Give and get
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kerbuski
Just under a year and a half ago, I starting using Twitter “seriously.” In other words, I sucked it up and retried a service I previously thought was fairly useless. At the time, it seemed like just one more channel of information to have to monitor. It hurts to admit that, because since then I have become a Twitter evangelist. It is by far my favorite social network and, since those lowly beginnings in February of 2009, my friends and followers lists have both grown substantially.
But, of course, it’s not about quantity … it’s all about quality. Most importantly, the relationships I’ve built over this period of time have altered my perceptions permanently. My professional and social networks have expanded exponentially and in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve met (both virtually and IRL) so many incredible people that there are truly too many to name.
That all came to a head when I had the amazing privilege and honor of hosting TEDx Lansing.
Since the close of the event just after 5 p.m. on May 21, I’ve been struggling to come terms with just what it meant to me, to the greater Lansing area and to our state. I’m still trying to get it all straight in my brain, but I can tell you one thing: I have been forever changed, and I think (at least in some small ways), the region and the state have been, as well.
Don’t believe me? I read today on Twitter that the Michigan organ donor registry has increased by 100 names directly resulting from Betsy Miner-Swartz’s presentation at TEDx Lansing. That represents the potential to save hundreds of lives.
Beyond that, I’ve watched as attendees, volunteers and presenters have connected with each other on social networks. I see people beginning to work together on new projects. I see things happening that weren’t happening before.
But really, I think the most important thing I’ve learned is something I’ve been told over and over: You get out of life exactly what you put into it.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Kerbuski
Two years ago, I never would have been involved with something like TEDx Lansing. The same is true for another great volunteer event, Lansing Give Camp. Not because I didn’t have the drive or desire, I just didn’t have the network of friends and colleagues that would have even clued me into the possibility. Social media and, more specifically, Twitter, opened up my world for me in a way I never would have guessed.
Old-school types like to claim that all this time spent on computers and smart phones is keeping us from real life and real relationships. We’re too busy keeping up with people we know on our screens rather than cultivating our relationships with our real-life friends and family.
Bullshit. My social media relationships have given me as much as I’ve given them. In fact, by being open to new relationships, I’ve changed for the better. I’ve become more active in my community and more aware of my place in it.
I’ve learned. I’ve met new, good people. I’ve become someone who takes action rather than just talking about it.
Social media didn’t make me do those things, it simply provided a conduit for acting on them.
Thanks to everyone who attended, presented at and volunteered for TEDx Lansing. I will never be able to adequately express how much it means to me to have shared that experience with you. Thanks also to my friends and followers on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and elsewhere. Keep challenging me to act.
I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.
Well put Ryan! I completely agree. As a huge supporter of private locally-owned businesses and a longtime resident of “Lansing” (graduated MSU in 92)Social Media is a fabulous outlet for supporting local, knowing our community and those in it. Thanks for all your hard work in making Twitter a great place for those of us around here.
Thanks to you, too, Daphne!
“My social media relationships have given me as much as I’ve given them. In fact, by being open to new relationships, I’ve changed for the better. I’ve become more active in my community and more aware of my place in it.”
Exactly, Ryan. Social media — specifically the networks and relationships I cultivated through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn — helped me change my life. It’s been an amazing transformation, and the connections I’ve made with others who want to help #lovelansing grow, change and thrive are invaluable to me — and our region.
You are precisely one of those “new” people in my life, and I feel like my life is all the better for it.
Awww thanks Robin! You’re definitely one of the the people who has made my life better, too!
I completely agree, Ryan. Just being involved in social media alerted me of things that I would have done anyways, but not been aware of.
I’ve met many new people, organizations, and causes that I’ve become involved in simply because I heard about them through social media channels.
By the way, as Robin said, you are one of the people I met… and I’ve only occasionally regretted that.
What’s this Twitter thing you kids are talking about?
Seriously, though, I just love love love love love this post. Love it. A lot.
Great post, Ryan! I’ve had a similar experience using social media (though less successful than you have been).
For some reason I always describe it in the abstract terms of social capital and weak ties. No one ever knows what I’m talking about!
Like you, I felt the same about Twitter because 1) I didn’t think people needed to know my business and 2) I didn’t think my life was that exciting.
Since jumping into Twitter, I have also met some great people online and IRL all around the world.
When I attend events, the ice is already broken with many people and quality networking begins.
I feel the exact same way! One of the things I love about meeting people I’ve been talking to on Twitter is that we can literally dispense with the small talk. Love it!
It is possible that if more citizens of Michigan were as engaged in their communities, it would be a state where people move to, instead of leave.
There has to be a catalyst to make people see all the potential that Michigan has, maybe your the person to make that happen, one community at a time.
Annie, I appreciate your confidence in me, but it’s going to take all of us to make this happen! I’m excited to be a part of it, though!
You made me a bit weepy, Ryan. Well said !
Thanks Kate! I’ve been trying to write this post since TEDx ended and it finally came together today. I’m glad you liked it.
Hey Ryan,
Once in a great while we have a moment we couldn’t have constructed on our own and without the interference of our fears and trepidations, that breaks us out of our mold and forces us to realize the potential we have to create great change.
As I hinted in my preso, Lansing and Detroit are two cities very similar in attitude and desire for change. It’s been a blessing to share part of your story. Thank you for bridging over to our side.
Perfectly said, Dave. Thank you.
I’ve never lived in Detroit. I’ve never even lived closer than 70 miles from it, but I’ve always felt drawn to it. I think everyone in Michigan is part of Detroit and that its fate is the fate of us all. As you pointed out at TEDx, we have to work together toward our common goals.
Nice work! Twitter has helped me lot a lot of folks around town, including you!
Ryan, you and many others did a great job at TEDx. Thanks for organizing it and I look forward to our next one. Hey, I’ll Tweet the heck out it.
I like this post because you can see 60% of my head in the second photo. Also, I loved being involved in this event even as a volunteer – and I owe getting connecting in Lansing after my drastic change in careers to SoMe (<– can we make that a thing? SOcial MEdia? Any takers?).
Plus I just know you all care so much about what I ate for breakfast.
Great post Ryan! Keep making Michigan proud!
Thank you, Joe! That really means a lot coming from you!