Before The Age of Conversation made it possible for people globally to help kids through The Variety Club, we raised money the old-fashioned way in Philadelphia: we sang for it (false_alarm.mp3).
I wondered when the shot on the left taken from an ABC broadcast would come in handy:TaDa!
Back in the day, our group did the Philly-Atlantic City circuit singing acapella street corner doo-wop . During one of our "Hey, We're Not Dead Yet!" revivals we did a spot on a TV show to help raise money for the Variety Club--a charity that has always been huge in the Philadelphia area. It was an honor to be a part of it. (Note: Yes, the suits glowed in the dark).
Great Buzz, Great Book, Great Cause
Fast Company, Business Week, Ad Age , and other publications worldwide have latched on to the phenomenon: 103 authors writing from 103 perspectives on the impact and future of social networking. My "chapter" on page 84 is "Want to Change the Organization? Change the Conversation."
The authors use their specific expertise as a starting point for looking at the Age of Conversation. You'll find the breadth and depth fascinating, with perspectives ranging from marketing to customer service, writing, blogging, branding...
Mine is where I'm most comfortable: organizations and workplaces. Here's an excerpt from my "chapter:"
Critical Conversations Reaching Critical Mass Create Meaningful Change
Forty years ago we talked about tasks, got them done, and went home. Thirty years ago we added attention to “the process” and talked about “how” we approached the task—and we spent time learning more about who we were. And now, it’s about task + process+ meaning. “What is it about your organization—or the change you want to make—that enhances the meaning of my life’s work?”
Visit These
Drew McLelland, Gavin Heaton, and David Armano provide regular updates on the global buzz and the sales generated for charity. For a look at what's happening locally, as well as some good reading, take some time to visit the authors listed below. You'll see why this is the Age of Conversation!
Gavin Heaton
Drew McLellan
CK
Valeria Maltoni
Emily Reed
Katie Chatfield
Greg Verdino
Mack Collier
Lewis Green
Sacrum
Ann Handley
Mike Sansone
Paul McEnany
Roger von Oech
Anna Farmery
David Armano
Bob Glaza
Mark Goren
Matt Dickman
Scott Monty
Richard Huntington
Cam Beck
David Reich
Luc Debaisieux
Sean Howard
Tim Jackson
Patrick Schaber
Roberta Rosenberg
Uwe Hook
Tony D. Clark
Todd Andrlik
Toby Bloomberg
Steve Woodruff
Steve Bannister
Steve Roesler
Stanley Johnson
Spike Jones
Nathan Snell
Simon Payn
Ryan Rasmussen
Ron Shevlin
Roger Anderson
Robert Hruzek
Rishi Desai
Phil Gerbyshak
Peter Corbett
Pete Deutschman
Nick Rice
Nick Wright
Michael Morton
Mark Earls
Mark Blair
Mario Vellandi
Lori Magno
Kristin Gorski
Kris Hoet
G.Kofi Annan
Kimberly Dawn Wells
Karl Long
Julie Fleischer
Jordan Behan
John La Grou
Joe Raasch
Jim Kukral
Jessica Hagy
Janet Green
Jamey Shiels
Dr. Graham Hill
Gia Facchini
Geert Desager
Gaurav Mishra
Gary Schoeniger
Gareth Kay
Faris Yakob
Emily Clasper
Ed Cotton
Dustin Jacobsen
Tom Clifford
David Polinchock
David Koopmans
David Brazeal
David Berkowitz
Carolyn Manning
Craig Wilson
Cord Silverstein
Connie Reece
Colin McKay
Chris Newlan
Chris Corrigan
Cedric Giorgi
Brian Reich
Becky Carroll
Arun Rajagopal
Andy Nulman
Amy Jussel
AJ James
Kim Klaver
Sandy Renshaw
Susan Bird
Ryan Barrett
Troy Worman
S. Neil Vineberg
Click on your preferred subscription area at the top of the sidebar on the left. You'll always get the newest post!
Steve, I love the musical idea. Drew and I have already discussed the movie options that are flooding in ;) -- so a musical is the next logical step.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | July 23, 2007 at 02:55 AM
You know, I have a background in musical theater. Where do I sign up as orchestra director? Let's have a conversation about that. :-)
Posted by: Connie Reece | July 23, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Gavin and Connie,
Well, with Connie's background and your marketing expertise I think we can make it happen.
Can we get 103 outfits that glow when the lights dim?
Posted by: Steve Roesler | July 23, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Steve,
This idea simply rocks... I mean swings. I'm definitely "in".
Brilliant!
Posted by: Luc Debaisieux | July 23, 2007 at 11:20 AM
Hmmm, Luc,
Do you think maybe we're headed toward a worldwide roadshow, maybe something like "Conversation Idol?!"
I'm starting to get the feeling that there's more talent hidden behind the About pages!
Posted by: Steve Roesler | July 23, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Steve, AWESOME!
Not just link love, but real doo wop (is there anything better than a cappella music?) and sharkskin suits!
This post has been the best part of my Monday. Rock on with your Philly self!
Posted by: Lori Magno | July 23, 2007 at 01:53 PM
Yo, Lori,
Thanks for the Philly-style encouragement. Now you've got me headed downstairs for the 45's...
Posted by: Steve Roesler | July 23, 2007 at 02:01 PM
You've got to add some girl groups too, though. Think of the classic doo-wop era chanteuses like the Shirelles, the Ronettes,the Crystals, Mary Wells. "My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble ..."
You're definitely on to something, Steve. :-)
Posted by: Connie Reece | July 23, 2007 at 07:31 PM