Archive for August, 2008

There have been a lot of articles in the media over the past few weeks debating whether Facebook actually has any value.  This, in itself, indicates that there is a whole lot of value in Facebook.  I wanted to share with you an interesting article from Harvard Business Publications by Jeff Stibel.  Jeff talks about why Facebook is so much better than other social networks and why it fundamentally works.  Personally, I continue to be amazed at the functionality of Facebook.  Almost every day I discover something new that you can do with it.  Did you know you can even hire a Facebook coach?  Yes, it’s true, many mainstream corporate employees continue to choose LInked In and Plaxo over Facebook since some perceive Facebook is for a younger generation.  I did an experiment last week after attending a UC-Irvine MBA Alumni event.  For all of the business cards I collected, I checked to see if the folks were in Facebook and Linked In.  >90% were only in Linked In.  Interestingly enough, the next day I received a phone call from someone looking for a coach who had been refered to me in Facebook by the other 10%.  These folks also happened to be the younger people in the crowd.  Point in case, if you want to do business with Gen X, you’ve got to be in Facebook.  You know what their vote is regarding whether Facebook has value. 

This summer,  the ubiquitous “staycation” is all the rage.  Staycationing is choosing to stay at home and enjoy your local community versus traveling for vacation.  I’m all for saving money and for touring my hometown, the fine city of San Diego.  However, I’m not sure I could actually stop working long enough to enjoy the time off.  I know, I know, this is a matter of self-discipline but let’s be realistic.  LIke other working mothers, I’ve got more to do than I have time.  But that’s not my primary concern.  Reduction in creativity and the overall reboot factor is.  It’s been proven repeatedly that some of the greatest inventions, life makeovers and second chance success results when people take a pause.  Type A personality folks like you aren’t really well equipped to do this at all; but especially not in the confines of your own surroundings.  It’s just too distracting.  Here’s what Frommer’s has to say about the staycation.  I have to say I agree with them.  So, if you have to stay in town this season because your budget is too tight, at least spring for a few nights away from home at the best hotel you can afford and have mimosas for breakfast .  (I’ve stayed in a 5 star hotel in downtown Atlanta using Priceline for $85.  Who can pass that up?).  You can also get creative by using those frequent flyer points you’ve been saving for a rainy day or stay with friends as recommended by The Huffington Post (they coined it the Moochcation).  Bottom line, get out of your routine.  Afterall, isn’t that what vacations are all about?  By the way, if you want just the opposite of a staycation and you are planning to travel, the picture above is of Whithaven Beach in The Whitsunday Islands of Australia.  It’s in my top five list of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.  If you go there, make sure to hike in, there’s nothing like hiking under huge bats and then the surprise when you crest the mountain and see this beach.  Truly breathtaking.  The other reason I mention this?  You staycationers might need it for your imagination!  Have any great staycation examples?  Leave a comment!