The Web IS the modern world. You have to know how to use the Web to prosper, like in the 20th century you had to know how to drive a car (I’m talking about the developed world). I make my living helping people use the Internet better, and do a lot of volunteering, too. I realized that everything I’m working on is intended to help our region thrive in the 21st century.
My activities, why I do them, and what they’re for:
- Consulting. I’m a generalist. I was a software developer and have a knack for computers. If I don’t know something, I know how to find out enough to be helpful to my clients. Tasks that baffle people come easily to me because of experience and comfort with technology. I’m also very system-minded, so it’s pretty easy for me to help people think about their businesses and see how to improve how they get things done.
- Speaking. I’m really, really excited about the Internet and Social Media. I started doing workshops because I needed to share my enthusiasm. Professionals and business people find my workshops useful because I show them what the tools are and how to use them. I don’t talk down to the people, and I don’t condescend to the tools as many software professionals do. Putting Facebook down is a favorite activity for developers with skills past their sell-by date and a sense of entitlement.
- Volunteer work.
- Local business association. What keeps me engaged is the opportunity to work hands on with municipal leaders on economic development and get involved in local and regional planning. Also, it’s another chance to evangelize for the Internet and Social Media. There are huge, easy wins for local businesses who learn how to use technology better.
- Local Cable Board. We deal with the incumbent cable company, which also provides high speed Internet service. As our region is woefully underserved, the towns have entered into discussions with
- WiredWest, a group which is planning to build and operate a high speed fiber optic network which will serve all of the residents and businesses in the region. I’m an appointed delegate from my town. I’ve volunteered to help with online communications and public speaking.
- Shelburne Falls Memorial Hall association. A non-profit group which operates the historic Memorial Hall Theatre. SFMH brought the Metropolitan Opera Live HD Video broadcasts to the area. We have an enthusiastic and growing audience – people from many miles around as well as local residents. Visitors get exposed to the charm and beauty of Shelburne Falls. Residents of the community get world class opera.
- Open Space Committee. This is a committee of the town, established to deal with land use and land preservation issues. This is a predominantly rural town with a relatively unspoiled environment and lots of open space. Helping preserve it for the future is an important mission.
I’ll go into more detail on each on in future posts in the series, some ideas about the future of the region.
