Networking

I chiropractor talks with a patron at a neighborhood festival in Midwest America. Photo: Complimentary Medicine Copyright 2014 Frank J. Casella

Networking plays a crucial role in life as it generates a significant and positive impact. I utilize Fine Art America as my primary platform for networking, where engaging with a modest yet viable audience allows me to establish trust and a reputable presence. Unlike many artists who directly post pictures accompanied by sales pitches or calls to action on social media, I prefer to share blog posts or provide detailed descriptions of the subjects I photograph. Essentially, I harness the power of social media when I witness tangible results, rather than relying on it as a mere tactic to yield success.

During my tenure as the executive director of a local Chamber of Commerce, I encouraged that members who actively contributed to the organization’s mission and volunteered for committees were the ones who reaped the greatest business benefits. Instead of solely promoting their own interests, these individuals invested in building relationships and wholeheartedly engaged with their fellow community members. However, after my departure, many members ceased their participation or chose not to renew their membership. While my influence was not the sole factor, a significant portion of this decline could be attributed to a change in the Chamber Board’s approach, resulting in a diminished perception of the previously emphasized benefits.

When it comes to networking, whether in the virtual realm or offline, the most effective strategy is to selflessly give and invest in the interests of others, rather than fixating on personal gains. By nurturing genuine connections, people will truly get to know you and your talents, leading them to speak highly of you and the value you offer. Although this process may require a considerable amount of time, it surpasses the futile efforts of individuals who spend years navigating social media or attending various social functions without making any meaningful impact on their relationships or sales.

Contrasting this approach, the “big fish” dedicate their time and effort to each individual they encounter, making a positive difference in their lives and actively contributing to problem-solving.

You Digital Identity Is Worth Protecting

Lunch Time – Friends go shopping on a Chicago street, as construction workers take a lunch break. Monochrome Photograph. Copyright 2008 Frank J Casella.

---

In today’s digital landscape, the concept of identity has taken on a whole new dimension. With the prevalence of online services and the constant stream of personal data being generated, it has become increasingly important to safeguard our identities. And one of the key components of our digital identity is our email address.

When it comes to email, many people rely on Gmail as their go-to provider. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust features, and seamless integration with other Google services. However, what often goes unnoticed is how Gmail plays a significant role in shaping our online identity.

You see, when you use Gmail, you are essentially always logged in to your Google account. This means that Google can connect various pieces of information about you, such as your search terms, GPS location, photos, YouTube views, and more, all tied back to your real-life identity. It’s a comprehensive picture that Google can paint about who you are and what you do.

Furthermore, every time you sign up for a new service and provide your email address to create an account, Gmail is the one that knows about it first. It acts as a central hub, recording your digital footprints across different platforms and services. While this convenience may seem appealing on the surface, it also raises some privacy concerns.

However, it’s worth noting that securing your communications is just the first step towards reclaiming your online identity. It goes beyond simply protecting the content of your emails. It’s about understanding the intricate web of data collection and taking back control over how your personal information is used and shared.

Taking proactive measures to protect your online identity involves being mindful of the data you willingly disclose, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and regularly reviewing your privacy settings across various platforms. It also means diversifying your online presence, utilizing encrypted communication channels when necessary, and being selective about the services you choose to engage with.

Email is no longer just a means of communication; it’s an integral part of our digital existence. As such, safeguarding our email accounts and the associated data is essential in preserving our privacy and maintaining control over our identity. By taking steps to protect our identities online, we can navigate the digital world with confidence and enjoy the benefits it has to offer.

Social Media Sales Truths

Photo: ‘Morning Lit Magnolia‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

I’ve noticed recently as I go to and from my days between meetings and conferences, and kids sporting events, that most everyone keeps tabs with their smartphone. As I walk by and glance at what’s so important, I can say most of the time it’s Facebook …. still.

Though I have personally dumped my FB account since 2016, it seems that I’m in the minority. I also don’t have a smartphone, rather a flip phone … still.

When I am out on the street I make a concentrated effort to be with people, and not be distracted … especially while driving the car. I do use social media however on the computer, as an artist, and be very intentional with it.

Many of you who have followed my writing know how much I’m inspired by the Zig Ziglar Corporation. I have pulled together bits and pieces of what they teach about the timeless truths in a Social Media sales world. I practice them, and have come to believe in these:

1) Don’t hide behind Social Media – don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.
2) Write your own blog – example your expertise, integrity, and reputation.
3) = Critical = When posting always include knowledge and information that is valuable to the reader – even if they never contact you. They may refer you.
4) Selling is a transfer of feeling – amplification is key!

That last point, by amplification I don’t mean to say that you post your content everywhere you can. Rather you post content that is valuable enough that others share it and amplify your work and your Brand.

There is nothing more important than (what is known as) a third-party endorsement. In other words, it’s not who you know, but who knows you … and then, who THEY know. Get it!

I also believe that email is the original Socal Media, as your mails can be shared just as easy as any of the others. And now a close second is Masodon, which works very similar to email.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!

Delete the App, Use the Browser

Photo: ‘Purple Flowers by the Trail‘ – Color Photograph Copyright 2020 Frank J Casella.

My Love And Hate With Social Media.

If, like me, you don’t want to give up social media, because it’s not going away, but you do need a way to seriously cut back, the best way I have found is go off the usual path by deleting the apps and using a browser to access your accounts instead.

Many people don’t think of the browser as its own app or operating system, however, when you use a browser like Vivaldi it also blocks ads and trackers unlike using the apps.

Both the mobile and desktop browser versions are similar to using the social media apps, but with many of the same reduced features distractions. And if you are on Instagram (which I am no longer), then look at this feature of the Vivaldi browser.

You see, I learned from Cal Newport this solution that works extremely well at curbing my social media usage, the pared down version gave me a noticeably better experience. Less distractions, no noise, and better protects you from tracking and data mining.

One thing I do as an artist to keep it manageable, is follow no more than a dozen other artists whos work inspires me. Then a couple times a week I login to check out what they are doing, while I post my latest works. And doing it this way you don’t have to worry about the data mining as much, though it is still a good idea to use a privacy centered browser and platforms.

One final thought is to download the Vivaldi browser for desktop becuse it has a great side panel that makes social media like platforms shine. And their mobile browser works very smooth with platforms like Mastaton and MeWe.

The Thing About Email Domains

Photo: ‘Friends Walking the Wetlands Trail’ – Color Photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella

Just thinking, I have to say that email service domain names are a bad online ID that we use for most everything. We all have an email address, or usually need one for subscribing to social media and the like, even though an email address was never meant to be secure (but that is for another blog post). Many of us got our first email address from our phone company or Internet Service Provider (ISP), but they all have awful domain names that benefit the brand more than those of us using them. And the free and paid services have mostly done the same. The two exceptions I know of are mail.com and fastmail.com, they have both a good brand name that says what they do and benefits the user, plus they offer dozens of other domain names to choose that say what we do. On the other hand, protonmail had a good name until it went to just ‘proton’, and vivaldi.net (I have to mention because it hosts this blog) is a memorable name, though I think should do the opposite and change to vivaldimail.net (or vmail.net or VM.net), it has a better ‘ring’ to it and personally makes me smile. As humans we often take the path of least resistance, and this is why I think there is no real demand for better email service domain names. As long as the service works and meets our needs, we don’t care if it benefits the brand we are using, never mind the best way for them to be in business is to serve the customer.

The Blogging Newsletters Problem

Photo: ‘Making memories in the neighborhood‘ – Chalk on the sidewalk photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella – It’s good to see in this day and age how kids in a neighborhood bond, and without the use of digital technology.

With blogging and newsletters, there’s a new problem – email service providers and email clients can’t keep up with privacy measures and deliver on the marketing promises in their ads.

Readers are missing important email content and it seems to be getting worse.

In an industry that is constantly moving forward, the future of publishing seems to be about meeting the reader/viewer/listener where they want to be. But I say speak from where you are, and make your content attract them.

These days, that means embracing the antique nature of RSS.

RSS is an old technology that many people still use, and it’s perfect for publishing because it allows you to send updates to your readers with a true “open” network.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Golden Hour on the Fence

Photo: ‘Golden Hour on the Fence‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

The golden hour winter sun sets on a picket fence, and snowy tree branches, creating a moment of visual respite for end of the day worries and concerns.

When you’re so tired in today’s world, of balancing technology with human interactions, or worries and time management, it’s good to view moments like these as a sign of hope.

To enjoy a moment God’s love, and invitation to distinguish the genuinely important from the seemingly urgent.

What worries you, masters you, until you hand it over to the Master – A new focus, with new priorities, makes a big difference.

It’s Only One Day

Photo: It’s Only One Day – An early Spring sunset with silhouetted trees – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella. (a soft effect is added to this version)

There’s many things in life that we feel are important.

Yet, the day we’re on our death bed will reveal if we’ve been right.

What is most important, I have learned, is to each day take care of unfinished business, and correct all that went wrong yesterday.

Because you never know what tomorrow will bring. On your death bed there are usually no second chances.

What is important to you today then, wont be tomorrow. In the age of the world, it’s only one day.

Sunrise Cloud Reflection – Orton Effect

Photo: Sunrise Cloud Reflection – Orton – The morning sun dances on the winter storm clouds above the silhouetted tree line in Illinois – USA.. (Orton Effect, is a photography technique which blends two completely different photos of the same scene, resulting in a distinctive mix of high and low detail areas within the same photo.). Nature Landscape Art Photograph Copyright 2022 Frank J Casella 

The Chaos of Alias Email

Photo: The Walter Payton Center located at Halas Hall in Lake Forest IL, is the indoor practice facility used by The Chicago Bears Football Club. Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

I don’t know if it is a fad or becoming a trend, but the use of an alias email address it seems to be popular of late.

The word alias = a false name used to conceal one’s identity; an assumed name.

I know there are people who do important work where they need to remain anonymous to protect their life, but that I don’t think is most of us.

Growing up, my parents always taught us kids that if you can’t put your name on it then it doesn’t mean anything.

This is why my online accounts use some form of my name.

As much as most of us have one street address and one telephone number, I see the importance of having two email addresses: one for public use, and the other for private.

But then if the private gets into the wrong hands it easily then becomes public. …

So, then we come back full circle. I’ve been there, and it drives me nuts. … It’s like a dog chasing after its tail.

Just do your best to keep it simple, and learn to live with it.