This week the benefits of social media have extended beyond business, when an amazing thing happened unexpectedly on LinkedIn. You may remember that I mentioned the Soldiering On Through Life charity a few weeks ago… Well, having posted that blog on a LinkedIn group page, someone contacted me to offer their help with the charity! A good start to the year for an organisation that’s planning a glittering award ceremony for wounded heroes in March. They have a couple of unsold tables, so feel free to check out their website if you’d like to support the soldiers.
And speaking of a different kind of heroes, one wonderful piece of news I found out through Twitter this week was the revelation that David Bowie’s released a new single and album. Fantastic!! Bowie’s been one of my musical heroes since I bought his greatest hits album in 1981 from a fellow street vendor in Carnaby Street. (It was around the time I was arrested for soliciting – which I wasn’t!! The story’s in my book!) I still have the album, along with about 300 others that will probably never be played again but I can’t bear to trash.
One of my friends who’s a huge Bowie fan had the good fortune to sit next to him at a music fundraising dinner in New York a couple of years ago. As the blue eyed/brown eyed boy shook hands with everyone around the table, starting on his left, he was obviously showered with greetings of praise and adulation. So, by the time he said hello to the eager fan seated on his right, there was nothing left for my friend to say, apart from, “Is it still raining outside?” (This story’s probably better told first-hand.) Needless to say, this began a friendship that I certainly wouldn’t say no to… And I’d very much like to be connected to Bowie on LinkedIn – or anywhere, for that matter…
Anyway, LinkedIn was by far the most successful social network for me last year. Aside from developing relationships with people I’ve met at real-life networking events, this year has started with productive conversations with people who found me through LinkedIn groups and discussions. It’s also been great for reconnecting with colleagues and business acquaintances from years gone by – although that’s subject to knowing women’s married names. I’ve lost touch with many people from my fashion buying days, including a jewellery supplier named Barbara.
Barbara took Joan and me to the opening night of a London show. We’d never heard of it, but sat through the performance enraptured with tears streaming down our faces. That show was Les Mis – still my favourite today – and the film certainly lives up to expectations. If you haven’t seen it yet, book your tickets, it’s amazing!!!
‘Sometimes I walk alone at night when everybody else is sleeping. I think of him and then I’m happy with the company I’m keeping – the city goes to bed… and I can live inside my head.’ Well, even London goes to bed eventually, but I love how Twitter never sleeps. You might not fancy conducting business deals from your bed (or you might…), but there’s always a friend to talk to in the world of social media. So look around and join the party – you’ll find me there: @WeekendWitch.
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