Are You a Shadow or a Beacon?

Danny, Not afraid or ashamed to admit I'm on the cusp of the shadows right now, still learning my ways. I do step out into the light from time to time, when I have something to say that I think people need to hear, "will want to read."

Like Sally, I believe in the nuances and spaces in between. Sometimes the white hot spotlight can be too much, it's better to use a softer focus. Plus that light's just more flattering. ;-)

Kat's right about being true to yourself of course, but that's the Catch 22. If you're a leader, an innovator you're always watching, learning, thinking, creating and recreating; improving what's been done before, or doing it a whole new way. Yet if you're following great leaders, not leading or thinking for yourself, is it really you? IDK.

I so enjoyed this post, all the kick ass comments and just thought I'd chime in. Thanks.
.-= Davina K. Brewer´s most recent blog post ...Hey Stranger: Why I am not LinkedIn with You =-.

Danny,

I really enjoy reading this. I sat in the weeds for a long time, but I decided late last year to really branch out and offer what I've learned in my career/life. I would like to consider myself a beacon (not to sound cocky) because of the value I provide to others in my field.
I think my life outlook helps to create a fresh perspective for those reading my tweets and blog. That being said, I think if we aren't careful, we can easily become a shadow. Why? If we don't continue to listen to ourselves or have the drive to grow mentally, we can slip into being shadows.

Cheers!
Jason

Greetings from Ireland Danny :)

Wise words I think. I know for one, that when I started out (but am hoping far less so now), there was probably too much trying to emulate others rather than do something a little different. I've still got a ways to go to find that specific "something" that creates the difference - but it's a great experience getting there.

Best
Barney
.-= Barney Austen´s most recent blog post ...Eats, Shoots and Leaves =-.

Danny,

Another great article. So true. I'm not sure which I am. I think I'm a mix between them to be honest -- still growing.

And as for being socialed out -- I totally can relate to that! :)

Best wishes,
Sasha
.-= Sasha´s most recent blog post ...“Follow Me” – 4 Reasons Why I Will NOT Follow You Back on Twitter =-.

Branding is definitely a powerful factor in the evolving web; becoming a "beacon" usually involves recognition by others; whether is a name "Danny Brown", or a brand "Google" (you better approve this comment, I just mentioned you, not Matt Cutts, and Google in the same sentence). Branding = a following = people back linking to you, writing reviews for you, creating things for you, getting the word out for you. Branding usually involves an expertise in a given field or area; being an expert is being a beacon for a given category, and others will naturally gravitate towards you. Bueno.

This is the right post at the right time, Danny. I just came from the Movers & Shakers Conference in Boston, where we spent 2.5 days on what it takes to become a bigger player -- not just on social media, but in publishing, speaking, the whole shebang. #1 is to build your platform first. They couldn't emphasize it enough. Hone your message in smaller circles, be a star in your own backyard.

What you're suggesting here is the same: Be true to yourself, say what you have to say, and let your audience find you. It's not about the numbers. It's about the genuine interest in what you have to offer. 300 loyal, dedicated fans/followers/subscribers/customers trumps 30,000 disinterested ones.

You said, "Don’t worry about interest being small at first – after all, true pioneers are the ones that forge ahead offering real value and knowledge; all they need is time for everyone to catch up."

Marianne Williamson began her speaking career by giving free talks in church basements to anyone who wanted to listen... even if 5 people showed up. Cheryl Richardson told us how, after tons of work and building relationships, she was finally invited to go on Oprah. And then they canceled at the l1th hour. She was devastated. But went back to giving her talks, working with her clients, writing her books, and focusing on being of service. Over the next year, her audience started to change from primarily male business execs -- not exactly Oprah's demographic -- to reaching more and more women. Then, when Oprah finally did invite her again (a year after the cancellation) the fit was so right that they had her back month after month for an entire year -- and she toured with Oprah as leader of the Life Makeover events.

I needed to hear that message -- and yours. You know, sometimes we start in the shadows to see what's going on out there in the spotlight. We look for guidance and mentorship before we create our own path. And that's okay.

Then comes the time for courage. The time for stepping out into the light. And it can be a little scary. Even for someone fairly outgoing like me. I worry that people who have liked me for x reasons will stop liking me if I speak more from the heart about what matters to me. Hence, my latest blog series on "What's Stopping You?"

So thank you for this, in a big way. I'm bookmarking it and coming back whenever I need the little kick to keep going forward.@katjaib
)´s most recent blog post ...What's Stopping You? =-.

Hi Danny,

Good stuff here. All too often in social media (and in life in general), people would rather follow the path someone else already created and duplicate their successful efforts rather than come up with their own individual way to be a star. Maybe they assume that if it worked before it will work again, so why recreate the wheel? I think it's OK to generate ideas from other success stories, but outright replicating those efforts is never a good idea. Just because a social media campaign worked for your competitor doesn't mean that same campaign will work for your business.

We should always be striving to find new and innovative ways to be successful...particularly when using social media.

Just my two cents. Thanks for your thoughts. :)
.-= Nikki Stephan´s most recent blog post ...It’s HAPPO-ing Again! Second Help a PR Pro Out Event is This Friday =-.

Shadows and Beacons - how does an English Major with a passion for personal growth pass this by? I will do my very best to ensure relevance to Social Media and service excellence.

I am sometimes a Shadow. I observe from a place where I'm not in the way, I maximize the light that is beamed by others and I determine the compatibility of what I see to what I believe will work for me.

I am sometimes a Beacon. I have shone bright for those who are where I once was, I illuminate my best practices, my valued resources, my key connectors and connections - rendering them visible and accessible to all who may determine them an appropriate match too.

I am also all the nuances in-between - flickering between shadow and light, much like the sky in the image you've chosen. Sometimes I'm a dark cloud that gets completely in the way of my own success - blocking any light from shining. Until the point where I've built capacity, or confidence, or experience - igniting my embers to the point where I'm blazing trails once again.

I am relatively new to Social Media. If not for the sanctity of the Shadows, I would not have been so quick to assess what seems to work, what seems more smoke and mirrors than real value, and what must be avoided at all costs. If not for the Beacons, well - same assessment.

I feel that knowing your position in your Readiness and Values Spectrum will ultimately determine the role you take on in affecting the vision of others. When you have something of true value and significance to offer - no Shadow can contain you. If your fuel is void of Integrity, Passion, Purpose and Value - in time, your light will burn, or fizzle, out.

And for what it's worth, I see you as a shining Beacon of inspiration and I see me as a candle on the fringe of the Shadow, encouraging others to risk stepping into the light.
.-= Sally G.´s most recent blog post ...Please please tell me now: A Comment Conundrum =-.

Spot on, Danny. I wrote a post in memory of Malcolm McLaren a few weeks ago urging B2B bloggers to bring a bit of punk to their blogs. The great thing about punk was that it freed a lot of people to try something new.

Sometimes I think blogging has become too stale, especially in the B2B space, and it's time we all tried to be a bit more punk, a bit more innovative: beacons!
.-= Jon Buscall´s most recent blog post ...Content Marketing Requires You Understand Your Customers =-.

"write what you want to read"

I'm sticking that to my computer right now.

Love it - Thanks Danny!
.-= Frank Dickinson´s most recent blog post ...A Simple Way To Discover Your Passion – Or A Niche =-.

Danny, Great question this morning. This is something that we all have to evaluate in our own lives. Life is very different for beacons and shadows. Let your light shine!

Good points - we often forget that Social Media is not new - the tools are and there are more of them every day. There are no "new" fundamentals - that's why they are called fundamentals. Conversation, engagement based on trust is, and always will trump the brand new shiny thing. And lets not forget focus when we are at it. Oh, and throw intense passion int the mix too.
.-= wojtek Hoch´s most recent blog post ...Passion =-.

Hi Danny,

I love the idea of beacons and shadows.

I find it amazing how many people are willing to follow someone blindly, without questioning the validity of what the guy (or gal) at the front is doing.

As my mentor, the late Jim Rohn, used to tell us Danny; "be a student, not a sheep!"

Great post Mr Brown!!
.-= Jim Connolly´s most recent blog post ...The right answers to the wrong questions? =-.

Danny - great to have you back in full force! You wrote that "While it’s true that you need to Socialize to make these applications work for you, it’s only true if you’re using them effectively".

I would add one teeny weeny tip for those going from shadow to beacon: Measure. Use Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, Twitalyzer - whatever measuring tool is appropriate - to get feedback from your efforts into Beaconhood. After all, a Beacon is only good as it's brightness and direction.
.-= John Haydon´s most recent blog post ...3 Ways Facebook Will Radically Change Your Nonprofit =-.

Social networking is endless and for those in the shadows, who are exhausted by its continuous need for attention, can be completely overwhelmed. How do they know they are doing it right? How does anybody know?

I think that is where the difference between shadows and beacons becomes obvious. The shadows are willing to remain hidden until all paths have been checked, whereas the beacons take a chance. They put themselves out there and should they fail they will learn from their mistakes and be more likely to succeed.

How you approach life says a lot about a person and/ or business. How an unknown variable is managed can effectively be the sink or swim test.

If a ‘shadow’ found out he was going swimming and he couldn’t swim, you would most likely find them in the paddling pool. Whereas if a beacon were to know this he would have the initiative to wear armbands. Or a better yet, create his own swim style.
.-= Gigi´s most recent blog post ...Organisational Metaphors =-.

Change can be difficult; status quo is safe and warm. Change means uncertainty while same brings solid ground and predictability. But without change, none of it takes place. And if we are all followers then how do we know the ground beneath us is sound?

Over time new beliefs are formed. This is not created by shadows and mimics. It occurs through the courage and leadership of beacons and visionaries. Every great idea, every life changing invention, every person who has walked the earth and tried to make things better or change perception has been met with naysayers. Shadows give up, beacons soldier on.

Ford, Curie, Jobs, Einstein, Apgar, Copernicus, Gates, Franklin, da Vinci and thousands more were beacons of their time and our lives are better because of them. None of them quit because others didn’t agree with them. They remained determined and focused to lead and create new ideas despite the status quo.

No idea begins with an ovation. It’s easy to simply play along. But when we do, aren’t we simply letting a faceless entity known as “them” direct our movie?

Danny,

Another great article. So true. I'm not sure which I am. I think I'm a mix between them to be honest -- still growing.

And as for being socialed out -- I totally can relate to that! :)

Best wishes,
Sasha
.-= Sasha´s most recent blog post ...“Follow Me” – 4 Reasons Why I Will NOT Follow You Back on Twitter =-.

Danny, Not afraid or ashamed to admit I'm on the cusp of the shadows right now, still learning my ways. I do step out into the light from time to time, when I have something to say that I think people need to hear, "will want to read."

Like Sally, I believe in the nuances and spaces in between. Sometimes the white hot spotlight can be too much, it's better to use a softer focus. Plus that light's just more flattering. ;-)

Kat's right about being true to yourself of course, but that's the Catch 22. If you're a leader, an innovator you're always watching, learning, thinking, creating and recreating; improving what's been done before, or doing it a whole new way. Yet if you're following great leaders, not leading or thinking for yourself, is it really you? IDK.

I so enjoyed this post, all the kick ass comments and just thought I'd chime in. Thanks.
.-= Davina K. Breweru00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Hey Stranger: Why I am not LinkedIn with You =-.

To follow or not to follow, that is the question? This is a common trend for everyone whether you are an adult or a child. We as a whole mix up the difference between following a trend to succeed and doing what's best for us in order to succeed. Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace are stepping stones but we do not have to use those things in order to socialize and network. It is free and its a plus but its easier to create and do what you think is best. I loved reading your blog, thank you for the insight!

Danny,

I really enjoy reading this. I sat in the weeds for a long time, but I decided late last year to really branch out and offer what I've learned in my career/life. I would like to consider myself a beacon (not to sound cocky) because of the value I provide to others in my field.
I think my life outlook helps to create a fresh perspective for those reading my tweets and blog. That being said, I think if we aren't careful, we can easily become a shadow. Why? If we don't continue to listen to ourselves or have the drive to grow mentally, we can slip into being shadows.

Cheers!
Jason

Greetings from Ireland Danny :)

Wise words I think. I know for one, that when I started out (but am hoping far less so now), there was probably too much trying to emulate others rather than do something a little different. I've still got a ways to go to find that specific "something" that creates the difference - but it's a great experience getting there.

Best
Barney
.-= Barney Austenu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Eats, Shoots and Leaves =-.

Danny,

Another great article. So true. I'm not sure which I am. I think I'm a mix between them to be honest -- still growing.

And as for being socialed out -- I totally can relate to that! :)

Best wishes,
Sasha
.-= Sashau00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...u00e2u0080u009cFollow Meu00e2u0080u009d u00e2u0080u0093 4 Reasons Why I Will NOT Follow You Back on Twitter =-.

Branding is definitely a powerful factor in the evolving web; becoming a "beacon" usually involves recognition by others; whether is a name "Danny Brown", or a brand "Google" (you better approve this comment, I just mentioned you, not Matt Cutts, and Google in the same sentence). Branding = a following = people back linking to you, writing reviews for you, creating things for you, getting the word out for you. Branding usually involves an expertise in a given field or area; being an expert is being a beacon for a given category, and others will naturally gravitate towards you. Bueno.

This is the right post at the right time, Danny. I just came from the Movers & Shakers Conference in Boston, where we spent 2.5 days on what it takes to become a bigger player -- not just on social media, but in publishing, speaking, the whole shebang. #1 is to build your platform first. They couldn't emphasize it enough. Hone your message in smaller circles, be a star in your own backyard.

What you're suggesting here is the same: Be true to yourself, say what you have to say, and let your audience find you. It's not about the numbers. It's about the genuine interest in what you have to offer. 300 loyal, dedicated fans/followers/subscribers/customers trumps 30,000 disinterested ones.

You said, "Donu00e2u0080u0099t worry about interest being small at first u00e2u0080u0093 after all, true pioneers are the ones that forge ahead offering real value and knowledge; all they need is time for everyone to catch up."

Marianne Williamson began her speaking career by giving free talks in church basements to anyone who wanted to listen... even if 5 people showed up. Cheryl Richardson told us how, after tons of work and building relationships, she was finally invited to go on Oprah. And then they canceled at the l1th hour. She was devastated. But went back to giving her talks, working with her clients, writing her books, and focusing on being of service. Over the next year, her audience started to change from primarily male business execs -- not exactly Oprah's demographic -- to reaching more and more women. Then, when Oprah finally did invite her again (a year after the cancellation) the fit was so right that they had her back month after month for an entire year -- and she toured with Oprah as leader of the Life Makeover events.

I needed to hear that message -- and yours. You know, sometimes we start in the shadows to see what's going on out there in the spotlight. We look for guidance and mentorship before we create our own path. And that's okay.

Then comes the time for courage. The time for stepping out into the light. And it can be a little scary. Even for someone fairly outgoing like me. I worry that people who have liked me for x reasons will stop liking me if I speak more from the heart about what matters to me. Hence, my latest blog series on "What's Stopping You?"

So thank you for this, in a big way. I'm bookmarking it and coming back whenever I need the little kick to keep going forward.
.-= Kat Jaibur (@katjaib)u00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...What's Stopping You? =-.

Hi Danny,

Good stuff here. All too often in social media (and in life in general), people would rather follow the path someone else already created and duplicate their successful efforts rather than come up with their own individual way to be a star. Maybe they assume that if it worked before it will work again, so why recreate the wheel? I think it's OK to generate ideas from other success stories, but outright replicating those efforts is never a good idea. Just because a social media campaign worked for your competitor doesn't mean that same campaign will work for your business.

We should always be striving to find new and innovative ways to be successful...particularly when using social media.

Just my two cents. Thanks for your thoughts. :)
.-= Nikki Stephanu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Itu00e2u0080u0099s HAPPO-ing Again! Second Help a PR Pro Out Event is This Friday =-.

Shadows and Beacons - how does an English Major with a passion for personal growth pass this by? I will do my very best to ensure relevance to Social Media and service excellence.

I am sometimes a Shadow. I observe from a place where I'm not in the way, I maximize the light that is beamed by others and I determine the compatibility of what I see to what I believe will work for me.

I am sometimes a Beacon. I have shone bright for those who are where I once was, I illuminate my best practices, my valued resources, my key connectors and connections - rendering them visible and accessible to all who may determine them an appropriate match too.

I am also all the nuances in-between - flickering between shadow and light, much like the sky in the image you've chosen. Sometimes I'm a dark cloud that gets completely in the way of my own success - blocking any light from shining. Until the point where I've built capacity, or confidence, or experience - igniting my embers to the point where I'm blazing trails once again.

I am relatively new to Social Media. If not for the sanctity of the Shadows, I would not have been so quick to assess what seems to work, what seems more smoke and mirrors than real value, and what must be avoided at all costs. If not for the Beacons, well - same assessment.

I feel that knowing your position in your Readiness and Values Spectrum will ultimately determine the role you take on in affecting the vision of others. When you have something of true value and significance to offer - no Shadow can contain you. If your fuel is void of Integrity, Passion, Purpose and Value - in time, your light will burn, or fizzle, out.

And for what it's worth, I see you as a shining Beacon of inspiration and I see me as a candle on the fringe of the Shadow, encouraging others to risk stepping into the light.
.-= Sally G.u00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Please please tell me now: A Comment Conundrum =-.

Spot on, Danny. I wrote a post in memory of Malcolm McLaren a few weeks ago urging B2B bloggers to bring a bit of punk to their blogs. The great thing about punk was that it freed a lot of people to try something new.

Sometimes I think blogging has become too stale, especially in the B2B space, and it's time we all tried to be a bit more punk, a bit more innovative: beacons!
.-= Jon Buscallu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Content Marketing Requires You Understand Your Customers =-.

"write what you want to read"

I'm sticking that to my computer right now.

Love it - Thanks Danny!
.-= Frank Dickinsonu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...A Simple Way To Discover Your Passion u00e2u0080u0093 Or A Niche =-.

Danny, Great question this morning. This is something that we all have to evaluate in our own lives. Life is very different for beacons and shadows. Let your light shine!

Good points - we often forget that Social Media is not new - the tools are and there are more of them every day. There are no "new" fundamentals - that's why they are called fundamentals. Conversation, engagement based on trust is, and always will trump the brand new shiny thing. And lets not forget focus when we are at it. Oh, and throw intense passion int the mix too.
.-= wojtek Hochu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Passion =-.

Hi Danny,

I love the idea of beacons and shadows.

I find it amazing how many people are willing to follow someone blindly, without questioning the validity of what the guy (or gal) at the front is doing.

As my mentor, the late Jim Rohn, used to tell us Danny; "be a student, not a sheep!"

Great post Mr Brown!!
.-= Jim Connollyu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...The right answers to the wrong questions? =-.