INFINITY.

Yesterday my virtual and real worlds collided, on purpose, and in the words of Martha Stewart, “It was a good thing.”

For about a month now I’ve been following Guy Kawasaki on Twitter, reading his posts from his website Truemors. Some of his posts were of interest, especially the odd news stories from ‘round the world. He also twittered about his passion for hockey, despite modestly assessing himself as an average and below player. He also boldly twittered about Truemors being labeled the worst website ever. And, I enjoyed his twitters of his ventures on his daughter’s camping trip.

The last week or so he’s been twittering about being in Hawaii, the island of Maui at first and I assumed he and his family were on vacation. He shared, via twitter, showing pictures of his children to his father, and I knew he was now on Oahu, but without family in tow. And, a few nights ago he posted that he had two more speaking engagements before flying home.

I thought to myself that I had to hear him, not because he was an Apple Fellow or had roots in Silicon Valley, but it was my opportunity to allow my worlds to collide, on purpose. You see, I’ve been reading about Podcamps, TechCrunch and DemoFall for the last few months, and am interested but limited by this thing called the Pacific Ocean, and well a budget. This was my opportunity to bring some reality into my virtual world.

I found myself at Honolulu Community College riding the elevator with another gentleman whom said, “Are you here for the STEM conference?” Umm…no, I’m here to listen to Guy Kawasaki. The gentleman replied, “Yes, the STEM conference.” Great, I wasn’t registered for this conference but I did have a “Get In Free” pass, well sort of. Guy had directed a private message to me the night before that read, “If you can’t get in, call me over and we’ll say you’re my bodyguard.”

Approaching the registration desk with a good attitude, and great smile, the lady graciously added me to the list without me even having to use my pass! I found myself sitting amongst a room of people from my parents’ generation, I felt very comfortable, but I’ll admit I wondered if any of them could identify with the guest speaker from Twitter or only from all of his other accomplishments.

Guy was a little more than awesome. He spoke my language: simple, quick, and honest. The topic was relevant, to me, and by the nodding, abrupt laughter, and roaring applaud; I’d say others felt the same as well. He was equally as kind when I introduced myself, and much taller than I had pictured or was it his shaggy, surfer hairdo?

Here are the things I took away from my experience:

• Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Leadership Conference was sponsored by the University of Hawaii College of Education with a goal of building a framework for action. It was an invite only conference which brought together the Board of Education, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and other relevant related offices.

• “Make Meaning.” I don’t aim to change the world globally, but I focus locally and should it ripple into something larger then I have overachieved, which is perfectly fine in my book. I choose to participate in life, and as a participant I have a responsibility to leave footprints with dignity.

• “Don’t be afraid to polarize people.” I‘ve said this before that I‘ve accepted that “not everybody loves NEENZ,” and knowing this, creates a secure balance. And so, whether in my professional or personal life, I give all of myself genuinely, but I know that not everyone will accept me in the same manner. Part of the balance includes this percentage of people whom may not accept me, it allows me to spend more time and focus on those that do.

• Guy Kawasaki likes to use the word ‘crap.’ And let’s face it, he’s right. Don’t produce it, don’t sell it, don’t give it away. Unless of course, it’s “beta” crap.

I had wanted to ask Guy a few questions, an interview of sorts which would have made my other blog, “TRUEMORS: Get Local Ties” a bit more interesting, but he was overwhelmed by other attendees one of which was the current Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona. I shall be patient, besides with the available technology my interview is only a twitter away!

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 6th, 2007 at 9:30 am and is filed under SOCIAL MEDIA., HAWAII., LIFE., SOCIAL NETWORKING., SELF.. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.