In Portland, my perception is that Social Media is used a little differently than in other areas of the country. Here is what I see. Social Media takes on the personality of the people who use it. In Portland it has become a thriving example of people looking for and receiving support. Support with problems, a way to share solutions, celebration of greatness, resources to propel them forward and most of all a way to connect with others going through similar situations in business and in life.

Our business uses many such applications. There is twitter, facebook, Yahoo groups, dibspace, LinkedIn, Biznik just to name the most popular.

What we noticed is when people first begin on the sites they go a bit crazy with their need to connect, they add all kinds of network connections. Anyone who comes along becomes a friend, associate, network buddy or alike. As time goes on they seem to get the ebb and flow of how the process is most effective. There are hundreds of articles on the web about social media etiquette and effectiveness. It can be a huge time waster, or as we discovered a huge database of people to brainstorm ideas, beta test products and services, or just hash out a problem.

Recently I made a connection with one of my Social Media associates. His name was Frank. Frank posed an idea but it wasn't quite right, there was something missing. The group helped Frank brainstorm ideas, this is what he wrote.

"I've been online now for more than a decade, have struggled with... and finally, things are taking shape. Thank you everyone who gave their input, the help broke open a new idea. Synchronicity has definitely been on my side lately where one thing effortlessly leads to the next (as opposed to my trying to push a wet noodle up hill)... Frank"

We are Working It Out With Social Media! We can resolve issues that have been in 'stuck' mode as Frank said for more than a decade. We can all give each other support and create solutions. Do you want to make a big splash in 2011? Do you have a solution that will help hundreds of Oregonians? Social Media way be a way to help you propel your idea forward.

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