Social Business Myth Busters!

Happy today in Orlando at IBM's Connect 2014, one of the largest social conferences in the industry!

Today is a fun Myth Buster day!  Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl7kbBLWg6c&feature=youtu.be]


Mint, Bric

I learned a new term today -- MINT!

We have been doing strategy around BRIC for so long.  BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China.   These were the countries that were to drive the growth in the market.  I have been to all 4 of these countries and saw the growth engines turning but never the full potential that was projected.

But now there is a new term -- MINT -- Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey. Have you heard of this one?  Sure I have been to Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey and loved the.  Turkey is very exciting.  The tea is very good and the business growing.

But the stability is a question.  Turkey and Nigeria have politics that are in turmoil.   Indonensia is facing troubles too with investors.   So I'd love to hear your thoughts on MINT.

hurricane sandy 232


Social Business Live Stream from IBM Connect! Please join us!!!

I'm excited to tell you about my three live webcasts in the coming week from IBM CONNECT 2014. Tune in for CONNECTING THE ECOSYSTEM: Conversations from IBM Connect 2014 with Sandy Carter. We'll be streaming live from the CONNECT Solutions Expo on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at the times listed below. I'll be joined by key ecosystem luminaries for discussions on driving social adoption, proving business value through social intelligence, and creating a smarter workforce. In addition to the interviews, we'll have summary thoughts each day on key announcements and initiatives. And, we'll take your questions submitted through Twitter, just use #asksocialsandy on your tweets!

I really hope you'll join us for one or all of the live webcasts.

Our schedule:
Sunday, Jan. 26: Driving social adoption, 6:30-7:00 PM (Eastern US) / 23:30-24:00 (GMT)
Monday, Jan 27: Proving business value through social intelligence, 6:45-7:15 PM (Eastern US) / 23:45-00:15 (GMT)
Tuesday, Jan 28: Creating a Smarter Workforce, 5:30-6:30 PM (Eastern US) / 22:30-23:30 (GMT)

Register today and add the shows to your calendar: http://bit.ly/1hOwoxY


A VC Speaks out to Entrepreneurs: What's most important!

In the spirit of our upcoming IBM Entrepreneur Week -- here is our Interview with Connie Wright, Principal Commonwealth Pacific Ventures.  She dishes with us on keys for entrepreneurs!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cccns9dn4ys&feature=youtu.be]

 


Women Entrepreneur Day Sponsored by IBM!!! Feb 3 An Infographic

Women-led businesses receive only 13% of VC deals, and that’s up 20% YTY, according to Pitchbook, a venture-capital research firm. This is good momentum! And for me, this is means 2014 will continue to be a breakout year for women in technology too.

I’m also thrilled to help spark this breakout by hosting IBM Global Entrepreneur Week, February 3-7th. I’m honored to be the first woman to host this premier event.   Register to join us!

http://vshow.on24.com/vshow/EntrepreneurWeek/registration/5787#

This one-of-a-kind event will feature virtual and in-person opportunities to learn from and network with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, academic leaders, IBM executives and IBM Business Partners. There’s no better place to connect with other female entrepreneurs and find out what it takes to build and maintain a successful startup … and there’s no better time to register!

Spread the word with all of your fellow female entrepreneurs using the promo below on all of your social networks. Then join us on February 3 during our Online Bash at 10:30 AM EST to hear from leading women on how to survive this competitive marketplace.

I hope to virtually see you there!  Register NOW!

http://vshow.on24.com/vshow/EntrepreneurWeek/registration/5787#

Woman Entrepreneurs


Entrepreneurs! Join us for IBM Entrepreneur Week Feb 3-9!

I consider myself an Intrapreneur at IBM!   Yes, and IBM has hundreds and thousands of entrepreneurs who joined our ranks through numerous acquisitions!

We'd love for you to join us at our IBM Entrepreneur Week Feb 3-9 for a mix of great virtual and in person events!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJbuLYbgOOM&feature=youtu.be]

This week will be global!!!

entrepreneur week posters

Intrapreneurs and Entrepreneurs are great friends!!!

  • Entrepreneurs provide the spark. Intrapreneurs keep the flame going.
  • Entrepreneurs are found anywhere their vision takes them. Intrapreneurs work within the confines of an organization.
  • Entrepreneurs face many hurdles, and are sometimes ridiculed and riddled with setbacks. Intrapreneurs may sometimes have to deal with conflict within the organization.
  • Entrepreneurs may find it difficult to get resources. Intrapreneurs have their resources readily available to them.
  • Entrepreneurs may lose everything when they fail. Intrapreneurs still have a paycheck to look forward to (at least for now) if they fail.
  • Entrepreneurs know the business on a macro scale. Intrapreneurs are highly skilled and specialized.

 


I am AquaWoman!

Crazy title I know.   But did you know since I had my accident in Brazil, I have swam everyday consistently for 3 months in my quest for total recovery.   And have earned my new nickname --- Aquawoman!

aquaman

Given that I go to the same pool daily ( except for the 2 weeks at Christmas where I went to another location and pool!), I have learned the names of the lifeguards, their shifts, who swims when and what injury they have sustained, where kids are heading to college and the list goes on.  Given the lifeguards had to help me into and out of the pool for a while, I gave them each a small present of my appreciation at Christmas.    I have developed a new small family of swimmers!!!

I thought about how amazing this was!  And it was all SOCIAL! I learned a lot of lessons in that pool for my Social World!

  1. Consistency earns Trust.    In Social or any relationship, you can not come in and out.  You must remain consistent in your interactions.  Plan time to interact and develop relationships.
  2. It is P2P - People 2 People.  People are not robots.  And they are not just all business.    They have lives and their lives extend far beyond their business side.   Get to know things that matter to them -- their families, hopes, dreams, and injuries!  This helps you to know them as a full person.
  3. Reward those that help you.   Yes, the small token I gave each lifeguard (22 in total!) was a way I could express how appreciative I was of their help.  Everyday I thanked them.   And they responded in kind. I get so much help and great attitudes every time I  come in.   The same is true in Social.  Re tweet others, interview them and spotlight them.  Thank them for their help and assistance!

As I have said many times, Social is not magic.  It is simply something people have been doing throughout the ages --- forming relationships!

You don't have to be as smart as Watson just have the social skills!!!!