Archive for August, 2008

Timing - you’ve heard the popular phrase, “timing is everything”.  I don’t agree, it isn’t everything…but it is a significant part of the equation.  There is a distinct possibility that you may be presented with an opportunity – but you are not ready to act. 

In that case, timing could have been everything, but it wasn’t.  Why?  Because you weren’t prepared.  You didn’t do your homework.  You didn’t scenario plan.  What do you need to begin working on now, so you can be ready when the timing is right?

Transitions – often the “timing” I’m referring to is related to a transition.  It might be related to your work, a change in a relationship, or impact where you live – but it definitely involves motion.  Dictionary.com defines transition as “movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another”.  Transitions can be either good or bad – they are generally not neutral in nature. 

So – let’s say for sake of argument – that the timing is perfect and you’ve prepared for the opportunity.  Now you’ll need to navigate the transition with care and intentionality.  Care to keep key relationships intact, and intentionality to create win-win scenarios whenever possible.

Technology – In today’s fast-paced world, technology can help you prepare for the opportunities ahead.  With intentionality – you can research online and prepare yourself with the knowledge you’ll need to succeed.  This may seem simple – but only 10 years ago this would have been more difficult. 

Technology can also assist you with navigating the transitions you face.  From consistent and courteous communication tools like email, IM, texting, twitter, facebook, linkedin, skype and more to developing your own blog or widget.  You can leverage technology to navigate the terrain ahead if you’re intentional about learning and experimenting. 

What opportunities are you anticipating?  Are you prepared? 
How could technology help you transition?  What will you do about it?

Special Thanks to Bo Boswell, for the pic - we recently met via Flickr.com . Check out some of Bo’s other work here. 

Exciting days indeed!  I find myself in transition.  That helps explain why my blog has been silent for the past couple of weeks.  Quite honestly, these past couple of weeks have been a blur as I’ve been in contact with my future employer and shared with many close to me about my new endeavor.

There is much I could share here… but for now, I’ll just go on record as saying, “I truly believe God has orchestrated this opportunity through a unique set of events and conversations.”  I am looking forward to fully utilizing my God-given strengths, gifts, and passions as I engage in this new challenge.

I believe God has a plan and a purpose for each of us and this gets lived out through various assignments along life’s journey.  Below you can read a brief letter I wrote to the First Christian Church congregation.  It was published in today’s weekly Canton Christian.  Stay tuned…

Dear FCC Congregation -

I have sensed for several months now that God was orchestrating a change in my life and perhaps directing me into a new season of ministry, in this case, a return to the marketplace. Following a period of much prayer and quiet time with our Lord and after having a unique set of events and conversations come to fruition – I have humbly and graciously accepted a senior marketing position at the award winning advertising agency, Innis Maggiore here in Canton. I begin my work there on Monday, September 8.

I wanted to share some brief words of humble thanks for allowing me to work alongside of you over the last 7 ½ years. We’ve been on quite a journey together. I’m so very excited about the future of First Christian Church and the Edgewood Campus. I see God at work here in so many ways. Truly – our best days are ahead of us. Having grown up here as a kid and now with Cindy and I watching our 4 children learning and growing at FCC… I can’t imagine being anywhere else. In fact, Cindy begins teaching in our Preschool this school year and I plan to continue being involved in a variety of ways.

Thank you again for all of your love and support,

Joe Franz

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of companies/organizations utilizing the
“micro-blogging” site, Twitter.

They are using it to communicate with customers, discuss sales and customer service, and link to relative stories and information that add value to their online relationships.

Check out this unofficial list.

Follow the Olympics on Twitter, click here.

Or just check out a couple twitter feeds you’re sure to recognize here:

Not Familiar with Twitter?  Visit the Wikipedia page or Twitter.com FAQ page.

Want to discuss twitter some more… let’s chat via twitter.

1) Visit my twitter profile: Here

2) Once there click on JOIN TODAY, set up your profile in only a few minutes
and then start “Following Cup_Of_Joe”

3) If you’d like, leave a comment on this blog post with your twitter profile name,
and I’ll follow you back.

Come on… it’ll be fun!

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/olympics/2008/08/twittering_from_beijing.html

If you’re interested in the latest research regarding Social Media and the associated technologies.  I highly recommend this book.

I’m reading it for a second time now and marking it up even more.

As I’ve gone from a spectator to a creator in the web 2.0 world, this book has given me new insights and information to chew on.

What other books or blogs have you read lately than you’d like to recommend?  Join the conversation.

WATCH A VIDEO – brief summary by author, Josh Bernoff.