(photo credit- Flikr and Dwell Magazine)
About three months ago, I was talking to some folks over at Latitude- this very innovative research, creative, experience company (think Mullen+ Mechanica + Nielsen and lots more) and they showed me this picture….
At first I didn’t think much about it, but after their CEO Steve gave me some background on this photograph, I was incredibly intrigued by it.
This is a picture of the Mirror D’eau in Bordeaux France, where Steve was this past summer. Essentially, it’s a giant rectangular piece of granite, covered with a thin film of water. At times, this architectural wonder can create a thick fog, like you see in the picture above. Other times, it simply reflects the city, the sky, and Bordeaux’s beautiful 18th century Stock Exchange building.
For Steve, this image conjures up thoughts of old and new, an old French city embracing the 21st century. And perhaps it’s a reflection, literally, of what’s happening in today’s changing world.. I’m not usually this reflective (pardon the pun) but it makes me think about:
- the pace of life- see the family on the left walking “through” the space
- the two people meeting in the background- having a conversation- about what?
- the two kids looking down at their reflections- why have they stopped, and what are they looking at?
- and my favorite, what’s up with the fog?…
If you’re feeling reflective today, What do you think?
To be a good leader, manager or entrepreneur, it’s always good to surround yourself with people that are smarter than you. Along this line of thought, I asked myself- “who’s smart” “who’s an entrepreneur who’s been in the trenches”, and “who is a friend (and neighbor) who I can turn to for advice from time to time” That person is Stephen Dimarco
I first met Stephen about 5 years ago here on the North Shore. After sitting around his firepit, enjoying some of his homemade BBQ, and listening to him wax poetic about marketing strategy, I figured I should stick close to this one.
Here is someone who’s a marketer, a business strategy guy, who just so happens to be Chief Marketing Officer at Compete. If you are one of the few people who haven’t yet heard Compete’s story, or what they do, take a peak at their website.
I’m thrilled to have Stephen on the Advisory Board for Dialogue, and looking forward to learning more.
Here’s a quick look at his background.
Stephen DiMarco, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Compete
Stephen has more than 15 years of marketing and client management experience. With Compete, he has management oversight of Compete’s award-winning consumer services and emerging vertical markets. Stephen also oversees marketing of Compete’s intelligence and targeting services to fortune 500 companies. Previously, Mr. DiMarco was a co-founder of the Internet strategy consulting firm ZEFER and directed business development and marketing initiatives for News Corporation, where he negotiated multi-million dollar distribution agreements for the company’s cable programming subsidiaries. Prior to News Corporation, Mr. DiMarco managed the creation of consumer campaigns for Comedy Central, a joint venture between Time Warner and Viacom.
Stephen holds a BS from Georgetown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Lately I have been fascinated with local media and the rise of the hyper-local media sites. After spending time on Workshifting.com (a collaboration of Chris Brogan, Justin Levy, and Eric Bensley) and reading a recent article in Newsweek, I’m really intrigued about the growing number of people working from home, and what that will do for communities and local businesses.
First, some interesting facts
1 in 10 works in LA and San Francisco is a part-time telecommuter
By 2015 there will be more people working electronically at home full time than taking mass transit
IBM- roughly 40% of the company’s workers now work at home or at a client’s location.
So, what does this mean for you, the reader of this article?
Well, for all of you independent entrepreneurs out there, I think it gives you some degree of satisfaction. You are not alone, and won’t BE alone. More people will work closer to home, in their home and and in pockets of your town. The town won’t empty out from 10-4. Starbucks- excuse me, Panera, or your local coffee shop will be busier. Your community will be stronger, more vibrant.
For those of you who do work in an office and are maybe thinking of working remotely (or asking your boss to work remotely). The big question is- “Can I do it?” How do I do it? and what tools do I need to do it? I think that’s where it gets interesting. Are you cut out for working on your own?
That’s where this interesting study from Jacquelyn Brown come in. She’s doing a study (I just signed up for it) to test your personality type and telecommuting.
Which brings us back to working from home and some conclusions (and questions) I’m going to draw:
1. Yep, this makes local media outlets, newspapers and online stuff, more relevant to us.
2. With more people working close to home, I see a rising interest in local politics
3. What does this mean for social media- I’m still thinking about that one- are you?
What do you think?
Tyson
