 showing that 60% of the users abandoned the site after one month. ... (more)

Ulitzer vs. Ning - a Quick Review

Having used both sites for about two weeks, there is still a great deal I am learning to do with both Ulitzer and Ning, but a reader asked if I would do a quick comparison, so I will. The obvious point for me is that the sites have two different objectives for the writers.  For Ning, the writer is trying to be involved in a niche social network from scratch.  For example, I have built my own social network for marketers and salespeople called BuyerSteps.  I created BuyerSteps as a way for other professionals to join in a conversation around the 21st century buyer.  So, Ning repr... (more)

Ulitzer vs. Ning

My original post in late June was based on two weeks of using Ulitzer and Ning.  I've added additional thoughts after two months of use. The obvious point for me is that the sites have two different objectives for the writers.  For Ning, the writer is trying to be involved in a niche social network from scratch.  For example, I have built my own social network for marketers and salespeople called BuyerSteps.  I created BuyerSteps as a way for other professionals to join in a conversation around the 21st century buyer.  So, Ning represents a way to build a community. In the case o... (more)