Connectors, mavens & salesmen

[Barbara Iverson]

Hi,
The summit is like the blind horse right now. Beautiful, but "she doesn't look so good," if you know what I mean. Yes the site is cool, but it is missing its connection to the future. Where are the digital immigrants and the educational institutions that connect potential to actual business and enterprises? There are not educators in this mix yet. Fatal if you need to have a stream of employees who you aren't going to hire via outsourcing to Asia.

From the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tipping_Point_(book)">Tipping Point, we know that to be viral, a project needs three kind of people: Connectors, who provide the social glue. Mavens, who are data banks and passionate about their topics, and Salesmen (or women) who persuade everyone that the project is important.

Look at the speaker list. CNMS08 has lots of salespeople, and some Mavens, but I think it is light on connectors.

Where is the education/vision community in Chicago in this event? Who is connecting the young with the established? No industry can flourish over time without a "farm club" to identify and nurture talent, and IMHO this summit has ignored the vibrant educational institutions in Chicago that will make or break a New Media industry over five or ten years.

I can help put together a visionary educator panel, drawing on new media education from the artistic to the practical, from games to programming. But even if you don't have me do it, someone should.

The student intern/grad student factor is key for businesses that need intellectual capital.

Anyone else see what I mean?

[John Patterson]

Your correct, which is why we have 53 posts on the blog: "Is there/ will there be enough Talent to support the growing New Media industry here?" and the following Panel Discussion at the Summit.

1:00 pm Panel: Education & Employment

Judi Wunderlich, Aquent, Moderator; Jeff Epstein, Digital Bootcamp; Tom Collinger, Northwestern University

[Barbara Iverson]

John,
No offense, but that panel looks like "training" a bit more that "education."
How about a panel with folks from UIC, Columbia College Chicago, ARTIC, DePaul? What about a title like "New thinking for New media"

I started an "Education" group so maybe we can get some ideas if anyone joins and posts to. Take care,
barbara i

[Kevin Burrell]

Educators are still behind the trends. This was evident at the Edelman New Media Summit. They know it is changing but educators are just starting to realize the importance of hos students use it, whats going on and to engaging students about talking about new media.

But I agree connectors are needed. I am available to speak if need be :-)

[Heather Ronkoske]

I find this interesting its a matter of opinion on who a true connector is....I believe we do need educators...those who focus on topics such as culture, trends, media, journalism, advertising, film, and so on...Columbia is a hotbed of talent.....however I see connectors a bit differently, I see them as the networking glue those who can take a suggestion from a teacher about an amazing student and put them in touch with a company/hiring professional....or someone who seems to be truly connected in the city amounst many industries, the person you would go to if you were a company that is a bit older, stagnant...needing reinvention and wanting the opinion of someone with fresh eyes who can give valuable advice and then find you the people to rebrand and implement new strategies utilizing new media as a way to market this new image. As someone who came up with eclectic marketing strategies for my 3 year old boutique Exhibit...I always found it amazing when people would blog about an ad stunt we would pull....hell I am in two Crain's articles this week for "closing my doors, not surviving the economy" and what is ironic is I closed a bad location (that I rented to find a better space to buy sounded smart to me) I still have a thriving boutique at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana Campus, and just produced a show for the Discovery Channel so re-opening my Chicago digs hasn't been a priority....but apparently when you make a name people notice when you are missing....okay I have been tooting my own horn but the point I am making is some companies really need to find people like me and my guess is people like Kevin who have great instincts and a voice who can bring the wow factor to their doors via new technologies!! (its more than just educators) I know true Chicago "Connectors" if you would like a list let me know!!

[Victor Gamez]

I totally agree! I'm with you. My org is about making connections happen, hence the name HUB CHICAGO. I am in the very early stages of development, but recognize the need to get everyone plugged in at every level...

I am working on a project to get young multicultural talent access to educational and work opportunities in media. Much more needs to be done, but I we will do what we can, and welcome any help, ideas, collaborations, and funding.

victor gamez

[Alex Untermyer]

You're right and I was just about to send a link to my professor of economics who just the other day said that in certain industries people work for free because they love it so much. I think that topic needs to be discussed. But I also think educational institutions have often been disconnected with the rest of society - I agree with Kevin on that point!! Yet, after my econ lecture I went home and got my email about my duties as a volunteer for this event and what he was saying rang true to me in my life. Still with time, I think this can grow. I also believe that people are more multifaceted than we give ourselves credit. We all play different roles given the scene. I was just about to send him an email asking him to check out my post about playing for free. I'd suggest that you invite some educators and others you describe above to participate in these discussions. At first I thought this page was just another chore and now I am seeing it as a radical almost rebellious experience of self-expression. Yet I should probably be spending more time studying for my final... Also I just want to say I am more of a grass roots person myself and think its important that each person find what they are comfortable doing to help a cause they believe in. Its good not to get stuck in what you are categorized as, since its easy to sup rise yourself and others what you are capable of being or doing if you believe enough in a cause. I'm just so excited to meet other people who are into the arts and believe that technology can be an enabler to help artists become self sustaining in their life. It seems like that is the vibe here like what Victor is doing and the talk of needing more people to do the work. That is all forward and positive thinking. Cool!!!!!

[Kevin Burrell]

Connectors are conduits of growth. If there is a gap somewhere they fix it. The enable people to learn new things and direct others to ideas they never thought possible. But connectors have to be put in positions of influence in order to be effective.

It is so hard in a culture that wants us to see the "big picture" but contradicts itself with "niche" categories. Specialists are always in demand and generalists are treated like they have no value. Maybe the key is behavioral science. Connectors balancing out groups of people so that diverse ideas and perspectives can be exchanged instead of the same group staying together and suffering from group think. Most of the media industry is in denial about what is working and what is not and trying to constantly replicate TV's model of commercialization which is a sinking ship amongst younger viewers.

If everyone is so specialized who is qualified enough to lead these highly trained individuals to do simple or routine tasks or accomplish common goals?

[Heather Ronkoske]

I think the standards are changing and multifaceted people are being seen as an asset when it comes to the "big picture". I am seeing more and more people advance in their careers due to the diversity of their experience as opposed to being skilled in just one arena.....

[Heather Ronkoske]

I think anything stated as "new" needs people who are willing to take risks and be trailblazers....these people tend to be the ones who believe their ideas are sound and run with them! I know no one wants to work for free to build the resume but when I am in a hiring position it stands out it shows your passion for an industry and your will to see it through even when you are not at a monetary gain. It gives you experience which is valuable in the future! Keep your grass roots mentality it will set you apart from the crowd its that can do attitude that makes big things happen on a small budget and the impossible possible! Good Luck in carving out your career after the studies are over!

[Joanne(Shayna Bracha) Farber]

hi,
i am new to this network.. i love to make connections too..
i would love to become apart of this?
Maybe for next years event?
I am a holistic artist who wants to bring in creativity in anyway possible..
also, to help to de-stress and help others to focus with clarity.
pls. e-mail me.
blessings,
joanne(shayna bracha) farber
HOLISTIC ART BY SHAYNA BRACHA FARBER
CREATOR OF HARMONY FUSIONWAVE AWARENESS-TM
http://www.shaynabracha.com

[Kevin Burrell]

And it starts with simple introductions like that :-)

[Jeff Osmond]

Barbara,

I think you are on point. Although a great deal of new business can be realized at an event like this, throwing a convention for the benefit of salespeople is not very revolutionary or forward thinking, and I am a salesperson by trade. Although my interest in the summit is to gain exposure for my new venture and network with technical and financial people, but also learn as I am only a few years out of college.

I would like to help in anyway possible.

Thanks.