Where the Tweet Are You?

I was a twit when it comes to tweeting, blogging and Skyping; however, I have learnt well over the past year having set up these social media tools as part of my business structure and process.

This morning, I saw a rerun of The Oprah Winfrey Show; this episode featured ‘Where The Skype Are You?’ Media-mogul, Winfrey put to the test Skype on land, air and sea – literally. I wonder how many rules Winfrey’s people broke, and favours pulled to illustrate how the almost-free, video-call service. Josh Silverman, CEO of Skype was also interviewed. The flight attendant on the Virgin Atlantic Airlines was a very good reporter, showing respect and recognition for her passengers through her questioning.

So, how useful are social media tools in business, education and socializing? Perhaps the answers lie in actually using these online applications, or apps. Mobile technology has extended the reach of these apps such that you can receive real-time news reports; conduct a tutorial, coaching or therapy session; conduct a tour of a remote facility; do a multiple-location, wine-tasting session; enjoy a celebration from afar. My friend Yousuf Siddiqui from  Long Island, New York City cleverly uses Skype for effectively coaching corporate senior leaders for one-on-one sessions.

Surely there is no comparison between the on-site experience with the online experience however it is still an extension of our social reach to our friends, family, colleagues, associates, students, clients and customers. Working from home, working from a remote terminal at the airport or café, or working with your iPhone or Blackberry, make technology fully work for you. Stay high-tech and high-touch!

So, what’s your Skype? Tweet me.

Afterthoughts/During-thinks: Indiscriminate use of apps such as Facebook can cause your reputation to bleed. And so it has come to past that even on such private forums, unedited, hurls of random emotional outbursts can lead to tribes, denizens, communities, and even friends creating a whiplash effect. Think before you thumb-thump on your keyboard and hit post/send. I was at the scene of the accident which this FB poster made these disparaging remarks; the remarks were certainly uncalled for. I hope that he learns his lesson.