Week 5, Kj Granger's Personal Learning Journal

So many questions, so little time . . .

I chose "UncoverDiscover" as my beat blog because this name represents what I will drop everything to do ~ help others' explore who/what they want to be.  This was my second blog for this class, because I uncovered/discovered that the first two were set up using my BGI gmail address, which does not offer Google profile capability.  Without Google Profile, one cannot use other Google functionality.  This necessitated making a whole new blog, which I began this week.  Actually I like this topic much better, because it's a topic I know the best, and hopefully, my posts and ideas will positively influence and help others.

As for personal branding issues, the issue for me is how to take the skills that I have and use them in gainful meaningful social change employment.  I find I'm not comfortable with telling others that I am a connector, that I'm interested in helping them explore their possibilities, etc.  So the challenge for me is finding that 30-second dialogue that explains this and makes it easy for the listener to understand, but also represents my skillset as something strong, beneficial, worthy. 

As for a dedicated domain name for my blog ~ maybe.  I already have one dedicatd domain blog site and am having challenges with time management allowing me to actively engage with that site.  Yet, I might.  Because so many people have told me that I have helped them see themselves in a whole new light, and that I inspired/motivated them to embrace their strengths in whatever they choose to do.  This does not make me feel like I'm an expert, and yet it does allow me to see that I have made a difference in some people's lives.

As for this week's topic ~ The Power of Social Video & Viral Media ~ well, I certainly believe in it.  Without FB, Twitter, and other social media, how would we have known what happened in Japan during the earthquake and its aftermath?  How would we know about many other important events involving our world today without these services?  And social media fundraising ~ I have participated in many fundraising initiatives via the social media.  In my view, Social Media today is the tip of the iceberg, compared to the social change it's going to effect.  We're just beginning to tap into its possibilities.