Tim Bursch

I am trying to post every weekday here. I have a day job and multiple side projects. I knew that my goal would be tough in isolation. So I am working with a friend in accountability. Whether you like the word or not, it really is just about helping each other but you do have to choose it.

With my blog here is what I’ve done:
-Shared my goal and plan with a partner, he did the same
-Committed to a weekly check-in to share each other’s progress

-Opened ourselves to ongoing feedback for the purpose of getting better
-Said it outloud to others here.

How many goals have you put down on paper and never followed through with? I have pages full. Sure, self discipline is important. But you don’t have to do it alone. Find someone you connect with and trust. Ask, risk, try.

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I recently read a great article on Web Worker Daily about having an accountability partner in business. Fits with my idea of a village business.

So, expect a lot more writing, a post at least every weekday, this year. You will find posts on business, social media, social impact, ideas for your business, other voices, and more.

What about you? What helps you reach your goals?

Image credit: Ai@ce

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Last year (wow 2009 went by fast) I picked three words based on Chris Brogan’s idea, but did not put them out there. This year I want to be more public with my goals and direction. So, here are at least three words that I want to be intentional about in 2010:

follow-through, practice, stand

Follow-through

I love ideas. Especially new ones. I am going to work on following though with some existing projects and a few new ones. I might need your help. Watch for more on accountability and protection.

Practice

A book that impacted me in 2009 was The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It is about working through resistance in the creative process. This takes practice and action. I will be practicing a lot more writing and delivering ideas about the intersection of social media and social impact.

Stand

I really like to listen to people. Sometimes that can mean holding back when I probably need to say more. This year I want to stand. Especially for overlooked people and issues.

What are you going to be intentional about this year? How can I help?

(follow up post on the way about specific goals)

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I like leadership. Leaders are magnetic and draw people to a mission or cause. Leaders just lead.

I wonder though, if we are all leaders or striving to be, who will follow us?

I think sometimes we need to learn more about being a good follower. You see lots of books, seminars, classes, blogs, tweets on being a leader. Have you ever seen one on following? Why not a followership seminar? A leader doesn’t always have fans, but they usually have followers.

So, if you find yourself following a decent leader, what makes you a good follower? [I am making the assumption that when you follow someone you are using your head and not trusting a complete wacko]

• Attention- Listen and engage your true self with the mission

• Action- If the leader goes into a battle then jump in with them

What would you add? Can you follow?

Image credit: See1,Do1,Teach1

Tags: followership.

I heard a story recently that really made me think about being true to your self. Thanks to the wise man that shared this with me:

A family adopted a Border Collie from The Humane Society. They lived in the city and loved the dog.

The family asked a relative that lived on a farm to take the dog. “Of course,” said the relative. The city man brought the dog to the farm and stayed during the day. Later that day the farmer commented that the Border Collie was getting along fine. Actually the dog was in it’s element and already helping to bring the cows home.

What about you? Are in your element? Are you living out of your true self?

Image credit: greg westfall

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Lately I have noticed an interesting thing happen. People are sharing very personal stuff (mission, dreams, ideas) online. And then they get support and encouragement to do it. They put their stuff out there for everyone to see and find people and accountability. (Maybe criticism too, but that happens when you want to change the world.)

I wonder if we naturally want to help people be and do better. But how often do we open up about this? What about you? Are you willing to share your dreams with the world?

Here’s my attempt:
I want to change the world. Be a voice for overlooked people to business. Make strong connections. Give away ideas. Love my family and friends.

Want to share? Find accountability?

Image credit: BrittanyC:::HaloPhotography

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Are you still looking for work? Were you part of a massive restructuring? Downsized? Discouraged?

I talk to people weekly that are looking for jobs and it’s challenging. They have applied everywhere and talked to everyone. It’s a hard reality. You might be that person and you know how much it sucks.

I don’t have all the answers. But I do think work is fundamentally changing in America. We might see many more independent contractors and freelancers. We might have our own brands.

Let me know what you think. Better yet, if it’s helpful pass it on.

Image credit: Darcy McCarty

Tags: resource, work.

My father-in-law has a favorite saying, “You can’t build up by tearing down.”

So why do so many people go for the subtle (or not so subtle) rips on people in social networks? Is it easier because we are not face-to-face?

I have seen status updates, tweets, etc that are downright mean. It’s just stupid. If you want to build a good brand (personal or business), you need to stay clear of the slime.

What’s your tip on how NOT to build your brand?

Image credit: Wolfgang Staudt

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When a business says they are giving x% to charity do you want to buy more? Or are you turned off?
It seems like some organizations have an authentic value and mission, while others are promoting themselves through cause related marketing.
How do you tell the difference?

Charity just for PR- A company that does a giving campaign, but treats its customers like crap. Does the charity bit redeem the lack of quality in service and products?

Authentic Social Mission- A company that lives it’s mission both in and out. It could be a Landscaping firm committed to excellence in their service and design. And they also plant a new tree for every job done.

Be Heard.

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It’s easy to think of ideas. It’s harder to focus and take action. And it’s sometimes hard to hear “no”.

I have met with small groups of entrepreneurial people over the last few years. I get to try out my ideas in a safe place.

Yet I get feedback. And I get a version of no all the time.

Sometimes I’ve taken criticism too personal. But mostly I see it as support or as an affirmation to my yes.

I need no people. Do you?

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Image credit: Clearly Ambiguous

Tags: Community.