10.11.08

Genuine Excitement In Your Work/Job

Posted in General & Corey Graham 2.0 & business & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 11:16

Cable and Wireless's rebranding of LIME has officially touched down in Barbados over the weekend. I came face to face with a few of the employees. We talked about LIME and I learnt some interesting things. I mean they are still tight-lipped about most of the things they will be doing, because most of the new stuff from LIME will be rolled out in their Christmas Promotion.
(read more on LIME here)

The thing I found more interesting with those Cable and Wireless employees I talked to, was that they are genuinely excited. I mean at first, I thought it was something else in their life but, they are all excited about the things to come. I found this so interesting. Imagine if all the people involved with your business or those that you work with were genuinely excited. I mean wake up in the morning with a real smile on their face when they head out the door to go to work? 

Think for a minute of that. Can you imagine that?
Nah seriously, stop and think?

How would you greet everyone in the morning?

How would customers be treated?

How would your clients be treated?

What about a new idea? How would that be treated? 

We wake up everyday dreading to go to work. Forcing ourselves to build our career or rather just going with the flow. How would your world change if everyone you work with are absolutely excited? It everyone were pouring real passion and true energy into their lifes?

Some people I know say the only absolute in their lives is Vodka - Absolut Vodka....

For me, I will dream of one day sharing a bottle with those working alongside me. Those excited people working alongside me. 

Question is?
Can you sit at that table with me? Sipping your Absolut Vodka and tonic water with a "lime" in the glass?

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

10.11.08

Grenada - Trinidad Ferry To Set Sail for 2009

Posted in Corey Graham 2.0 & Caribbean & business & Mobile Technology & coverage & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 08:48

I am just came across the announcement by the Grenadian Tourism Minister, Peter David that there will be a ferry service between Grenada and Trinidad to begin in the early part of 2009. Apparently its the government of Trinidad that is providing this service accomodating approx 600 persons. He also said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia will benefit from this service which is expected to improved the economy and relationships between these islands.

All i can say is wow!
Its not that long ago, April fools day to be exact that I was lovingly playing a joke on my readers about a Cruising The Summer Carnivals Of The Caribbean. Imagine by early next year we can be able to move around the islands a little cheaper than before! 

Just a few days ago LIME announced they are offering free Roamin throughout the Caribbean. Now we are going to have  ferry going between the islands?
Imagine what that can do for our businesses. It will be alot easier to move bulky stuff around.
Think about it! You can take you car to another island for the weekend? You can take something you made in your homeland and sell it in a neighbouring island? I mean really think about the possibilities. 

I say again, times are changing!

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com 

 

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

05.11.08

2008 Is Historic More Great Things To Happen - Congrats Obama!

Posted in General & social Networking & marketing & New Media & Blogging & personal growth & Network & thinking and ideas | 12:43

YES WE CAN!

He was very clear.
These are times when the desire to lead is enough. Great change can happen with reasonable ease in a world today where people can connect easily, primarily enabled by the internet. Blogs and social networking allow people to have a voice they could never have. And it allows their voice to stretch as far and wide and they want it to. Grouping people behind a cause no longer is held back by geographical location, having a position of power nor costs. 

Today more than ever the ease of communication and the ease at which an ideal/idea can spread worldwide is powerful. 

2008 is a great year. we are seeing all kinds of tiny but fundamental changes in our atmosphere.

The power of a vision and great leaders who fight for them like Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela and so many other leaders, can now be amplified by the tools available in a world where the ability to connect has becoming so much easeir. Its no small thing what companies like Google and Facebook are enabling for human kind.

I am glad for the win, its really going to be an eye opening thing. Every black person worldwide should have reason to see a better them when they look into a mirror this morning.

I am excited by these times you know why?

 

Because you too can build a network? What network are you building today? 

 

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

04.11.08

L.I.M.E - Cable And Wireless Caribbean Just Evolved

Posted in business & marketing & Mobile Technology & Blackberry & New Media & review | 01:30

Here is something found that  I think might apply. I would say its something written by great man for dramatic effect, but I think I need to "keep it REAL" with you. lol.

Don't get stuck in the rut. You have got to be able to question what you are doing day to day. Pull yourself apart.  Take the time to review and analyze yourself and your environment. Admit honestly and with extreme clarity  your strengths and weaknesses,  successes and failures.Be realistic about your environment.  This is the hardest part coming now. Rebuild yourself from deep down in the foundation. Build yourself into the person you need to be to accomplish your dream. Corey Graham 2.0^N

"We’ve transformed into a new kind of telecoms company. With a new management structure (populated with the best and brightest people the region has to offer), improved customer service and exciting new products and services, such as our ambitious 3G network roll out, the change we’ve made runs a lot deeper than just our name."

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

24.10.08

The Man Behind Facebook Speaks

Posted in General & Corey Graham 2.0 & Caribbean & business & social Networking & marketing & New Media & management & thinking and ideas | 03:05

I just came across a video of Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook as he was interviewed by Ryan Carson at the Future of Web Apps conference.

I though Ryan did a very good job of interviewing Mark. This is the first time that I've heard Mark speak about his passion  and ideas so openly. Mark shared some deep insights behind growing such an influencial company and communicated clearly what facebook is truly about. One thing you realise is that there is a strong sense of the vision and mission for facebook. I think that is very important to have everyone on the same page. 
Mark explains makes is that people are getting increasingly more comfortable with sharing information and it essentially facebook's goal to facilitate this human need to share. Mark thinks it will lead to a better world where everyone can understand and appreciate each other more!

Yeah I went. Hmmm interesting when i heard it too... 

Another point he made was that he ensured that facebook had a technical DNA. Basically, he ensured that most of the persons coming onto the facebook team had a technical background. He feels it allows them to make better decisions. WOW! ... I think that is a true gem right there.

Many of us can be found guilty of building up teams with people who do not fit our DNA!
Anyways enough of my rant.
Corey Graham 2.0 now presents to you another great man of our time - Mark Zuckerberg

 Click here to watch video 

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

22.10.08

Publicity Strategy Pays Off Big For Bandleader Brian Mc Farlane (TT)

Posted in General & soca & Trinidad Carnival & Trinidad & Caribbean & business & social Networking & marketing & New Media & Blogging | 03:25

I am not sure if you heard as yet, just over a week ago Band Leader Brian Mc Farlane owned the front page of every newspaper in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Oh, and it was not on a weekday. It was on Sunday! Yup! The prime time spot.
No, he did not just get that placement because he is the two-time winner of the "Band of the Year" title in Trinidad Carnival. Nor did he purchase front page advertising in all the newspapers. Hmm, now there is a thought. Boi would I love to be able to have the kind of money! Can you imagine that purchasing that kind of advertising over the counter. Lol. 
(Corey Graham 2.0 stops and looks into his wallet imagining)

Right focus boi and write the blog post! Ok from Dreamland...

I was making the point that he was able to accomplish this feet by being REMARKABLE ...worth making a REMARK about. Seriously, the man asked the media to be ready for pick up at 5:30 am on Saturday morning! Power to them! Maybe my team and I could have gone there after covering something exciting on the Friday night. I am not sure how the logistics of getting out of bed at the time would work out. lol.

Anyways the media who did make it had no clue where they were going to end up! They only knew they were getting on a shuttle to be driven to the location for the presentation... "Up in de bush" (forested location).Yup, I am sure the media were a little surprised by that.
Brian Mc Farlane launched his band in the middle of nowhere! To add to the story... Lets stop here for a minute. Notice who is the story teller here. Brian is. Not the journalist. This man was "making news"
I was saying...To add to his story, 50 dancers, singers and drummers came forth from the forest to present 19 costumes to the 25 journalists on hand. Thatis howBrian Mc Farlane's Trinidad Carnival 2009 Presentation Africa : Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears.

Here are some video clips I found on youtube of the launch.

 

Also check out Saucy Trini's "ball by ball" review of the Media launch http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2008/10/story-of-africa.html

Now tell me if that is not worth making a remark about?
Well he was justly rewarded for his efforts by being highlighted on page 1 and 2 of every daily newspaper in Trinidad. I should also make mention of Mango Media Caribbean and Judette Coward-Puglisi who was his partner in crime for this marketing/publicity stunt! Judette wrote an enlightening post about it on her blog 5 AM At Mango Media Caribbean, check out her post here. 
http://www.mangomediacaribbean.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/10/14/Strategic-media-thinking-pays-off-for-mas-maker-Brian-Mc-Farlane.

 

Yes Judette, Its my pleasure to pitch and give you some "free" publicity for the great work. (send my mango in fed ex! thanks alot!)

Seriously, though its a great story to tell not just on pages 1 and 2 of the daily newspapers, but its also a story worth blogging about, worth sending to friends in email and worth being the topic of a worthwhile conversation! a.k.a. Word of Mouth the best kinda of marketing there is. 

So do you anything as exciting in your marketing/promotion plan?

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com

 

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

14.10.08

RSS Explained In Plain English

Posted in General & social Networking & New Media & productivity & Blogging | 11:15

Since I started this blog I have promised myself to set aside time to explain how things work to persons around me now one of the questions that I have found difficult in explaining to others is the whole concept of RSS feeds. Its one thing to explain it, but to also explain it in a way that they get it.

Thanks to Common Craft I now have a great video tutorial that explains exactly what at RSS feed is.

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

13.10.08

The Steve Jobs Speech That Moved Me

Posted in business & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 00:46

I have vowed to myself to ensure that the things I write and communicate to you via this blog are of my own thoughts and my own understanding. Things that I deeply believe is worth your time and effort to read.
I want to ensure that my blog delivers value to you. I me
However recently I have had these 2 thoughts resurface in my head ...

No sadder can a man give of his own littleness than disbelief in great men.

A single conversation across a table with a wise man is worth a months study of books. Chinese Proverb.

After watching this video below, I am committing to making an effort to also showcasing and bringing the thoughts and ideas of great men and women to you.
This video really did move man and its actually given me the perspective I need on the current challenges I am facing.

"Sometimes life is going to hit you in a head with brick, don't lose faith..... " Steve Jobs

Its great to be reminded not to lose faith. I would like to pass that on to you. Not from my words, they might not be enough but from the words of a man whose inventions moves the world forward, Steve Jobs.

This is worth your time and energy, Enjoy!

 

 

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com

(2) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

09.10.08

Another Simple But Powerful Google Idea

Posted in Corey Graham 2.0 & Barbados & Caribbean & business & festival & New Media & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 01:20

A few of my recent posts have been about ideas and getting them to spread. Interestly, enough a friend shared this link with me recently that I had to make sure I share with ya. I could not have planned a better example of how a simple idea can really create something rather powerful...

And to add to it had to be another Google idea. Got to like Google they are expanding into everything look ...they even help me write posts! Literally

 

THE IDEA (taken from article on makeuseof.com)

Let’s say that your email address is ‘GeorgeBush@gmail.com’, basically everything sent to any of the following email addresses will be forwarded to your primary email.
GeorgeBush@gmail.com
G.eorgeBush@gmail.com
Ge.orgeBush@gmail.com
…
…
GeorgeBus.h@gmail.com
GeorgeBush@googlemail.com
G.eorgeBush@googlemail.com
Ge.orgeBush@googlemail.com
…
…
GeorgeBus.h@googlemail.com
And that’s not all, you can place as many dots as you want, it can be even something like ‘G.e.o.r.g.e.B.u.s.h@gmail.com’ and you’ll still get it on ‘GeorgeBush@gmail.com’

See the full article at http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/1-awesome-gmail-tip-you-dont-know-about-seriously/

Now this one really blew me away, Its so simple and yet so practical and useful!!

Its good to be quietly blowed over by a new idea every once in a while! Especially when its good for business!!!

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com
feed : http://feeds.feedburner.com/coreykgraham

 

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

04.10.08

People On Board The Big Dream

Posted in Corey Graham 2.0 & Caribbean & business & festival & management & thinking and ideas | 13:55

I talked about spreading your ideas in a post last week. Here is another dimension to that ...

Sometimes we can get caught up in casting our big dream or vision to people who, sit there and listen, understand it and internalise it and everyone is excited by the big prize at the end. However these same people may actually take weeks, months or even years to commit to making that dream a success. This might take the form of getting a work colleagues on board with your new project, to making a deal with a strategic business partner.

CREATURES OF HABIT
First, you have to appreciate that human beings are people of habit and it takes alot of energy and willpower to stop and start a new habit and for many persons we only put in this effort when we HAVE TO.

When willpower and want is greater than the disappointments and pain endured along the way, a phenomenon occurs ... success. Corey Graham 2.0

So when you cast a dream of vision to persons you are asking a tremendous amount for them to jump on board and even if the full desire is there they might not really appreciate what it feels like to have this new habit. Starting a new habit makes people feel weird. Not everyone is like me ... just naturally weird, crazy or my own word - ATYPICAL. Lol, yes, yes I am an ATYPICAL guy.
Its important to be able to transpose this big dream into what I call a "habit program". This will make it easier for persons to create the habit. Let me be sure to state that creating a "habit program" is hard work and it often comes down to your personal discipline and your ability to retain focus.

WHAT IS A HABIT PROGRAM REALLY?

Team sports is a good example of something like this, where coaches essentially have the basis of a great habit program in place already. Its called PRACTICE. The coach now has the ability to plan a program and easily cultivate the right habit patterns in the players. Many times he does not share the big dream of vision with all the players until they have been praticing for sometime. He then connects all the little successes so far from practices to the big dream. The players are in a position to appreciate it alot more, because have tasted some success and they get a chance to experience first hand the success of sticking to the plan. This all shows up in the pre-season games and practice games it all comes together when everyone gets to see first hand what works and what doesn't work.
Think about it? What about the "habit program" your personal trainer has gotten you on?

Have you been transfering your dream into a "habit program"?

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

30.09.08

The Power Of Having a Vision

Posted in General & management & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 02:36

I think that sometimes we can miss the most powerful thing that we can ever happen in our careers. I see many very talented young people who are at a stand still, because they can't decide which of their talents to focus on. Which one of their passions should they develop into a career? I think the same is also true for many businesses. The potential for growth is clearly apparent in several areas, however those businesses find themselves at a similar stand still!

Taking a step back and finding some big dream or vision can solves these problems. Once you have a great vision you will find that your mind will show you how you can make use of your talents to accomplish that vision. You will see how quickly that indecision disappears and is replaced by a decisive and powerful hunger to accomplish your vision. Believe it. I can tell you, I have experienced this first hand.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break through their bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive, and you find yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be." – Patanjali

 

Never underestimate the power of a vision to transform the reality you are currently facing!

What is your great desire/purpose? Have you experienced this?

 

(1) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

29.09.08

Offline Value Created Online

Posted in General & Corey Graham 2.0 & business & social Networking & marketing & New Media | 21:48

Now that its has been almost 2 years of blogging and consistently evolving my online social footprint.  I am now appreciating how the internet helped me along in delivering my message to different persons around the globe.
I can remember how much courage to took to get myself into the routine of expressing myself online.
It takes lot of courage to rant...lol to do things like interview yourself etc. Lol, 
It does, it really does take courage to present your ideas and experiences to persons in the world.
Before I got started I wondered,
... I hope people can understand and respect my ideas and see where I am coming from. This was a decent-sized fear for me, as have not so conventional perspectives and I know very well that I can come across pretty abstract at times... 
Once I actually made the commitment to share my ideas on a regular basis with you.  I am realizing that your understand and you are appreciating me more. I am also able to understand and appreciate your perspectives more.

I have gotten a chance to listen to converse with you and engage you in conversation on a range of topic. Not always in a public forum .. But I hear your thoughts and ideas. As a result I appreciate you a lot more!

When persons understand each other its not peculiar to one medium.... Having a meeting or talking on the phone. And so your online credibility transfers in the offiline.

One thing I find key about online and blogs is that I am not defined to a particular time or space. There is no box. Well if you decide to not have a box. Blogs and social networks gives you the power to interact and share your ideas with several people. Unlike offiline where you are confined to a particular time and space,

Corey Graham 2.0 cannot be enclosed in a box.

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

24.09.08

Spreading A Simple Idea - Its That Simple!

Posted in General & Corey Graham 2.0 & business & personal growth & thinking and ideas | 13:14

Some time ago, I posted a blog on a speech about how to get your ideas to spread, which rocked me to the core. (check out post here). Essentially it hit me clear as day. Its one thing to have an idea., but its another thing to have it spread? To have people accept and use the idea.

Just take one idea you have for anything, be it for home, school or play and just have it spread. Get people excited about it and accepting it. No, No don't force it down anyone throats, just have it spread.

Note that this doesn't call for any fancy techniques or tremendous effort, simply connect your idea with people and watch it spread! Its that simple!

Its really not that simple, but the smartest man to have lived so far said....

Out of great complexies come great simplities. Albert Einstien

So even though your head hurts, think some more, its that simple!

Corey Graham 2.0
www.coreykgraham.com

(0) comments    (1) Trackbacks    Permalink

19.09.08

The Corey Graham 2.0 Ideology

Posted in Corey Graham 2.0 & Caribbean & Drenalin & business & social Networking & marketing & New Media & Blogging & personal growth & Network & thinking and ideas | 04:22

I've had a very interesting night, which started off with me having to defend my new Corey Graham 2.0 logo. A case was brought to me that it was not marketable, or was not commercial enough.... It made me think. After speaking with someone close to me it, sparked me to communicate and to express a few things to you.

Now over the course of 2008 I have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing and maintaining my online social footprint through my various blogs and social network profiles. I am not trying to sell anything to anyone, I am merely trying to create a relationship with other persons out there who share my views etc. I charge people with the full responsibility to make a decision as to if they want to be a part of this relationship, to read, follow and comment on my blogs or choose if they want to add me as a friend on the various social networks.
Yes I am charging you to make your own decision. I am not trying to force things down your throat....
Much of marketing today has come down to forcing things onto people that don't need. Or better yet to persuade them that they need it. Although it adds no real value to their lifes.
The consumer is not charged with the responsibility to make the decision, in many cases there is complete disregard for your intentions...you know that. I can see you nodding your head now!


Recently I have been taking the time dig deep lay the foundations for my long range plans. To really live my dreams. As I understand it my core assets are my creativity and my passion for teamwork and building up people.....
If I can do nothing more that help/inspire others unleash their potential and achieve greatness, I will be satisfied with my life.
If I can become the type of person that you do not "spend time with", but rather you invest time. Then I am good, my life is complete.

(1) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink

11.09.08

World Premiere Of Corey Graham 2.0 Logo

Posted in General & Caribbean & productivity & management & thinking and ideas | 10:33

And now the moment we have all been waiting for.... well sorry at least the moment I have been waiting for .... 

 

The World Premiere Of The Corey Graham 2.0 Logo.

 

Designed by None other than the Talented Visual Communicator, Jaryd Niles-Morris.

Jaryd has been building up quite a base for himself online. Check him out

http://www.behance.net/Jaryd540

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaryd/2819998183/

http://540i-marvelman.blogspot.com/

Join his group on facebook -540 nation

I caught up with Corey Graham 2.0 this morning to get a comment on this new logo - 

 

.... Its finally done!!!  after countless hours of sharing ideas and envisioning the scope for the future Corey Graham. I think it really does capture the thing that I believe is at my core and that is ideas. All my life I have been told I have the ideas and that is what this logo is about. I believe I am at a point in my life now where I need to have memories and dreams. I want my ideas to spread. That's why the light bulb, the universal symbol of an idea. And the waves to show my ideas spreading. I feel good about it. I am glad too that Jaryd - MarvelMan was able to work on it. I am most thankful to share it with the world on my birthday.....

 

P.S. I interview myself because I'm crazy like that. At least I don't pretend like in your local newspaper! lol. sssshhh that is secret. Public Relations 101.

 

Corey Graham 2.0

www.coreykgraham.com 

(0) comments    (0) Trackbacks    Permalink